After months of waiting your departure day is finally here: Welcome to Chicago!

After arriving at the Chicago airport and picking up your luggage (Baggage claim), please exit the arrival hall to the traffic island (outside) with the “red” sign with the writing “Hotel and Courtesy Shuttle”. Look for a mini-bus with the “Hotel name”, which is very close to the airport. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service every 30 minutes. For the hotel’s address, see above. At the hotel reception, you will be met by one of our friendly tour guides. NB: Please note that the hotel does not allow check-in until at 3 PM (15:00)

When all tour participants have arrived, we meet for a welcome reception and refreshment, with the introduction of all tour participants and tour leaders. The evening’s program is getting to know each other. Those who are not tired after the long journey may go to a local bar nearby.

(Driving day 1: 212 km/132 miles)

This is the day we start our Route 66 adventure!

This is the day we start our Route 66 adventure!
When everyone is ready on their bikes, we start our ride on the 2.600 miles long Ultimate Route 66 tour. Chicago disappears behind us as we head west for a unique adventure full of history and fun. Our first stop is Joliet, home of the Blues Brothers. Then Wilmington and “The Gemini Giant”, where we eat lunch.

Afterward, we drive Route 66 past the old gas station at Odell (a good example of many day-open stations), to the museum in Pontiac, before arriving in Bloomington, today’s end stop.

(Driving day 2: 273 km/170 miles)

It will be a day full of traditional riding on Route 66 and spectacular nature. Many villages, ancient towns, and historic Route 66 places. Our first stop is Springfield, Abraham Lincoln’s hometown. We continue to Mt. Olive and the famous Soulsby old Route 66 gas station. Thereafter, we head to Hamel, where we take a break on a traditional Route 66 diner and enjoy the sun.

We continue our journey through several small towns before arriving in St. Louis, where cross the Mississippi River on the historic Chain of Rocks bridge before we stop at one of the most famous landmarks in the USA, “The Gateway Arch”, a monument raised in honor of the pioneers who went west. The Arch can be seen at a 6 km distance. St. Louis was long the last civilization. Like the real pioneers, we ride by the “Arch” and stop to capture the moment. We will spend the evening here.

(Driving day 3: 372 km/231 miles)

We continue southwest through the stunning mountain scenery of the Ozarks, which is among the most scenic along Route 66. Keep your cameras ready!  Our first stop is at Stanton and the Jesse James Museum in Meramec Mines. We get the opportunity to go into the caves where Jesse & his gang hid all the loot they had robbed from their many raids.

We continue through the “heart” of the United States, full of various experiences and impressions. This is the way people originally drove Route 66. Our next stop is picturesque Cuba. We continue to Lebanon, where we look at the legendary Munger Moss Motel. We proceed to our final stop Springfield, home of President Abraham Lincoln.

(Driving day 4: 494 km/312 miles)

We continue our journey along exciting Route 66. Our first stop will be a famous traditional Route 66 gas station, The Gay Parita Sinclair, which currently is run only from donations and sales of Route 66 effects (The station is the legacy of Gary Turner, also known as the kindest man on Route 66). We continue and drive by Joplin, and it’s “Welcome Kansas”.

The drive through Kansas on Route 66 is very short, only about 31 km. We stop at the famous “4 Women on the Route” and Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, enjoying the historical aura, before continuing to Baxter Springs and into Oklahoma. Oklahoma is the state that has preserved most of the original Route 66 (in total, you can drive about 633 km), and the residents of Oklahoma are those who currently use Route 66 most because a lot of the new Interstate 44 is levied by tolls. It was in Oklahoma people began to use the term “The Mother Road”. Oklahoma is also the state where the landscape changes from foresty to dry.

We ride through the beautiful & lush Oklahoma and make several stops: Tulsa, where we visit the Route 66 Harley Davidson, Stroud, and the Rock Café.

Our journey continues along with the many small and cozy Route 66 towns several towns before we reach our final stop for the day; Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is the 31st largest city in the U.S. according to population, but the 8th largest according to land area.

(Driving day 5: 427 km/267 miles)

After we have digested Oklahoma City, we continue our Route 66 adventure. We ride to Yukon, home of the famous country music artist Garth Brooks. We continue to El Reno, before embarking to Weatherford.

