Taking the long road: As Route 66 turns 100, fans look ahead instead of in the rearview mirror

**By Phoebe Bock** _Medill Reports_ In 1963, Bill Thomas took his first road trip on Route 66 from Illinois to California to visit Disneyland. Although the historic cross-country drive meant little to him as an 8-year-old, he is now helping lead this year’s centennial celebrations along what remai...