route 66 tours on motorcycle

The ultimate guide to riding Route 66 on a motorcycle

There's arguably no more iconic American road trip than the Mother Road—here’s how to travel it on two wheels

By Roadtrippers

If your idea of a perfect motorcycle road trip involves scenic, winding roads far away from people, cities, and cars, Route 66 might not be for you. But if you’re a fan of American history, kitschy roadside attractions, classic neon signs, mid-century architecture, Indigenous heritage and culture, and talking to friendly locals, there is arguably no better road trip in the world than driving the Mother Road. 

And if you ask me, the best way to experience it is by motorcycle.

Last year, Roadtrippers published Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica , and I immediately jumped on the chance to take the book out for a proper test run. This past October, I spent 7 days riding Route 66 from Illinois to California. Here’s what I learned along the way.

Roadtrippers Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica

What is route 66 .

Stretching 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) from Chicago in the east to Santa Monica in the west, Route 66 crosses through eight states and offers a near-perfect snapshot of the U.S.—from bustling cities to crumbling ghost towns. The original road was established in 1926, and during its mid-century heyday, small towns went all in on capturing the tourism that came along with the highway’s rise in popularity. Roadside attractions, diners, and motels sprang up along the route, many of which are still standing today. But as more and more sections of the original route were bypassed by interstate, other towns and destinations weren’t so lucky, and fell into disrepair or disappeared entirely. 

Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, but it has seen a revival in the last few decades. According to Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, a lot of the buzz can be attributed to Pixar’s 2006 movie Cars .   

“The figure that’s quoted is that the businesses along the route saw a 30 percent jump just from the movie,” he says. “And as those kids grow up and introduce their own kids to Cars , that’s getting them interested in the history and the story. And now, just from a greater cultural standpoint, you have people who are more interested in authentic experiences.” 

And despite the occasional tourist trap, you’d be hard pressed to find a more authentic road trip experience than Route 66. 

Related: The Roadtrippers guide to Route 66

What to ride on a route 66 motorcycle road trip.

When I first started planning my trip, I knew that I wanted to do it on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I’d conjured up images of cruising down the highway on a chromed-out machine that, in many people’s minds, occupies the same cultural space as the Mother Road itself: a bit dated, perhaps, but still undeniably American.  

Instead of a classic cruiser, I got the opportunity to ride Harley-Davidson’s new adventure motorcycle, the Pan America . Comfortable, fast, and able to go anywhere, it ended up being the perfect choice for the trip. And I couldn’t help but appreciate the juxtaposition between riding a new generation of Harley on the most classic American road.   

For those not bringing their own motorcycle, the easiest choice is to rent a bike. Motorcycle rental company EagleRider has locations in both Chicago and Los Angeles, and the option of a one-way rental is available for an additional fee. EagleRider also offers guided and self-guided Route 66 tours. The 15-day self-guided tour package starts at about $2,500—however, it is entirely possible to ride all of Route 66 in 7 to 10 days, as long as you’re comfortable riding a few hundred miles per day. 

If you’re able to pick up and drop off the bike in the same location, you’re going to have a lot more options. Peer-to-peer rental platforms such as Riders Share and Twisted Road generally offer a wider range of models at a lower price point than traditional rental companies. I’ve also heard of people purchasing a used motorcycle at the start of the route and selling it after they reach the end—but that involves a lot more risk, money, and paperwork than most people are going to be comfortable with.

What to pack for a Route 66 motorcycle road trip

No matter what bike you end up with, make sure it’s comfortable enough to ride long distances on, and that it has space to carry all your gear. Since Route 66 crosses through multiple states with widely varying climates, you’ll want to make sure you pack for all-weather travel.  

Traveling on a motorcycle means always being exposed to the elements, with very little protection beyond what you’re wearing. Depending on the time of year you travel Route 66, you may hit everything from scorching heat to snowstorms (in fact, you’re likely to encounter both some of the hottest and coldest days of your journey just within the state of Arizona). 

The best way to handle extreme weather on a motorcycle is to bring layers. Make sure you pack both warm and cool base layers, protective gear (built-in armor and abrasion-resistant fabrics are highly recommended), and rain gear. For next-level comfort in the cold, I recommend investing in heated gear.    

Route 66 runs through multiple large or mid-sized cities, and you’re never far from restaurants or gas stations. That said, it’s always a good idea to carry water and snacks on your bike in case of an emergency. A basic toolkit can also be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. A lot can happen in 2,400 miles—parts rattle loose, tires wear out, and oil may need to be refilled. Make sure you carry tools that fit your specific bike, and regularly check things like brakes, fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and bolts. 

Related: How to prepare for a motorcycle road trip 

State-by-state itinerary.

Original route mileage: 301 miles (484 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Start of Route 66 sign, Gemini Giant, Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Bunyon with a Hot Dog, Pink Elephant Antiques, World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago. Anyone who’s ridden a motorcycle here, or in any major metropolitan downtown area, knows it’s not necessarily the most enjoyable experience; navigating around traffic, pedestrians, and one-way streets is a far cry from the open road. But it’s definitely still worth kicking off the trip with a photo in front of one of the Historic Route 66 “Begin” signs located along East Adams Street. One is on the north side of the street near Michigan Avenue and another on the south side, in a small park near Wabash Avenue. I was able to easily find motorcycle parking just in front of the Wabash Avenue sign. 

If you’re already hungry, consider grabbing a donut hole from Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant & Bakery , or stop at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket just outside of the city for one of the most classic Route 66 dining experiences. Just a heads up: You’ll likely be eating a lot of greasy American cuisine over the next few days, so pace yourself.

Continuing on the greasy food theme, a favorite stop for bikers is the Launching Pad diner, a Route 66 staple in Wilmington, Illinois. The parking lot is typically packed with motorcycles and vintage cars, and the Gemini Giant Muffler Man makes for a great photo op. There’s also a gas station conveniently located across the street. I ended up spending more than an hour here talking to other motorcyclists who wanted to hear about my bike—the Pan America is still so new that seeing one out in the wild is a novelty, and I was more than happy to sing its praises. It was a good reminder: Motorcyclists love to talk about motorcycles, so make sure to factor in extra time for chit chat during gas stops.  

About 100 miles southwest of Wilmington is Atlanta, another small town packed with Route 66 attractions. Don’t miss the Bunyon with a Hot Dog Muffler Man or the Route 66 Arcade Museum , both located on the same block of Arch Street in downtown. 

After a long first day on the road, I rolled into St. Louis, Missouri, just as the sun was starting to set. I took a slight detour on the way to my hotel to check out Gateway Arch National Park , which was beautiful at sunset.  

Related: A resurrected Route 66 diner serves up hot fudge sundaes with a side of grief counseling

Original route mileage: 317 miles (510 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Gateway Arch National Park, Murals of Cuba, World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair, Uranus Fudge Factory, Gary’s Gay Parita, Red Oak II

My first stop after leaving St. Louis was at the Route 66 State Park visitor center, located just off I-44 along the Meramec River in Eureka, Missouri. It started raining as I pulled into the parking lot, so I went inside to hide from the weather. The visitor center has a small museum documenting the road’s history in the state, and a helpful staffer gave me a printed map and pointed me in the direction of the route’s original alignment.

As with much of Route 66, the original road in Missouri largely runs parallel to the interstate, and it’s easy to get on and off. With my tight schedule, I ended up making a list of stops ahead of the trip and, in the interest of saving time, jumped on and off the freeway between stops. Those with more time to spend on the route will be able to meander along on its original parts. This is an excellent way to find small towns that may be less touristy, but still packed with history and hidden gems. “Generally speaking, if you find yourself on the interstate and you’re passing a lot of towns, you’ve missed something somewhere,” Martin says.

While the Missouri stretch of Route 66 is often beautiful—it crosses through the lush, green Ozarks—the weather was not in my favor. It was pouring rain for most of the day I spent riding through the state, but with proper rain gear and a quick switch to “rain mode” on the motorcycle, it wasn’t too bad. 

I stopped for lunch in Cuba, a town known for its murals depicting historical events. Since I don’t eat meat, I opted out of Missouri Hick ’s famous barbecue and instead found Little Shop of Comics & Audrey’s Eatery on Main Street, a cozy comic book shop with a cafe in the back. I ordered soup and waited out the rain. 

Back on the road, I made my way to the World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair (it used to be the largest, until 2015, when an even bigger rocking chair in Casey, Illinois, knocked it down to second place), the Devil’s Elbow Bridge , and the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store . The latter may be a classic tourist trap, but anyone who enjoys potty humor will have a good time in Uranus. 

One of my must-see stops was Gary’s Gay Parita , a replica of a 1930 Sinclair gas station. The property is packed with memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66, including vintage cars, gas pumps, signs, old glass bottles, and more. The current owner, George Bowick, has a wealth of Route 66 knowledge and is happy to share it with anyone who asks. As we were chatting, Lady Bird, his tame goose, nibbled on my boots. Bowick recommended I visit Red Oak II on my way into Carthage, so naturally I obliged. 

Red Oak II is a unique type of place. Created by artist Lowell Davis, it’s a replica of the real Red Oak, Missouri, where Davis grew up. After leaving for many years and returning to find that his hometown had turned into a ghost town, Davis started moving buildings from the old town and restoring them on his farm just outside Carthage. The result is a quaint but eerie town that feels completely frozen in time. I didn’t see a single person during my visit, but a very sweet dog showed up out of nowhere and escorted me around. 

Original route mileage: 13 miles (21 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Cars on the Route, Gearhead Curios, Rainbow Bridge

The Kansas section of Route 66 is short but sweet. In just about 13 miles, the state manages to pack in several can’t-miss stops. Entering into Kansas through Missouri’s Old 66 Boulevard puts you at the north end of Main Street in Galena (population: 3,000). Your first stop here should be Cars on the Route , a restored Kan-O-Tex service station. Grab some snacks or Cars memorabilia, and check out the old truck that inspired the movie’s Tow Mater character.     

As you ride down Main Street, you’ll come across the Galena City Jail, another vintage service station called Gearhead Curios, and a large “Galena on Historic Route 66” mural. I can never pass up a good bridge, so from Galena I continued onto the Rainbow Bridge, a beautiful Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge built in 1923 over Bush Creek.

If you have time for a detour, the Tri-State Marker just a few miles south of the route allows you to stand in three states at once: Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, a worthy photo op.

Original route mileage: 432 miles (695 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Blue Whale of Catoosa, Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66, Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, POPS Soda Ranch, Lucille’s Service Station, Sandhills Curiosity Shop

If you’ve ever traveled I-44 through Oklahoma, you’re already familiar with its most annoying feature: the frequent cash-only toll booth stops. From the Missouri state line and all the way to Oklahoma City, old Route 66 runs parallel to I-44, and if you have the time (and want to save a few dollars), it’s a much more pleasant way to travel. It’s also the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss any roadside attractions along the way.

The first must-see stop in Oklahoma on my list was the Blue Whale of Catoosa , one of the most recognizable stops along the route. I sat down at a picnic table for a snack while admiring this roadside attraction, originally built as an anniversary gift to a wife who loved whales. 

In Tulsa, I took a much-needed break from greasy diners with lunch at Chimera Cafe. I had originally planned to avoid bigger cities as much as possible on this trip, but Tulsa is a real Route 66 goldmine and I ended up spending more time here than I originally planned. One of the highlights was Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios and its Space Cowboy Muffler Man. Just as I was about to leave, a guy rode in on a dual-sport motorcycle to ask me about my bike. This turned out to be Chris Wollard, the local artist who designed and built the Space Cowboy’s shiny rocket ship ( Mark Cline fabricated the Muffler Man). 

A few hours later I stopped at the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum . While chatting with the guy at the front desk, I quickly realized we had friends in common. The museum is small but jam-packed with vintage motorcycles dating back to the early 1900s. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. 

I stayed the night in Elk City, home to the National Route 66 Museum. The next morning I was on the road by sunrise, heading toward my final stop in Oklahoma: Sandhills Curiosity Shop . Owned by “hillbilly hoarder” Harley Russell, it’s neither a store nor a museum—but it’s a classic Route 66 stop that makes for a great photo op. 

Related: Route 66’s most famous hillbilly hoarder, presides over a shop where nothing is for sale

Original route mileage: 186 miles (299 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Tower Conoco Station & U-Drop Inn, Slug Bug Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Cafe

The Texas Panhandle, with its flat plains and unrelenting stretch of I-40, isn’t necessarily known as the most scenic place to ride a motorcycle. However, this part of the Mother Road features some of its most iconic stops—and some of the best detours.

There are so many vintage service stations—restored or abandoned—along Route 66 that it’s impossible to visit them all. But if you only have time for one, the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock is a stunning art deco masterpiece that should not be missed. As a bonus, Ramone’s House of Body Art, the auto body shop in Cars , was heavily inspired by this building.    

One of the more famous Route 66 attractions in Texas is Cadillac Ranch . And while that’s absolutely worth a stop, I found Slug Bug Ranch to be a less crowded and equally enjoyable alternative. Located just 15 miles east of Cadillac Ranch, this whimsical tribute features a row of Volkswagen Beetles buried nose down and covered in graffiti. 

During my jaunt through Texas, I decided I’d had enough of riding straight, flat highways and needed a change of scenery. After grabbing lunch in Amarillo, I took a 30-mile detour south to Palo Duro Canyon State Park . Home to the second largest canyon system in the country, the gorgeous scenery and steep switchbacks of the park did not disappoint. If you go, remember to check the forecast beforehand—due to its microclimate, temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can be significantly higher than at the rim. 

As I continued my journey west, I made a final stop in Texas at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian. This roadside diner and gift shop marks the official halfway point of Route 66—1,139 miles down, 1,139 miles to go.

Original route mileage: 487 miles (784 kilometers)  Must-see highlights: Russell’s Travel Center & Car Museum, Tee Pee Curios, Blue Swallow Motel, Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, Tinkertown, Old Town Albuquerque, Laguna Pueblo, Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave, El Rancho Hotel

While New Mexico has no shortage of mid-century kitsch, it’s also arguably the best state along the route to dive deep into Indigenous history and culture. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s pueblos and Native American villages were all closed to visitors during my trip. 

I spent the night at one of the most iconic accommodations along the route: the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, a classic 1940s motor court (each room comes with a private garage for your motorcycle) known for its spectacular neon signage. I rolled in right before sunset and was lucky enough to get the last available room, despite not having made a reservation in advance. This irked my neighbors in the room next door, who had made their reservations months earlier. But as several people I spoke to during the trip confirmed, the route was much less busy than normal because the pandemic had temporarily halted the influx of one of the most prevalent Route 66 travelers: the European tourist. 

Tucumcari is worth a visit whether you’re staying the night or not. Pick up a souvenir from Tee Pee Curios , grab a home-cooked meal from Del’s Restaurant, or get a photo in front of one of the town’s Route 66 murals. 

Heading west through the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque contains the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 within a single city. Here, you can stand at the intersection of two different historical alignments of the highway. Beyond its Mother Road legacy, the city is also home to mid-century modern architecture , a Historic Old Town area packed with museums, the famous Balloon Fiesta (which, coincidentally, took place during my visit), and tons of artsy Southwestern charm. On my way into town, I took a detour to ride some proper switchback roads to the top of the Sandia Crest ridge. 

Before heading into Arizona, I stopped in Gallup to admire the historic El Rancho Hotel and say “howdy” to the cowboy Muffler Man at John’s Used Cars. 