We move into a cowboy country and the nation’s largest state, Texas. This day will drive through the prairie country, and there will be some straight-line driving. In some fashion, this will also be the day of “the steak”.

Our first stop is Elk City, where we visit the National Route 66 Museum and take pictures in front of the large Route-66 sign. On the way to Amarillo, we stop in McLean at a traditional Route 66 steak house to eat lunch. Here you can eat one of the most tender steaks you ever tasted. The owner personally buys all beef to ensure the best quality.

Afterward, we head straight to Amarillo, where we take several fun stops. One of them is Cavender’s Boot City, where we stack up with cowboy accessories. We drive to the hotel and check-in before we are picked up in a limo and driven to a Route 66 legend: the “Big Texan Steakhouse” where you can eat the famous 2.2 kg (72 oz.) steak. Those who manage to eat the entire meal within 60 minutes (2.2 kg/72 oz. steak, baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, butter, and bread) get the meal free. Many have tried – most have failed. Are you up for the challenge?

(Driving day 6: 451 km/280 miles)

It will be a hot driving day in cowboy country, with long flat fields and countrysides. Partially, we will ride on I-40, since parts of old Route 66 no longer is drivable in this area. Our first stop is the famous “Cadillac Ranch”, where you can sign a very special work of art. We drive to Adrian, who is “Midpoint U.S. Route 66; we are halfway to Los Angeles. We’ll drink a cup of coffee at the local Midpoint diner before we ride out of Texas and into New Mexico. We continue to Tucumcari and visit the “Blue Swallow” (the friendliest motel on R66). We also eat lunch in Tucumcari, before driving to Santa Rosa.

The final stop is Santa Fe, one of the most beautiful cities in the western United States and the capital of New Mexico. Santa Fe will be our home for the next two nights. You will use no more than a few minutes in Santa Fe’s narrow streets until you love the city and the population.

(Explorer & fun day)

We have ridden over half of the distance on our Route 66 adventure and take a day off to recharge the batteries and enjoy more of the wonderful Santa Fe. The city is located high in the mountains; scenic “Sangre de Cristo “, and is rich in Spanish and Native American history and culture. A unique blend that can be seen in the local art and architecture. The day is free to use as you wish.

You can relax by the pool, enjoy one of the many art galleries, explore Santa Fe or a guided city tour, or visit one of the town’s micro-breweries. You can buy local art in the local market. Do not forget to try “The Green Chili Stew” which has become a favorite among our guests. Santa Fe’s cuisine is famous. In the evening we go to a real cowboy restaurant, eat steak, drink and enjoying the real cowboy way of life.

(Driving day 7: 367 km/226 miles)

We move out of cowboy country and into Indian native territory. It will be an eventful day as we drive through the land that Indians have lived on for centuries. We start by riding the small fun and curvy roads to Madrid, where the “Wild Hogs” movie with John Travolta was recorded. You can walk into the bar the guys sat in the movie and relax with a refreshing drink. Then we drive just outside Albuquerque to the Route 66 Casino, where we eat lunch. We ride straight to Acoma Sky City, which is the Acoma Indians holy city, lying on top of a high “Mesa” (rock formation). We park outside the Acoma Museum, buy tickets, and take the bus up to the holy city (it is forbidden to walk up on your own). When we arrive at the top, we must stick together and close to the guide. There will also be plenty of opportunities to purchase handmade Native American art. We finish the day by driving to Gallup.

(Driving day 8: 390 km/244 miles)

This will be a day of desert driving and unique nature. First, we ride in Navajo and Apache territory to Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. Is it stone or wood? And is the sand painted? We drive through this wonderful nature reserve, which is a memory for life. We continue to Holbrook and Winslow, where we make a stop at the “corner”. Eagles fans know what “Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” means. We eat lunch in Winslow.

After our glucose recovery, we continue along Route 66 to Williams, which is one of the coolest destinations on Route 66. We will stay here for a fun night.

(Driving day 9: 433 km/271 miles)

Welcome to the Grand Canyon!
This day will for many be the highlight of the tour. We drive to the Grand Canyon visitor center, where you have the chance to watch the world’s most viewed Imax movie. When you see the film it feels almost like standing inside the Grand Canyon. Thereafter, we ride into the Grand Canyon, where we take this year’s holiday photo! NB: Helicopter rides must be booked in advance.

