Episodios

  • TWR Route 66 Ep 12: Kansas - All 12.8 Miles Of It

    TWR Route 66 Ep 12: Kansas - All 12.8 Miles Of It
    Apr 8 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 12 is here! Kansas - All 12.8 Miles Of It Gas Prices and Supply Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed current gas prices, with Bubba noting prices over $100 in North Carolina to fill his car and speculation about higher prices in California. he explored the impact of the Iran conflict on oil supply, with Bubba sharing insights about oil tanker speeds and the time it takes for supply changes to affect markets. The conversation also covered Route 66 preparations for the summer driving season, with Randy noting improvements in some states' readiness compared to earlier in the year, and he briefly discussed upcoming USPS Route 66 postage stamps. Route 66 Celebration Planning Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed the upcoming Route 66 celebrations in 2026 and 2027, noting the numerous events planned across eight states. he explored opportunities for companies like Coca-Cola and Ford to capitalize on the nostalgia associated with Route 66, suggesting potential partnerships and promotional activities. Randy shared insights about the well-preserved 12.8-mile stretch of Route 66 in Kansas, which was bypassed by Interstate 44 in 1961, and mentioned his personal connection to the state as his birthplace. College Experience and Career Paths Randy shared his college experience, describing how he spent his first year partying and watching TV instead of attending classes, leading to his dismissal from school. He discussed how his brother, who had previously attended the same college, had taken a more responsible approach and later worked at Boeing for 40 years. The conversation concluded with a discussion about how career expectations and job stability have changed across generations, with Bubba and Randy comparing their different career paths and the employment patterns of his children. Route 66 Kansas Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Route 66 in Kansas, focusing on the small section with three towns: Baxter Springs, Riverton, and Galena. Randy explored the Rainbow Bridge, a historic Marsh arch bridge over Brush Creek, and the significance of Galena as the location where the character "Tater" from Cars was inspired by a real-life person. The conversation also touched on Bubba's potential return to sales and his previous experience working with Linda at the same company in sales roles. Route 66 Kansas History Discussion The discussion focused on Route 66's history in Kansas, where Beth explained that the 12.8-mile stretch through Baxter Springs, Riverton, and Galena was strategically chosen for political reasons rather than being the most direct route. The conversation also covered Randy's ongoing Route 66 road trip, where he discovered he missed many local attractions and dining experiences while focusing primarily on photography. Randy acknowledged he would return in the fall to explore more of the route, including visiting inside venues and experiencing local restaurants that were recommended by the Facebook community following his posts. Route 66 Photography Updates Randy shared updates about his Route 66 photography journey, highlighting his recent visits to Kansas towns including Baxter Springs, Galena, and Riverton. He described notable locations including the Kansas Route 66 Visitor Center, the Rainbow Bridge, and the famous "Tow Tater" at Gearhead Curio in Galena, which was inspired by the Pixar character Mater. Randy recommended that people visiting the central United States take a weekend trip to experience the Kansas section of Route 66, particularly if he're planning a longer Route 66 journey through Missouri, Oklahoma, or Arkansas. Route 66 Road Trip Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed a road trip along the historic Route 66, highlighting the 13-mile paved section in Kansas from 1926 and visiting towns like Joplin, Missouri. he noted the lack of Starbucks but mentioned the presence of Cracker Barrel restaurants along the route. The conversation also touched on Joplin's attractions and its similarities to other tourist destinations, before clarifying that Mark Twain was not connected to Joplin but was associated with Hannibal, Missouri. The discussion ended with a lighthearted exchange about memory and brain usage. Artemis II and AI Discussion Bubba discussed NASA's Artemis II mission to the moon, sharing his enthusiasm for space exploration and the recent lunar photos. he talked about the challenges of taking photos from space, including camera placement issues, and discussed NASA's plans to build a lunar base near potential water sources at the moon's South Pole. The conversation then shifted to AI tools, where he shared his experiences using different AI assistants like Claude, Perplexity, and Manus for various tasks including driving navigation, stock trading, and content creation. The discussion concluded with updates about his Travels with Randy podcast, including plans for upcoming content and potential merchandise. SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the ...