Original route mileage: 401 miles (645 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, Petrified Forest National Park, Jackrabbit Trading Post, Standin’ on the Corner Park, La Posada Hotel, Two Guns, Twin Arrows Trading Post, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, Hackberry General Store, Cool Springs Gas Station

In just over 400 miles, the Arizona stretch of Route 66 packs in so many must-see stops—including ghost towns, a national park, vintage service stations, interesting architecture, and roadside attractions—that it might be worth budgeting in some extra time to make sure you don’t miss anything. If you can, add an additional day to your itinerary for a detour to the Grand Canyon as well.   

You’ll know you’ve entered Arizona when you see the big yellow signs for Yellowhorse , a Navajo-owned trading post set against a dramatic red rock backdrop. Both Yellowhorse and the neighboring Teepee Trading Post are perfect places to stop for souvenirs, photos, and snacks. 

My next stop was Petrified Forest National Park , the only national park to have a section of Old Route 66 preserved inside it. Exploring the entire park can easily take a full day or more—but for those only interested in the Mother Road marker, it’s located in the northern part of the park, a 20-minute ride from I-40 along a scenic road (note that you will need to pay the park entrance fee to access it).   

Arizona has several towns that have gone all in on their Route 66 legacy, including Holbrook, Winslow, Seligman, and Kingman. But one of the more intriguing stops along the entire Mother Road is located off I-40 right in between Holbrook and Winslow. Those who’ve been paying attention may have noticed a few bright yellow mileage signs at other locations along the route. These all point to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post , an unassuming roadside souvenir store, and you’ll know you’ve arrived by the massive “Here it is” billboard.  

Some other highlights in the Grand Canyon State include standing on the corner in Winslow, exploring the ruins of the Two Guns ghost town, grabbing a sundae at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman, and riding the Oatman Highway—not for the faint of heart, it features 191 curves in 8 miles, a narrow roadway with no guardrails, and roaming burros that tend to be standing in the middle of the road as you’re coming around a tight turn.    

The Arizona section of Route 66 also contains what is probably the most drastic change in climate you’ll find in a single state during your trip. On one of the days I spent here, I woke up to 45-degree weather in Flagstaff. A few hours later, as I was crossing the Colorado River and making my way into California, the temperature was closer to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you’ve packed layers, or chances are you’ll be uncomfortable at some point.

Related: Lured by gold and ghosts, visitors just can’t quit the tiny mountain town of Oatman, Arizona

Original route mileage: 314 miles (505 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Roy’s Motel and Cafe, Amboy Crater, Calico Ghost Town, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, First Original McDonald’s Museum, Wigwam Village Motel No. 7, Aztec Hotel, Santa Monica Pier

The California section of Route 66 starts in Needles. As I was grabbing food at the local Wagon Wheel Restaurant, I noticed a hand-written sign inside, summing up the town: “Needles, California, hot spot known for absolutely nothing; 20 miles from water, 2 feet from hell.”  

Heading west through the California desert, the first can’t-miss stop on this part of the route is Roy’s Motel and Cafe in Amboy. This gas station and souvenir shop is a popular stop for photos thanks to its iconic—and recently restored—neon sign. Nearby you’ll also find Amboy Crater , a 250-foot-tall volcanic cinder cone, where you can hike by lava lakes, basalt flows, and collapsed lava tubes. 

Make a pit stop at Calico Ghost Town , walk through the glass forest at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch , and get nostalgic at the First Original McDonald’s Museum before it’s time to leave the more quiet and remote parts of this trip behind and enter the busy city streets of Los Angeles. 

As you get closer to the coast, you may experience something you haven’t seen since you left Chicago: traffic. Los Angeles has a lot of it—however, since lane filtering is legal in the state, you can easily bypass it on a motorcycle. Just go slow and stay alert. 

The western half of California’s Route 66 passes through several bustling cities and towns, where strip malls and chain restaurants greatly outnumber quirky roadside attractions. But keep your eyes peeled for mid-century architecture, neon signs, and vintage service stations along this stretch, including Cucamonga Service Station ; built in 1915, it actually predates the route. 

Unfortunately you can’t ride a motorcycle all the way to the finish line—but when you reach the Pacific Ocean, park your bike and walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier to get a photo in front of the iconic “End of the Trail” sign. Congratulations, you made it.

Meet the Author

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers helps you find the most epic destinations and detours—from roadside attractions to natural wonders and beyond.

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Historic Route 66

4000 km/2485 mi

Historic Route 66, Westbound & Eastbound.

Driving Historic Route 66, affectionately known as “the mother road,” is an exceptional journey that offers several compelling reasons to embark on this iconic road trip:

Rich Historical Significance: Route 66 is steeped in history, representing the American spirit of adventure and exploration. It was one of the original highways in the U.S., connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, and serving as a vital route for migrants and travelers during the 20th century.

Nostalgic Americana: As you drive along Route 66, you’ll encounter an array of classic roadside attractions, vintage motels, and retro diners, taking you back in time to experience the charm and allure of mid-century America.

Breathtaking Landscapes: The road winds through diverse landscapes, showcasing the stunning beauty of the American Southwest. From rolling plains to rugged mountains, you’ll witness some of the most picturesque vistas the country has to offer.

Cultural Immersion: Route 66 allows you to immerse yourself in various regional cultures, as you pass through different states, each with its unique traditions, art, and cuisine.

Quirky Roadside Stops: The route is dotted with quirky and fascinating roadside attractions, like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the Wigwam Village Motels in Arizona, making the journey entertaining and memorable.

Personal Achievement: Completing this epic cross-country road trip can be a significant personal achievement, as you conquer a historic and legendary route that has captivated the imaginations of countless travelers over the years.

In summary, driving Historic Route 66 is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with America’s past, experience its diverse landscapes and cultures, and create lasting memories that celebrate the essence of the open road.

We categorize our guided tours into two types: Premium Tours and Basic Tours. Take a moment to explore the distinctive features that set these two tours apart.

INCLUDED IN PREMIUM TOURS :

• Motorcycle/Car rental w/unlimited milage
• Shared room in biker-friendly hotels/motels (+ 3 stars)
• 1st choice of vehicle model class
• Fuel on group riding days
• Welcome meeting
• Entrance fees National parks
• Transport to the rental company
• Half shell helmet
• Multi-lingual Tour leader
• Tour leader on MC in front of cortege
• Support van with your luggage (min. 10 bikes)
• Loss Damage Waiver
• Tour PDF w/route description
• State min.SLI Insurance
• Pictures from the tour

NOT INCLUDED IN PREMIUM TOURS :

• LDW Zero and insurance upgrades
• Security deposit for LDW
• Optional attractions
• Brand Guarantee
• Food and beverages
• Anything not listed in “Included” above

INCLUDED IN BASIC TOURS :

• Shared room in biker-friendly hotels/motels (+ 2-3 stars)

NOT INCLUDED IN BASIC TOURS :

• Support van with your luggage
• Entrance fees Nat. parks
• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle model guarantee

*NOTE:  Tour dates are subject to change. Kindly verify that your tour is scheduled on the preferred date before making flight arrangements.

“At JoyRides Tours, we understand that good experiences and camaraderie are as crucial as the tour itself. Our objective is to enrich your tour bag with a plethora of positive memories, ensuring you return home with a radiant smile on your face and newfound friendships that began with the commencement of your adventure tour.”

ITINERARY ROUTE 66 WESTBOUND

Day 1: departure - arrival chicago.

The eagerly anticipated departure day has arrived at last: Welcome to Chicago!

Upon the arrival of all tour participants, we gather for a welcoming reception accompanied by refreshments, where both tour participants and leaders are introduced. The evening’s agenda is dedicated to fostering connections and getting to know each other better. For those with energy to spare after the long journey, there’s an option to unwind at a nearby local bar, providing an informal setting for further socializing and shared experiences.

Day 2: Chicago - Bloomington, Il

(Driving day 1: 212 km/132 miles)

Today marks the commencement of our much-awaited Route 66 adventure! Once everyone is geared up and ready, we kick off our journey on the 2,600-mile-long Historic Route 66 tour. Chicago gradually fades into the distance as we embark on a westward ride, promising a unique adventure brimming with history and enjoyment.

Our initial destination is Joliet, the famed home of the Blues Brothers, setting the stage for a musical and cultural experience. Next on our route is Wilmington, where we’ll encounter “The Gemini Giant” and pause for a delightful lunch.

Continuing along Route 66, we pass the historic gas station at Odell, showcasing a prime example of the many day-open stations that once lined this iconic highway. Our exploration takes us to the museum in Pontiac before culminating in Bloomington, our destination for the day and a testament to the rich tapestry of Route 66’s legacy. Get ready for an adventure filled with history, fun, and the open road!

Day 3: Bloomington - St.Louis, Mo

(Driving day 2: 273 km/170 miles)

Get ready for a day brimming with the time-honored charm of Route 66 and breathtaking encounters with nature. Our route unfolds through numerous villages, ancient towns, and historic Route 66 landmarks. Our first pause is in Springfield, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, adding a touch of historical richness to our journey.

Continuing our adventure, we make our way to Mt. Olive, where the renowned Soulsby old Route 66 gas station awaits. Next on our route is Hamel, where we take a refreshing break at a traditional Route 66 diner, basking in the warmth of the sun.

As we traverse through several small towns, the grandeur of St. Louis beckons. Crossing the mighty Mississippi River on the historic Chain of Rocks bridge, we make a stop at one of the USA’s most iconic landmarks—the “Gateway Arch,” a tribute to the pioneers who ventured west. Visible from a distance of 6 km, the Arch serves as a symbolic milestone. Following the path of the real pioneers, we ride by the Arch, pausing to capture the significance of the moment. The evening unfolds in St. Louis, offering a chance to soak in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this city on the banks of the Mississippi.

Day 4: St.Louis - Springfield, Mo

(Driving day 3: 372 km/231 miles)

Our journey continues to unfold in the breathtaking southwest, traversing the mesmerizing mountain landscapes of the Ozarks—an unrivaled spectacle along Route 66. Be sure to keep your cameras ready to capture the beauty of this scenic stretch!

Our first stop brings us to Stanton and the Jesse James Museum in Meramec Mines, offering a unique opportunity to explore the caves where Jesse James and his gang concealed the spoils from their infamous raids.

Venturing through the very heart of the United States, we follow the original path that travelers took on Route 66, brimming with diverse experiences and impressions. Our next destination is the picturesque town of Cuba, setting the stage for a charming encounter with the essence of this iconic route. We then proceed to Lebanon, where the legendary Munger Moss Motel awaits our exploration.

Our final stop for the day is Springfield, a city steeped in history as the home of President Abraham Lincoln. As we conclude this leg of our journey, reflect on the tales of the past and anticipate the adventures that lie ahead on the storied road of Route 66.

Day 5: Springfield - Oklahoma City, Ok

(Driving day 4: 494 km/312 miles)

Our adventure unfolds along the captivating stretches of Route 66. Our initial destination is the renowned Gay Parita Sinclair, a traditional gas station operated solely through donations and the sale of Route 66 memorabilia—a legacy left by Gary Turner, affectionately known as the kindest man on Route 66. Moving forward, we pass through Joplin and its welcoming “Welcome to Kansas” sign.

The Kansas leg of our journey is brief, covering approximately 31 km. Our stops include the famous “4 Women on the Route” and the Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, each brimming with historical charm. As we enter Oklahoma, a state that has admirably preserved much of the original Route 66 (spanning about 633 km), we witness the landscape shift from lush greenery to a drier environment. Oklahoma holds the distinction of being the state where the term “The Mother Road” originated and where locals predominantly utilize Route 66 due to tolls on Interstate 44.

Riding through the beautiful and verdant landscapes of Oklahoma, we make several noteworthy stops, including Tulsa, where we visit the Route 66 Harley Davidson, and Stroud, home to the iconic Rock Café.

Our journey continues, weaving through numerous small, charming Route 66 towns before reaching our final stop for the day: Oklahoma City. Despite being the 31st largest city in the U.S. by population, it claims the 8th spot in terms of land area, offering a diverse and expansive backdrop for our exploration.

Day 6: Oklahoma City - Amarillo, Tx

(Driving day 5: 427 km/267 miles)

Having immersed ourselves in the allure of Oklahoma City, our Route 66 odyssey presses on. Our next destination is Yukon, the hometown of the renowned country music artist Garth Brooks. From there, we journey to El Reno before setting our sights on Weatherford.

Transitioning into cowboy country and the vast expanse of Texas, our route takes us through prairie landscapes, featuring some straight-line stretches. Aptly, this day is also designated as “the steak” day, promising a culinary delight.

Our initial stop is Elk City, where we explore the National Route 66 Museum and capture moments in front of the iconic Route 66 sign. En route to Amarillo, we make a pit stop in McLean at a traditional Route 66 steakhouse for a delectable lunch. The establishment, known for its tender steaks, personally sources all beef to ensure the highest quality.

Upon reaching Amarillo, we embark on a series of enjoyable stops, including Cavender’s Boot City, where we stock up on cowboy accessories.

Following check-in at the hotel, we embark on a visit to a Route 66 legend—the “Big Texan Steakhouse.” Here, the renowned 2.2 kg (72 oz.) steak awaits, and those daring enough to finish the entire meal within 60 minutes (including the steak, baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, butter, and bread) earn the meal for free. A challenge attempted by many, conquered by a select few. Are you ready to take on the legendary Big Texan Steakhouse challenge?

Day 7: Amarillo - Santa Fè, Nm

(Driving day 6: 451 km/280 miles)

Prepare for a sun-soaked journey through the expansive landscapes of cowboy country, featuring long stretches of flat fields and countryside. Our route may include sections on I-40, as some parts of the old Route 66 are no longer drivable in this area.

Our first noteworthy stop is the iconic “Cadillac Ranch,” where you have the opportunity to leave your mark on a unique work of art. We then proceed to Adrian, home to the “Midpoint U.S. Route 66,” marking the halfway point on our journey to Los Angeles. A stop at the local Midpoint diner for a cup of coffee precedes our exit from Texas and entry into New Mexico.

Continuing our adventure, we arrive in Tucumcari, where a visit to the friendly “Blue Swallow” motel awaits. Lunch in Tucumcari fuels us for the drive to Santa Rosa.

Our final destination for the day is Santa Fe, hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the western United States and the capital of New Mexico. Santa Fe will graciously host us for the next two nights. Within minutes of navigating Santa Fe’s narrow streets, you’ll find yourself enamored with the city and its welcoming population. Get ready to fall in love with the charm of Santa Fe!

Day 8: Santa Fè

(Explorer & fun day)

Having covered more than half the distance on our Route 66 adventure, we’re taking a well-deserved day off in Santa Fe to recharge our batteries and delve deeper into the wonders of this enchanting city. Nestled high in the mountains, against the backdrop of the scenic “Sangre de Cristo,” Santa Fe boasts a rich tapestry of Spanish and Native American history and culture, evident in its local art and architecture—a unique blend that captivates every visitor.

Today is yours to savor as you see fit. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, explore the myriad art galleries, embark on a guided city tour, or visit one of the town’s microbreweries, the options are as diverse as Santa Fe itself. Don’t miss the chance to peruse the local market and acquire a piece of unique art. And, of course, indulge your taste buds with a serving of the renowned “Green Chili Stew,” a favorite among our guests, as Santa Fe’s cuisine is celebrated far and wide.

In the evening, we embark on a genuine cowboy experience at a rustic cowboy restaurant. Here, we’ll savor succulent steaks, revel in good company, and embrace the authentic cowboy way of life. A delightful way to wrap up our day of relaxation and exploration in the heart of Santa Fe.

