Solstice Slam 2026
“Beyond the 66th: America’s Unsung Arteries.”
Hey everyone – it’s that time of the year again. Time to submit your stories, music, art or what ever you’re willing to share with us.
This year’s Solstice Slam is evoking the spirit of Route 66!
The historic highway that started off as a loose network of dirt trails and eventually worked its way into global pop culture status is the impetus for this year’s submission prompts.
While it’s true that the Mother Road is one of the most famous American highways, it was not the first, it was not the longest and it may not even be the most scenic. You heard me, and I’ll stand by that statement even though Route 66 is one of my favorite historical roads.
For this year’s Solstice Slam entry send in a submission featuring your favorite road, route, highway or trail. Send in a road journal of an adventure you had. Maybe it was a spontaneous trip to that led to a stunning new discovery. Perhaps you wanted to push yourself beyond your limits on your first 200 or 20,000 mile ride. If you found a great spot on Route 66, there’s no way to celebrate 100 years better than commemorate it.
Maybe you’ve been enjoying our historical fictions and you’d like to write your favorite piece of actual history into a short story.
It’s all possible with Solstice Slam
Here are some examples
The Frontier & Native Trails: Stories along ancient trade routes or westward migration paths (e.g., The Natchez Trace, The Lincoln Highway, The Oregon Trail/US-30, US-26).
Industrial & Working Roads: Highways that built the country—coal roads, timber passes, or early transcontinental freight routes (e.g., US-1, US-50 “The Loneliest Road”).
Local Legends & Forgotten Byways: Lesser-known state routes with deep regional heritage, ghost towns, or historical landmarks. (US-395 Bodi, Goldfield; Serpent’s Bones Ohio)
The “Mother Road” Parallel: Stories explicitly contrasting Route 66 with another historical route traveled on the same journey.
Famous Motorcycle Roads: Recount your ride on Tail of the Dragon, Beartooth Highway, Cherohala Skyway, The Snake, etc.
Submit your story, music, art work (scans or digital pics ok) to creativeridingpodcast@gmail.com or slam@creative-riding.com by November 20th 2026.
Submissions should be (300–800 words): A story could include highlights of the historical significance of the road, the personal experience of riding it or both. Perhaps you could try your hand at historical fiction.
November 20th will be here before you know it. See you out there on the roads!