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    1 h y 11 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 11: Oklahoma Part 2 - Who Is The Modern Day Will Rogers?

    TWR Route 66 Ep 11: Oklahoma Part 2 - Who Is The Modern Day Will Rogers?
    Mar 31 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 11 is here! Oklahoma Part 2 - Who Is The Modern Day Will Rogers? Route 66 and Round Barns The podcast hosts discussed their travels along Route 66, specifically focusing on Oklahoma and approaching Tulsa. They explored the history of round barns, with Beth explaining that the circular shape was built to withstand tornadoes and provide space for barn dances. The conversation included personal anecdotes about barn dances from Bubba's experience at University of Illinois and a discussion about Sadie Hawkins dances, with the hosts noting they would need to ask Beth about the origin of Sadie Hawkins. Route 66 Oklahoma Landmarks Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed historical landmarks along Route 66 in Oklahoma, including the Arcadia Round Barn, which was built in 1898 for tornado resistance. They explored the history of small towns along the route, including Wellston, which experienced a legal challenge due to a realignment that bypassed the town. Randy noted that while Wellston has a notable dinosaur statue, it is not on the realigned Route 66, and advised travelers not to miss any significant sights by skipping the town. Route 66 Centennial Planning Discussion The discussion focused on Route 66, with participants comparing different states' implementations of Route 66 signage and experiences. They noted Oklahoma's successful coordination through their Historical Society, while Texas was criticized for lacking consistency. The main news shared was that their podcast had received certification from the federal Route 66 Centennial Commission, allowing them to use the official Route 66 shield in their materials. They discussed creating a calendar to showcase the various events planned for Route 66's 100th anniversary and agreed to reach out to local historical societies for event information to share with their community. Photography Planning and Techniques Discussion Randy discussed plans to photograph Chandler and Davenport, mentioning a bowling alley with old gas station logos and plans to take evening shots to capture neon signs. The conversation then shifted to photography techniques, where Randy explained his practice of removing people and power lines from photos to focus on the subject. The discussion concluded with a debate about AI-generated photography and content, with both speakers agreeing that while AI can enhance photos, using it to create misleading content is problematic. Route 66 Travel Journey Discussion The discussion focused on a Route 66 travel journey, with detailed descriptions of stops including Tammy's Roundup Cafe in Davenport and the Rock Cafe in Stroud, which was inspired by the character Sally Carrera from the movie Cars. The conversation highlighted architectural features along Route 66, particularly the Googie style, and included a brief exchange about Art Deco and Streamline Modern design elements. The discussion ended with plans to continue exploring additional Route 66 locations in future episodes. Route 66 Drive-In Theater Discussion Randy discussed Oklahoma's Route 66, highlighting the state's numerous small towns and the challenges of following the original 1926 route, which is often dirt or abandoned. They described visiting a renovated drive-in theater in Sepulpa, which has been updated with Art Deco styling and offers accommodations like Airbnb trailers. Bubba shared his own memories of drive-in theaters, including seeing movies like Six Pack with Kenny Rogers and Herbie the Love Bug, and expressed interest in potentially renovating a drive-in to make it more modern and appealing to younger generations. Route 66 Museum Visit Discussion Randy shared his experience visiting the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sepulpa, Oklahoma, highlighting the town's efforts to preserve its Route 66 history and charm. Sepulpa, with a population of about 23,297, is situated southwest of Tulsa and has become Randy's favorite town along the route due to its well-maintained buildings and Route 66 attractions. Bubba inquired about Sadie Hawkins, leading to an explanation of the character's origin in the comic strip "Lil Abner" and how the tradition of Sadie Hawkins dances emerged. The conversation also touched on the Joad family from "The Grapes of Wrath" and their journey along Route 66. Tulsa Route 66 Experience Randy discussed his experience traveling through Tulsa on Route 66, noting how the city maintained better historical references to the route compared to other larger towns they had visited. He highlighted the well-preserved bridge over the Arkansas River, which now serves as a walking bridge, and the Cyrus Avery Park that celebrates the "father of Route 66." Randy shared plans to share photos from their visit, including a statue depicting the transition from horse-drawn carriages to cars, which symbolized the impact of Route 66 on small towns. Route 66 Tulsa Coverage Plans The discussion focused on Route 66 travel experiences in Tulsa and ...