When we finally are able to leave Grand Canyon we drive to little Seligman, which has one of the greatest advocates for Route 66’s origin. Seligman is a fun, cozy, and traditional Route 66 town, a lot of great photo opportunities. The rest of the day will consist of desert driving, very hot conditions, and wonderful scenery. We stop in Hackberry, a small traditional Route 66 gas station, full of history, like taken out of an old movie. We enjoy ice cream or cola in the shade. Then, we cruise to Kingman, another important city on the route.

(Driving day 10: 229 km/143 miles)

We start the day with a spectacular drive to Oatman, an old western village in Mohave (county), which was established by two gold diggers in 1915. The driving distance to the Oatman consists of narrow curvy roads at different height levels, with mountain and desert landscapes. Ideal for filming, perhaps the best opportunity on the tour. In Oatman, remember to lock your bikes, and watch out for donkeys & outlaws in the streets.

We continue Route 66 before we drive straight to Las Vegas. Welcome to the city called “The adult playground” or “Sin City”. Vegas Baby! Have fun! Las Vegas has everything, stunning buildings, unique shows, casinos and all kinds of entertainment. Vegas is never boring! We highly recommend visiting Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM, Stardust, Treasure Island, The Venetian, Mirage, and the Wyatt. In the evening you will be able to watch volcanic eruptions every 15 minutes at the Mirage. The garden is transformed into a flame show. Inside the casino, you will find rare white tigers. The water show outside the Bellagio is also a memory for life.

(Driving day 11: 352 km/219 miles)

It will be a day of city-, highway- and desert driving, and it will get very hot. We recommend riding with a hydration (cooling) vest, which makes it much easier to cope with the heat. We eat breakfast and drive “the strip” before taking a group photo in front of the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.

We head towards Los Angeles, stop at Calico Ghost Town, and eat lunch in Barstow. After lunch, we drive to the beautiful vacation resort Big Bear Lake, where we spend our last magical evening on the road.

(Driving day 12: 248 km/154 miles)

We end our tour with a big bang. Today we will enjoy the magical roads and spectacular views on one of the US Best motorcycle roads; the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). It will be a breathtaking riding experience for the history books. Make sure to have your cameras ready and fully charged. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We take several stops and make our time on Angels Crest Highway before we head towards Los Angeles. We return our bikes and check-in to the hotel before we drive to Santa Monica Pier, the end of Historic Route 66 and our Farewell party.

We check out of the hotel and grab a shuttle bus to the airport to return home. Thanks for a great ride, good times and sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us.

Note: Because of the time difference travelers from Europe will arrive home the date/day after departing the US.

Also: This program is a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we guarantee that our positive tour leaders will do their utmost to execute the program as described – as far as it is feasible and circumstances allow. We are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.

After months of waiting your departure day is finally here: Welcome to Los Angeles! When all tour participants have arrived, we meet for a welcome meeting and refreshment, with the introduction of all tour participants and tour leaders. The evening’s program is getting to know each other and we eat dinner together in true American style. Those who are not tired after the long journey may go to a local bar nearby.

(Driving day 1: 253 km/157 miles)

We drive to Explorify Rentals to pick up our bikes – late-year bike models. The bike you have booked for the tour is prepared, all necessary insurance is included.

When everyone is ready on their bikes, we start our ride on Historic Route 66. Los Angeles disappears behind us as we head west for a unique adventure full of history and fun.

We start our tour with a big bang. Today you will enjoy the magical roads and spectacular views on one of the USA’s Best motorcycle roads; the Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). It will be a breathtaking riding experience for the history books, a unique lifetime experience of twisty turns & spectacular mountain views; a tour highlight! Make sure to have your cameras ready and fully charged. We make several stops and take our time on Angels Crest Highway, on our way towards Big Bear Lake.

(Driving day 2: 452 km/282 miles)

This day we will do some mountain-, highway- and desert driving, and it will get very hot. We recommend riding with a hydration vest, which makes it much easier to cope with the heat. We to Calico Ghost Town, which is a trip back in time. We continue to Las Vegas; an experience you will never forget.

Las Vegas has everything, stunning buildings, unique shows, casinos, and all kinds of entertainment. Vegas is never boring! We highly recommend visiting Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM, Stardust, Treasure Island, The Venetian, Mirage, and the Wyatt. In the evening you will be able to watch volcanic eruptions every 15 minutes at the Mirage. The garden is transformed into a flame show. The water show outside the Bellagio is also a memory for life. Welcome to the city called “The adult playground” or “Sin city”. Vegas Baby! Have fun!

