While we were in Akron, OH one of our convoy participants received a big honor. Merrill Eisenhower Atwater was given the key to the city by Mayor Donald Plusquellic.

Very cool Merrill.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

We really haven’t hit any rain to speak of on our convoy trip. That is until we crossed the Pennsylvania line this morning. It hasn’t stopped since then I don’t think.

We’re certainly keeping an eye on the sky since tomorrow we travel on to Gettysburg and Emmitsburg, MD and then Thursday we wind things up in Washington, DC.

Keeping our fingers crossed.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

After leaving South Bend, IN we trekked onward to Akron, OH. Our host was the Firestone company and Andrew Firestone. Andrew is the great grandson of Harvey Firestone.

I talked to Andrew about what his thoughts are on the highway system, agriculture and renewable fuels. I think he had some very well thought out answers and am presenting them to you here: Andrew Firestone Interview (5 min MP3)

I also wanted you to see the convoy pulling into the Firestone headquarters after a 380 mile day which you can do here: Pulling Into Firestone (2 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

We got a real treat when we pulled into South Bend, IN. A crowd of people were out on the street to cheer and wave us in. It was the best public support display we’ve seen on the main convoy route.

We pulled up to the Studebaker National Museum and were treated to lunch and a press conference. One of the speakers was the Indiana Dept. of Transportation Commissioner, Thomas Sharp. He spoke about Innovation and Innovators. This is why I record these things. You can listen to him explain here: Thomas Sharp Remarks (8 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Prior to leaving Tinley Park, IL we participated in a press conference that was organized by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation.

Here’s the color guard presenting in front of the stage and 2 highway signs. They were too highly reflective for my camera and flash. But I thought it was a neat picture.

One of the speakers was Norm Stoner, Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. He spoke on Pioneers, Pride and Potential. I’ll let you either apply those terms to the highway system and figure out what his message is or you can listen to his comments right here: Norm Stoner Remarks (8 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

The cross country convoy is in Akron, OH and heading to Pennsylvania today. We got in too late last night to post anything although I have a lot of good stuff for you.

Before leaving Tinley Park, IL though we had a big press conference. The Illinois Dept. of Transportation has a very nice display of pictures of old highway construction, including equipment like this that I found fascinating.

I’ll have more tonight.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

On Sunday in Tinley Park, IL we set up a display with information about ethanol that used the Rahal-Letterman #17 show car. You could see it in action at last night’s race.

This display was part of the Innovative Mobility Showcase that’s been following along with us at several stops to showcase some interesting highway and road safety systems.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

We are allowed to play sometimes as we trek across the United States on I-80. Here’s Bob Lee (left), founder of Country Coach, Inc. with one of the toys he brought on the trip.

Besides a remote controlled car, Bob also brought a vintage Thunderbird and a couple of Honda tricycles. Of course he’s riding in a custom Country Coach and his toys are riding in bright yellow truck. Bob has an interesting story to tell which you can listen to here:: Bob Lee Interview (4 min MP3)

Here’s a short video clip of Bob playing: Bob Lee & Toy (1 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

About the only thing this post has to do with ethanol is the fact that a lot of it was being consumed around me last night at Buddy Guy’s Legends in downtown Chicago.

I went to see the awesome blues guitarist, Carl Weathersby, who was greatly influenced growing up by Albert King. Carl was even better that I expected and I’m glad I went. After so many days on the road you need at least a few hours to unwind. However, I got a late night reminder of the challenges we face with our interstate highway system when I sat in stopped traffic coming back to my hotel. 3 lanes solid for miles after midnight due to construction. It was 30 minutes getting there, over 2 hours getting back. I’m sure the original highway planners never envisioned that kind of traffic, especially at 12:30am.

I’m posting this video clip so my convoy buddies who didn’t go, know what they missed: Carl Weathersby (1 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Here is a group of medalists. Not in the Olympics but highway medals.

The Lincoln Highway Association has produced some commemorative medals that are modern replicas of the ones made when Lt. Col. Eisenhower conducted his cross country convoy in 1919. Most of this group are folks who worked at the Ottawa AASHTO test site many years ago. They were recognized at our stop for the work they did in helping get our interstate highway system off the ground. Mixed in are current convoy participants like yours truly.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.