Governor Gary Johnson and Secretary of the New Mexico Economic
Development Department, John Garcia, biked into Barelas dressed in their
leathers to announce the release of the new CD-Rom "RoadTrip!" about New
Mexico's historic Route 66. Johnson headed the entourage of bikers on a
special edition "Indian Chief," and Garcia was on a V-Star Yamaha (see
picture). The leather-chapped Governor remarked "What a beautiful ride. We
have a great cultural heritage here in Route 66." More than 60 people were in
attendance for the Press Conference, arranged by Karen Wentworth of the
Economic Development Department.
Governor Johnson and Economic Development Department Secretary John Garcia lead the pack.
The bikes were loaned for the press conference by Henry and Alice
Robledo, who own Albuquerque Motorcycle Rentals. The business has dozens of
bikes to choose from when touring the Southwest. "We get them from all over
Europe. Groups that rent four or six bikes and travel Historic Route 66 for a
week or two," said Henry. The shop repairs and has loads of accessories for
the motorcycle enthusiast. The shop is located at 4109 Louisiana NE in
Albuquerque and open 7 days a week. For more information call (505) 830-9500,
or visit their Website
The Press Conference was held at the newly restored, historic Route 66
eatery The Red Ball Cafe, home of the Wimpy Burger. Located at 1304 Fourth
Street in the Barelas Historic District on Old Route 66 in Albuquerque. It
was renovated by owners Jim and Theresa Chavez. Along with the great food,
memorabilia of the community is prominently displayed on the walls and in
cases. The Red Ball is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch.
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Former President of the Association, Susie McComb, was Master of
Ceremonies. Tom Willis, Association Vice President, awarded both the Governor
and Secretary honorary replica Route 66 shields.
The CD-Rom "RoadTrip!" was funded through a grant of the State Scenic Byway
Program of the New Mexico Highway and Transportation Department and
administered by the New Mexico MainStreet Program of the state of New Mexico.
The CD-Rom is an interactive, virtual tour of New Mexico's portion of the
Mother Road. It includes a collage of savvy electronic music, historic and
contemporary footage, interviews, text, maps, postcards and photos.
"RoadTrip!" was nominated for (and won) an Addy, an American
Advertising Federation award, presented at the annual banquet on March 4,
2000. This Addy was in the "creative awards" category and presented for best
CD-Rom of the year. The competition for the award came from products
developed by design, multi-media and advertising agencies.
Governor Johnson in front of the Red Ball Cafe
The product's design and development is the work of uNICA!, a media
design firm located in Albuquerque --(505) 246-0378 or uNICA! Web Site It
serves as both an educational and marketing tool for economic development and
tourism. The first thousand copies have been distributed to New Mexico's
public libraries, schools, tourism associations and visitors bureaus. The New
Mexico Route 66 Association has asked for copyright to reprint the CD-Rom for
resale during the 75th Anniversary.
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