(Driving day 3: 466 km/291 miles)

This will be the second day of desert driving and very hot conditions; in wonderful scenery. We start the day by driving “the strip” and taking a group photo at the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Thereafter, we head towards Oatman, an old village in western Mohave (county), which was established by two gold diggers in 1915. The driving distance to Oatman consists of narrow curvy roads at different height levels, with mountain and desert landscapes. Ideal for filming, perhaps the best opportunity on the tour. While in Oatman, remember to lock your bikes, and watch out for donkeys & outlaws in the streets.

We continue Route 66, cruising on to Kingman and Hackberry, where we stop at a small traditional Route 66 gas station, full of history like taken out of an old movie. We enjoy a Coke in the shade, before driving on to Williams. We stay overnight.

(Driving day 4: 433 km/271 miles)

Welcome to the Grand Canyon!
This day will for many be the highlight of the tour. We drive to the Grand Canyon helicopter base. Those who have ordered the helicopter tour will get an experience of a lifetime. To hover in the air over one of the seven wonders & experience this natural phenomenon up close is absolutely magical. Highly recommend! After the helicopter ride, we drive a short distance to the visitor center, where you have the chance to watch the world’s most viewed Imax movie. When you watch the film it feels almost like standing inside the Grand Canyon. Thereafter, we ride into the Grand Canyon, where we take this year’s holiday photo and visit several amazing viewpoints! Note: Helicopter rides must be booked in advance.

When we finally are able to leave Grand Canyon we drive back to Williams.

(Driving day 5: 390 km/244 miles)

It will be a day of desert driving and unique nature. First, we drive to Holbrook and Winslow, where we make a stop at the “corner”. Eagles’ fans know what “Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” means. We continue into the Navajo and Apache territory Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. Is it stone or wood? And is the sand painted? We drive through this wonderful nature reserve, which is a memory for life.

(Driving day 6: 363 km/199 miles)

We are drive out of Native Indian territory into cowboy country. It will be an eventful day as we drive through land that Indians have lived on for centuries.

We ride straight to Acoma Sky City; the Acoma Indians’ holy city, which lies on top of a high “Mesa” (rock formation). We park at the Acoma Museum, buy tickets before we drive by bus up to the holy city (it is forbidden to go up on your own). When we arrive at the top, we must stick together and close to the guide. There will be opportunities to buy handmade Native American art.

We continue to the Route 66 Casino. Thereafter, we drive the small, curvy, and fun roads to Madrid, where the movie “Wild Hogs” with John Travolta was recorded. You can walk into the bar the guys sat in the movie and relax with a refreshing drink.

Our final stop is Santa Fe, one of the most beautiful cities in the western United States. Santa Fe will be our home for the next two nights. You will use no more than a few minutes in Santa Fe’s narrow streets until you love the city and the population.

(Fun and rest day)

We have ridden over half of the distance on our Route 66 adventure and take a day off to recharge the batteries and enjoy more of wonderful Santa Fe. The city is located high in the mountains; scenic “Sangre de Cristo “, and is rich in Spanish and Native American history and culture. A unique blend which can be seen in the local art and architecture. The day is free to use as you wish.

You can relax by the pool, enjoy one of the many art galleries, explore Santa Fe or a guided city tour, or visit one of the town’s micro-breweries. You can buy local art on the local market. Do not forget to try “The Green Chili Stew” which has become a favorite among our guests. Santa Fe’s cuisine is famous. In the evening we go to a real cowboy restaurant, eat steak, drink beer and whiskey – enjoying the real cowboy way of life.

(Driving day 7: 452 km/282 miles)

It will be a hot driving day in cowboy country, with long flat fields and countrysides. We are moving into the nation’s largest state, Texas. There will be some Highway driving, since the new Interstate 40 lays on top of Route 66 in Texas, or since old Route 66 is no longer drivable in this area. Our first stop is Santa Rosa, before continuing to Tucumcari and visiting the “Blue Swallow” (the friendliest motel on R66).

We eat lunch in Tucumcari, before riding out of Texas and into New Mexico, Adrian, which is “Midpoint U.S. Route 66”. We are halfway to Chicago. We will drink a cup of coffee at the local Midpoint diner, before continuing to the famous “Cadillac Ranch”, where you can sign a very special work of art.

