Vancouver Media Producer Plans Epic Route 66 Road Trip

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Vancouver media producer Chris Erickson is planning an epic road trip along Route 66 to document the 100th anniversary of the famous 2,400-mile highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles. Erickson, who is passionate about storytelling, instant photography, and history, will be combining these interests to capture the stories of businesses, tourists, and Americana along the route before they're lost forever. He has started a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the costs of the trip, which he plans to take in April with his friend Caleb Potter.

Why it matters

Route 66 has played a significant role in American history and culture, but every year, businesses along the route close down as owners retire or pass away, causing the history and stories to be lost. Erickson's project aims to preserve these stories through various media formats, including a book, podcast, and documentary-style video series, ensuring that the legacy of Route 66 lives on.

The details

Erickson and his friend Caleb Potter plan to fly to Chicago in April, rent a car, and spend a couple of weeks driving the length of Route 66, capturing the journey through instant photography, video, and a podcast. Erickson is known for his passion for retro technology and instant photography, and he plans to use these skills to document the trip. The final project, called "Forever 66," will include a director's cut movie, a storybook with photographs and QR codes for additional video content, and opportunities for fans to meet up with the duo along the way.

• Erickson and Potter plan to fly to Chicago and begin their Route 66 road trip in April 2026.
• This year, 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of the famous Route 66 highway.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Erickson and Potter plan to hold meet-ups with their followers in Chicago, during the middle of the trip, and in Los Angeles at the end of the journey.