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    1 h y 28 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 10: Oklahoma! And The Grapes Of Wrath

    TWR Route 66 Ep 10: Oklahoma! And The Grapes Of Wrath
    Mar 25 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 10 is here! Oklahoma! And The Grapes Of Wrath Route 66 Journey Progress Update Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's progress on his Route 66 journey, focusing on Oklahoma where he is currently traveling. They noted that Oklahoma has done a good job preserving and promoting the historical route, with 429 miles of the bike route available and minimal interstate usage. Randy mentioned that Kansas will be his next stop, where he will cover only 13 miles of Route 66 across three towns. Route 66 and Technological Displacement Bubba and Randy discussed the historical context of Route 66 and its significance in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," where it was referred to as the "Mother Road." They explored how advancing technology in the 1930s displaced farmers in Oklahoma, leading many to migrate to California in search of work, only to face exploitation and wage disparities. The conversation drew parallels between this historical displacement and the current impact of AI on jobs, questioning how future technological advancements might affect employment and requiring society to adapt and evolve once again. Generational Work Ethics and Route 66 Randy and Bubba discussed differences in work ethic between generations, using the movie "The Grapes of Wrath" as an example of how people in the past handled challenges without complaining. They explored Route 66, highlighting stops like Sam's Town in Eric, Oklahoma, and discussing the town's connection to Roger Miller. The conversation also touched on Bonnie and Clyde's connection to the Red River and mentioned several movies associated with Route 66, including "Easy Rider" and "Cars." Route 66 Travel Plans Discussion Randy discussed his plans to travel Route 66 again starting in September from Chicago to Santa Monica, aiming to reach Seligman by late October for a centennial celebration and signing event. He noted the different perspectives of Route 66 depending on the direction of travel and wanted to capture more sights during this new journey. The conversation also included a discussion about Sears kit homes from the 1930s, with Beth providing information about how these homes were sold through catalogs and could cost between $600 for a small cottage to a few thousand dollars for larger models. Route 66 Trip Highlights Randy shared details about their Route 66 trip, highlighting visits to Elk City's museum with its historical road grader exhibit and the well-preserved town layout. They discussed getting lost in Clinton and missing some Route 66 attractions, including a neon arch and mini golf course. Randy also described Weatherford's Space City connection to astronaut Thomas P. Stafford and the newly added 30-foot astronaut statue, though they decided not to visit the Stafford Air and Space Museum during this trip. The conversation included a brief discussion about Apollo 10's role as a dress rehearsal for the moon landing, and Randy mentioned visiting Lucille's roadhouse in Weatherford. Route 66 Journey Updates Randy shared updates about their Route 66 journey, discussing notable towns and landmarks between Weatherford and Oklahoma City, including Bridgeport's Pony Bridge, El Reno's fried onion burger, and Bethany's Southern Nazarene University. They highlighted the challenges of navigating Oklahoma City's multiple route alignments and provided guidance on following historical Route 66 signs rather than bicycle routes for a more authentic experience. The discussion also touched on the repurposing of historic sites into new businesses and included a humorous exchange about Love's Travel Stops responding to a social media post. Route 66 Travel Updates Randy discussed his recent travels along Route 66, sharing experiences from Oklahoma and plans for future trips, including a potential return visit in the fall. He mentioned meeting new people and gathering suggestions for places to visit on his return journey. Randy also explained his use of Jim and Gemini for trip planning, while Beth continues to handle podcast-related tasks and provide road information during his travels. Travel Plans and National Parks Randy and Bubba discussed their upcoming travel plans, including Randy's visit to Sam's rustic property and future plans to visit Alaska's national parks. They noted that their Facebook page, "placebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast," has grown to 32,000 followers. The conversation highlighted their original goal of visiting all 61 national parks, with Randy needing to complete 8 parks in Alaska, some of which require plane or boat transportation to access. Route 66 Travel Journey Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed Randy's Route 66 travel journey, where he's taking his time documenting the route with photos while staying in places like Cracker Barrel parking lots. Randy explained his approach of doing smaller sections of the route at a time, suggesting that listeners could start with a "there and back" trip in their own state ...