We continue straight to Amarillo, where we will make fun stops to stack up with cowboy accessories. We check in to the hotel before we are picked up in limos and driven to a Route 66 legend: the “Big Texan Steakhouse” where you can eat the famous 2.2 kg (72 oz.) steak. Those who manage to eat the entire meal within 60 minutes (2.2 kg/72 oz. steak, baked potato, salad, shrimp cocktail, butter and bread) get the meal free. Many have tried – most have failed. The record is 8 min & 52 seconds. You up for the challenge?

(Driving day 8: 427 km/267 miles)

We say goodbye to Texas and ride into Oklahoma. Oklahoma is the state that has preserved most of the original Route 66 (In total, you can drive about 633 km), and the residents of Oklahoma are those who currently use Route 66 most because a lot of the new Interstate 44 is levied by tolls.

It was in Oklahoma people began to use the term “The Mother Road”. Oklahoma is also the state where the landscape changes from dry to lush. We dive through several small towns before we stop in McLean at one more real Texas steak house. Here you can eat one of the most tender steaks you have ever tasted. The owner buys all the meat himself to ensure the best quality.

We say goodbye to Texas and ride into Oklahoma to Elk City and the National Route 66 Museum, where we take pictures in front of the big Route 66 sign. Thereafter, we drive to El Reno, before we reach Yukon, which is home to the famous country music artist Garth Brooks. Afterward, we drive straight to Oklahoma City, where we will be staying in a small and cozy hotel. Oklahoma City is the 31st largest U.S. city according to population, but the 8th largest according to space.

(Driving day 9: 494 km/312 miles)

It is a new day full of exciting Route 66 driving through three states, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. We drive through the “heart” of the United States, with many varying experiences and impressions. That way people originally drove Historic Route 66.

Our first stop is the fun Rock Café. The journey continues along with the many small and cozy Route 66 towns. We stop at several to ensure holiday memories. Tulsa is next, where we visit the Route 66 Harley Davidson and have a refreshment.

We continue driving through small towns until we come to Baxter Springs. Then it is “welcome Kansas.” The tour through Kansas on Route 66 is very short, about 31 km. We stop at the famous “4 Women on the Route” and Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, enjoying the historical atmosphere.

Our next stop is a traditional Route 66 gas station; The Gay Parita Sinclair, which currently is run only from donations and sales of Route 66 effects (The station is the legacy of Gary Turner, also known as the kindest man on Route 66).

(Driving day 10: 348 km/216 miles)

This day will be full of spectacular nature. The drive from Springfield to St. Louis goes through the magnificent mountain scenery of the Ozarks, which is among the most scenic along Route 66. Keep your cameras ready!

We start by driving through “Devil’s Elbow”, once the deepest road in Missouri. We continue through breathtaking landscapes and villages along historic Route 66 before stopping in picturesque Cuba. The next stop is Stanton and Jesse James Museum in Meramec Mines, where we get the opportunity to go into the caves where Jesse & his gang hid the loot they robbed from their many raids.

After having seen Jesse James’ hiding places we drive straight to St. Louis. We stop to view one of the most famous landmarks in the US, “The Gateway Arch”, a monument raised in honor of the pioneers who went west. It can be seen at a 6 km distance. St. Louis was long the last civilization, and like the real pioneers, we stop to capture the moment.

(Driving day 11: 179 km/111 miles)

As we drive out of Missouri, we drive mostly the real traditional Route 66. Many villages, ancient towns and historic Route 66 places. We drive to a small traditional Route 66 diner in Hamel, where we enjoy the sun outside, before driving to Springfield, our end stop.

(Driving day 12: 307 km/187 miles)

It will be another day of fun and historic Route 66 driving. We begin with the old gas station at Odell (a good example of many day-open stations) and continue along Route 66 to Pontiac to take a group photo in front of a giant Route 66 wall painting (by the museum). Afterward, we drive to Wilmington and “The Gemini Giant” where we eat lunch.

We say goodbye to Historic Route 66, Chicago, and go home. Thanks for a great ride, good times, and sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us. We will be happy to see you again as a participant in one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Europe.

Note: Because of the time difference travelers from Europe will arrive home the date/day after departing the US.

