Friday,  August 29th, was an exciting experience for 39 visiting Brazilians who visited Pontiac, Odell and Dwight, IL.  The group arrived in our area from the South American Country after landing in Florida and then driving to Indianapolis. They were anxious to visit Route 66 in Illinois and ride their rented Harley Davidsons to the 105th Anniversary Celebration in Waukesha and Milwaukee, Wisconsin   The week-end event drew over 75,000 motorcycles and their riders from over 40 countries world-wide.

In Pontiac, the tour leader, Harley Engers of Harley Tours (Metro Turismo – Brazil) and the group were greeted by Tourism Director, Ellie Alexander, and several Route 66 Association of Illinois members.  These members were John Weiss, Jim Jones and us.  After a “Red Carpet” entrance to the Hall of Fame and Museum and the adjoining War Museum they were greeted by City Officials and toured both museums. Of course, photo opts at the world’s largest Route 66 mural on the rear wall of the museum and from a man lift basket above were a must.

A motor tour led by John Weiss in his classic Mustang, Jim Jones in his classic Miata and Brazilian, Reneldo Mello, driving our 1957 Chevy “Geraldine” and us headed for the Log Cabin Restaurant on Route 66 just north of Pontiac.  After a delicious lunch the tour continued to Odell where the Brazilians got to view and inspect the restored 1932 Odell Standard gas station.  The history of this icon was related to the group with a lot of gestures since Portugese was their native tongue, with only a few speaking English.

The tour continued to Dwight where arrangements to keep the Becker Texaco Station on Routes 66 and 17 open and a repeat informational tour was given by us and the station volunteers on the premises.  Picture opts were also evident at the “Java Junction” across from the Texaco station.

The event was cut short as the 24 Harleys and the two support vehicles were escorted to I-55 to continue their trip to Milwaukee for the Harley Convention.  Waves of good-byes and horns tooted as all entered the interstate northbound after a preview visit on Route 66 from South America to Mid America, U.S.A..   They promised that they WILL return!!!!
 

Submitted by:
Marty and Geri Bilecki
August 31, 2008