Possible 2027 Gathering - Route 66 Please respond by 6/27/26

During the 2026 Annual Gathering in Williamsburg (which was great!), some discussions came up about where to go in 2027. If following the map, we would look for a location in the central region. I mentioned that I would be willing to (and there seemed to be some interest) create a trip along Route 66.

However, doing Route 66 would generate a gathering unlike any we’ve had in the past

• This would be a moving gathering – we would move to a different city every night (and therefore change hotels daily)
• The gathering would expand from three days to five (I anticipate Wednesday-Sunday).To get a good taste of the route, we would want to do a few states. My expectation is for two and a half days in Illinois, and two and a half days between Missouri and Kansas (only 12 miles in KS)

• But folks who want to join could still do things “a la carte,” similar to the 2026 gathering where people could join events as they chose - this means you could chose to only join for one, two, or more days - route will be published
• But realistically, this might be more along the lines of joining certain days
• Where available, “Classic” Route 66 Hotels will be chosen, but these typically have fewer rooms (less than 15), so not everyone would be able to stay in them. But we would ensure there would be plenty of other places very close by (generally in the same town) where we stay for the night

No dates are defined yet since we don't know if people are interested, but we would probably consider Mid May, or early September (might consider early June).

What we would see along Route 66 would be Original Roadbed; Muffler Men; classic Motels, Gas Stations, eateries; and “relics” (places along the road which no longer exist or are significantly deteriorated – they are a big part of the story of the road). Additionally, new business and museums have sprouted up over the years to capitalize on the allure of the road. We will avoid the big cities of Chicago (start in Joliet) and St Louis (mostly circumvent it), but you’re welcome to do these before or after on your own!

I’ve been driving the road for fifteen years. I have a specific listing of stops through Illinois and Kansas, and for most of Missouri (working that last part as we speak) based on my experience and what I enjoy (and believe others will as well). Candi has been clear to me to ensure I plan plenty of CLEAN bathroom stops.

Quite the undertaking my friend...!!! It sounds very interesting as "The Mother Road" has been a bucket list item for me.

While you are correct about the region, if the original regional rotation were to be followed the next Gathering would fall in the West region. Gatherings in 2024 (West region) and 2025 (Central region) were skipped so from my perspective it would be nice to try to get back into the rotation. I've attended 4 of the 5 West region and 4 of the 5 Central region Gatherings and they were all fun (imho) even tho' the numbers for some of them were lower. It was encouraging this year to see interest in traveling cross country (YEA CHRIS...!!! @C.Malone ).

Will be watching the poll to see the how the interest goes.

Anytime someone offers to put together an Agenda that makes a very strong case, in my opinion, to have that be the next Gathering. So if there is enough interest in what Marshall has in mind for 2027, that should be what we do. Then we can look to put together a West region event in 2028 (where hopefully a member from that region, would be willing to at least help put together an agenda - if not the entire thing).