Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Route 66 will be the first escapade for Lord Collier in 2026—and what a way to begin!
At the end of April, I will leave Chicago to follow this historic highway in its 100th year. Established in 1926, Route 66 carried America through hardship, ambition, and the golden age of travel. It became the path west for Dust Bowl migrants in the 1930s and, by the 1950s and 60s, the beating heart of the American road trip—lined with neon motels, diners, and roadside attractions that defined a generation of travel.

With the rise of the Interstate Highway System in the mid-20th century, Route 66 was slowly bypassed, town by town, until it was officially decommissioned in 1985. What was once the main artery of American travel faded into fragments—forgotten stretches, abandoned businesses, and quiet towns left behind by faster roads.

In the years since, Route 66 has experienced a remarkable rebirth. Preservationists, local communities, and travelers have brought it back to life—restoring neon signs, reopening historic motels, and celebrating the culture that made the road iconic in the first place. As it reaches its 100th year, Route 66 stands not just as a memory, but as a living piece of history and culture.

My route will follow the spine of that culture, from the Midwest through the plains and into the deserts of the Southwest, ending at Santa Monica Pier. Along the way, I will seek out the icons, the overlooked stops, and the places where time has stood still. Because this journey is not about reaching the Pacific. It’s about stepping into a way of life—a world of flickering neon, clattering diners, and towns that refused to vanish. It’s about the people, the stories, and the spirit that made Route 66 legendary.

And for this first adventure of 2026, I’m hitting the road to chase that legend – one mile, one story, one unforgettable moment at a time. I’ll be sharing the adventure as it unfolds, bringing you along for every twist, turn, and wild detour!

Regards,

Lord Collier (LC)