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    1 h y 29 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 9: Texas! - All 178 Miles Of It

    TWR Route 66 Ep 9: Texas! - All 178 Miles Of It
    Mar 18 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 9 is here! Texas! - All 178 Miles Of It Digital Photography Advantages Discussion Randy explained the benefits of digital photography over film, particularly the ability to shoot in raw format and adjust images later using software like Lightroom. He described how he uses dehaze filters to enhance sharpness and can now take photos from the car or in different lighting conditions, making the process more flexible than with film. Randy noted that modern phone cameras have improved significantly in quality, potentially allowing for 80-90% of the quality achieved with a professional camera, though he mentioned planning to do a comparison between phone and camera photos on social media. Phone Photography Techniques Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed photography techniques, particularly the advantages of using phones for low-light photography compared to cameras. Randy explained that phones automatically process images into JPEGs with built-in settings that often require less post-processing work, especially on devices like Samsung phones. They also talked about how digital photography has replaced film, with Randy noting that older photographers from previous generations might struggle with the transition due to the required computer processing. The conversation concluded with them agreeing to return to discussing Route 66, which they had been planning to cover in a previous meeting. Route 66 Texas Towns Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their Route 66 journey, focusing on the unique characteristics of towns like Adrian, Glen Rio, and Vega in Texas. They highlighted the historical and geographical significance of these locations, including the state line where different laws and time zones meet. Randy shared insights about the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly gift shops and restaurants, in these small towns, noting competition and the need for unique offerings to stand out. They also discussed the importance of experiencing Route 66 from different directions to fully appreciate its diverse sights and discussed plans for future visits, including exploring more restaurants and capturing additional photos. Route 66 Texas Signage Challenges The discussion focused on Route 66, particularly in Texas, where the participants shared observations about signage, infrastructure, and tourism opportunities. They noted that while New Mexico had improved its Route 66 signage, Texas still had poor signage and needed better direction markers. The conversation highlighted the missed opportunity for businesses, including Ford, to capitalize on the Route 66 centennial celebrations, with many advertising opportunities on historic building walls going unused. They also discussed specific challenges in Amarillo, where the original Route 66 route was difficult to follow due to poor signage and the city's run-down appearance, leading to disappointment with the experience despite its historical significance. Texas Route 66 Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences driving through Texas on Route 66, particularly highlighting the town of Groom known for its massive cross and windmills. They compared the impact of wind farms on the landscape, with Bubba noting how windmills have affected the view near his hometown, while Randy observed that solar farms may be more efficient than wind power. The conversation concluded with Randy mentioning plans to ask Beth about the historical significance of the original Route 66 path. Route 66 Texas Travel Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their Route 66 travel experience in Texas, focusing on Jericho Gap, a notorious muddy clay road that trapped cars, and the nearby Donnelly County rest stop, which features Route 66-themed exhibits and history. They explored the town of Allen Reed, noting its transformation from a ghost town to a functioning community with a working gas station and motel. The conversation concluded with plans to visit McLean and Shamrock, including a stop at the Texas Historical Route 66 Visitor Center in Shamrock. Route 66 Heritage Preservation Visit Randy discussed his visit to Shamrock, Texas, where he explored the historic UDrop In restaurant and gift shop, which inspired the character Ramon's body shop in the movie Cars. He noted that Shamrock has done a good job preserving Route 66's heritage, with many businesses displaying the route's emblem. Randy observed a positive trend of restoring abandoned buildings along the route, though some small towns struggled. The conversation concluded with a discussion about using AI tools like ChatGPT for their podcast, including plans to potentially incorporate AI-generated content in future episodes. Route 66 Travel Journey Discussion Randy and Bubba discussed their Route 66 travel journey, focusing on the Texas and Oklahoma sections. They highlighted interesting towns like Texola, Oklahoma, and discussed the transition from Route 66 to U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in ...
