Heritage Corridor Destinations Welcomes Route 66 Cyclist Joe Barr to Joliet

Heritage Corridor Destinations invites Routes 66 travelers and cycling enthusiasts to celebrate world champion ultra-endurance cyclist Joe Barr as he completes his cross-country journey along historic Route 66 in attempt to set a Guinness World Record by cycling nonstop from Santa Monica to Chicago. 

Barr is the 2023 Ultra-Cycling World Champion in the 50+ age category and a two-time finisher of the renowned Race Across America endurance race. His 2,400-mile ride is being documented as part of a feature film project co-directed by Patrick O'Connor, Leslie-Anne Eades, and Matt Wagner. The documentary follows Barr's record attempt while exploring the history, communities, and cultural significance of the iconic Mother Road during the highway's centennial year. 

Community members, Route 66 enthusiasts, cyclists, and supporters are invited to celebrate Barr for completing his record-breaking ride. A celebration will be held at the Chicagoland Speedway on Wednesday, June 11 from 2-4 p.m. Located along the final stretch of Barr's journey, the celebration will take place next to the newly installed Tire Tower at Gate 11.  

The 15-foot-tall Tire Tower was funded through a DCEO Route 66 grant managed by Heritage Corridor Destinations as part of Illinois' preparations for the Route 66 Centennial. The new roadside attraction serves as a landmark along The First Hundred Miles and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Route 66. 

To learn more about Joe Barr's Route 66 journey and documentary, visit RaceBarrUltra.com and follow the Joe Barr Route 66 Film Project on Instagram (@JoeBarrRoute66FilmProject) and YouTube (@JoeBarrRoute66FilmProject) for behind-the-scenes updates.  

For more information about The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 and upcoming Route 66 centennial events, visit TheFirstHundredMiles.com.