Day 9: Santa Fè - Gallup, Nm

(Driving day 7: 367 km/226 miles)

Embarking on a cultural transition from cowboy country to the sacred territory of Native Americans, today promises an enriching journey through landscapes inhabited by indigenous peoples for centuries. Our adventure commences with a ride along small, winding roads leading to Madrid. Once a historic coal mining town turned ghost town, Madrid has transformed into a vibrant community boasting over 40 shops and galleries, several restaurants, a spa, and a museum.

Following our exploration of Madrid, we continue our drive just outside Albuquerque to the Route 66 Casino, where a delicious lunch awaits. Our journey then takes us directly to Acoma Sky City, the revered holy city of the Acoma Indians perched atop a lofty mesa. Arriving at the base, we park outside the Acoma Museum, secure tickets, and board a bus for the ascent to the holy city—walking up independently is strictly prohibited. Once at the top, we remain together and close to the guide, with ample opportunities to acquire unique handmade Native American art.

As the day unfolds with cultural exploration and breathtaking scenery, we conclude our journey by driving to Gallup, reflecting on the rich heritage and traditions of the indigenous lands we’ve traversed.

Day 10: Gallup - Williams, Az

(Driving day 8: 390 km/244 miles)

Anticipate a day of desert driving and encounters with unique natural wonders. Our journey begins in the expansive territories of the Navajo and Apache as we make our way to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. Is it stone or wood? Is the sand truly painted? These questions linger as we traverse this captivating nature reserve, leaving indelible memories.

Our route then leads us to Holbrook and Winslow, where we pause at the iconic “corner.” For Eagles fans, it’s a moment to connect with the lyrics, “Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Lunch in Winslow provides a chance to refuel.

After our glucose recovery, we continue our adventure along Route 66 to Williams, a destination that stands out as one of the coolest stops on this historic route. Our stay in Williams promises a night filled with fun and memorable experiences. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and allure of Williams on Route 66!

Day 11: Williams - Grand canyon - Kingman, Az

(Driving day 9: 433 km/271 miles)

Welcome to the Grand Canyon—a day that promises to be the tour’s pinnacle for many. Our journey commences with a drive to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, offering you the opportunity to witness the world’s most-viewed Imax movie. As the film unfolds, the experience is nearly akin to standing within the majestic Grand Canyon itself. Following this cinematic encounter, we embark on a ride into the Grand Canyon, capturing this year’s holiday photo amidst its breathtaking vistas. Note: Helicopter rides must be pre-booked for this extraordinary experience.

Once we bid farewell to the Grand Canyon, our route leads us to the charming town of Seligman, a staunch advocate for Route 66’s origin. Seligman exudes a playful, cozy, and traditional Route 66 ambiance, providing ample photo opportunities. The remainder of the day unfolds with desert driving, soaring temperatures, and enchanting scenery. A stop in Hackberry, a small, historic Route 66 gas station frozen in time like a scene from an old movie, invites us to savor ice cream or cola in the shade. Our journey then cruises to Kingman, another pivotal city on this iconic route.

Day 12: Kingman - Las Vegas, Ne

(Driving day 10: 229 km/143 miles)

Embark on the day with a breathtaking drive to Oatman, a historic western village nestled in Mohave County, founded by two gold prospectors in 1915. The journey to Oatman unfolds along narrow, winding roads that traverse varying elevations, offering stunning vistas of mountain and desert landscapes—a cinematic experience and a highlight of the tour. In Oatman, be sure to secure your bikes, and keep an eye out for donkeys and playful “outlaws” roaming the streets.

Continuing our adventure along Route 66, we proceed straight to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas—the city often referred to as “The Adult Playground” or “Sin City.” Here, the possibilities for entertainment are limitless, from stunning architectural wonders to unique shows, world-class casinos, and a plethora of entertainment options. Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere throughout your stay.

Highly recommended stops include iconic landmarks such as Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM, Stardust, Treasure Island, The Venetian, Mirage, and the Wyatt. In the evening, indulge in the spectacle of volcanic eruptions every 15 minutes at the Mirage, where the garden transforms into a mesmerizing flame show. Inside the casino, encounter rare white tigers, and don’t miss the captivating water show outside the Bellagio—a memory to last a lifetime. Las Vegas offers an unforgettable experience, where every corner holds a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Day 13: Las Vegas - Big Bear Lake, Ca

(Driving day 11: 352 km/219 miles)

Embark on a day filled with diverse driving experiences, navigating through cityscapes, highways, and the desert, where temperatures can soar. To ease the impact of the heat, we recommend donning a hydration (cooling) vest for a more comfortable ride. After a hearty breakfast, our journey begins with a drive along “the strip,” culminating in a memorable group photo session in front of the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

Our route then leads us towards Los Angeles, with a pit stop at the captivating Calico Ghost Town. Lunch awaits us in the historic town of Barstow. Following our midday break, we continue our journey to the picturesque vacation haven of Big Bear Lake, where we savor the enchantment of our final evening on the road. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Big Bear Lake, creating lasting memories as we conclude this magical adventure.

Day 14: Big Bear Lake - Los Angeles, Ca

(Driving day 12: 248 km/154 miles)

Concluding our tour with a grand finale, today promises an exhilarating ride along one of the United States’ finest motorcycle routes—the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). Brace yourself for a breathtaking journey with roads that weave through magical landscapes, offering spectacular views that are sure to be etched in the annals of motorcycle history. Ensure your cameras are not only ready but fully charged, as this is a ride that encapsulates a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our adventure along Angeles Crest Highway includes strategic stops to fully absorb the awe-inspiring surroundings before we set our course toward Los Angeles. Upon returning our bikes and checking into the hotel, we continue our celebration with a drive to the iconic Santa Monica Pier—the symbolic endpoint of Historic Route 66 and the venue for our farewell party. Let’s bid adieu to this remarkable journey in style at the historic terminus of Route 66.

Day 15: Departure - Home Travel

As we check out of the hotel, a shuttle bus awaits to transport us to the airport for our journey back home. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for choosing to travel with us and creating unforgettable memories on this incredible ride.

Note: Please be aware that due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day following their departure from the US.

Kindly note that this program serves as a comprehensive guide for the activities and experiences on the tour. While occasional deviations may occur, we assure you that our dedicated tour leaders will exert every effort to execute the program as described, to the best of their ability and in accordance with prevailing circumstances. We are committed to ongoing improvements, so be prepared for positive surprises throughout your journey with us. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!

UK: 0845 557 8513 (Local Rate)

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Route 66 Motorcycle Tour

Tour Overview

Ride the mother road

Interested in riding the Mother Road, the famous Route 66 on a motorcycle? We can help make your dream come true. Whether you prefer a premium Guided Tour, a Self-Guided Tour with bike and hotels pre-booked, or a straight bike rental for this year or beyond, we can sort it for you. We've ridden Route 66 ourselves multiple times and have helped thousands of motorcyclists all over the world make their dreams of riding "The Mother Road" come true.

EagleRider’s World famous Route 66 motorcycle tour travels the original Route 66, known as the “Mainstreet of America” or “Mother Road”. 2400 miles long from Chicago to Los Angeles, it crosses three time zones and 8 States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Route 66 has been the path of migrants, dreamers, desperadoes and an entire generation of vacationers discovering the way west. The 1950′s were the Route 66 glory days, when thousands of cars rode bumper to bumper behind each other to experience the Western frontier. Hotels, motels, gas stations, classic restaurants, and the “New” America sprang up everywhere. Much of Route 66′s classic roads, restaurants, gas stations, and nostalgic landmarks are preserved just as they were in the 1950’s. A motorcycle tour of Route 66 is about nostalgia, a journey into the past where a time long since past becomes tangible - you'll feel a part of it.

View Route 66 Photos & Videos

Riding Route 66 isn't technically challenging for a competent rider; that said, it's very easy to get lost. The road is no longer complete, with some sections dead ending in the middle of nowhere. The first time we rode 66 ourselves, we did a lot of cursing and doubling back as we tried to follow it. Like a living thing, 66 evolved over the years. America was growing; people were headed west, and as new sections were added to accommodate them, older portions of the road were sidetracked or abandoned. So Route 66 circa 1921 was very different than circa 1952. Which version of the road should you follow?

Well, EagleRider has perfected their tour over many years, enabling you to enjoy your ride and see the best of Route 66 without all the dead ends and turnarounds. On a fully Guided Tour, you just follow the leader and enjoy, while on a Self-Guided tour, you have detailed directions so you'll know exactly where you're going with no guesswork. Like exploring off the beaten track? Then do a bike hire, bring a map, and have at it! We've done it all three ways, and which way is "best"is really down to individual taste. Read more about Route 66 Motorcycle Hire and Rental .

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Read stories and riding tips for route 66.

Get your eats on Route 66!

50 Tips For Riding A Motorcycle Across America

Keep Your Bike and Gear Safe While Touring

Tips For Safe Group Riding

Ride The World Motorcycle Tours

Experiences Beyond The Ride

Historic Route 66 – 15 Days – Tour 1

Historic route 66, westbound & eastbound..

Riding Historic Route 66, affectionately known as “the mother road,” is an exceptional journey that offers several compelling reasons to embark on this iconic road trip:

Rich Historical Significance: Route 66 is steeped in history, representing the American spirit of adventure and exploration. It was one of the original highways in the U.S., connecting Chicago to Los Angeles and serving as a vital route for migrants and travellers during the 20th century.

Nostalgic Americana: As you Ride along Route 66, you’ll encounter an array of classic roadside attractions, vintage motels, and retro diners, taking you back to experience the charm and allure of mid-century America.

Breathtaking Landscapes: The road winds through diverse landscapes, showcasing the stunning beauty of the American Southwest. You’ll witness some of the country’s most picturesque vistas, from rolling plains to rugged mountains.

Cultural Immersion: Route 66 allows you to immerse yourself in various regional cultures as you pass through different states, each with unique traditions, art, and cuisine.

Quirky Roadside Stops: The route is dotted with quirky and fascinating roadside attractions, like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or the Wigwam Village Motels in Arizona, making the journey entertaining and memorable.

Personal Achievement: Completing this epic cross-country road trip can be a significant personal achievement as you conquer a historical and legendary route that has captivated the imaginations of countless travellers over the years.

In summary, Riding Historic Route 66 is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with America’s past, experience its diverse landscapes and cultures, and create lasting memories that celebrate the essence of the open road.

Map –

ITINERARY WESTBOUND

Day 01: departure – arrival chicago.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of your long-awaited departure day as you arrive in Chicago. Upon landing at the Chicago airport and collecting your luggage from baggage claim, exit the arrival hall to the traffic island with the “red” sign labelled “Hotel and Courtesy Shuttles.” Look for a mini-bus with the hotel name, conveniently close to the airport, offering a free shuttle bus service every 30 minutes. One of our friendly tour guides will greet you at the hotel reception. Please note that check-in at the hotel is not allowed until 3 PM (15:00).

After all tour participants have arrived in the evening, we will gather for a welcome reception and refreshments, introducing everyone and kicking off the program designed to get to know each other. Visiting a local bar nearby is an option for those still full of energy after the journey.

Day 02: Chicago – Bloomington, IL  (Riding day 1: 212 km/132 miles)

The following day is the commencement of our Route 66 adventure! We embark on the 2,600-mile-long Ultimate Route 66 tour as everyone gets ready on their bikes. Chicago fades into the background as we head west for an adventure of history and fun. Our journey takes us to Joliet, home of the Blues Brothers, and then to Wilmington with “The Gemini Giant,” where we’ll have lunch. Riding Route 66, we pass the old gas station at Odell before visiting the Pontiac Museum and finally reaching Bloomington, our end stop for the day.

Day 03: Bloomington – St. Louis, MO  (Riding day 2: 273 km/170 miles)

The next day promises traditional riding on Route 66 and spectacular nature. We’ll explore many villages, ancient towns, and historic Route 66 landmarks. Stops include Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s home town, Mt. Olive, the Soulsby old Route 66 gas station, and a break in Hamel at a traditional Route 66 diner. We then journey to St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River on the historic Chain of Rocks bridge, stopping at “The Gateway Arch,” and spending the evening capturing the spirit of this iconic city.

Day 04: St. Louis – Springfield, MO  (Riding day 3: 372 km/231 miles)

We continue southwest through the stunning mountain scenery of the Ozarks along Route 66, with a stop at Stanton and the Jesse James Museum in Meramec Mines. Our adventure takes us through the heart of the United States, with picturesque Cuba, Lebanon, and a look at the legendary Munger Moss Motel in Springfield, the home of President Abraham Lincoln, being our final stop for the day.

Day 05: Springfield – Oklahoma City, OK  (Riding day 4: 494 km/312 miles)

Continuing along exciting Route 66, we visit the famous “Gay Parita Sinclair” gas station, Ride through Kansas, and stop at the “4 Women on the Route” and Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge. Passing through Tulsa, Stroud, and the Rock Café, we enjoy Oklahoma’s beautiful and lush scenery before reaching our final stop for the day: Oklahoma City, the 31st largest city in the U.S.

Day 06: Oklahoma City – Amarillo, TX  (Riding day 5: 427 km/267 miles)

After experiencing Oklahoma City, we continued our Route 66 adventure, passing through Yukon, El Reno, and Weatherford, moving into Cowboy Country and Texas. Stops include Elk City for the National Route 66 Museum, McLean for a traditional Route 66 steakhouse lunch, and Cavender’s Boot City in Amarillo. The day ends with a visit to the “Big Texan Steakhouse,” where the challenge of the famous 2.2 kg (72 oz.) steak awaits.

Day 07: Amarillo – Santa Fe, NM  (Riding day 6: 451 km/280 miles)

It’s a hot Riding day in cowboy country, featuring a visit to the famous “Cadillac Ranch” and a stop at Adrian, the midpoint of U.S. Route 66. Riding into New Mexico, we pass through Tucumcari, visit the “Blue Swallow,” and continue to Santa Fe, one of the most beautiful cities in the western United States. Santa Fe will be our home for the next two nights.

Day 08: Santa Fe  (Explorer and fun day)

Having covered over half the distance on our Route 66 adventure, we take a day off to recharge and further explore the wonders of Santa Fe. The city, situated high in the mountains with scenic views of “Sangre de Cristo,” is rich in Spanish and Native American history. The day is yours to use, whether relaxing by the pool, visiting art galleries, exploring Santa Fe on a guided city tour, or enjoying the local cuisine. The evening includes visiting a real cowboy restaurant to savour steak and experience the authentic cowboy way of life.

Day 09: Santa Fe – Gallup, NM  (Riding day 7: 367 km/226 miles)

Leaving cowboy country, we enter Indian native territory with a visit to Madrid, known for the “Wild Hogs” movie. Our journey continues to the Route 66 Casino near Albuquerque, then to Acoma Sky City, the Acoma Indians’ holy city. The day concludes with a Ride to Gallup.

Day 10: Gallup – Williams, AZ  (Riding day 8: 390 km/244 miles)

This day brings desert Riding and unique nature, including a visit to the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert in Navajo and Apache territories. Stops at Holbrook, Winslow, and the “corner” precede our arrival in Williams, one of the coolest destinations on Route 66, where we’ll spend a fun night.

Day 11: Williams – Grand Canyon – Kingman, AZ  (Riding day 9: 433 km/271 miles)

A highlight awaits us as we journey to the Grand Canyon. After experiencing the Grand Canyon’s Visitor Center and watching the world’s most-viewed Imax movie, we ride into the Grand Canyon to capture this year’s holiday photo. The day continues with stops in Seligman, Hackberry, and Kingman, featuring desert Riding, scorching conditions, and stunning scenery.

