Approximately 70 vehicles, ranging from vintage Model As to a towering fiberglass bull, departed Santa Monica this weekend on a 20-day, 2,448-mile caravan bound for Chicago. The journey marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, drawing enthusiasts—known as 'roadies'—from across the county, according to the report. Organizers expect the procession to swell and shrink as participants join or leave along the historic eight-state route.

From Santa Monica Pier to Civic Auditorium: A Last-Minute Move Highlights the Caravan's Flexibility

The originally planned start at Santa Monica Pier was abruptly shifted to a parking lot beside the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the source reports. Construction work, World Cup preparations, and a charity fundraisser forced the late change, but organizers quickly adapted, gathering participants for a photo at the pier before moving vehicles to the new location. The scene underscores the logistical improvisatoin required to coordinate a loosely organized group of enthusiasts traveling across eight states—California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois—with arrival in downtown Chicago scheduled for June 25.

A Fiberglass Bull Named 'Big Moo' and 72-Ounce Steaks: How the Big Texan Steak Ranch Sponsors the Centennial

The Big Texan Steak Ranch of Amarillo, Texas, has sent its famous fiberglass bull mascot, 'Big Moo,' along for the ride, according to the report. The restaurant's team will host steak-eating contests in 21 cities along the route, offering free 72-ounce steak dinners to anyone who consumes the massive meal within 60 minutes. This sponsorship highlights the economic importance of the route for independent businesses, which increasingly rely on international tourists—particularly from Europe—to sustain their operations.

Herding Cats Across Eight States:Organizers Navigate Logistical Challenges on the 2,448-Mile Route

Coordinating a caravan that fluctuates in size—from a core group of about 15 cars representing all eight states to a total that can change hourly—is no small feat, organizers said. As one participant described the effort, it's akin to 'herding cats.' Drivers face challenges from navigating Los Angeles surface streets to avoiding overwhelming small towns along the way, encouraging participants to spread out and patronize independent businesses rather than arrivig en masse. gary Daggett, president of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas, told the publication that this is his 30th trip in 20 years, emphasizing that the connections made along the route are what truly captivate enthusiasts. What remains unclear from the report is how many businesses along the route have specifically seen increased revenue from international tourism over the past decade, and whether the centennial caravan will produce measurable economic data for local chambers of commerce.