The Pontiac Daily Leader has a story about the proposed trail. But to view the whole map, go here for a nine-page Acrobat file.

Looking over the maps, it looks like there are long stretches that hop around Route 66 and don’t go on it, especially north. I’m sure it’s for safety reasons it goes onto less-traveled nearby roads. Many parts of Route 66 in Illinois remain busy arteries that aren’t conducive to cyclists.

Suggestions and comments about the proposed route will be accepted by the League of Illinois Bicyclists until the middle of the month, the story says.

Here’s a good idea: The New Mexico Legislature is considering a certification stamp for arts and crafts made by American Indians in New Mexico, according to an AP story. A similar setup exists in Alaska.

The stamp, it is hoped, would create a stronger market for the real stuff and devalue the fakes coming from Mexico or the Far East.

Indian craft stores dot Route 66 from Oklahoma to Arizona, especially in Gallup, Santa Fe and the Arizona-New Mexico border. A little more consumer information about these items is a good thing, in my opinion.

The Quay County Sun of Tucumcari, N.M., has a story about Dennis Kinch, the man who’s walking Route 66 to raise awareness for the National Pain Foundation.

There’s this interesting excerpt about his recent trek from Amarillo to Tucumcari:

… Kinch said one enlightened moment happened just last week, when he realized he was at the midpoint of his walk on his 51st birthday. He said he actually forgot his birthday until he reached the Texas-New Mexico border — at 12:50 a.m.

“I looked at my watch and said ‘Oh no, I ain’t gonna make it’ because I thought I just missed having my birthday fall on the exact day I hit the midpoint of my walk.�

But then he crossed into New Mexico — where the clocks are set one hour earlier.

Elrond Lawrence was kind enough to let the Route 66 yahoogroup know that the March issue of Trains magazine is featuring Route 66 as its cover story.

He says the article features early Route 66 crusader Angel Delgadillo; the town of Seligman, Ariz.; the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz.; the Jackrabbit Trading Post; Cajon Pass in California; Kingman, Ariz.; Barstow, Calif.; El Vado Motel in Albuquerque; and other towns. The magazine is available at Barnes & Noble bookstores, or through the magazine’s Web site.

Lawrence also has posted a bunch of his photos on his Web site here.

As we reported here a few days ago, Shellee Graham will make a presentation at the opening of her exhibit, “Return to Route 66: Photographs from the Mother Road” from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis.

There are other incentives to go, according to the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau blog:

In addition to the Shellee Graham photographs, memorabilia of Route 66 and Southwestern railroads on loan from St. Louis County’s Museum of Transportation will also be on display. This will include original highway and street signs, a 1950s gas pump, and other artifacts of the era.

That’s pretty good. But then there’s this:

Complimentary Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a taste treat from an iconic St. Louis and Route 66 roadside attraction, will be served following Ms. Graham’s presentation. Classic antique cars and trucks from local car clubs will be parked in front of the Old Courthouse that day to showcase the vehicles that once traveled “the mother road.”

Free Ted Drewes custard is an almost-guaranteed way to boost attendance, as any St. Louisan will attest.