NOTES FROM THE ROAD

The first half of May, to say the very least, has been most interesting. Of course that is to be expected when you hitch your wagon to the magical allure of legendary Route 66, just ask Laurel and the folks at Afton Station.

As I live in Kingman the month kicked off with the Route 66 Fun, an event that never ceases to amaze or excite me. Still, as with Route 66 itself, it is the people that make it a true delight.

Jim Hinckley signing books for fans
of the double six from Australia.

This year the fun run provided an opportunity to share dinner with John and Judy Springs, Mike and Sharon Ward, and Bobbie and George Game of the Canadian Route 66 Association. The bonus was the privilege of speaking with, and signing books for, a large group from Australia being led by Dale and Kristi-Anne Butel, and an opportunity to play tour guide for Mark Fletcher of Classic Restos.

Last weekend I was blessed with another opportunity to share the history of Route 66 in the Kingman area, and to sign a few books, for more fans of the double six from the land down under. Even better, I was privileged to have an opportunity to meet with the parents of Dale Butel, and Rod Hokin, a prolific collector of classic Imperials from Oz.

Jim Hinckley and members of the Czech Route 66
Association at Dora's Beale Street Deli in Kingman.

The food poisoning picked up on Friday definitely put a damper on the fun. Still, the magic elixir that is meeting with enthusiastic fans of the double six from the four corners of the globe helped me survive an otherwise miserable weekend. 

On Tuesday morning my dearest friend and I kicked off the day with an interesting breakfast shared with Zdnek Jurasek, his wife Eva, and members of the Czech Route 66 Association at Dora's Beale Street Deli. Even though there were extreme limitations in the conversation resultant of language barriers, we all spoke Route 66 and as a result, had a great deal to share.

Friday I had a most enjoyable lunch with Nick Gerlich who was on his way to the Cajon Pass. Nick, and Rich Dinkela, are the Indiana Jones of the Route 66 community.

As you may have noticed a new page has been added to the top of the blog. This new page, Jim Hinckley's America, will have the podcast links for my weekly radio program, as well as video updates, and other itmes associated with the development of this brand name.

Now that takes me to the radio program. Okay, in listening to it I can see the need for a bit of polish but overall it accomplished my goal of promoting the places and people that make Route 66 and the adventures on the back roads so special. Would you care to share your thoughts and suggestions for future programs? 

Next week the focus turns to Kingman. After that the schedule calls for a program dedicated to Route 66 between Glorieta Pass and Las Vegas, Route 66 in New Mexico (live from the road), and then Prescott, Arizona and the surrounding area. 

Plans are to pursue syndication of the program to reach a larger audience. In either case it will provide a unique advertising opportunity for business owners. If you would like more information about these opportunities contact Sunny Aris at Alamo 1230.

Now my attentions have to turn toward work on the current book project, a Route 66 historic atlas, plans to ensure Kingman serves as the host city for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival (it is in Joplin this year), a few articles for Brad Bowling at Antique Power, and the myriad of details to resolve before the June adventure to New Mexico. The latter includes a meet and greet at Bookworks in Albuquerque on the evening of the 7th, and a bit of fun at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post in conjunction with the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour later that evening.

See you on the road -

      

     

 



JIM HINCKLEY'S AMERICA

Have you ever set out on a road trip with no particular destination in mind? Have you ever missed the fork in the road, gotten lost as a result, and discovered the most amazing little cafe that served the best pie ever tasted? 

Well, that gives you a bit of an idea where I stand in life at this point in time. I set out with no particular destination in mind, took a detour or two, and arrived at a place that could never have been imagined and is almost impossible to describe. 

Today is my birthday but aside from personal significance this has no bearing on the continuing orbit of this planet or the price of beans in Mexico. Still, I find birthdays to be an ideal milepost that serves as a point of reference for reflection on the miles traveled and the road ahead. 

The road ahead, as is often the case, looks to be of the type that quickens the spirit with the promise of adventure. However, I harbor no illusions. Hard earned experience measured in miles traveled tells me there will be potholes, detours, and long empty places that tinge the journey with a sense of despair. 

Adding a sense of excitement to the adventure that looms on the near horizon is Jim Hinckley's America, a joke that became an idea and an idea that is about to become a reality. Tomorrow morning Jim Hinckley's America takes to the airwaves, and cyber space, with a weekly radio program that will take listeners with me on travels along the road less traveled.

If all goes as planned, the video versions of my back road travels will debut soon. In addition to the name, these, as well as the tours and speaking engagements, will share theme music as well as my trademarked logo. Jim Hinckley's America is about to become a brand name. 

This is all pretty heady stuff for a kid from nowhere that was on the fast track to the same place. However, for me the significance and reward is not in the name recognition.

No, that has always been more of a perk than a goal. The reward, as with my books and feature articles published, is in the opportunities all of these endeavors provide to encourage someone, or to promote a special place often overlooked by folks rushing through life. 

To be honest, however, the greatest reward is in that my accomplishments, my successes are a monument to someone truly special, my dearest friend. All that I am, all that I have accomplished, and everything that I may accomplish in the years to come, I owe to her. 

I know of no way to repay her for the years of patient support and encouragement, the long days on the road  the hard times, and the lean times, other than to develop gifts and talents. Fame and fortune may prove elusive, or they may be bestowed upon me in buckets but in either case I am a man richly blessed because of a friend who inspired me to chase a dream, and who decided to come along for the ride.