Famously it winds from Chicago to LA and takes in ten other named destinations on the way but we’re glad to say at last that the Route 66 terminus Santa Monica is getting its licks.
Route 66 has been following us all the past year since checking in to Chicago, where the great western highway begins… and we’ll go there again.
But here we’re flagging up the official finishing spot, the pier in Santa Monica, your final stop-off, unless you want to end up in the Pacific Ocean.
Why Bobby Troup bodyswerved Santa Monica when writing his classic 80 years ago about the odyssey to California is lost to history.
But the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is putting that right.
By inviting musicians and songwriters from across the globe to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 through music.
A hundred-thousand reasons
The Route 66 Song Contest offers artists over-18 (we just qualify) the chance to submit an original track capturing the spirit of Santa Monica.
And its legendary connection to the highway for a chance to win $10,000.
Entries are welcome from the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand.
Route 66, The Mother Road, stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
‘The Santa Monica Route 66 Song Contest presents an opportunity for music lovers to be part of this historic anniversary’ said President/CEO Misti Kerns..
‘By invoking their artistic imagination and sharing what the road’s legacy and Santa Monica’s connection means to them.
‘The arts are core to Santa Monica’s community and culture.
‘And we’re pleased to invite artists from around the world to join us in creatively honoring this milestone.’
‘As part of the 100-year celebration, we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe.
‘to begin or end their Route 66 journey in our urban beach city.’
Riding into history
And, of course, who’s to know if you cheat by getting a picture at the start in Chicago and one at the end in Santa Monica?
Maybe even ask a kind Hell’s Angel to take a photo of yourself next to his motorbike…
Well, it worked with a bicycle at the highest point of the Tour de France on the Col du Tourmalet.
The centennial festivities kicked off with The Drive Home.
A cross-country journey by America’s Automotive Trust in partnership with the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.
The trip started in Santa Monica on January 3 and is covering the full length of the highway.
And culminating in an exhibition at the Detroit Auto Show.
Visitors can also explore Route 66 stops along the way, including retro diners, neon-lit motels, and cultural landmarks.
