The only road that can pride itself in the name “The Mother Road”, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 will take you on a journey through nostalgic America.
Impressive cities like Chicago, St. Louis and Albuquerque are interchanged rapidly with old deserted dirt roads with unique bars, diners, museums and authentic route 66 petrol stations. A great ride with twisty mountain roads and, last but not least, all the kicks you might need on Route 66.
Riding days: 15
Distance: 2851 miles/4562 km
Day 1 Chicago – Bloomington (150 miles / 240 km)
Have a short city motorcycle tour of Chigaco before leaving in the afternoon. Then make your way to Bloomington via “The Rocket Man”, “Old Log Cabin” and the old “Marathon Oil Station”.
Day 2 Bloomington – St. Louis (175 miles / 280 km)
Have breakfast in the famous “Dixie Truclaws Home”. Big shiny trucks emphasize the fact that this is true America. In St. Louis spend a day sightseeing.
Day 3 St. Louis – Joplin (285 miles / 456 km)
A real Route 66 day. Riding through small towns like Cuba, Jerome and Devil’s Elbow, cross the state of Missouri. So get your kicks on route 66!
Day 4 Joplin – Oklahoma City (230 miles / 368 km)
Today a small portion of Kansas. In Tulsa visit the old Route 66 section in this much talked about city. On our way to Oklahoma City, ride one of the longest uninterrupted sections of the Mother Road. In Oklahoma City you should definitely visit the famous Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Day 5 Oklahoma City – Amarillo (275 miles / 440 km)
In Elk City visit the well kept museum about the history of Route 66. In the late afternoon ride into the Texas Panhandle on your way to Amarillo.
Day 6 Amarillo – Albuquerque (278 miles /445 km)
There is nothing as crazy as Stanley Marsh’s Cadillac Ranch. The ranch has 10 Cadillacs which are parked with their nose into the sand, definitely a sight to see. Old Town Albuquerque, with its Mexican atmosphere, always guarantees a fun night out.
Day 7 Albuquerque – Durango (230 miles / 368 km)
Leave Route 66 for a while and have breakfast in the famous town of Santa Fe. A magnificent mountain ride through the San Juan Mountains will takes you to historic Durango.
Day 8 Durango (0 miles / 0 km)
By now, you have covered quite a distance. Time for a day’s relaxing and enjoy the nice environment. A ride with the Durango – Silverton steam powered train is definitely worthwhile. The train takes you on a ride through the scenic nature between Durango and the historic mining town of Silverton.
Day 9 Durango – Mexican Hat (204 miles / 326 km)
Explore Mesa Verde National Park. Here you can see the so-called Cliff Dwellings, or Indian houses built in rocks. Via Cortez continue your journey to Mexican Hat, the days final destination.
Day 10 Mexican Hat – Gray Mountain (151 miles / 242 km)
The Splendor of Monument Valley will certainly appeal to you. Make an off-road jeep tour with an Indian guide through this magnificent landscape. After a ride through Indian territories conclude the day with a barbecue in Gray Mountain.
Day 11 Gray Mountain – Williams (125 miles / 200 km)
Get ready to explore one of the most famous wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. You can make several motorcycle tour stops along the south rim. Be sure to visit the Imax Theatre, featuring a spectacular film about this natural wonder. Also try a cool helicopter flight over the canyon, a real must. At the end of the day you’re in Williams. You can get a hotel just along route 66.
Day 12 Williams – Las Vegas (233 miles / 373 km)
Time to head down “The Mother Road”. A day full of nostalgia, so get your kicks! Try riding Historic Route 66 through Seligman to Hackberry, where you can visit the Old Route 66 Visitor Centre. On through Kingman and the Hoover Dam. At the end of the day you get to the famous gambling city of Las Vegas, Spend atleast two nights here.
Day 13 Las Vegas – (0 miles)
Take the day to explore Las Vegas. Ride the rollercoaster of hotel New York, New York, see the Harley Davidson Café or the Luxor Hotel. Experience the sea battle at Hotel Treasure Island, the volcanic eruption at The Mirage and the immense fountains of the Bellagio. Even climbing the Eiffel Tower. Because, after all, Vegas is the capital of entertainment.
Day 14 Las Vegas – Ridgecrest (288 miles / 461 km)
Time to leave Vegas, do it in style and cruise The Strip in the early morning. Subsequently, push on through the impressive heat of Death Valley, where you’ll be stopping at places like Badwater & Artist Palet and Furnace Creek Ranch. Make sure to drink enough water. The last part of the day takes you to Ridgecrest through Panamint Springs via a stunning valley.
Day 15 Ridgecrest – Los Angels (227 miles / 363 km)
Leave Ridgecrest and ride the 395 south. After a short ride on the interstate 15 cross the San Gabriel Mountains and close off this tour with the ultimate 70 miles of challenging curves. At the end of the day park your bike in Santa Monica, where you can always expect an evening of great fun. Get a hotel close to the beach and the lively Third Street Promenade.
End of Motorcycle Tour