If you travel what is left of the historic US Route 66, through eight states by bike or auto, you will see what a good part of America looked like before jet airplanes and interstates. There still are towns with diners, gas stations, “roadside attractions,” and the like. Officially decommissioned in 1985, much of its legend and charms exist today, rightly earning it the title as “America’s Main Street,” or, since I come from Hawaii, “Da Mutha’road,”
People used this road to follow their dreams and escape the Depression. People used this road to get to a new, sunnier life out West. And;, people used parts of this route to trade and travel by foot long before the automobile, (i.e., The Old Santa Fe Trail is part of Route 66.)
If you want to see what Route 66 looked life in its funny, glorious, heyday, check out the following video with its original cinematic sound. Maybe one day you, too, will get your kicks on Route 66!