Also: This program is a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we guarantee that our positive tour leaders will do their utmost to execute the program as described – as far as it is feasible and circumstances allow. We are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.

Congratulations. After months of anticipation the day to embark on this incredible, 2,850-mile journey, has finally arrived. Take the shuttle or a Taxi to your Chicago hotel and check-in for the first night of your adventure.

(Fun & Explorer day)

Free day to explore Chicago and visit the start and endpoints of Route 66! You can also visit the Willis Tower and step onto the glass platform (if you dare!).  You will complete the paperwork for your bike rental late afternoon at the hotel, ready for us to pick up the bikes tomorrow morning and start riding Route 66!

(Driving day 1: 125 miles)

Today we put rubber to the sacred pavement of Historic Route 66 for the first time. The 2850 miles of concrete, steel, and the grandeur of Route 66 lie ahead. We’ll ride through Joliet, Illinois,  then stop to say `Hello’ to the Gemini Giant standing guard at the entrance to Wilmington and Route 66 West. After lunch at the Polka Dot diner, we’ll visit The Standard Oil gas station in Odell which is a reminder of the many refueling points which stood along Route 66 in its heyday.  The exceptional Pontiac Route 66 Museum comes next where you will learn about Bob Waldmire who was an artist and spent his life traveling Route 66.

(Driving day 2: 187 miles)

The excitement is just beginning today. As we enter St. Louis, Missouri, we immediately notice the magnificent Gateway Arch. The gleaming, stainless steel structure welcomes travelers heading from East to West. It lies along the banks of the Mississippi and is an absolute engineering wonder. Take an elevator ride to the very top, where you’ll have a fabulous view of the city below. Be sure to try some frozen Ice Custard from Ted Drewes’s world-famous stand, just like the pilgrims of yesteryear did as they drove west on the Mother Road.

(Driving day 3: 308 miles)

Today you’ll be amazed by the fabric of the countryside and the scenery the Midwest has to offer. The roads out of Rolla are a rider’s dream. We begin to navigate the gentle winding roads that put us into the rhythm of the ride. We take our time to ride through the ‘Devil’s Elbow’ to view what once was the deepest road cut in Missouri. Soon we’ll get a taste of what the real Route 66 was like. You see, when Route 66 was in its heyday folks knew this was an opportunity to make a living selling all sorts of sundries, offering hospitality and lodging to weary travelers, and re-filling their cars thirsty gas tanks every few hours. Many savvy businesses came up with all sorts of interesting ways to grab attention and get folks to stop and spend a little money while filling up. We will stop at the Gay Parita Sinclair Gas Station, which drew customers in by the hundreds.  We end our day in Joplin, MO. For a well-deserved night’s sleep.

(Driving day 4: 254 miles)

We start our day with a visit to Galena where we’ll see some `Cars on the Route’ and then ride over the Rainbow Arch Bridge at Bush Creek.  Miami comes next with some Vintage Iron to sort through. After lunch, you will see the famous Blue Whale at Catoosa, where travelers visited to bathe in the pond in days gone by. A great days riding for sure!

(Driving day 5: 274 miles)

After coffee, at Lucille’s, we visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton. This is one of the best museums along the route and has fascinating interactive exhibits.  There are several eating places to choose from in Elk city where we stop for lunch.  We’ll ‘Drop In’  at the oil town of Shamrock and the most iconic of all Conoco gas stations.  We’ll then show you the way to Amarillo! Get ready for a steak “Texas Style”, like a 4 1/2 pounder! A visit to the Big Texan steakhouse will surely stretch your digestive system to its limits!

(Driving day 6: 296 miles)

Today we make our way into the heart of the Western United States and one of her most beautiful cities, Santa Fe, New Mexico. This quaint mountain town is nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo, or Blood of Christ, mountain range, which is thought to have been named for the deep red hues of the mountains during some sunrises and sunsets. Santa Fe is rich in Spanish and Native American history and culture, a unique blend that is reflected in the local art, architecture, and cuisine.  You can’t spend more than just a few minutes walking the narrow streets of Santa Fe before you fall in love with this city and its people.