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    1 h y 30 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 8: New Mexico Part 2 : Albuquerque To Glenrio

    TWR Route 66 Ep 8: New Mexico Part 2 : Albuquerque To Glenrio
    Mar 10 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 8 is here! Albuquerque To Glenrio Route 66 Travel Experiences Bubba discussed his experience with the empty nest, noting that while it's quiet, they still consider it temporary since two of their children are still in college. Randy shared details about his travels in New Mexico, particularly focusing on Route 66 and the differences between New Mexico and Arizona in terms of Southwest culture and architecture. They discussed the benefits of taking the longer loop route on Route 66 through New Mexico, which offers a more authentic experience away from modern highways and interstates. Authentic Route 66 Albuquerque Guide Randy recommended taking the pre-1937 Route 66 route through Santa Fe and Las Lunas when visiting Albuquerque, noting it's about 100 miles longer but offers a more authentic experience. He advised planning extra time for the route and avoiding one section that appears damaged. Randy suggested visiting Albuquerque in October for the International Balloon Fiesta and mentioned similar events in Arizona, including in Page and Lake Havasu. The discussion included details about the intersection of Route 66 at 4th and Central streets in Albuquerque, where the route passes itself. Route 66 Historical Exploration Tips Randy advised Bubba to focus on Central Avenue in Albuquerque for Route 66 exploration, noting that while the eastern section shows signs of decline, it remains an important historical route. Randy recommended visiting big cities on weekends when parking is more available and businesses are open, sharing details about haunted locations including The Chemo theater and the Hotel Park Central, which was formerly a mental hospital. Randy also recounted a personal encounter with what appeared to be a ghostly figure in black walking with a stroller in the California desert along Route 66. Exploring Haunted Locations and Route 66 During the discussion, Randy shared experiences of visiting haunted locations in New Mexico, including a town called Anton Chico, which they mistook for Anton Chekhov. Bubba announced plans to launch a YouTube channel to accompany their podcast, where they would share maps, pictures, and other content related to their discussions. They also discussed the impact of Route 66 on towns like Santa Rosa, noting how the highway's rerouting led to the decline of downtown areas. Route 66: History and Challenges The discussion focused on Route 66 travel experiences, particularly in Santa Rosa and Moriarty. They discussed the historical significance of motels, diners, and classic cars from the 1950s along the route. The conversation highlighted a unique situation in Moriarty where the town currently has no water supply, with residents needing to purchase water from kiosks around the town. Route 66: Moriarty and Santa Rosa The discussion focused on Route 66 and specific details about Moriarty and Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Beth provided information about water quality issues in Moriarty, noting that while the system meets legal standards, certain contaminants exceed health guideline levels, primarily due to groundwater concerns. Regarding Santa Rosa's population, Beth shared that it grew from 1,127 people in 1930 to 2,199 in 1950, and has remained relatively stable at around 2,800 residents today, with agriculture and ranching being the predominant industries. The largest employers in Santa Rosa, aside from government, were identified as Guadalupe County Hospital and Love's Travel Stops. Urban to Rural Life Perspectives Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences growing up in different environments and how those experiences shaped their perspectives. They shared stories about moving from rural areas to cities for college and how this exposed them to new ways of life. The conversation touched on the benefits of experiencing both urban and rural settings, and they expressed a shared belief that more people should travel and experience different parts of the country. Route 66 Revitalization Challenges Randy discussed the Route 66 journey from Moriarty to Santa Rosa, highlighting key stops like Klein's Corner and Cuervo, and noted the challenges and opportunities along the original route versus Interstate 40. He described Tucumcari as having more revitalization efforts compared to Santa Rosa, with some renewed buildings but still many abandoned structures. Randy also mentioned driving through San Jon and the option to take a dirt road to Glenrio, Texas, though he advised caution due to the road's condition and lack of clear signage. Route 66 Podcast Midpoint Update Randy and Bubba discussed their Route 66 podcast journey, noting they had reached the halfway point at Adrian, Texas, which marks the midpoint between Chicago and Santa Monica at 1,139 miles each way. The conversation also covered their social media presence, with the Facebook page approaching 30,000 followers, and they discussed the success of cross-posting to other Route 66 groups. ...
