Finally, THE Moment of Truth has come to all those who are gonna bike some 2,244 miles of Route 66!  Depending on several informational brochures and the brown “historic route 66” signs along the road, several bikers took great pains to start at Lou Mitchell’s restaurant, located on Jackson Street then biking to Jackson and Michigan where it was said to be the official Mile 0 of the great Mother Road.  Biking up Adams Street, turning east onto Ogden St. and continuing down the infamous Cicero section with its tunnels, alleys and rendezvous building, the old stomping grounds of Al Capone and bootlegging gangsters, plus the John Dillinger caper that made “Untouchables” Eliott Ness famous.  All that put lotsa feathers in J. Edgar Hoover’s cap and warranted the need for the FBI in the20USA. The bikers turned onto South Harlem Road which lead to Old Joilet Road where the first stop was made.  Gazing at the number of bikers gathered there, the editor took note of their names showing the “diversity” of their backgrounds.  They are Bob Bergan, CA; Micha Jessup, Dick Gratzke, Bernie Brown, MD;  Darrell Dall, MD; Michael Friesan, NE; Gary Jackson, IN; Linda Tajc, IN; Bobby Skedsmo, CA;  Paul Stefurak, CA; Ed Sugg, CA; Richard Taylor, IN; Dave Tester, IN; Donald Castleberry, IN; Howie Virnig, MN;  TN; Janice Warshaw, CA; and Dusty Seaman, IN.   Not far from the first stop, bikers rode into old Joilet section where the gigantic Rialto movie theatre is.  The writer, with construction background took note of the building’s unusual façade that is typically found on the streets of NYC such as giant flutted columns placed in front of an arc bas relief above the movie entrance. Sigh, Joilet may have seen its best days. Route 66 is presently a mixture of Route 34 and 53 with signs “Old Route 66” posted.  Still I am not sure if those “new” numbers were necessary.  Yup, many buildings and businesses still bankroll the Route 66 name to promote their products or services.  Another missed royalty opportunity for Uncle Sam when it could have owned this trademark!  Approaching Bloomington, Indiana’s Tom Gordon had a freak misfortune when his bike veered into soft shoulder.  He tried to return it back on road spinning his rear wheel causing the bike to drop on its left side.  Tom hit his head on the pavement, hurting one of his ribs and leg.  He was rushed to the hospital where he is resting comfortably, based on pager pix.  It is believed he will be released to his Indiana home sometime tomorrow.   Arriving at the first stop in Springfield, Illinois the bikers were disappointed that their mainstay, Route 66 Inn had closed its restaurant for the day.  Everyone went to the nearby Golden Coral for their “all you can eat” supper and then to the nearby bar, Curve Inn, for an evening bash and skits.  Most of the audience were “gawkers” from the gala at Illinois School for the Deaf 170^th anniversary reunion.  Well, we Deaf bikers are freaks in their eyes!  Enuff said!  Good night! 

Bernie “the Pro”   

Sunday July 19

Chicago to Springfield, Illinois – 202 miles

We left Michigan Avenue and Jackson Blvd in Chicago where the US 66 begins.  Route 66 defines a remarkable experience. It left its indelible mark on us for its rich historical, physical and cultural landscape.

It is considered the Main Street of America. We visited the US 66's Hall of Fame in Pontiac, Illinois.  We arrived at the US 66 Hotel in Springfield at 6 pm with the local deaf people waiting to greet us.  That was neat. We dined at the Golden Corral (buffet style).

Bobby Skedsmo