(Fun & Explorer day)

Today is a free day in Santa Fe. Relax in the hotel spa, enjoy the many fine art galleries, or just explore the heart of Santa Fe. The local native Indians are offering their superior craftsmanship products throughout the market square, & their handmade jewelry is particularly good. Don’t forget to try the Green Chilli Stew that has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The gastronomic selections increase here in Santa Fe. If you have been waiting for a fine culinary break Santa Fe offers it. If you feel like a ride today we can organize a day trip into the fresh mountain air of northern Arizona and southern Colorado. The trip north to Taos is stunning. The scenery changes as one head north, & it’s hard to miss the great northern Arizona grandeur. One could spend a week here exploring the corner regions.

(Driving day 7: 211 miles)

Wild Hog or Del Fuego?  The choice is yours as we ride into intriguing Madrid this morning, the setting for the comedy film ‘Wild Hogs’. Be sure to call in at ‘Maggies’ for your souvenir T-shirt!  Lunch is a real treat at the Route 66 Diner One in Albuquerque.  New Mexico describes itself as ‘The Land of Enchantment’, and our riding today will confirm this. Look out for the beautiful and simplistic adobe architecture you’ll see along the way.

(Driving day 8: 309 miles)

It seems that our ride is just getting better and better each day. Soon we’ll cross into the Petrified Forest National Park where we’ll stop by and watch a short video explaining the unique beauty of the area, with miles of petrified logs, rocks, and artifacts. Did you ever imagine that you’d actually be ‘Standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona’ as made famous by The Eagles in their song “Take it Easy”? You will today! We’ll take a diversion from Route 66 to the biggest hole in the ground you ever did see! It’s hard to explain just how big and marvelous the Grand Canyon is. No picture truly captures the grandeur and enormous size of this natural wonder.

(Driving day 9: 182 miles)

Today’s riding is outstanding! Seligman, AZ is a town where the Spirit of Route 66 is alive and kicking and we’ll take advantage of a very famous BBQ/Steakhouse cafe for our lunch. Heading west along old Route 66 we get a real feel for what the mid-west emigrants had to endure on their long trek to the promised lands of California. Our final stop for the day is in the famous Route 66 town of Kingman, situated in the Hualapai Valley between the Cerbat and Hualapai mountain ranges.

(Driving day 10: 185 miles)

Leaving Kingman we head west through the quaint town of Oatman where mules are left free to roam the streets. Here you can get a real flavor of what the mining towns of the old west were like and you can take a jump into that past by visiting Oatman’s various shops and saloons. Las Vegas isn’t part of Route 66, but as we’re so close it seems madness not to visit this “Disneyland’ for adults!”.  See a show, have a flutter, or just enjoy the atmosphere of this crazy town where each hotel on the famous Strip vies for your attention by being more outrageous than the last.

(Fun & Explorer day)

Free day to explore Vegas and take in the sights. Perhaps try your luck on the tables, or see a show at Caesars Palace!  And you will have time to fit in a helicopter flight to see the Grand Canyon from the skies, or even land there depending on your choice of the tour!

(Driving day 11: 269 miles)

The Mojave Desert offers stillness and interesting colors that only a few riders ever explore.  Just settle back into your seat and enjoy the ride. We head south from Las Vegas and into the Mojave National Preserve. This is California Desert riding and we will pass many old railroad sites and towns and we will see many of the unusual Joshua trees that the area is known for. Rejoining Route 66 we then head for Barstow before once again heading south to our overnight stay in the San Bernadino National Forest at the resort of Big Bear Lake.

(Driving day 12: 168 miles)

We are almost there now. With some of the best riding of the whole tour today we’ll take in the Crestline Highway and the amazing ‘Rim of the World’ before lunching at Newcomb’s Ranch.  Our ride then takes us on through the suburbs of Los Angeles and down to Santa Monica Pier where we’ll visit the plaque that announces that you have arrived at our final destination. After we linger and admire this sight we’ll grudgingly take our trusty bikes back to EagleRider. Tonight we’ll celebrate our fantastic journey and achievement over a beer or two. It’s the last night of the ride, but the beginning of a long friendship and many stories.

We have given you something that you never will forget; an incredible ride through the famous Route 66 with new friends, on the bike of your dreams. Thank you for joining us, we’ll miss you, and we hope we can arrange for another adventure with you in the future.

Note: Because of the time difference travelers from Europe will arrive home the date/day after departing the US.

Also: This program is a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we guarantee that our positive tour leaders will do their utmost to execute the program as described – as far as it is feasible and circumstances allow. We are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.