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Pantagraph EditorialTuesday, October 2, 2007 8:04 AM CDT
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Old Route 66 remains a road to opportunity
By the Pantagraph Editorial Board
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A 3-mile bike trail in Chenoa doesn't mean very much by itself. But as part of a state-spanning trail along old Route 66, it could become a big deal.

Chenoa recently received a $300,000 federal grant, administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation, to convert three miles of the old highway into a bicycle path.

That project will bring Illinois 3 miles closer to the envisioned Route 66 Trail across Illinois, which would be 370 miles when complete.

The legacy of Route 66 is taken for granted by many along its path, including those of us in Central Illinois.

But long after its replacement by interstate highways and the crumbling of its pavement and iconic sites along much of the corridor, the old route continues to attract interested tourists - including visitors from other countries.

What draws these people?

Maybe it is John Steinbeck's reference to "The Mother Road" in his novel, "The Grapes of Wrath," or the old "Route 66" television series. Maybe it's the familiar refrain from the "Route 66" song, urging people to "get your kicks on Route 66." Maybe it's the links to that bygone era, from unique "motor lodges" to "maple sirup" in Funks Grove. Most likely, it is a combination of all these things.

But the continuing attraction is not just about the past. It is also about the present, and the small-town atmosphere that continues - even in larger communities - along the route. It is about the friendliness visitors still encounter and a sense of history shared between those who grew up with Route 66 and those encountering it in person for the first time.

The bike trail project is part of that shared history.

Lexington and Towanda already have short sections of bicycle trails along old Route 66 like the segment planned for Chenoa. They include informative signs. A concerted effort by students in Lexington saved an old 66 bridge that is now part of the trail.

Pontiac has its Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and hopes to attract a mural-painting event that would celebrate the community's connection to Route 66.

The communities along the old Route 66 corridor should continue to preserve and develop their links to the old Mother Road, as an important part of their heritage and their economic future.

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Reader comments on this story - 5 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Matt A. wrote on Oct 3, 2007 11:26 PM:

" The "Red Carpet Corridor" is a 90 mile section of Route 66 starting in the town of Joliet, IL to the town of Towanda, IL. As you leave the City of Chicago and it's suburbs and get more out into the "country", Joliet is where most people start to get the "real feeling" of what Route 66 is. Small towns and the good old two lane road. It goes to Towanda, before you hit that "city feeling" again in Bloomington-Normal. The Route 66 Association of IL. has a annual event now featuring the Red Carpet Corridor the first full weekend of every May. "

Question? wrote on Oct 3, 2007 8:21 AM:

" What's the Red Carpet Corridor thing? "

Tourist wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:15 PM:

" I had the personal experience of the friendliness you mentioned. I found a brochure in Joliet about a Red Carpet Corridor thing and decided to check it out. These towns prgressing on this bike route are part of it and they were all so nice and helpful. And most of all they seemed to share with me and my family what to look for when we left their place. It surprised us and made us feel special. They didn't try to keep us there - they wanted us to enjoy their Rt. 66 things then keep going to find more fun on 66. So whatever all of you are doing there, please for the sake of travelers, visitors and those people from other countries, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. WE LOVE YOU AND THE WAY YOU TREAT US! Thank you for caring about us and this wonderful road..... "

maybe wrote on Oct 2, 2007 8:54 AM:

" the govenor of the state can steal money from this project "

biker wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:29 AM:

" I hope to live long enough to ride all 370 miles. Given the current state Of Illinois government and apparent lack of enthusiasm for this project I really wonder if it will ever get done. "
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