When Route 66 turned 100, psychologist Blake Brisbois turned the milestone into a hands‑on tribute for his hometown of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Brisbois and a group of friends set out on a 12‑day, 2,000‑mile road trip in two 1965 classic cars, stopping at historic sites and inviting strangers to sign the trunks as a rolling record of the journey.
From St. Louis to the Southwest
Brisbois, who lost both parents early and found community through his love of automobiles, bought the two vintage cars in St. Louis. After a chance encounter at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a fan of their online blog suggested they turn the cars into “moving journals.” The idea stuck, and the group began their cross‑country trek toward Los Angeles.
Tucumcari: A Time‑Travel Snapshot
Arriving in Tucumcari, the travelers felt they had stepped back into the 1960s. “These towns were thriving in that period,” Brisbois said, noting the preserved neon signs and retro architecture. A visit to the historic Odeon Theatre was followed by an unexpected stop at Lionel’s Barbershop, where 86‑year‑old Lionel Martinez shared memories of a bustling mid‑century barbershop and added his signature to a trunk.
At the iconic Blue Swallow Motel, the group admired original rotary phones that still worked, a testament to the owners’ pride in maintaining the motel’s historic character. “It felt original and old, but not in a rundown way,” Brisbois observed.
Collecting Memories on the Road
Throughout the journey, the cars gathered more than 40 signatures from fellow travelers, locals, and curious onlookers. Brisbois emphasized that the project was about more than a photo‑op; it was a reminder that “tomorrow’s not guaranteed,” and that committing to a long‑term goal creates lasting memories.
“I always take the shortcut. I always rush home. This time I chose the long way,” Brisbois explained, citing the influence of the TV show Top Gear and his son’s love of the Pixar film Cars. The trip was a personal challenge—“buy a car cheap, drive it 2,000 miles, see if it makes it”—but it also became a community‑building exercise, highlighting the importance of preserving Route 66’s cultural landmarks.
Why the Centennial Matters
Route 66’s centennial offers a chance for towns like Tucumcari to showcase their heritage and attract visitors who value authentic American road‑trip experiences. By documenting the journey with signatures, Brisbois hopes to inspire others to take the “long way home,” to pause, engage with local history, and support the small businesses that keep the Mother Road alive.
As the cars rolled into Los Angeles, the trunk‑filled signatures served as a tangible reminder that the spirit of Route 66 endures when communities rally around their shared past.
Looking Ahead
Brisbois plans to share the full video of the trip on his website, encouraging families and classic‑car enthusiasts to embark on their own pilgrimages. The story underscores how a simple, faith‑filled love of cars can unite people across generations and help preserve the cultural fabric of towns along America’s most storied highway.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
