We are group of 8 Turkish riders and we want to ride all the way from Chicago to LA from the historic route next year. I checked eagle rider and HD authorised tours already. Are there any other company that you can suggest? Is it better to have a guided tour? We are planning to start the tour around 25th of august. Would it be too hot?
I appreciate all your feedback

 

No input on the guided part but you could not have picked a hotter time of year. The last 2 summers here in eastern Oklahoma, right along side 66, have been brutally hot! Summer before last we had over 70 consecutive days of over 100 degree days. Absolutely miserable! And it's not the kind of heat you would experience in the dessert where the heat is dry, it's the kind of heat that will make you drenched in sweat just for walking outside for a few minutes. That sweltering, dangerous, put you in a hospital type heat! I'd love to do that ride myself sometime but I don't think I'd do it during that time of year if you could pick another time.

 

you are going to wear out your tires running at that hottest time of the year

my buddy and his neighbor did that run last year, started out in Daytona Beach, FL where they live, they up to Chicago, out Route 66 all the way to LA, they loved it.

They would stop and talk with locals about places to see and everyone would send them to these neat little places along the way, so as long as you stop and talk to people along the way, you will not need a guide, the locals will tell you all the places to see along the route.

but pick a better time, my buddy went in May 2011 and they had some bad weather but beat the heat - In fact they just beat that massive storm that crushed Joplin, MO by 1 day.

 

I also did Tampa - Chicago - LA, but did it this year. I set out from Chicago on Fri 14th Sept and did not have one drop of rain the whole way (and we did a few detours). First 3 days were a little chilly at times but bright sunshine, then we started hitting the hotter and hotter weather, crossing the Mojave Desert it was over 105F in the shade!

If I was you I would plan to leave later, say beginning of September.
Also when in Chicago make a trip up to the Harley Museum, well worth a visit.

 

You should have a look at this company who I know just did a recent tour of Route 66 for a father and son. www.blackcanyontours.com (much cheaper)August is going to be a bit brutal on the temperatures as you will be hitting the peak temps. Up to the second week in July and then from the first week of September, would be my recommendations

 

June is probably the best month for Route 66.
I did it last June and it was still very warm already.
Constant strong cross wind is another part that you want to prepare, especially riding through OK and TX. Full faced helmet may be a good idea.
Have fun!

 

You can guide yourself for the most part. Most of the old road is gone (overlaid by interstates) but some towns have done a pretty good job of maintaining the image.
There are several good maps that will work.
As to August, that is about the hottest month in the US, but then you Turks are probably more used to it that we are.

 

Thank you for your feedback we will definetely cahange the timing of the trip. I`d like to have a guide in front so that instead of watching the gps all the time i can watch the scenery.

 

HD is the best and very old company. It is the reliable company in the world. Don't move to any other company. HD routs are always reliable and we travel there with confidence.

 

If you get Netflix there is a show called Billy Connollys Route 66 that is pretty good, shows the route and some of the attractions on the way. Billy Connolly is a scottish comedian and rides a trike on the show. worth watching.