Heading out from the Milwaukee area for Amarillo on May 20th. The GF's niece is graduating high school and so it was decided we would be there. The GF will fly down and me and my 13 year old son are gonna ride. We have a total of 8 days to get there and back so we are not in any real hurry.

Can anyone suggest some good 2 lane roads along the way with out taking us to far off the path. I haven't really started looking at routes yet but figured I would get a jump on some suggestions. I appreciate the input.

Michael

 

How about a Rt 66 ride Michael? It's about as direct a route as you'll find. Runs right through Amarillo. And if you want to make up time, the interstate runs along the same basic path. I just bought a book on Rt 66 highlights. If you decide to go that route (literally), I would be happy to lend you the book, or relay highlights.

 

Its Funny you mention this Bob, because right after I posted this Karla suggested the same thing. I am going to look at the route this weekend, read up on some posts here on RT 66. I may even hit the library to see if I can find some good stuff too. My biggest thought I am having is how many towns will I hit along the way? I don't want to take interstate at all but also do not want to hit towns every 30 miles. Thanks for the idea...it just maybe the ticket.

 

Please make sure your 13 yr old has all the proper riding gear on (Helmet, glasses, jacket, boots, jeans,etc) operating in TX.

 

I would really think about how long a 13 year old could take being on a motorcycle. I know my 15 year old starts getting fidgety after an hour!!

 

He has all his gear...he loves to ride and does it often with me. I never saw someone get so excited as he did when we bought him his first leather jacket last year. A few weeks ago he asked how long before he would able to ride on his own...he didn't like the response of having to wait a few years and saving a few bucks...lol

He is really good at somewhat longer rides. Last October we went down to Missouri for 4 days and did around 1600 miles....the only complaint I ever heard was " I am hungry". I think he is more excited about going to Texas than I am. I will say I love spending the time with him...makes for good memories.

 

Once you get to Amarillo, the absolutely only place to see on a motorcycle is Palo Duro Canyon. About 30 minutes south of Amarillo and is worth a look.

 

Been there. It is very cool. It's remarkable in the sense that there is no flatter place on earth.



Then, all of a sudden, you're in this amazing canyon.

 

I will admit Palo Dura Canyon is spectacular. My GF is from Amarillo and the first 2 years we were dating I was flying down there every 2 weeks and seeing Palo Dura from the plane was amazing...it wasn't until about 2 years ago I finally was able to go down into the Canyon. Looking forward to riding the bike through there. The biggest thing I remember every time I visited Amarillo and even now coming from Wisconsin is...."where the hell are all the trees?" I don't think I would ever get used to that. The GF feels "boxed in" Wisconsin because she thinks we have to many trees...lol

 

Hey, we got one tree and don't kill it. I also might add that what we call trees, people from other parts of the country call bushes.