Visions of an Old Route 66 Ride

We were on our way to the Annual Car Cruise in Freeport. To get there, we traveled along Highway 64 which crosses the northern part of Illinois. It is much like Route 66 used to be, with small towns on the way and plenty of farmland in between. Each town has their own version of a gas station, a grocery store and a tavern. One such town is Shannon, Illinois.

We were anxious to get to Freeport for this show because the cars actually cruise around an eight-block area from 7 pm to 10 pm. They also have a muffler rapping contest, where they wind up the engines and see how loud and obnoxious the backfire can get, and a burnout contest. The contests are won by spectator applause, and we were all jacked up to participate.

To get to the car show, we traveled along Highway 64 which crosses the northern part of Illinois. It is much like Route 66 must have been, with small towns on the way and plenty of farmland in between. Each town has their own version of a gas station, a grocery store and a tavern. One such town is Shannon, Illinois.

We were driving through town, and had the tunes on at a respectful volume for those anticipating a great summer evening, which means LOUD. We slowed down when we came through town and were discussing where we would park at the show. We also were checking the time; it was already past 6:30. I was looking forward to the end of town so I could mash the pedal down and make some time.

We reached the edge of town. I was about to hit the gas when the lights came on behind me. I pulled over, but I had no idea what I had done. Flashes of the television series about Route 66 flashed through my head. And I wasn't even driving a red convertible.

The officer came up to the side of the car. I cut the engine. His belly waddled up to my open window and asked if I knew why he stopped me. He must have thought I was psychic because I really hadn't done anything wrong. So I told him I didn't know.

Then he told me the stop was because I was going 42 in a 30. And he told me that I had passed six or seven speed limit signs stating the lower speed.

Now honestly, I didn't think we were going that fast, and neither did my passengers. Sure, we had the radio cranked, we were talking about the cars and looking forward to getting there soon. So I guess I hadn't had my focus on going 30 mph.

After I gave Officer Leadbelly my license, insurance and registration, he went back to the squad car to check me out. My record was clean, and he waddled back several minutes later.

"Do you know I could give you a speeding ticket that would cost you $75, son?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, you're not wanted for any crimes, but you need to pay more attention to these small towns. You know we have families living here, just like where you live."

"Yes, sir."

"I'm not going to give you a ticket this time. So, what have you learned from this traffic stop, son?"

I said, "Don't drive through the town of Shannon again?"

He said, "Yes, son. Now proceed slowly and have a nice evening."

We took care to pull back into traffic safely and didn't hit the gas for at least a mile.