21st April - Route 66 Illinois

A lovely bright sunny morning – still only just above freezing – but better than the forecast.

Up early and rode along Lakeshore Drive by Lake Michigan to the extension of Jackson Boulevard where Route 66 originally started. It moved a block north when a one way system was introduced and now it ”officially” starts at East Adams opposite the Art Institute of Chicago.

I’m here at last and whilst the sign is, well, disappointing, it can’t detract from my feeling of excitement and anticipation as I get that photograph – note smug grin – can’t believe there was a parking space in exactly the right spot.

 

Set off and got immediately lost as there appears to be no more signs actually in Chicago – perhaps I just didn’t see them. Saw a lot of downtown Chicago though and in the sunshine it was amazing.

Chicago - and travel companion.

However when I got just outside Chicago I was surprised how well the route is marked with Historic Route 66 signs and how complete the route is in Illinois.

Drove through towns I’ve read so much about and really thrilled to actually see them. I guess the first “familiar friend” must be the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. 

 

Stopped here for a meal and when I came out the bike had made a few friends – oh yea coming out now it’s getting warmer!

 

From Wilmington Illinois opened up in its flat, see-forever vastness. Signs said that they were attempting to re-establish large areas as Prairie Grassland and one can only imagine what such an expanse of shimmering grasses must have looked like.  The old route was very nearly all intact although in places it where it had been upgraded to a dual carriageway way back only one side was now maintained as the Interstates had taken away the traffic. You therefore had this bizarre experience of driving for miles with a totally unused concrete road running alongside you.

Only the left hand lane is now used.

 

Then I came to a place that just had to be a photographed. 

 

 

 

 

 If you saw Bill Connely you will know that Godley was the site of the Railway Carriage which was pushed from one side of the County Line to the other as required to avoid police interference in its activities. See Billy’s book, he tells it much better than I can.

Nearly got myself a coyote as I pushed on to get to Litchfield for the night and hopefully a meal at the “famous” Ariston Restaurant. Didn’t get the Coyote and didn’t get the meal either – the Ariston was closed by the time I arrived!