Day 12: Kingman – Las Vegas, NV  (Riding day 10: 229 km/143 miles)

Starting with a spectacular Ride to Oatman, an old western town, we continue Route 66 to Las Vegas, “The Adult Playground” or “Sin City.” Las Vegas offers everything from stunning buildings to unique shows, casinos, and entertainment. Enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and take in the sights of famous landmarks.

Day 13: Las Vegas – Big Bear Lake, CA  (Riding day 11: 352 km/219 miles)

A day of city, highway, and desert Riding awaits, featuring a ride along the strip and a group photo in front of the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Heading towards Los Angeles, stops include Calico Ghost Town and lunch in Barstow. The day concludes at the beautiful vacation resort, Big Bear Lake, for our last magical evening on the road.

Day 14: Big Bear Lake – Los Angeles, CA  (Riding day 12: 248 km/154 miles)

We conclude our tour with a spectacular ride on one of the U.S.’s best motorcycle roads: the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). This breathtaking riding experience offers spectacular views, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After several stops and a memorable ride on Angeles Crest Highway, we head towards Los Angeles, return our bikes, and check into the hotel. The day concludes with a visit to Santa Monica Pier, the end of Historic Route 66, and our farewell party.

Day 15: Departure – Travel Home

Checking out of the hotel, we catch a shuttle bus to the airport for our journey home. Thanks for a great ride and good times, and we sincerely appreciate your choice to travel with us. Note: Due to the time difference, travellers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day after departing the US. This program serves as a guideline, and while deviations may occur, our positive tour leaders will strive to execute the program as described to provide positive surprises along the way.

ITINERARY EASTBOUND IS THE REVERSE OF THE ABOVE ITINERARY.

Please note that we reserve the right to remain adaptable to unforeseen circumstances and weather conditions that may arise while on tour; the daily schedule may be adjusted accordingly. The client’s tour remains paramount; we will ensure the tour meets your fullest expectations.

Prices (USD)

2 people / 1 vehicle / 1 shared room: From $4,495.00 per person

2 people / 2 vehicles / 1 shared room: From $5,995.00 per person

1 person / 1 vehicle / 1 single room: From $7,570.00 per person

Currency Converter  (use this useful tool to quickly convert currency values) 

Inclusions and Exclusions.

This tour can be taken as a self-ride; contact us for details.

The above should be taken as a guide only as things can change. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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• Route 66 Self Guided Motorcycle

Route 66 Self Guided Motorcycle Tour

14 or 21 night self guided motorcycle tour from £3,796pp including flights, motorbike rental and accommodation, see iconic america at it’s best with a route 66 self guided motorcycle tour from complete north america. , the route is 2400 miles long from chicago to los angeles, and crosses three time zones and eight states: illinois, missouri, kansas, oklahoma, texas, new mexico, arizona and california..

DISCOVER ROUTE 66 YOUR WAY.

Take it as you see it or change it to suit. This Route 66 motorcycle holiday can be tailored to suit your own tastes & budget.

All our holidays offer complete financial protection and you will receive a uniquely personalised travelling pack to ensure you get the most from your adventure.

What you get

Explore route 66.

14 nights from £3,796  and 21 nights from £5,876

Day 1 Chicago Arrival

Depart London Heathrow – 11:50 Arrive Chicago – 13:55 Journey Time – 8 hours 30 minutes

Upon arrival into Chicago O’Hare airport proceed to your overnight hotel located in downtown Chicago, here you can begin your own historic ‘road trip’ after settling in. Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, Watertower Place, the Navy Pier, the Merchandise Mart, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum are not far away.

As you explore one or a selection of these world class attractions, you can begin thinking about your upcoming journey on the Mother Road. Although Route 66 virtually parallels the interstate anywhere portions of the actual road exist, even today hundreds of men & women, young and old, take this trip every year from Chicago to Los Angeles. America unfolds as you travel through the Ozarks, authentic American towns in southwest and vast open deserts. You can start your trip at Grant Park, the exact place where Route 66 begins.

Route 66 through Illinois was first used by Native Americans as a trading path followed by fur trappers and traders who sought a path to the Mississippi River to ship their goods downstream to French New Orleans. Al Capone and the rumrunners kept the road busy right after it became the first fully paved highway in Illinois in the early 1920s. When the old Route 66 road signs came down in 1977, the strong relationship of the road to the people who travel it brought new Historic Route 66 signs back almost immediately. When the highway department would not pay for them, bake sales, auctions, festivals and other truly American events raised money to bring them back.

Overnight – Chicago

Day 2 Chicago to St. Louis 300 miles

This morning you will collect your bike.

Most of today will be spent traveling through Illinois farmlands on your way to St. Louis, the crossroads where highways from Chicago, Kansas City, Memphis, Nashville, and Indianapolis meet. The city was originally the focal point of Indian trails that ran all across the US and the jumping off point for Lewis and Clark’s Expedition of Discovery to open the West through the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. It will also be your jumping off point to points south and west, as you begin your journey through the wide open spaces.

Springfield, the Illinois State Capital, is Abraham Lincoln country. He left here to serve as President of the United States during the most awful period in American history, the Civil War and returned as a fallen hero, a casualty of the same war. New Salem where Lincoln lived and worked for six years has been reconstructed. Costumed interpreters bring the village alive. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the centerpiece of a four block historic neighborhood. The President’s Tomb, Presidential Library and original law office are also open for touring.

As you cross from Illinois into Missouri you’ll be crossing the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Be sure to stop at Ted Drew’s Frozen Custard, serving Route 66 travelers since 1929. In St. Louis, the original Route 66 tracked through town very near the Gateway Arch and we definitely recommend riding the elevator inside Arch to the top of the 630 foot structure. Spectacular views of the Mississippi River await. In the evening, you can catch up with the St. Louie Blues, which were born right here and taste the fruits of Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest brewer.

Overnight – St. Louis  

Day 3 St. Louis to Springfield 210 miles

Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri takes you through the lush rolling hills of the Missouri Ozark Mountains. The road follows the Great Osage Trail, a major Indian path across the state and a route used by Jess James, of famed James Gang fame, who locals knew as ‘just a nice Missouri boy!’ One of the most famous attractions on Route 66, Meramec Caverns was also used by the James Gang as a hideout when escaping the law. Lester Dill who owns Meramec Caverns started the American advertising institution, the bumper sticker, when he gave away portable advertising to all who stopped by to visit.

Much of the rural Ozark region, punctuated by the second oldest mountains in the world, looks much as it did when the first settlers arrived. Springfield has been bustling since the St. Louis-San Francisco railroad arrived in 1870. Even though most of Route 66 through here is now Interstate-44, remnants of the old road are everywhere just off the highway.

Interestingly, Springfield is considered the mother of the Mother Road itself. It was here that Cyrus Avery of Oklahoma who fought for a route through Oklahoma met with John Woodruff of Springfield, to plan and promote the idea of an interregional link that would bring trade and access to the area. In honor, Springfield has preserved much of the old highway frontage along St. Louis Street as well as the ‘Chestnut Expressway.’ If you’re a fan of western lore, delve into the ‘Wild’ Bill Hickock legend surrounding his fellow gambler Dave Tutt. There are so many different stories no one really knows what happened.

Overnight – Springfield

Day 4 Springfield to Tulsa to Oklahoma City 310 miles

Oklahoma was the home of Cyrus Avery, who came to be known as the ‘Father of Route 66.’ After he was appointed to head the commission that reviewed the routes of new national highways, he fought for several years to bring a major highway through his home state, knowing it would boost the economy. Ultimately, he was successful in the choice of a route that followed the National Old Trails Road in 1925, which just happened to cross right through the middle of Oklahoma.

‘Been on this road for a mighty long time, Ten million men like me, You drive us from you’ town We ramble around And got them 66 Highway Blues.’

Woody Guthrie of ‘This Land is Your Land’ fame who hailed from Oklahoma, illustrated the icon which Route 66 had already become in a song that told of the plight of the Okies fleeing to California. The Los Angeles police stationed themselves at the Arizona border in 1934 to stop the flood of Dust Bowlers looking for a better life.

Southwest of Springfield, you’ll begin to see why they would leave, as the landscape changes from the rich crop raising Midwest into the American southwest; red, dry and dusty. During the1930s, more than 15% of Oklahoma’s population took Route 66 to escape the constantly blowing sand. They picked up their belongings, their families, their hopes and their dreams and headed west.

After World War II, the pretty Oklahoma City referred to by the Nat King Cole in ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’ rose to new heights during the oil boom (the State Capitol is the only one in the country with an oil well on the grounds), only to suffer a dramatic decline at the end of the 1980s. Since then, the city has gone through an astounding transformation which continued during the re-building which followed the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The monument to the victims is very moving and an adjacent museum tells the story.

For nightlife, make sure you visit Bricktown, a former warehouse district that has been reinvigorated with restaurants, cafes, night clubs and a vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight – Oklahoma City

Day 5 Oklahoma City to Amarillo 260 miles

For the traveler going west on Route 66, Texas is Cowboy Country. It is here that some of the most wonderful icons of Route 66, those ‘functional simple buildings that were adorned with all manner of exterior signs promising all things larger than life, still exist. Two headed snakes, reptile farms, alligators, wondrous caves and petrified mummies all vied for the attention of the vacationer in a unique side show that would have made P. T. Barnum proud. The tales carried home from these vacations would entice and amaze the neighborhood for months.

Amarillo is one of the last places on earth where the Old West is just minutes away or depending on where you are, could be closer than that. The vast ranches of the Texas Panhandle, some numbering in the millions of acres are just outside of Amarillo. Shortly after being discovered by Spanish explorer Francisco Coronado in 1541, the area became a magnet for cattlemen and sheep herders from all points of the compass looking for fresh grazing grounds. As the Dust Bowl farmers headed to California, more cattlemen and cowhands moved in to claim the same territory for ranching. Step into ‘The Real Texas’ as the locals say.

Today, Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle area is still a unique blend of the Old West and the New West, populated by American cowboys, roughnecks and self made millionaires and the ever present oil derricks. Working ranches, essentially unchanged from the day-to-day operations of the late nineteenth century peacefully coexist with a vibrant twenty-first century economy powered by petroleum. More than 2 million cattle are still shipped out of Amarillo each year. Make sure to drive Amarillo Boulevard which is the original Route 66 that is still lined with block after block of strip shopping centers and roadside motels straight out of the 1950s.

Overnight – Amarillo

Day 6 Amarillo to Tucumcari 120 miles

For many people traveling the old Mother Road during its hey-day, New Mexico presented their first glimpse of the more exotic cultures of the Southwest. To people who had never left the Midwest before, it was as if they had entered another country. Back then, the Native American and Spanish cultures were much stronger, not having been diluted as much with contemporary life. It was a fascinating heritage of old Indian Pueblos that dated back to before European colonization and Santa Fe and Albuquerque that looked like they could have fallen straight out of Mexico with adobe buildings and a Spanish plaza in the middle town. What adventure and discovery these lands presented; a phenomenal contrast to Middle America.

Unique to New Mexico also was the number of Mom and Pop businesses that sprung up along Route 66. Some are still there. More amazing are the materials used to create workable spaces for the businesses. Crates left over from World War II became the walls of a motor court. Oilcans became shingles used to roof a service station. Cast away bottles and roadside trash became the material to create a wondrous roadside attraction. Diners could be ordered from a catalog and shipped by railroad to their destination. These are the same icons we marvel at along the road that so represented America’s love affair with the automobile. As a result, New Mexico still has the most miles of original Route 66 that can be driven today.

On your way between Amarillo and Tucumcari, New Mexico, be sure to stop at Cadillac Ranch to see the ten tail- finned Cadillacs buried in the sand.

Once nicknamed ‘Six-Shooter Siding,’ Tucumcari, New Mexico got its start in 1901 as a rowdy railroad camp filled with saloons and outlaws. Soon, it became one of the many small railroad towns in the southwest with a flagging economy and diminishing population. Today, Route 66 is critically important, since it was the new businesses that were established along Route 66 which allowed Tucumcari to hang on, when other towns failed completely. Realizing that they have one of a handful of authentic roadside towns still intact and thriving has promoted a renaissance and revival among the gentlemen and businesses who just refused to let this wonderful piece of Americana and the American ‘road trip’ pass away entirely. Let the signs that read ‘Tucumcari Tonight!’ beckon you to this interesting place.

Overnight – Tucumcari

Day 7 Tucumcari to Albuquerque 180 miles

Next up, Albuquerque – New Mexico’s capital city. Younger than its more northerly counterpart, Santa Fe, Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by a group of Spanish colonists who were granted permission by the King of Spain to establish a new city on the river. Old Town Plaza was the result of Spain’s Laws of the Indies which required setting a plaza at the center of any city. This Plaza still fronts the San Felipe Neri Church complex built in 1793 and the El Camino Real, the main route through town that connected Santa Fe and Albuquerque with Mexico City. The Santa Fe Trail also criss-crossed the region in 1821. Today, both routes are National Scenic Byways and All American Roads.

Historic neon signs still glow on the old Route 66 through Albuquerque which is now Central Avenue. Alongside the vintage signs, you’ll see new versions put up by businesses that are continuing the aesthetic traditions of the old Route 66, adorning their shops with bright buzzing neon. The famous Route 66 continues to guide visitors through Albuquerque from the volcanoes on the city’s far west side past the Rio Grande Botanical Garden and the Albuquerque Aquarium through the historic Old Towns and Downtown business districts and continuing eastward through the University of New Mexico and trendy Nob Hill, where you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, distinctive shops and boutiques.

Overnight – Albuquerque

Day 8 Explore Albuquerque

As you complete the self-guided Historic Walking Tour from Plaza to Plaza, you will be passing from Old ‘Villa Albuquerque’ in Old Town, to the Downtown Civic Plaza, created in 1972. In between, you will witness 300 years of history.

It will be challenging to determine which other places to visit. Sandia Peak Tramway takes you over 2.5 miles to the 10,000 foot peak of the Sandia Mountains. Visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque Museum and the National Hispanic Cultural Center to learn more about local culture and history. Petroglyphs at the Petroglyph National Museum and El Morro National Monument reveal the life of ancient peoples who inhabited the area. The National Atomic Museum and Trinity Site, the exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated tell the story of this momentous event in American history.

Alternatively take a drive North East (approx 64 miles/1 hour) along Highway 25 to historic & cultural Santa Fe.

Day 9 Albuquerque to Holbrook 230 miles

On the way between Albuquerque and Holbrook, you’ll be entering the dramatic lands of western New Mexico and ultimately traveling through the Navajo Reservation. The New Mexico Mining Museum at Grants has replicated an entire uranium mine. Natural attractions include the El Malpais National Monument, the Continental Divide. The excavated Pueblo at Inspiration Rock dates back to AD 1200. Skirting the southern foothills of the Zuni Mountains, the drive along Highway 53 is likely the most scenic in all of New Mexico.

Staying on this route brings you to Gallup, you can follow Hwy 40/Route 66 thru Gallup for about 9 miles until you reconnect with I-40. The Rex Museum in downtown Gallup offers local history including the WWII saga of the Navajo code talkers and Route 66 of course. Crossing into Arizona this part of the highway runs through a canyon with dramatic scenery. At Lupton you can see the Giant Tee Pee Trading Post whose Native American arts and crafts are made locally. Watch for the exits for Painted Desert and Petrified Forest before arriving to Holbrook. In Holbrook stop at the Wigwam Motel for a picture in front of the teepee motel rooms.

