Route 66
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
I think that Route 66 is a myth. It no longer really exist. I have said this many times on here. Spend the time going through the Black Hills, then to Colorado and on to Southern Utah. Then you can hit the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, and then on to Death Valley. But hey, I'm in the minority on the value of riding 66. California, Colorado, Utah and Arizona have some great rides that are far more memorable than the mother road.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
I think that Route 66 is a myth. It no longer really exist. I have said this many times on here. Spend the time going through the Black Hills, then to Colorado and on to Southern Utah. Then you can hit the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Jerome, and then on to Death Valley. But hey, I'm in the minority on the value of riding 66. California, Colorado, Utah and Arizona have some great rides that are far more memorable than the mother road.
It's something you can say you've done. 66 is touristy, but there's a lot of interesting history there and if you have the time, why not. I'm going next year as part of an 8,000 mile trip.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Exactly. There might be better places to ride, but this ride is iconic and I don't discourage anyone to not do it if they have the urge. I have been all the way from Jackson St. in Chicago to Santa Monica and it was a great experience. This is especially true if you take a few side trips to see some other sights.
Bill
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
Well if you're going to buy the book, "Mother Road" about route 66, you might as well buy a book about motorcycle touring in Colorado, Utah and Arizona prior to making your decision final.
I try to avoid buying "guidebooks" I prefer to hear the experience of seasoned riders who have done the route I plan on taking. I have gotten some great tips on side destinations etc that may not be in a book. I really appreciate all the input everyone.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
I have had good luck with touring books, especially ones that are motorcycle specific. Arizona has a good one as does Arkansas. I'm sure there are some equally as good for New Mexico and Colorado. It's still also good to get as much info as you can from people who know the areas.
Bill
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 691
From: Columbus Ohio
Its nice to get info from people, but when I drove Rt. 66 in Arizona I was glad I had read up because many of the "iconic" places I wanted to see I would have missed if I had not known what they were, where they were and what exit to turn off. Every single side place you want to see is in the better books - nothing is left out.
I haven't heard anyone here tell you about the Gemini Rocket Man, the Petrified desert, the capital of neon hotels, the Blue Swallow, twin arrows, the crator, Roy's, Hackberry, the snowcap, the blue whale, the cadillac car ranch, where to get off and ride the "historic" Rt. 66 highways that are left, etc., etc., ie., the things that make Rt. 66 an iconic ride.
Without "knowledge," you'll still have a nice ride on I-40 though. I plan to do the whole route someday.
I haven't heard anyone here tell you about the Gemini Rocket Man, the Petrified desert, the capital of neon hotels, the Blue Swallow, twin arrows, the crator, Roy's, Hackberry, the snowcap, the blue whale, the cadillac car ranch, where to get off and ride the "historic" Rt. 66 highways that are left, etc., etc., ie., the things that make Rt. 66 an iconic ride.
Without "knowledge," you'll still have a nice ride on I-40 though. I plan to do the whole route someday.