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    1 h y 30 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 7: New Mexico! Gallop To Grants To Albuquerque

    TWR Route 66 Ep 7: New Mexico! Gallop To Grants To Albuquerque
    Mar 3 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 7 is here! New Mexico! Gallop To Grants To Albuquerque Route 66 Maintenance Challenges Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences with Route 66, including Bubba's ongoing fascination with the route and Randy's recent travels through California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They explored the challenges and variations in maintaining the original route across different states, highlighting efforts in California and the difficulties in Arizona and New Mexico. Randy shared insights about the route's presence in Navajo tribal lands, noting the remnants and trading posts along the way, while both expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition and signage for Route 66 in some areas. Route 66 in New Mexico The discussion focused on Route 66 in New Mexico, particularly around Gallup, which was described as a former commercial and rail hub for the Navajo Nation. The conversation highlighted the differences between New Mexico and Arizona's architectural styles, with New Mexico having a distinct Spanish and Indian influence. They discussed the challenges of navigating Route 66, noting that while the signs were improved after Randy's first visit, some areas still lack clear routing information. Bubba and Randy also discussed the upcoming Centennial celebration on November 11th and the Four Corners monument, which Bubba had previously visited. Gallup New Mexico Visit Discussion Randy discussed his visit to Gallup, New Mexico, highlighting the El Rancho Hotel, a historic stop for Hollywood stars filming westerns, and Richardson's Trading Post, a century-old institution for Native American art. Bubba inquired about the 49er Lounge at the El Rancho, which Randy had not visited. They also talked about Gallup's four-lane Route 66, its split by the interstate, and its status as the "Indian capital of the world" dominated by Navajo art and culture. Century-Old Store Visit Experience Randy shared an experience visiting a century-old store in Richardson, where an employee allowed them to explore and take photos of the unique items, including vintage rugs, Kachina dolls, and an antique cash register. Bubba and Randy discussed the store's profitability, noting the high markup on items like rugs and the employee's reluctance to allow photos of the safe due to security concerns. Randy mentioned that approximately 1,000 U.S. businesses have been in operation for over 100 years, highlighting the longevity of some brands despite market changes. Route 66 Journey Discussion Randy described his journey along Route 66, highlighting the scenic high desert landscapes, abandoned buildings, and remnants of the historic route. He noted the survival of some old businesses and the presence of car graveyards with 1940s and 1950s vehicles. Bubba and Randy discussed the affordability of classic cars in the past, with Randy mentioning his difficulty in capturing the stories behind abandoned structures. They also discussed the population history of Grants, New Mexico, which saw a significant increase due to uranium mining in the 1950s and 1960s, and its current population decline. Route 66 and AI Discussion The discussion focused on the historical and current state of Route 66 towns, particularly Grants, New Mexico, and its connection to the uranium industry and Los Alamos. Bubba shared that Grants was founded in the 1880s by three Canadian brothers who built a section of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and its economy later boomed due to uranium mining. The conversation then shifted to the role of AI in modern learning and memory, with Bubba and Randy discussing how AI could serve as an informational companion while driving, and the generational differences in technology adoption and social skills. Technology's Impact on Social Interactions Bubba and Randy discussed the impact of technology on social interactions, noting that while young people can communicate effectively online, they may lack face-to-face confrontation skills. They also talked about a woman who wanted to marry her AI, highlighting the growing trend of people seeking artificial relationships. Randy shared a story about the Santa Fe Loop, a section of Route 66 in New Mexico that was created after a political dispute, and expressed interest in driving the original route rather than the modernized version. Route 66 and Business Ideas Randy discussed the historical Route 66, focusing on La Bajada Hill, a challenging dirt road segment that was bypassed in 1937. He expressed interest in exploring the area further with a four-wheel drive vehicle and highlighted the potential for adventure tours in the region. Bubba shared information about the high number of Starbucks locations in Albuquerque and New York City, suggesting a potential business idea for Randy to document her visits to different Starbucks locations for sponsorship opportunities. Travel and Sports Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their upcoming travel plans, ...
