Before reporting on the day, one comment about last night’s dinner at “Gene & Georgetti” a famous old Chicago steakhouse open since 1941. The menu contains a dedication and wish from their longtime bartender: “To those merry souls of other days - Who again will make drinking a pleasure - Who achieve contentment long before capacity - And who - Whatever they may drink - Prove able - To carry it - Enjoy it - And remain gentlemen.” A lovely lyrical way of saying “Drink Responsibly.”
OK…..We’re off; heading downstate from Chicago.
Our cars were delivered at 10am and we headed south, immediately picking up Route 66. All cars were running well.
The Mother Road is a big deal 'round these parts. Lots of signs explaining the changes in the route, especially in the early years. Lots of businesses, especially restaurants and gas stations decorate their locations with Route 66 paraphernalia.
We pass through Joliet, Braidwood, Dwight, Odell, with lunch in Pontiac. Each town has billboards or stores outfitted in 1930 Route 66 style. Later this Spring each town will have a parade or BBQ celebrating Route 66…..car shows, fashion shows and community parades. After lunch, it is Lexington, Bloomington and finally Springfield. Weather has turned cold, but so far dry.
Tonight we had dinner at the MotorHead Cafe, an establishment fully dedicated to the automobile, Route 66 and BBQ…….a Midwestern version of the Baja Cantina in Carmel. Big difference -- pricing. Let me give you an example: I ordered a double Jameson Irish Whiskey. In Beverly Hills the drink would cost between $25-30; in Springfield $6. I’m posting a lot of pictures of today’s drive, which really tells the story of today’s drive.
Tomorrow we have a short drive (100 miles) into St. Louis and we will visit several good car collections.
 |
| Want to know How cold... still too cold to sell ice cream |
 |
| The Gemini Giant |
 |
| Typical Route 66 sign |
 |
| A Cadillac almost as big as the sign |
 |
| The South African boys...happy to be on the road |
 |
| Ray and Stanley bauer ready for the rally |
 |
| Jason...looking good as we leave Chicago |
 |
| My Brother ready to get started |
 |
| Marv Landon's '66 Cadillac. It needed to fill up three times today. Our VW only used a 1/2 tank to go 200 miles. We're getting about 21 miles to gallon, so far. |
 |
| Five old guys waiting for an Uber |
Our dear Stanley, with your unlimited energy, we all wish you and your colleagues an enjoyable and interesting rout 66 trip. We trust that you'll have enough energy for your European race and most importantly for your long expected trip to the Holy Land.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Michael Geiger
Great start. Keep on truckin' and enjoy every mile. Best, Dennis
ReplyDelete