Overnight – Holbrook

Day 10 Holbrook to Williams 125 miles

Just outside Joseph City you finally reach the famous Jackrabbit Trading Post whose iconic billboards are plastered 1000 miles along Route 66. Take your picture beside of or on top of the giant jackrabbit! At Winslow see the “Standing on the Corner” statue dedicated to the Eagles song “Take it Easy”. Reaching Flagstaff you leave Highway 40 for the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is not actually on Route 66 but you couldn’t miss an opportunity to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World! After experiencing the grandeur of the Grand Canyon continue back to Route 66 and your overnight destination Williams. Williams is a beautiful mountainside town where soda fountains, quirky motels and diners line the mother road as it was back in the day. Williams is proud of their nightly (7:00 pm) gunfight with the world famous Cataract Creek Gang, known for their raucous, rambunctious behavior, as they shoot it out in the streets of Williams.

Overnight – Williams

Day 11 Williams to Las Vegas 216 miles

Ahead of you lays the longest unbroken portion of the “old road”. It runs from Seligman all the way to Topock, at the California border. Completely bypassed by I-40, it’s as unspoiled as any section of the road anywhere. The historic Route 66 runs North and curves back to the interstate in Kingman, where you can connect with Highway 93 to Las Vegas. The Route 66 detour is only about 15 miles / 24 kilometers longer, but it’s of course slower to drive than the interstate. The road passes through small towns like Peach Springs, Truxton and Hackberry in the Hulapai Indian reservation. As you approach Peach Springs, look to the north. There is a point where you can see all the way to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, which makes it closest approach to the highway in this area. Finish your day at Las Vegas, the neon oasis that never sleeps!

Overnight – Las Vegas

Day 12 Explore Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip, now an All American Road and National Scenic Byway, is a sparkling fantasyland at the heart of the city. Its unique blend of exciting entertainment, scenic beauty, and lavishly landscaped resorts take you to a wide variety of exotic realms from a medieval castle to a Parisian sidewalk cafe, a lakeside Italian village, or a pyramid in ancient Egypt. Once you arrive on the Strip, however, you might be surprised to find that it’s also an enjoyable walking environment. Whether it’s pirates plundering, fiery volcanoes spouting or tropical gardens luring the weary, the Las Vegas Strip offers a variety of fascinating visual experiences. Las Vegas is home to some of the most spectacular shopping in the world. The Forum Shops at Caesars is Las Vegas’ premier luxury retail destination offering top retail, dining, entertainment, location and thematic Roman ambiance. And with two distinct locations together featuring 290 designer and name-brand outlet stores, Las Vegas Premium Outlets® is a must stop for savvy shoppers.

Day 13 Las Vegas to Santa Monica / Los Angeles 290 miles

Finally, after a journey through the Mojave Desert today, you’ll reach the bright lights of Hollywood. It may be hard to believe that the area around Barstow was once covered by immense lakes ringed with Native American villages. When silver was discovered in Calico, the area became a mining center that included borax mining. Route 66 is Main Street through Barstow. Just off Main on First Street, you’ll discover the original Harvey House which gave rise to hospitality complexes all over the southwest.

Rainbow Basin about 15 miles north of Barstow is one of the lakebeds that existed between 10 and 30 million years ago. Calico Ghost Town is California’s official Silver Rush Ghost Town, preserving one of the few original mining camps in the Old West. One third of the town is original with the rest constructed in the ‘spirit’ of Calico’s Old West past. Today’s destination, Santa Monica is where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean at the Pier. Many a dream has begun and ended on those beaches.

Overnight – Los Angeles

Day 14 Explore Los Angeles / Santa Monica

The sky’s the limit in Los Angeles. Take a go-behind-the scenes tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit the UCLA Armand Hammer Museum which presents the work of unprecedented artists, the California Heritage Museum, the Autry National Center Museum of the American West, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Be sure to visit the new Getty Center perched high on a hill atop the city. The view doesn’t get much better than that. Or if none of those things suit you, you can always go to Disneyland! But be sure to call in at The Outlets at Orange 40 minutes from Los Angeles Airport and less than four miles away from Disneyland, to bag some last-minute bargains!

Day 15 Depart Los Angeles

Make sure you take some time to relax in the California sunshine before you catch your plane Savor your journey to the bright lights of California all the way home.

Depart Los Angeles – 17:45 Arrive London Heathrow – 12:00 (Next Day) Journey time – 10 hours 20 minutes

Additional Stops for Route 66 motorcycle 21 night itinerary

Chicago, illinois – 1 extra night (2 in total).

There’s so much to see in this iconic city – famed Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, Watertower Place, the Navy Pier, the Merchandise Mart, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum to name but a few!

Springfield, Illinois – (Not to be confused with Springfield, Missouri already included) – 1 night

Explore the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

St Louis, MO – 1 extra night (2 in total)

Try your hand at some science experiments, interact with butterflies or immerse yourself in a little arts and culture – it’s all in a day’s fun in St. Louis, Missouri. From sports and shopping – to tours and attractions.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – 2 nights

One of the original routings of Route 66 that was abandoned went through Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico which was established 13 years before Plymouth Colony was settled by the Massachusetts Company. The city began with a handful of European style dwellings constructed by Spanish settlers and soon became the seat of power for the Spanish Empire north of the Rio Grande River. It began to prosper when Don Pedro de Peralta settled in 1610, the same year that Hampton, Virginia, the oldest continuous city on the East Coast, was settled. Santa Fe served as the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of New Mexico, the Mexican province of Nuevo Mejico, and the capital of the New Mexico Territory.

Once you arrive, it will be challenging to decide which locations to visit. Everything is focused on the Plaza, the center of the historic downtown. We suggest visiting the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building still in use in America, constructed in 1610. It is now a southwestern history museum. The Museum of Fine Arts, next to the Palace, is older than the state itself. The extensive collection of southwestern art also includes paintings by Georgia O’Keefe, who called Santa Fe home for many years.

There are cultural museums of many other varieties, including the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, and World Folk Art, with diverse works from artisans all over the world. If that’s not enough, there a huge list of art galleries, a myriad of restaurants and other interesting shops. Enjoy whatever you choose to do, there is more than enough to fill two days.

Grand Canyon – 1 extra night (2 in total)

Take a full day to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. First stop should be the Visitor Centre located at the South Rim Village. Here you can pick up information on short hikes, special areas that you may wish to visit during the day and helicopter or airplane rides over the Grand Canyon. A visit to see the El Tovar Lodge if you are not staying there is a must, but we also suggest any of the scenic stops or even taking one of the guided coach tours that will explain the history and geology of the area. Another must is a visit to the IMAX Theatre located close to your hotel for a thrilling 3D show based around the Grand Canyon.

We strongly suggest you that spend one of your evenings and maybe even an early morning at the Grand Canyon Rim to experience the spectacular sunrise and sunset.

Los Angeles – 1 extra night (3 in total)

There’s so much to see and do in this amazing city… Take a tour of Los Angeles and Movie Stars Homes, the Hollywood Trolley Tour, the California Science Center, the Music Center, the Japanese American National Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Grand Avenue, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and more.  

Route 66 Motorcycle – 14 Night Itinerary:

Route 66 motorcycle – 21 night itinerary:, your route 66 motorcycle holiday includes.

• Scheduled flights
• UK & US Airport taxes
• Accommodation – 14 or 21 nights
• Eaglerider Class A Motorbike (model based on availability – models can be requested but not guaranteed – click for details)  to include 14 (or 21 day) rental, Unlimited Mileage, Tax, Environmental Surcharge
• Helmets provided for drivers and passengers
• Motorcycles come equipped with saddlebags for storage of personal items
• Client orientation which covers all aspects of safe motorcycle operation, the maintenance responsibilities, local and state laws.
• Exclusive travel documentation package including EZ-66 guide, personalised maps, itinerary and  driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers

Additional Experiences

Our holidays are completely tailored to suit you. We would be happy to help you choose from a vast array of additional experiences that will enhance your North America holiday adventure.

These might include:

• Helicopter flights
• Sporting event tickets
• Horseback riding
• Restaurant reservations

There are many more, often quite unique to your chosen destination so please do ask.

Personalised Documentation

We prepare every travel pack individually. We want this to be the perfect travelling companion for your adventure and to offer you all the information you need. Your personally prepared ring-bound travel itinerary booklet is detailed and is designed to serve as a wonderful reminder of your experiences for years to come when you return.

Route 66 Motorcycle – Guided

Guided by a professional tour leader this Route 66 motorcycle tour is different to the self-guided itinerary but equally as amazing.

EXPLORE TOUR »

Route 66 Fly Drive

The classic way to experience Route 66, here you will follow the route that still passes through small towns offering a wonderful taste of a simpler time.

10 Reasons to do Route 66

This post was written by our client Emma Clarke who travelled with Complete North America on a Route 66 trip in January 2014.

READ MORE »

Route 66 Facts & FAQs

Over 30 questions regarding general Route 66 facts and Complete North America quirks and what you get booking through us!

Ultimate Route 66 Photo Gallery

This photo gallery includes over 100 photos taken by our clients and staff alike along their travels on the Mother Road!

The Mother Road – Day by Day Route 66 Blog

Our client Sue Wright has written a Route 66 blog detailing her day to day movements on her Route 66 holiday booked through Complete North America. You can read Part 2 here and Part 3 here

By the time Route 66 had become America’s Main Street, it was intended to be replaced entirely by the new Interstate highway system. Some of it has. But Route 66 refused to die so other places still have the wonderful old trading posts, filling stations, motels, tourist traps, and diners that have been there for decades. Preservation groups are working diligently to preserve what remains of the authenticity and icons of America’s golden age of road trips. As you travel you can enjoy the scents of new mown hay and hickory smoke drifting from the pit barbeque chimneys. Taste a real American hamburger and a rich creamy malt prepared they way they used to be. Experience Sky City where Native Americans live exactly like they did four hundred years ago. Pull over along a deserted stretch in the Mojave and listen to the hum of millions of wheels that have passed this way.

We invite you to take a once in a lifetime road trip and drive a real piece of American history, while staying in a collection of completely unique accommodations related to Route 66 lore. Savour and enjoy this truly authentic American experience.

Below is a video detailing what you will see in Illinois from Chicago to Springfield 

• Eaglerider Class A Motorbike (model based on availability – models can be requested but not guaranteed) to include 14 (or 21 day) rental, Unlimited Mileage, Tax, Environmental Surcharge

Motorcycle Hire USA & Canada

Check out all the vital information for our USA & Canada rental motorcycles below. Everything from classic Harley Davidson’s to Slingshots.

Click on the motorcycle you would like to complete the enquiry form & tell us where you’d like to ride.

Comprehensive support from start to finish, ride the dream, feel the wind in your face and live for adventure.

North America Motorcycles

HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE

HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CHIEFTAIN

INDIAN ROADMASTER MOTORCYCLE

HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA LOW RIDER

HARLEY DAVIDSON HERITAGE SOFTAIL

HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE SCOUT

YAMAHA XV250

TRIUMPH BONNEVILE T100

HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800

TRIUMP TIGER EXPLORER 1200

TRIUMPH TIGER 800

BWM R1200GS

HARLEY DAVIDSON TRIKE

“Thank you and your team for your support with the logistics for our Route 66 Road Trip. 

We had an absolutely wonderful time and are so grateful for the opportunity.  The flights and car hire you arranged provided a seamless way of our getting on the road and seeing some amazing things – a trip of a lifetime.

Thank you again.  We are already planning another trip – this time to the Southern States and we shall not hesitate to use your services once more.”

The trip itself was beyond our wildest dreams , everything was absolutely superb. All the accommodation was first class and everywhere was truly original . It was great when we arrived at each hotel/motel which all had great facilities.

I just wanted to thank you and the Complete North America team for your work in arranging our Route 66 Holiday in the USA. I could not have asked for a more efficient and well-organised plan which worked perfectly for us. The itinerary booklet was and excellent baseline to work from and everything just clicked into place.

Make an Enquiry

Call 0115 9610590.

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Riding on your tour was a

SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

- Julie Tran, Los Angeles, USA

View Reviews

Thank you for

THE BEST VACATION EVER.

– Bill and Judy Gore, Australia

The Ride Free Tour was the

BEST TRIP OF MY LIFE.

- Eric “Champion du monde”

Thefaine, France

The tour I did with Ride Free was one of the

BEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.

- Fabien ”Speedo” Graille, France

Riding with Ride Free brought back all kinds of memories.

I LOVED THE TOUR.

- Elmer ”Ironman”, Alaska, USA

California Route 66 Grand Canyon Death Valley Guided Motorcycle Tour

ROUTE 66 TOUR INFO     |     WHAT’S INCLUDED     |     MOTORCYCLE CHOICES     |     WHERE WE STAY     |     GUIDED TOUR FAQ’S     |     BOOK

ROUTE 66 TOUR INFO WHAT’S INCLUDED MOTORCYCLE CHOICES WHERE WE STAY GUIDED TOUR FAQ’S BOOK

Why Choose Our Guided Motorcycle Tour?

Talk to the owner anytime We care about your dream coming true Small family business, not corporate Every person is important to us READ MORE No Mass Production

Small group Stay in small local hotels Go to small local stops and restaurants Shorter riding days to experience more READ MORE Real American Experience

9 DAY ITINERARY

Sturgis Tour

"The Greatest Trip of my life!"

Hello Wil and Erin. Just a short note to thank you for the ‘BEST VACATION EVER’. Both Brian and Andy were exceptionally professional and it is fair to say that that trip would not have been as good without the professional and friendly banter between the group and the guides. They were well able to cater for the differences in the group and this aided the holiday. The locations, lodgings and roads traveled matched and, sometimes, exceeded our expectations. On at least two occasions the accommodations were part of our dreams. ( Log cabin on a lake ) Read More

310-978-9558

© 2019 Ride Free Motorcycle Tours

Day 2 – Los Angeles to Laughlin, Nevada

We wake up in California with our Harley-Davidson motorcycles familiar to us and waiting for us outside the hotel. The Ride Free Tour Team will give a safety briefing and answer any questions before we saddle up and hit the road. If you have never been part of a group ride on a Harley Davidson or touring bike before, you will find yourself grinning ear to ear as you realize that you have quickly become the object of envy for every pour soul stuck in their cars on the Los Angeles Freeway system. The only sound more satisfying than the roar of the engines of your fellow riders around you is the rumble of your own bike as you leave Los Angeles in your mirrors and the great American city gives way to lonely cacti and the inviting warmth of the California dessert. You have been waiting a long time for this day. Enjoy the feeling. After a lunch stop at a roadside diner we will open into the Nevada dessert before dropping down the valley towards the banks of the Colorado River and the small casino city of Laughlin, Nevada. After checking into the hotel, we’ll enjoy a group dinner before turning you lose to try your luck on the craps tables, slot machines and blackjack tables. Just remember to save few bucks because Las Vegas is just a few days away.

Day 5 – Zion to Viva Las Vegas

We will get an early start today so we can arrive in Las Vegas with plenty of time to cut loose. Leaving the cool air of Zion, we will drop down into The Valley of Fire, a moonscape of deep red clay earth and rock formations that open once again into the Nevada dessert. Here comes that ear to ear grin once again as Las Vegas starts to grow in the distance. The only sensation that can come close to matching the wonder of the Las Vegas cityscape at night is cruising down the Las Vegas Strip amidst the rumble of your fellow riders and newfound friends as we make our presence clearly known. What happens next? That’s all up to you. Las Vegas is, well, Las Vegas. Walk the famed Las Vegas strip at night, take in an amazing show or redeem yourself at one of the great casinos. The choice is yours. We’ll organize a group dinner and some fun for those of you who want to come along. For the rest…Viva Las Vegas!

Come ride America with us on a hired motorcycle from Chicago in the east to Los Angeles on the west coast and Get your kicks on Route 66!

