Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 6 is here! Something Something Something Winslow, Arizona Route 66's Steepest Climb Randy discussed his journey along Route 66, focusing on the steep climb from Ash Fork to Williams, which he described as the steepest on the route. He explained that modern vehicles easily navigate this challenging terrain, unlike the early 20th-century cars that struggled to ascend. Randy also mentioned encountering abandoned cars along the route, which he finds fascinating and takes pictures of, though he lacks the expertise to identify many of the makes and models. Automotive Industry Consolidation History The discussion focused on the history of the automotive industry, with Randy sharing that a Ford Model T cost $250 in 1926 (equivalent to $4,500 today) while a Packard cost $3,300, and that there were 1,800 different car companies in the United States in the 1920s, compared to just three major companies today (Ford, GM, and Stellantis). They discussed how the industry has undergone significant consolidation over time, with many companies failing during the Great Depression and World War II playing a crucial role in Jeep's survival. Bubba noted parallels between the automotive industry's history and the current AI landscape, where many companies may eventually be consolidated down to a few major players. Williams: Route 66 Gateway The discussion focused on the history and significance of Williams, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained that Williams was the last town bypassed by Interstate 40, which was notable because they negotiated three distinct entrances and exits in exchange for being bypassed. They discussed the town's history as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, despite Route 66 not directly reaching the canyon, and highlighted the presence of the Grand Canyon Railway, which still operates train service from Williams to the Grand Canyon. The conversation also touched on the Harvey Hotels, which were prominent railroad stops with elegant dining and lodging, with La Posada in Winslow being one of the few remaining original Harvey houses. Flagstaff's Route 66 Resilience The discussion focused on the history and significance of Flagstaff, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained how Flagstaff survived and thrived despite the construction of Interstate 40, attributing its success to the establishment of Northern Arizona University and the presence of the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. They discussed Flagstaff's unique dark sky ordinance requiring neon lights to be turned off 30 minutes after business hours, and Bubba shared a personal story about his son's astronomy class at NC State, where students can remotely control satellites to take pictures of celestial objects like galaxies Route 66: Winslow's Revival Journey The discussion focused on the history and development of towns along Route 66, particularly Winslow, which gained fame from the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." The town transformed from a ghost town to a popular tourist destination after building a park and statue on the corner referenced in the song. The conversation also covered Two Guns and Two Arrows, two nearby towns with different attractions, and mentioned that Route 66 passed through the Petrified Forest National Park before being rerouted. Route 66 Maintenance Challenges Randy discussed Route 66, highlighting its historical significance and the challenges in maintaining the original road for a national bike route. They explained that while some states have completed their sections, others like Arizona and New Mexico have not, making it dangerous for cyclists. Randy shared experiences driving through the Petrified Forest, describing its stunning rock formations and the transformation of the Painted Desert Inn into a visitor center. They noted that after Flagstaff, Route 66 becomes less maintained and less accessible, with many dead ends and issues with tribal land permissions. Route 66 Exploration and Challenges Randy shared his experience exploring Route 66 in Arizona, including visiting a 50,000-year-old crater and the town of Winslow, famous for the song "Take It Easy." They discussed the challenges of maintaining businesses along the less-traveled Route 66 compared to Interstate 40, noting the abundance of abandoned gas stations and trading posts. Randy highlighted the unique attractions in towns like Holbrook and Winslow, and mentioned plans to continue exploring Route 66 into New Mexico in the following week. Route 66 Podcast and Preservation Randy and Bubba discussed their ongoing Route 66 podcast and social media project, noting their growing Facebook following of 25,000 and plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in mid-March. They explored the challenges of preserving Route 66, including the need to complete certain sections to enable a bike path, and shared their concerns about younger generations losing interest in road trips. Bubba suggested the idea of renting classic cars along Route 66 to enhance the travel experience, and both agreed on the importance of capturing nostalgia for future generations. They also discussed their use of AI, specifically Beth, to assist with their project and the potential for future developments in automated driving.

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