Ron Jones lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma about 50 miles west of Vinita, via Highway 60. Ron is a car enthusiast driving a patriotic 1956 Chevy decked out in shining red, white and blue that he has owned for thirty years. Mr. Jones and his classic car once made a trip all the way to Los Angeles, California for a one day car show. In addition, he and his car have often traveled to Laughlin, Nevada and Monroe, Louisiana. He says: "I'm not afraid to go anywhere at the drop of a hat if I can."

Nine years ago, Ron and his prized 210 two door sedan went to a car show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, amongst the classic cars, was what? None other than a Route 66 exhibit with all manner of Mother Road memorabilia, and that was the hook that "drove” Ron to his current obsession.

Ron and his customized Chevy, complete with sunroof and a log chain steering wheel, began to travel the Mother Road. But that wasn’t enough for Ron. He wanted even more of dear old "Mother." At the age of 51, he got his first tattoo. Of what? You guessed it - ole’ Route 66!  The tattoo was of the 66 shield and a piece of the highway.

Four years later, in 2004, he has 23 of them running up and down his legs! Having at least two from each state, his most recent tattoo was that of the long lost Coral Court in St. Louis, Missouri.

When I asked Ron if he has a favorite tattoo, he said: "I really don't have a favorite because they all mean something different." However, he really likes the Snow Cap Drive-Inn in Seligman, Arizona. Of the Snow Cap, Ron says: "The owner, Juan Delgadillo, passed away in June of this year. He was a real treasure of Route 66."

He also likes the one of the 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Missouri, because it displays the back end of his car; and he likes the Cozy Dog in Springfield, Illinois, because the owner is a friend of his.