The tour will start in Chicago with a one way hire east/west on the bike of your choice from the Harley Davidson range. If you travel two-up enjoy the luxury and nostalgia of the HD ElectraGlide, for practical comfort over distance or if your roots are more Easy Rider and Peter Fonda then the Road King or Heritage Softail may be more your bag. Or if you want to be Billy Connolly we can even sort a TRIKE for you but only if you are quick - trikes are (predictably) in short supply. Make sure to get your request in early to secure the bike YOU want for this holiday of your dreams!

Good things are better savoured than rushed. So we have planned a sixteen day tour that will take us all the way from Lake Michigan in Chicago across the rivers, plains, mountains, deserts and canyons of eight states and several Indian nations before delivering us on the opposite side of America – overlooking the ocean at the end of Route 66 on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles .  

After two years preparation we completed our first full Route 66 tour back in 2008 and we have been back every year since (COVID notwithstanding) t o ride our motorcycles along a road that evokes the real history of the United States of America. Past roadside 'Historic Route 66' motels and diners, the weatherbeaten signs of long-abandoned Drive-in movie theatres, the bizarre sculpture of Cadillac Ranch, gas stations from a bygone era, lattice steel bridges spanning rivers and gulches, Art Deco buildings, broken neon and mile upon mile of authentic Route 66 portland cement.  Its all so evocative – names that log and jog in your memory from childhood films and TV: Pontiac, Bloomington, Arlington, Kansas , Oklahoma , Oatman, Seligman, Kingman, Gallup, Needles, Amarillo , New Mexico, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, San Bernadino, Grand Canyon . You may not know where the places are right now but rest assured, on this trip you will travel through ALL of them. And isn’t that the appeal of this kind of Road Trip? It’s the journey. The experience. And the fact you will be doing all of this on an iconic motorcycle.

We stay faithful to the old road and stop off at various points to meet fascinating personalities who add interesting insights from bygone days. Harley at City Meat Market who puts the flag out for us, Betty at Dot's mini museum whose grandfather rescued many travellers heading West in Model T Fords in the olde days, and on it goes. Characters we meet along the way who will bring the history of Route 66 alive. If you arrive early in Chicago we take you to the Harley Davidson museum in Wisconsin ($75 extra, includes return transport and entrance fee). We organise a helicopter flight for you during our stopover at the Grand Canyon. In St Louis we travel up the Arch for amazing views before heading off to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard Emporium.  Our personalised service also includes a free pick up and meet and greet at Chicago airport to bring you to our Hotel (daytime hours Weds and Friday arrivals). You will be with a group of mostly UK people with similar riding experience some of whom will be visiting America for the first time. We ride with you , explain things to you and if you have any problems or difficulties we are there to help you out.

Take everything in, experience the road fully, be a part of what you find. Re-create for yourself and share with those who travel with you an affection for a time gone by. A time to be rediscovered on the Main Street of America . Welcome to the old road. Welcome to Route 66 !

All accommodation has been carefully selected and pre-booked, all rooms will be en-suite and most hotels/motels have swimming pools and hot tubs. This  SIXTEEN DAY MCi Tour has been designed and ridden by us over more than10 yeas, and we will ride Route 66 with you throughout the 2024 tour to offer you the benefit of our advice. All you need to do is book a cheap flight on the internet and come and join us on this holiday of a lifetime!

Come ride America with us on a hired Harley Davidson motorcycle from Chicago in the east to Los Angeles on the west coast and Get your kicks on Route 66! 

EXTEND YOUR STAY IN USA and ride up Pacific Coast Highway 1 to San Francisco. The three night extension includes bike hire, one way fee and hotels. We will visit Ragged Point, Big Sur and Alice's Restaurant along the way.

Prices start at £99 9 per person extra.

For further information on this tour request our Fact Sheet via our Contacts Page and add the tour name into the SUBJECT  line   CLICK HERE

NO COWBOYS:  MCi Tours Ltd are UK based with 30 years experience of organising and running tours around the world.

F2406 - USA

20th september 2024 to, 5th october 2024, route 66 2024.

• Motorcycle Hire for 14 days on Harley Davidson motorcycle of your choice (subject to availability)
• One way motorcycle drop off fee and unlimited mileage
• Fifteen nights in good quality accommodation
• 13 breakfasts, Welcome and Farewell dinners
• Airport pickup Chicago Airport (except Thursday and late arrivals)
• Pick Up/Drop off between hire company and hotels.
• Accompanied by MCi tour guides
• Hotel parking charges
• Full tour pack including Route Plans, packing list, maps and advice sheets

• Flights into Chicago and out of Los Angeles
• Pre tour HD Museum visit
• Gun Club visit in Albuquerque
• Helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
• Pacific Coast Highway extension
• All Motorcycle Tours
• Escorted Motorcycle Tours
• Self Guided Motorcycle Tours
• Fly Ride Motorcycle Tours
• Motorcycle Race Meetings
• Privacy Policy

© All material on this website is copyright to MCi Tour Limited and may not be copied or reproduced in any form without express permission.

• Packages & Tours

Route 66 Motorcycle Tour™

Guided tour - 15 days/ 14 nights, 2807 mi 4491.2 km, summer, spring, fall, 55 - 105 °f 12.8 - 40.6 °c.

EagleRider's world-famous Route 66 motorcycle tour travels the original Route 66, known as the "Mainstreet of America" or the "Mother Road". Stretched over 2400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 crosses three time zones and 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Route 66 has been the path of migrants, dreamers, desperadoes, and an entire generation of holidaymakers discovering the way west. The 1950s were the glory days of Route 66, when thousands of cars rode bumper to bumper to experience the Western frontier. Hotels, motels, service stations, classic restaurants, and the "New" America sprouted up everywhere. Much of Route 66's classic roads, restaurants, service stations, and nostalgic landmarks are preserved just as they were in the 1950s. The famous and nostalgic Route 66 is like a road created in heaven for motorcycle touring. In simple terms, this is the guided tour of America!

Turn your journey into an exhilarating Harley Tour by selecting one of our incredible Harley models, such as the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Touring Edition, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, Harley-Davidson Street Bob, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Touring Edition, or for a different riding experience, choose from our sport touring models like the Yamaha FJR1300 and Yamaha Super Tenere 1200.

Show me how to save up to A$0 per person today!

Tour Itinerary

0 mi / 0 km, chicago, il - arrival.

Welcome to the Windy City! Nicknamed the 'Paris of the Prairie', Chicago is the biggest and most exciting of the Great Lake cities. It includes a stunning skyline along Lake Michigan, and a gamut of top-rated museums, restaurants and cafes, and innumerable bars and nightclubs that pay homage to the city’s strong jazz and blues heritage. Tonight you will get to meet your fellow riders and Tour Guides at an Orientation Meeting at the tour hotel, followed by a great Welcome Dinner to kick-off your dream Route 66 journey!

187 mi / 299.2 km

Chicago, il – springfield, il.

This morning you pick up your bike and are off to the ultimate American road trip. The legendary Route 66 begins at the doorstep of our EagleRider location, cutting through the state of Illinois before running all the way to the Pacific Coast. From Chicago you head south along the Pontiac Trail, the original name for this bit of the road here, passing through Joliet, stopping at the amazing RT 66 Museum in Pontiac and generally getting a feel for the rubber on the Mother Road.

116 mi / 185.6 km

Springfield, il – st. louis, mo.

Today we head towards St. Louis! We will stay primarily on the 2-lane sections of the Mother Road, traversing cornfields and small towns that represent the heartland of America. Our arrival into St. Louis will be over the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the original bridge where RT 66 crossed the Mississippi River. Enjoy the short ride today into the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis. This amazing city rests along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River and is home to some of the best live music and BBQ ribs in the country.

15 Days Guided Route 66 Motorcycle Tour™ Inclusions

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EagleRider tour guide on his 66th tour of famous Route 66

EagleRider's Route 66 Guided Motorcycle Tour

Route 66 Guided Motorcycle Tour

Day 7 & 8

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Route 66 Self-Guided Motorbike Tour

Self-Guided

15 Days/ 14 Nights

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Motorcycle Tours Route 66

"Well, if you ever plan to motor west - Jack, take my way, it's the highway, that's the best - get your kicks on Route 66 ..." Far away from any worries cruising on a highway through the countryside - this is the feeling which is intended by the song about the Route 66 . And how can this be better than in the saddle of a Harley-Davidson? In addition to the already magnificent cruising on Route 66, the participants on the USA round trip are offered much more: The Reuthers team has put together two USA Tours along the Route 66, which are peppered with must-see highlights and turn the incomparable Route 66 into an unforgettable experience.

The Route 66: A USA Round Trip for the Harley-Davidson lover

On a USA round trip it is a requirement to cruise along the Route 66 with a Harley-Davidson. Along the way history can be experienced on almost every mile. Springfield was for many years the home town of former United States President Abraham Lincoln and St. Louis is known far beyond the state borders as a pioneer town. Of course, a visit to the Route 66 Museum in Clinton on the USA round trip along the famous Route 66 is also a duty. In Santa Fe, the bikers have the possibility to visit a Harley-Davidson dealer. In Las Vegas we will eat authentically in the Hard Rock Cafe.

In addition, there are with the Grand Caynon and the Monument Valley two beautiful National Parks along the route. On the edge of Monument Valley National Park, two more states are within your reach. Colorado and Utah are close enough to touch - and this is on the route which allows the particapants of the USA round trip to cross through eight states along the Route 66. In the Grand Canyon National Park, a further Reuthers highlight awaits you: A helicopter brings the participants of the Reuthers USA round trip into airy heights and promises a gigantic outlook over the rock formations.

By the way: The USA round trip along the Route 66 only becomes a legendary Reuthers Tour as the classic route is lined along with well known sights and true insider tips. Also a visit to an original Route 66 restaurant is on the program.

Please select your preferred tour and option:

USA Route 66 Dream 15 Days

USA Route 66 Kicks 12 Days

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• Packages & Tours

Route 66 Motorcycle Tours

Starting at

Ways to explore Route 66

There are many ways to experience the Route 66 with EagleRider, and here’s how they compare!

Guided Route 66 Motorcycle Tours

The ultimate experience, route 66 motorcycle tour™.

Chicago, IL

15 Days/ 14 Nights

Starting At

Route 66 Motorcycle Tour - Albuquerque to Los Angeles

Albuquerque, NM

9 Days/ 8 Nights

Route 66 Motorcycle Tour - Chicago to Albuquerque

8 Days/ 7 Nights

Route 66 Motorcycle Tour - Harley-Davidson VIP Experience

Milwaukee, WI

17 Days/ 16 Nights

Route 66 Motorcycle Tour - Harley-Davidson VIP Experience - 10 Day

10 Days/ 9 Nights

Coast to Coast Guided Motorcycle Tour - Los Angeles to Orlando

Los Angeles, CA

Southwest Canyon Country Motorcycle Tour

Las Vegas, NV

Wild West Motorcycle Tour™

16 Days/ 15 Nights

Wild West 1 Motorbike Tour™

Self guided route 66 motorcycle tours, you dream it - we plan it, route 66 self-guided motorcycle tour.

Self-Guided

Western Highlights Motorcycle Tour - 2

Southwest motorcycle tour - 1, route 66 self guided motorcycle tour - albuquerque to los angeles, route 66 self guided motorcycle tour - chicago to albuquerque, route 66 self guided motorcycle tour - los angeles to albuquerque, route 66 self guided motorcycle tour - harley-davidson museum, pacific coast highway motorcycle tour, pacific coast highway motorcycle tour - san francisco to los angeles.

San Francisco, CA

3 Days/ 2 Nights

Route 66 Self Guided Motorcycle Tour - Albuquerque to Chicago

Texas motorcycle tour, midwest motorcycle tour - 8 day, washington d.c. motorcycle tour.

Washington DC, Virginia

Arizona and Grand Canyon Motorcycle Tour - 8 day

Phoenix, AZ

San Diego - Phoenix Motorcycle Tour

San Diego, CA

Zion and Grand Canyon National Park Motorcycle Tour

Texas 3 day motorcycle tour, arizona and grand canyon motorcycle tour - 3 day, las vegas to death valley motorcycle tour, las vegas and national parks motorcycle tour, western highlights motorcycle tour - 1, california and las vegas motorcycle tour, las vegas and grand canyon motorcycle tour.

5 Days/ 4 Nights

Route 66 Motorcycle Rentals

21 models available to rent for Route 66

Heritage Softail® Classic

Street Glide®

Road Glide®

Street Glide® Touring Edition

Road Glide® Touring Edition

Road Glide® Ultra

Electra Glide®

Tri Glide® Ultra

Street Bob®

Pan America™ 1250 Special

Super Tenere 1200

R nineT Urban G/S

Continental GT 650

Interceptor 650

Bonneville T100

Tiger Sport 660

Route 66 Motorcycle trips

Enjoy an unforgettable motorcycle trip on Route 66 with EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle experience company. Join us on this classic American adventure and explore what generations of dreamers have experienced before you. Ride the 2,400 miles of Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles in 15 days, or pick your favorite stretch of Route 66 if you have less time. EagleRider offers more than 15 tour routes, over 76 destinations, explorable in 4 tour types with extraordinary features, on the best late model Motorcycle Rentals. Scroll down to learn more about how you can enjoy and experience Route 66. Now is the time to make Route 66 your summer adventure! Whether you participate in one of our tours or just rent a bike from us, now is the time to make Route 66 your summer adventure.

Transform your journey into an exhilarating Harley Tour by selecting one of our incredible Harley models such as the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Harley-Davidson Street Glide Touring Edition, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Touring Edition, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra, or for a different riding experience, choose from our sport touring models like the BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 RT, BMW R nineT Urban G/S, Yamaha Super Tenere 1200, and Yamaha FJR1300.

Route 66 Motorcycle tour gallery

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Route 66 Motorcycle Tour

15 day guided motorcycle tour – from £4399, with flights from £5049.

With an experienced guide, ride the original Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles on your choice of motorcycle. The ultimate American road trip.

Highlights:

• Check out legendary Route 66 sights and landmarks
• Visit Amarillo and stay overnight in Santa Fa and Las Vegas
• Soar above the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, included in the tour
• Grab a selfie at the ‘End of the Trail’ sign on the Santa Monica Pier
• Enjoy an epic farewell dinner in Los Angeles with your fellow riders

Your Itinerary

You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your guided Route 66 motorcycle tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1 – Welcome to Chicago

Welcome to the Windy City! Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the Prairie’, Chicago is the biggest and most exciting of the Great Lake cities. It includes a stunning skyline along Lake Michigan, and an array of top-rated museums, restaurants, cafes and innumerable bars and nightclubs that pay homage to the city’s strong jazz and blues heritage. Tonight, you will get to meet your fellow riders and Tour Guides at an orientation meeting held in your hotel, followed by a great welcome dinner to kick-off your dream Route 66 journey!

Day 2 – Springfield

This morning you will be picking up your bike and then you’re off on the ultimate American road trip. The legendary Route 66 begins at the doorstep of the depot and cuts through the state of Illinois before running all the way to the Pacific Coast. From Chicago you head south along the Pontiac Trail, passing through Joliet, checking out the famous Launching Pad Giant, stopping at the amazing Route 66 Museum in Pontiac and generally getting a feel for the ‘Mother Road’.

Day 3 – St. Louis

Today you’ll head towards St. Louis! Staying primarily on the 2-lane sections of the Mother Road, you’ll be traversing cornfields and small towns that represent the heartland of America. Your arrival in St. Louis will be over the Chain of Rocks Bridge, the original bridge where Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River. Enjoy the short ride today into the ‘Gateway to the West’, St. Louis. This amazing city rests along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River and is home to some of the best live music and BBQ ribs in the country.

