JOE’S OASIS WITH FRIENDLY FACES
By Joseph Razumich, VCCA #51086, Portage, IN
After doing some research and planning for the trip from the Central Region to Rapid City, South Dakota, I came up with the idea that it would be nice to see some familiar faces when the day’s driving is done. So, I’ve selected a couple of “Oasis” motel locations on the road to Rapid City, with the idea that many of us will be taking three days and two nights to make the trip.
The first “Oasis Stop” will be in Pontiac, Illinois. Stop here for an overnight on July 7, 8, and I’ll be there to welcome you. The “host hotel” will be the Super 8 in Pontiac. It has a good-sized parking lot for trailers and the parking lots are not visible to the Interstate. There is a good-sized restaurant/bar within walking distance of the motel. Additionally, there are plentiful shops and Route 66-themed murals in downtown Pontiac, just a mile drive away. Remember, 2026 is the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the most famous highway in the world!
The second “Oasis Stop” will be in Sioux City, Iowa. I have selected a Candlewood Suites right off of US-75. It has all the “requirements”: Parking available for trailer rigs, the parking lot is not directly visible to Interstate traffic and decent-sized restaurants nearby. The hotel management is eager to host us, and they have already agreed to hold rooms for us for $120 per night. These rooms have full kitchens. I will be there Thursday, July 9, Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11.
There will not be any VCCA-sponsored events at either of these locations. This is just an opportunity for you to park your Chevy or your rig next to another club member and find friendly faces when you walk into the hotel.
Both “Oasis” locations will be very close to a major highway; however, if you prefer to avoid Interstates as do I with my Vintage Chevrolet, I will provide a suggested “backroads routing” plan.
If this plan is of interest to you, please contact me at: C5ROADTRIPPER@aol.com. I can email the directions to you.