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    1 h y 26 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 6: Something Something Winslow Arizona

    TWR Route 66 Ep 6: Something Something Winslow Arizona
    Feb 25 2026
    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 ...
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    1 h y 19 m
  • TWR Route 66 Ep 5: Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork

    TWR Route 66 Ep 5: Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork
    Feb 17 2026
    Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 5 is here!

    Can I Borrow Your Burro? Arizona From Oatman To Ash Fork

    Route 66 and Oatman Attractions Bubba and Randy discussed the geography and attractions along Route 66, particularly around Oatman, Arizona. They talked about the Sidewinder Road, a paved but winding route leading to Oatman, known for its mining history and now primarily gift shops. Randy described the town's population decline and its current status as a tourist destination for its burros. They also discussed the nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where camping is free for up to 14 days. Randy highlighted Kingman as a thriving town with a milder climate compared to other areas in Arizona, and mentioned that they would ask Beth for her thoughts on the matter. Kingman's Route 66 Strategic Success The discussion focused on Kingman's success as a Route 66 destination despite the highway's decertification, with the town's strategic location at a major crossroads and its ability to blend modern amenities with Route 66 nostalgia being key factors. The conversation also touched on the historical evolution of rail routes in the area and Kingman's current amenities, including multiple Starbucks locations and a Cracker Barrel. The participants discussed plans to cover the section of Route 66 from the Colorado River to Ash Fork in the next two weeks, with Flagstaff as a midpoint destination. Route 66 Town Revitalization Challenges The discussion focused on the historical and current state of small towns along Route 66, particularly Truxton and Hackberry. Randy described Truxton as a ghost town with limited businesses, noting that the last motel owner had to close due to lack of traffic and her husband's death. They discussed Hackberry's transformation into a Route 66 gift shop, with the owner maintaining its unique charm over the past 19 years. Bubba mentioned missing a musical saw shop near Hackberry, and Randy shared details about an animal rescue in Valentine, operated by a former Vegas animal act performer who switched to rescuing mistreated animals. Route 66 Landmarks and Attractions The discussion focused on various landmarks and attractions along Route 66, including the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park, a non-profit that rescues exotic animals, and the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which manages the Grand Canyon's Western Rim and related tourism activities. They discussed the Grand Canyon Caverns and the historical mining of bat guano for nitrates in the 1950s. Bubba mentioned an urban legend about the origin of the name "Antares" in Star Trek, which supposedly came from a motel along Route 66. The conversation concluded with a reminder that listeners should verify the accuracy of the discussed information and correct any inaccuracies in the group or on the Facebook page. Route 66 Preservation Efforts - Interview With Mauricio Perez Randy shared the story of , Mauricio Perez, the son-in-law of Angel Delgadillo, known as the "Guardian Angel" of Route 66. Angel, a barber and musician from Seligman, Arizona, played a crucial role in preserving Route 66 after the federal government stopped funding its maintenance in the 1980s. He initiated efforts to declare the route historic, which helped revitalize the town and its economy. Currently, Angel is focused on raising funds for a $200,000 sign to draw more visitors to Seligman, and he sells handcrafted birdhouses to contribute to this cause. The group discussed the potential for Route 66 to be included in the national park system, which could happen around its centennial anniversary in November.

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    1 h y 26 m