Day 4 – Joplin

It’s worth getting up early this morning to enjoy an early view of the St. Louis Arch and the Mississippi River before it’s time to hit the road again. Leaving the city in your mirrors, settle in to enjoy the rolling Missouri hills that make this area so beautiful and fun to ride in. You will stop and see the famous World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, wind your way on the twisting roads of Devil’s Elbow and stop at other Route 66 icons throughout the day. Tonight, enjoy a stay in Joplin, a city that was hit very hard in 2011 by a tornado. Maybe tonight you’ll get the chance to hang with the locals and hear some amazing stories about what it was like to be in the eye of the storm!

Day 5 – Oklahoma City

From Joplin, you’ll be heading west through the hills and horse country of Oklahoma. You’ll be crossing Miami, Claremore and Catoosa, home of the legendary Blue Whale before passing through Tulsa. On the ride today you’ll also be travelling through the reservations of several Native American tribes. In the 1830s, much of this land was considered ‘unusable’ by the Federal Government, so various Indian tribes were ‘settled’ thereafter colonisation, including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek and Cherokee. This evening will be spent in Oklahoma City, the heart and soul of Route 66!

Day 6 – Amarillo

This morning you will travel along some of the oldest stretches of Oklahoma’s Route 66. Once the land of vast buffalo herds, this section of 66 traverses some of the great cattle trails that were used in the 1860s to drive herds of cattle from Texas up to the railhead in Abilene, Kansas. You will ride along a section of the Chisholm Trail, which passes through Yukon and El Reno and stop at the amazing Route 66 Museum in Clinton. After lunch, cross the border into the Texas Panhandle, the southernmost portion of the Great Plains. At the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, you have the opportunity to enjoy the best steaks in Texas, guaranteed!

Day 7 – Santa Fe

Today you leave Texas and are on your way into ‘The Land of Enchantment’, New Mexico. After passing through the world-famous Cadillac Ranch, you’ll stop at the midway point of Route 66 in Adrian, Texas! From here you enter the land of the Comanche Indians, where mesas, mountains, cactus and pines define the landscape as you rise up into the High Plains of Santa Fe in central New Mexico. Santa Fe is one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities and will be your base for the next two nights.

Day 8 – Santa Fe

Today is yours to rest and enjoy the distinctive flavour of this nearly 400-year-old city. The blend of cultures here becomes evident in the southwestern architectural style so closely associated with New Mexico’s capital city. Perhaps you would like to take a ride along the river valley to the old Native American Indian town of Taos, enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride, or maybe play cowboy for a day on a horse ride along a mountain or canyon trail. Santa Fe provides all these opportunities and more.

Day 9 – Gallup

This morning you head south, down to Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. Albuquerque is sprawling at the heart of New Mexico, where the main east-west road and rail routes cross both the Rio Grande and the old road south to Mexico. After crossing the Rio Grande, head west out into the open country and the hues of the Navajo wilderness. You are skirting mesas and bluffs on your way into Laguna. Further on, ride through Grants and along Cibola National Forest towards the famous Route 66 town of Gallup – an old railroad town and Indian stronghold. Enjoy your stay tonight with a host of fellow riders from around the world at one of the many biker friendly hotels in Gallup.

Day 10 – Grand Canyon

From Gallup it’s only about half an hour to the Arizona border. Once you enter Arizona enjoy a very scenic ride through the Petrified Forest, a fossilized prehistoric forest of giant trees that has been unearthed by erosion. Just west of Petrified National Forest you get to Holbrook and Winslow, two old Route 66 towns that are kept alive by transcontinental truckers. Tonight you will stay in Flagstaff, the northern Arizona community on historic Route 66 and is the regions hub for visits to the Grand Canyon.

Day 11 – Laughlin

For those looking to get a real ‘Bird’s Eye View’ of the Grand Canyon, a morning helicopter ride over the heart of the South Rim can be arranged for you. Leaving the Grand Canyon, you will pick up Route 66 again in Williams, Arizona before heading to stops in the famous Route 66 towns of Seligman, Hackberry and Kingman as well as Oatman, before arriving at your Laughlin hotel on the shores of the Colorado River.

Day 12 – Las Vegas

Today is a quick ride for a little detour to take in the incredible sights and sounds of Las Vegas! The journey this morning will take you through your first real taste of the Mojave Desert and across the famous Hoover Dam. Although Las Vegas is a 24-hour city, it’s worth trying to get a little bit of sleep because you’ll pick up Route 66 tomorrow right where you left it.

Day 13 – Victorville

Cross the border into your final State on Route 66 – California! One thing is for sure – today is a day like no other as you traverse the Mojave Desert which offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Southern California. You can imagine what it must have been like for early Route 66 travellers making their way across this huge expanse of desert, dotted with Joshua Trees, cactus, volcanic rock and sand as you stop in the tiny ‘waystations’ of Amboy and Ludlow. Tonight, you will get the chance to celebrate your last night on the Mother Road.

Day 14 – Los Angeles

Today you’ll head off for your final destination – the end of the road on the Santa Monica Pier! To get there, however, you first get to ride the 66 miles of the Angeles Crest Highway through the mountainous terrain of the Angeles National Forest. This highway is considered one of the top motorcycle rides in southern California and rises to over 2300 metres. Next, you descend the Crest into the Los Angeles Basin and head towards the Pacific Ocean. Riders always have mixed emotions as they stand at the ‘End of the Trail’ sign on the Santa Monica Pier. There is a sense of joy and elation at having completed a journey most people only dream about and a sense of sadness at the thought of the ride having come to an end. Tonight, you can celebrate the miles you’ve ridden and the friends you’ve made as you all party together at a farewell dinner!

Day 15 – Farewell from Los Angeles

Today your exciting Route 66 trip will conclude in Los Angeles. You could of course choose to stay here a little longer if want to, or you could even move on to another exciting adventure, the choice is yours! However, if it is homeward bound for you, make your way to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK.

Welcome to Chicago

Springfield, oklahoma city, grand canyon, victorville, los angeles, farewell from los angeles, this motorcycle tour includes, departure dates, flights & more.

With FREEDOM, you can book your Route 66 Motorcycle Tour guided motorcycle tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

• Extra nights in Chicago or Los Angeles
• Inclusive insurance and roadside assistance

Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

All prices are per person based on two people sharing a motorcycle and a twin/double room, and include meals where shown. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.

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Riding Route 66 on a Motorcycle: Illinois Attractions

Once known as “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is one of the most iconic roadways in the world. While the entire highway winds from Chicago to L.A., as Bobby Troup famously noted, the Illinois portion takes motorists to East St. Louis. Here is what motorcyclists need to know about riding Route 66 on a motorcycle while in the Land of Lincoln.

Notable Attractions Along Illinois’ Route 66

Illinois’ stretch of Route 66 offers a variety of must-see attractions for motorcyclists. Begin your journey in East St. Louis, across the Mississippi River from the iconic Gateway Arch . This 630-foot monument symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.”

Just northeast from there, in Collinsville, you’ll find Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site , the remnants of a Native American urban center that represents the largest Pre-Columbian site this side of Mexico. At its peak in the 11th Century, the city may have been larger than contemporaneous Paris or London.

From there, head north toward Springfield to visit Abraham Lincoln’s Illinois Home . While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to grab a bite at the Cozy Dog Drive-In , home of the “original hot dog on a stick”—you might know it as a corn dog.

Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Continuing your adventure, stop by the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac to learn more about the history and significance of this legendary highway and to view a collection of Route 66 memorabilia.

Your Route 66 journey will finish in Chicago, the third-largest city in America and home to numerous cultural, culinary, and historical offerings—but that’s for another blog.

Riding Experience

With plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and photograph these iconic landmarks, the Illinois portion of Route 66 is a dream ride for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in American culture and nostalgia.

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further reading...

Motorcycle Rides in South Carolina: Charleston’s Historic District

5 of the Best Motorcycle Rides in Georgia

Motorcycle Rides in Illinois: Exploring the Blues Brothers Hot Spots

How to Rent Route 66 by Motorcycle, Part 1

It only crosses eight states. But Route 66 looms large in America’s imagination. (Anders T. Carlson/)

America is awesome. But it’s huge. Do you want to spend days riding through all of it to get to the good parts? What if you just want to ride in one awesome place, ride through other awesome places, then just go home? Enter EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours .

Sure, it’s fun to take mechanically suspect used motorcycles and travel long distances to prove your man- or womanhood. But then you get older and/or wiser. You get a van or trailer and just drive to the good parts. Then you get even wiser, which is where the motorcycle rental part comes in.

In the spirit of full journalistic disclosure, EagleRider gave Motorcyclist a Club membership with 18 credits to ride wherever somebody from Motorcyclist wanted. I volunteered to be that somebody. In return, I offered to write an honest account of whatever the hell I felt like.

First, a little background. EagleRider started renting new motorcycles to touring enthusiasts in 1994 and currently has 200 locations in 30 countries worldwide. There are 26 North American guided tour options and 60 self-guided tour options, complete with an app that highlights Instagram-worthy points of interest. The company tailors packages around events like Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary or Sturgis , in addition to regional tour themes like “Wine Country” or “The Civil War.”

Where it starts: EagleRider’s immaculate Chicago location on opening day, 2023. (Anders T. Carlson/)

A self-guided eight-day Chicago to Albuquerque tour starts at $1,600, while the 15-day Chicago to LA version starts at $2,816. I made up my own Route 66 tour starting in Chicago and returning eight days later. I have no idea how far I’ll make it. Technically, I’m taking a self-guided tour, complete with hotel accommodations and itinerary, courtesy of EagleRider. A self-guided tour works for me since I’m a loner. Just like PeeWee Herman in the movie, PeeWee’s Big Adventure .

The listed prices are for Club EagleRider members. There are three levels of membership: $29, $55, and $79, which earn you one to three credits per month, which can be applied toward rentals or tour offerings. Club members also get deeply discounted rates on rentals. It’s basically a subscription model. The idea is to offer the ride without the hassle of ownership, transport, or cleaning bugs off windshields.

I download the app, log in to my complimentary Club membership, and begin choosing which bike I want. The Yamaha Ténéré 1200 probably has heated grips. Sold American.

So what’s the experience like? Time to find out.

The Mother Road begins in godless Chicago: at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Renting motorcycles is all about convenience and ease. But I choose the hard way to see the USA. I’m leaving Chicago on a rainy, 40-degree-Fahrenheit April Fools’ Day. Arriving early at EagleRider General Manager Danny Brown’s Chicago location, I am the first customer of 2023.

Dozens of gleaming Harley-Davidsons, BMWs , Yamahas , and even a few Royal Enfields grace his spotless shop. Everything you could possibly need (or have forgotten) is available for sale. Cargo nets, farkles, leather vests with patches, and even chapstick. Danny gives me a safety and operational briefing on my Ténéré 1200, gives me papers to sign, and I’m off.

“Hey, what if I decide to change my itinerary?” I ask.

“Just let me know as soon as possible,” Danny says.

He gives me a card with his personal cell number and tells me to call him if I need anything. If anything happens with the bike, call him. If tire pressure is low, call him. He has no idea I’m writing about this and got tons of expensive stuff for free. Danny, you’re a mensch.

Of course Route 66 starts in Chicago. Historically, it’s one of America’s best places to leave. EagleRider’s app offers an itinerary and map, which doesn’t actually include the famous starting point of Route 66 in Grant Park. So I head downtown, take a pic, and I’m off. The original route goes through dicey areas of Chicago’s Ogden Avenue. But it’s raining so I take I-55. No wonder I’m leaving you, Chicago.

The first of countless vintage gas pumps, in Dwight, Illinois. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Springfield, Illinois

The EagleRider route hits the old Route 66 in Gardner, Illinois, where I-55 shadows it to Springfield. Both roads are often within sight of each other. I’m free to pick and choose between quaint and quick travel. But it often splits away into towns like Dwight, Towanda, and Pontiac. Here, you can see abandoned portions of the pre–World War II Route 66, overgrown with weeds. The EagleRider app is coming in handy, but not for navigating. It shows where you are with nicely curated points of interest, but you can’t actively navigate with it. According to SVP of Strategic Growth and Marketing Shawn Fechter, turn-by-turn navigation with voice prompts are coming later this year. Stay tuned.

The suggested-stops part sounds basic, but Route 66 is 2,400 miles long. You’ll need help finding all of America’s hidden cultural treasures. And it clearly shows where Route 66 goes, even when local signage and Google Maps doesn’t. If left open with Google Maps on, it eats battery life, so maybe just open as needed. But you’ve got your $6 USB power adapter, right?

The view from atop Springfield, Illinois’ Brutalist Wyndham hotel. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Springfield is great, but unless there’s a state fair or flat-track racing, it’s a sleepy town bordering on narcoleptic. Standing 30 stories above everything else is the round, Soviet-looking Wyndham hotel, the nicest in town. My EagleRider tour comes with Best Western accommodations in each of the assigned stops. But I pony up for the chance to survey the flatness of Illinois from a Brutalist 28th floor lair.

The next day, I’m set on escaping Illinois. But there’s great Route 66 heritage, and each town is worth a stop. Although not on the EagleRider map, Route 4 just north of Auburn, features a 1.4-mile long brick road. Better than the yellow brick road, it’s made of actual red brick, part of the US 66 road alignment in 1926. From there, signs show “Route 66 Byways.” But these signs are made of lies. A byway is not actually Route 66. Charming all the same, though.

Follow the red brick road: a section of the 1926–30 US Route 66, now Route 4, north of Auburn, Illinois. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Other Route 66 byways feature ancient concrete slab farm roads. These likely predate the initial 1926–30 US Route 66 construction. In 1916, the Federal Aid Road Act began improving existing farm roads which were vital for the rural Midwest economy. By today’s standards, they’re barely golf cart paths. But they’re a good test for the Ténéré's suspension.

Another type of red brick grandeur: North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri. (Anders T. Carlson/)

St. Louis, Missouri

Route 4 in Illinois meets up with I-55 again, and it’s slab time again. The EagleRider route suggests Route 157. But I’m making miles, so I hit I-270 into north St. Louis. St. Louis is the biggest city the EagleRider tour goes through. It’s also one of the most challenged, economically speaking. But kudos to EagleRider; the app follows the correct Route 66, right alongside the defunct Chain of Rocks Bridge and onto Bellefontaine Road.

Stately industrial survivor on left, St. Louis’ Gateway Arch on the right. (Anders T. Carlson/)

The EagleRider route suggests taking I-70, but you should take Broadway Street to downtown. Every American city’s fortunes rise and fall, and St. Louis is no exception. You’ll see America’s past manufacturing glory and decline in red brick and abandonment. Plywood windows and majestic abandoned factories go on for miles, with concrete dividers placed perpendicular to the street to discourage drag racing. Non-plated dirt bikes and four-wheelers take advantage of this unofficial autonomous zone. They’ll give you a rider’s wave, regardless. This goes on until downtown, where the arch awaits.

Sunday riders approach the St. Louis Arch, via Chouteau Avenue. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Plug in the arch to Google Maps, and it takes you down the old Route 66 to Chouteau Avenue, past yet another dark industrial area leading to the waterfront. And then to $10 parking. Let’s see what else Missouri has to offer. Hey, Rolla, Missouri, exists. Let’s go there.

Rolla, Missouri

Missouri’s old Route 66 shadows I-44. It’s easy to squint and enjoy the lazy two-lane while ignoring the giant interstate on your left or right. You see small-town America up close. Missouri is proud of its Route 66 heritage. Generous signage greets you at every junction and every town displays a mural of the town’s attributes, with a big Route 66 logo.

