Route 66 Trip - Anyone done it?

**rastuscat** · 25th November 2013, 19:10

Got any recommendations re the Chicago to LA trip?

Who to go with?

Mrs Cat and I looking at it for next Dec.

**Laava** · 25th November 2013, 19:22

Route 66 is just a nostalgia trip. Go to the places you fancy going to and forget about doing "66".
Just my opinion, but if you research on google I believe you will find a better holiday and still get to go to many of the places on the old route.
Don,t get me wrong, there is a lot to see, but you can cut out the crap. Check out the grand canyon and Las Vegas for sure. LV surprised me in many ways by being a great place to visit. Even for families with little kids.
Also not that far from utah and salt flats?

**Big Dave** · 25th November 2013, 19:30

Originally Posted by rastuscat

Got any recommendations re the Chicago to LA trip?

Who to go with?

Mrs Cat and I looking at it for next Dec.

Heavy Duty, my publisher over this side of the ditch, also operate a travel agent specialising in such.

Next one is August, not sure thereafter:

http://www.heavyduty.com.au/heavy-du...ur-to-sturgis/

info@heavyduty.com.au

**Zedder** · 25th November 2013, 19:45

Originally Posted by rastuscat

Got any recommendations re the Chicago to LA trip?

Who to go with?

Mrs Cat and I looking at it for next Dec.

I've only done the California segment of it rtc lol. Some guys I worked with over there did the whole route with Eagle tours though, some loved some said, like Laava, do other things.

**Gremlin** · 25th November 2013, 23:18

Originally Posted by Laava

Route 66 is just a nostalgia trip. Go to the places you fancy going to and forget about doing "66".

Wot e sed. You'd do it for "doing 66". Compared to all the other riding I did, the small amount I did was as boring as batshit. Typical roads you'd expect in the USA, straight, flat etc. There is far better riding to be had.

Definitely Grand Canyon, Death Valley is unmatched climate wise (go early because it only gets hotter throughout the day - my BMW topped out at 53 degrees).

**ducatijim** · 28th November 2013, 11:23

Originally Posted by rastuscat

Got any recommendations re the Chicago to LA trip?

Who to go with?

Mrs Cat and I looking at it for next Dec.

As per previous post its not for everyone. Unless you are into early 'merican motoring things, and maybe have some connection with the 'mother road' or family who lived thru that era, I cant see the point in ruining a grand American adventure by riding that route.
I have travelled over 30,000km in the states and without exception, EVERYWHERE is more stunning, scenic and far better riding than Rt 66.

I would be happy to offer advice if you desire.

The US is a great place to ride and travel, so do go. Jamie.

**babysteps** · 29th November 2013, 05:55

PM me if you like, I'm happy to talk to you about my experience there. :-)

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**Jjgres** · 29th November 2013, 06:38

66 is broken up, lots of it paved over by newer routes. There's some nice original sections in California and Arizona.

**Smifffy** · 29th November 2013, 08:00

Agree with the others. Have done sections of 66 and spoken to others that have done it. A guy at work planned for years to do it in a convertible mustang as the trip of a lifetime and came home disappointed. It's pretty neat for bragging rights, but that's about all. Arizona has some awesome sights to see, and I would really love to ride through Monument Valley when I go back, it was spectacular enough in a car.

**Erelyes** · 29th November 2013, 08:22

Henry Cole appeared to have a fairly shit time when he did it on the 'World's greatest motorcycle rides' show. And that was with people researching cool shit for him to do and a support car.

**Blackbird** · 29th November 2013, 10:30

A friend of mine from the UK, Gary Francis, rode across the USA in 2010. He has a blog which details his trip but he subsequently wrote a book on his trip which is absolutely stunning in its detail and quality of photography. It really is the benchmark for anyone wanting to travel across the States. This is a link to an overview on his blog: http://www.garysfrance.com/motorcycl...torcycle-tour/. I'd strongly recommend getting hold of his book but would be happy to lend you mine for a short while if you want to assess its value.

Cheers,

Geoff

**Zedder** · 29th November 2013, 10:54

Originally Posted by Blackbird

A friend of mine from the UK, Gary Francis, rode across the USA in 2010. He has a blog which details his trip but he subsequently wrote a book on his trip which is absolutely stunning in its detail and quality of photography. It really is the benchmark for anyone wanting to travel across the States. This is a link to an overview on his blog: http://www.garysfrance.com/motorcycl...torcycle-tour/. I'd strongly recommend getting hold of his book but would be happy to lend you mine for a short while if you want to assess its value.

Cheers,

Geoff

Both inspiring and reminiscent for me Geoff, much like your blog which thankfully you didn't delete. I still refer to it.

**Blackbird** · 29th November 2013, 10:58

Originally Posted by Zedder

Both inspiring and reminiscent for me Geoff, much like your blog which thankfully you didn't delete. I still refer to it.

Gary was in NZ earlier this year, travelling by car this time with his wife. A remarkable guy who is not only passionate about bikes, but followed his dream.

Very kind words thanks Zedder. It won't be there forever though

**Zedder** · 29th November 2013, 11:37

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Gary was in NZ earlier this year, travelling by car this time with his wife. A remarkable guy who is not only passionate about bikes, but followed his dream.

Very kind words thanks Zedder. It won't be there forever though

Its potential demise is very understandable given your activities.

Incidently, I was down your way last month and as usual wished the Coromandel Peninsula was much closer. It's such a great place and I'm not a fan of the motorway ride to get there, although, I have been known to go via Kawakawa Bay and the Firth of Thames coastal route.

**Gremlin** · 29th November 2013, 14:42

Depending on what you want to do, consider a group which can make things cheaper - I was with this guy: http://www.kiwiken.co.nz/. He's also a KB member, ratast from memory. Just watch out, most of the group used Harleys so I'm probably lucky I wasn't murdered in my sleep, with all the cheap shots I enjoyed

My 45 odd day trip is also written up in my KB blogs.

Pro tip: Don't go off the reservation exploring a "cool looking road" and up in the approximate area of 127 Hours, drop your bike, and have to tackle some very rough terrain. Finally roll into the planned stop at 2145 (slightly after your planned 1700 arrival) and have everyone wondering where you were. Many made the suggestion a search party needed to be raised - but they had no idea where they should search

I look back on it with a lot of humour as I knew at the time, but it wasn't very funny in the midst of it