The oft-photographed Gascozark Cafe, Gascozark, Missouri. Sorry about the windshield. (Anders T. Carlson/)

The EagleRider tour nests for the night at the Best Western Coachlight, conveniently next to the Tater Patch Pub & Grill. I talk to a nice guy who looks like Karl Marx or Mark Twain. We’re close to the Mark Twain National Forest, so maybe more the latter.

“Where you headed?” he asks.

“As far as I can make it on Route 66 before I gotta head back,” I reply.

“So you’re just going to see the beginning twice?”

Good point, Mr. Twain. Walking back to the hotel, I find a unicorn sticker on the ground and put it on the right pannier, likely breaking an EagleRider rule. But it’s a road rule. If you don’t get a sticker for going somewhere, did you really go there?

A decommissioned Route 66 bridge still welcomes hikers over the Gasconade River, near Hazelgreen, Missouri. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Southwest Missouri has lots of extant Route 66. Exiting at Devils Elbow, I ride all the way to (yet another) Springfield. The EagleRider app highlights a place called Red Oak II, north of Carthage. The original Red Oak existed 18 miles northwest of Red Oak II. Former resident Lowell Davis returned to his birthplace in the 1970s and discovered it abandoned. So he spent years acquiring the buildings and property and moving them to the newly (re)created Red Oak II. It’s a Potemkin village of America’s past, but beautiful all the same.

Red Oak II, Missouri. was the life’s work of Lowell Davis to recreate his abandoned hometown. (Anders T. Carlson/)

A 1950 (or so) Nash Ambassador graces the town of Red Oak II. (Anders T. Carlson/)

A little house before little homes were cool: a creekside cabin in Red Oak II. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Missouri ends on a high note. What’s Oklahoma’s Route 66 like? No state has more Route 66 miles than Oklahoma. Oklahomans—to the tune of 60,000—used Route 66 to leave during the Dust Bowl. Departing from the EagleRider itinerary, I pick the biggest, boringest, and (presumably) cleanest hotel outside of Tulsa to rest and recharge. Turns out I’ll need it.

These are the toughest miles of the trip. A wind advisory brings 25–40 mph winds. These winds stir up soil, dust, and anything unlucky enough to stand in its way. The resulting swirl dims the sun. What sort of god would create a place like this?

The famous Rock Café, Stroud, Oklahoma. Try the BLT and deep fried green tomatoes. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Stopping brings relief. The Rock Café in Stroud, inspired a character in the Pixar movie Cars , and has amazing fried green tomatoes. And the Round Barn in Arcadia, is a fine example of one Okie’s ingenious attempt at tornado-proofing barns. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton lets me sneak in 10 minutes before closing and lets me out when I’m done. Oklahoma’s hospitality is second to none.

How’s life aboard the Ténéré 1200? It’s awesome because it’s not mine. I don’t think about the oil, tire pressure, or hundreds of bug carcasses covering it. If something bad happens, I’ll call Danny. Until then, I just fill it with gas whenever the gauge starts blinking.

A possibly disused section of Route 66. Five minutes after this picture was taken, the Ténéré got stuck in mud. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Whatever suspension setting it came with is great, so I leave it alone. The Ténéré probably does a bunch of things I don’t know about. But it shows trip duration so I know when I’ve earned a stop. I seldom use cruise control, but it helps with arm-and-hand stretching. It gets around 43 mpg, but mostly I’m obsessed with mileage totals.

I give up fighting the wind at the 275-mile mark in Elk City. I’ve experienced all of Oklahoma at a 5–10-degree angle, regardless which way I’m turning. How much more of this state is there? Near Bristow, I almost have to call Danny. The Ténéré gets stuck in a muddy ditch after I ride onto an abandoned portion of Route 66. But it eventually breaks free. Technically, you’re not supposed to go off-road on the Ténéré but that Instagram pic was really important. Sorry, EagleRider.

God bless anything on two or four wheels: the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. (Anders T. Carlson/)

The actual tour takes 15 days and 14 nights. But I’ve got eight days and a dream; to see the Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, Texas. Wind notwithstanding, I’m enjoying the hell out of the experience. I don’t want to see what I saw again from the opposite lane.

I text Danny to see if I can drop off the Ténéré in Las Vegas instead of Chicago. Not a problem, he says. Flexibility when traveling solo matters. I owe you a beer, Danny. In the wise words of AC/DC, put the champagne on ice, I’m going to Sin City.

Coming in Part 2: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and a tiny bit of California.

The sun tries in vain to shine through the dust in Elk City, Oklahoma. (Anders T. Carlson/)

This unicorn was of little help with Oklahoma’s ferocious winds and cold temps. (Anders T. Carlson/)

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Southern Exposure: A Tennessee and Kentucky Motorcycle Ride

When a family friend decided to celebrate a milestone birthday in Nashville, our interest was piqued. Being big music fans and suckers for seeing new places, especially those with famously good motorcycling roads, my wife, Cheryl, and I decided to tag along. Others handled the search for accommodations and entertainment opportunities for the trip, so I was left to handle the most important job: securing a motorcycle for some adventuring. 

None of the rental companies in Nashville had a motorcycle that matched my criteria, so I searched the Riders Share peer‑to‑peer rental website and found a BMW F 750 GS. I had never used this kind of rental service before, and after some easy back and forth with the motorcycle’s owners, our rental was secure. The owners even agreed to deliver the bike directly to our lodging for a small fee. All we had to do was pack riding gear. 

Scan QR codes above or click Day #1 or Day #2 to view routes on REVER

After a late‑night arrival in Nashville, we settled into our rental apartment downtown. About noon the following day, a clean, blue GS rolled up. The friendly owners, Madison and Tim, gave me some great local knowledge tips for our first afternoon of riding.

Day 1: Leiper’s Fork and the Natchez Trace Parkway | Tennessee Motorcycle Ride

We did not have time on this trip for the complete 444 miles of the famed Natchez Trace Parkway, but I knew we had to ride part of it. Tim gave me a strategy for seeing some great locations and sampling the parkway in an afternoon of riding. Nashville is a hive of tourist activity, and leaving the metro area went how you would expect. We weaved around party buses and through the dense traffic, finally leaving behind the neon lights, blaring music, and bar‑hopping activity for a Tennessee motorcycle ride through the countryside.

We headed northwest on Interstate 40 through farmland and beside impressive southern mansions, both historic and modern. Our eyes, conditioned by the muted pastel hues of our home state of Arizona, were dazzled by the vibrant greens of the Tennessee landscape. After exiting the freeway at McCrory Lane, perfectly furrowed crops and geometrically mowed estate lawns lined the sweeping corners. On State Route 96, the Natchez Trace Bridge, with its sweeping, whitewashed double arches, grew on the horizon. 

See all of  Rider ‘s Tennessee touring stories here

A bit more riding brought us to Leiper’s Fork. The quaint village, once a virtually unknown dot on a map, has emerged as a small, thriving arts and entertainment center. It is also near sprawling estates owned by music and entertainment superstars like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Nicole Kidman.

On the town’s short main street, we dropped a kickstand at the Fox & Locke Restaurant, a historic establishment with a common feature at any bar or restaurant in this neck of the woods: a stage for live performances. Cheryl ordered the classic BLT, and I chose the catfish sandwich – flaky white fish topped with a medley of slaw, grilled onions, and pickles – which was a culinary highlight of our entire vacation.

After a walk by the shops and galleries of the small town, we rode onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was almost surreal how the traffic dropped away, the road became smooth, and the terrain morphed into an undulating delight. Mowed grass lined the sweeping corners of the parkway, and wooded thickets added to the texture of the ride. I did not have to slow for traffic once on our way to the Parkway’s northern end, which included riding over the massive bridge that we rode beneath earlier. The entirety of the Natchez Trace is now on my bucket list of rides. 

After exiting the Parkway, we passed another famed local eatery, the Loveless Cafe, but I was too full from lunch to indulge in their legendary biscuits and gravy. We made our way to the Belle Meade Estate and Winery for a brief tour of the historic property before rolling back into Nashville.

We spent the night sampling what has made Nashville famous – music. I doubt there’s a Broadway Street music hall that we did not visit. Night clubs sporting the names of famous country stars teemed with tourists as music blared from every direction. Multi‑leveled bars offered performers on each floor. We opted for the rooftop settings as they tended to be less intense and crowded. Far from a lazy Southern city, Nashville is a frenzy of people and music often referred to as “Nashvegas.”

Day 2: Burning Barns and Bowling Green | Kentucky Motorcycle Ride

With country music still ringing in my ears, I geared up for a solo ride north of Nashville as Cheryl opted to sleep late. I headed northwest toward Ashland City on State Route 12, a smooth and pleasant roll through sweeping corners on a road which lived up to its designation as a state scenic parkway. From Ashland City, I made my way onto State Route 49 on a northeastern path toward Kentucky.

I was fully engulfed in farmland. End‑of‑season cornfields dried in the September sun, and various other crops were green and thriving. An unexpected sight led me to stop and reach for my cellphone. Smoke was wafting from the gables and overhangs of a large red barn. I could not help but think about the short story “Barn Burning” by one of my favorite Southern authors, William Faulkner. Just before I did my civic duty by calling 911, I noticed another barn on the horizon emitting the same white smoke. A quick Google search set me straight. 

It was tobacco curing season, and farmers were drying their crop at 135‑140 degrees with carefully controlled fires within those barns. What was, at first, a concerning sight was now a source of intrigue and education for this Arizona boy. After passing by those smoldering structures, I saw another type of tobacco curing: huge red barns had doors opened wide, and tobacco hung from ceilings. If I hadn’t already done my roadside research, I may have mistaken the tobacco leaves for drying animal hides.

See all of  Rider ‘s Kentucky touring stories here

The ride through farmland continued as I passed from Tennessee into Kentucky, another tobacco‑producing state. The road carried new signage as Kentucky Route 383. I rolled into Franklin, a historically rich small city with a beautiful brick and stone downtown area, where Johnny Cash and June Carter were married at the First United Methodist Church. There is much to do in Franklin: thoroughbred racing and gaming at The Mint at Kentucky, tours and live dueling reenactments at the Sandford Duncan Inn, and Kentucky’s largest sunflower maze in August at Ruby Branch Farms. Kentucky is famous for its whiskey, and the Dueling Grounds Distillery is on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.

On my way out of town, I stopped at The Fork In The Road, an art installation of a Paul Bunyan‑sized utensil located at the corner of Bunch and Uls roads. Continuing north on U.S. Route 31W toward Bowling Green, I passed Octagon Hall, an eight‑sided brick home built in 1847 that is now a museum of Civil War artifacts.

Bowling Green is not just a bustling and vibrant Southern city; it is also the only place in the world where Corvettes are made. I rode past and beside several of the sleek Chevys as I made my way through the city, which is also home to the National Corvette Museum. I motored through the attractive Western Kentucky University campus with its white‑columned and red‑brick buildings. The campus also preserves several historic structures like the impressive Felts Log House, which was built by a Revolutionary War veteran around 1810 and relocated to its current location in 1980. 

After WKU, I made my way to the downtown district. The town square is a lively city centerpiece. A garden‑like central park sits in the shadows of historic stone buildings, and a beautiful fountain sits as the heart of the setting. My walk around the city center included several historically significant buildings and memorials. The area is well worth a visit.

The quick route back to Nashville from Bowling Green would be Interstate 65, but where’s the fun in that? I rode U.S. Route 231 south through southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee until I made the southwestern turn onto U.S. Route 31 toward Nashville. It was a nice, relaxing end to my “exposure” of this part of Tennessee and Kentucky. We ended the night back on the streets of Nashville, visiting the famed Ryman Theater, listening to country music, and sampling Tennessee whiskey. 

Nashville, Bowling Green, and the other smaller towns I visited all exuded their own Southern charm. This was my first visit to the area, and it won’t be my last. I plan to ride the entire Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Nashville area will be either the staging location or the end game to that journey.

See all of  Rider ‘s touring stories here

Tennessee Motorcycle Ride Resources

• Tennessee Tourism
• Tennessee Trails and Byways
• Nashville, TN
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Belle Meade

Kentucky Motorcycle Ride Resources

• Kentucky Tourism
• Franklin/Simpson County, KY
• Bowling Green, KY
• National Corvette Museum

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THE 5 BEST Moscow Motorcyle Tours

Motorcycle tours in moscow.

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Moscow city tour by motorbike

• Best price guarantee.
• We speak your language.
• All our motorbikes are completely safe.
• Choose us – you will not get bored – promise

Best Price Guarantee

If you find similar services at a lower price, inform us about the alternative proposal and we will make the best offer.

Motorbike city tour in Moscow

  Red Square, Bolotnaya Square, Observation platforms of the capital and much more. We will pick you up from home, take you to the most beautiful places of the city. If desired, plunge into the world of the motorcycle culture of the capital, drink refreshing biker tea in one of the themed moto bars.

City tour (day / night).

  The tour includes: Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Bolotnaya Square, Moscow Boulevard Ring, Chistye Prudy, Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery, Patriarch’s Ponds, ul. Arbat, Museum-estate of L.N. Tolstoy, State Museum AS Pushkin.

Duration the program is counted for 1,5 hours (26 km).

Moscow day tour

    The tour includes: Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Bolotnaya Square, Moscow Boulevard Ring, Chistye Prudy, Vysokopetrovsky monastery, Patriarch’s Ponds, ul. Arbat, Museum-estate of L.N. Tolstoy, State Museum AS Pushkin, Novodevichy Women’s Monastery, Kutuzovsky Prospect, view of the Moscow-City Shopping Center.

Duration the program is counted for 2,5 hours (36 km).

Night "Biker" Excursion

    For the sophisticated or just deciding to learn more about the international biker culture, listen to biker traditions, signs, as well as plunge into the world of motorcycle nightlife. The tour includes:  Moscow Kremlin, Observation Platform near the Moscow-City Shopping Center, Bike Center “Sexton”.

Duration the program is counted for 1,5 hours (29 km).

   For the sophisticated or just deciding to learn more about the international biker culture, listen to biker traditions, signs, as well as plunge into the world of motorcycle nightlife/ – we made a route 54 km long: Moscow Kremlin, Observation Platform near the Moscow-City Shopping Center, Bike Center “Sexton”, Observation deck on the Sparrow Hills, Biker Bar “Night Train”.

    For the sophisticated or just deciding to learn more about the international biker culture, listen to biker traditions, signs, as well as plunge into the world of motorcycle nightlife – we made a route of 65 km: Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Marsh Square, Observation deck near the Moscow-City International Business Center, Bike Center “Sexton”, Observation deck on Sparrow Hills, Moscow State University Building, Biker Bar “Night Train”.

Duration the program is counted for 3,5 hours (65 km).

*Additional services:

Services of a professional photographer for photographs in the process of moving motorcycles (the photographer rides a passenger on another motorcycle) – 3500rub / hour

Attention. The number of participants is limited. Book your tour in advance!

Please prove you are human by selecting the truck .

Frequently asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on participation?

– By weight: not more than 90 kg for sport bikes and not more than 110 kg for grand tourists (Goldwing);

– All pilots are prohibited to take passengers in a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication;

– The volume of luggage (handbags, backpacks, etc.) is not more than 15 liters. Larger volume of baggage – must be reported in advance (for the carriage of goods a number of motorcycles are foreseen);

  – It is strictly forbidden to ride without a helmet. (helmet provided);

Is it safe?

    Our equipment is completely safe regardless of the chosen route and kind of entertainment. We also recommend that you have insurance in force in the territory of the Russian Federation.

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