If there was ever a perfect place to travel by motorcycle, Route 66 is it. This legendary road connects the past with the present and provides an opportunity to learn much about US history. Before you ride Route 66, learning a little about the history will help you truly appreciate the route, and the people living there. A lot of the route is now nearly deserted, so you’ll want to be well-prepared. Make sure the motorcycle is in good condition, and you have the tools and tire repair equipment to take care of most things that can go wrong on the trip. You might want – in fact I recommend – camping as much as you can, the night sky in the desert is amazing, and there are lots of animals that only come out at night, so you might want a night vision device.
History of Route 66
If you ride a motorcycle, you've probably heard of Route 66 many times. This famous road has a fascinating history long before its official opening. It was first envisioned in 1857, when the decision was made by the US War Department to create a wagon route along the 35th parallel. They wanted to use it to transport various goods with the help of camels. The route became known as the “Mother Road”.
After the USA began using a numbered road system, the route was assigned "66". This event took place in April 1926 and marked the start of the full-fledged construction and paving of the famous road. It was finally completed only in 1938. At that time, it was proposed to be called Route 60, and split in 60 South and 60 North in Kentucky. However, difficulties with the renaming and fierce disputes among local authorities continued, until in the end they settled on 66, despite being north of US60 (routes are numbered from the north, so it should have been a lower number than 60). In subsequent years, the route was repeatedly rebuilt, and some sections were abandoned.
In 1956, US President D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act, which planned new, more modern, and safer roads were to be built between all states. This decision eventually rendered Route 66 redundant, as it was entirely replaced by modern sections of the new Interstate Highway system. It was removed it from the US highway system in 1985. Today, the legendary road is exclusively a tourist route. Driving along it on a motorcycle, you can see many historical sights and enjoy the flavor of the past.
Features of the route
Route 66 is a currently little-used, and often difficult to even find some parts of it, highway between Chicago and Los Angeles. Its length is approximately 2,448 miles, during which motorcycle travelers will visit eight states. Most often, the journey begins with the traffic-clogged roads of Chicago. Once you get out of town, the remaining nearly three hundred miles to the end of Illinois will be easier and more fun. The following 317 miles will be in Missouri. Along the motorcyclist’s route, you will encounter numerous natural attractions and cities filled with history. After Missouri, Route 66 briefly crosses into Kansas for a mere 13 miles, but the traveler will encounter restored historical sites.
After Kansas, motorcycle travelers arrive in Oklahoma. There are 432 miles of Route 66 in this state. Here, there are dozens of memorable retro sites and attractions, kept in their original appearance to make interesting tourist attractions. For the next 186 miles, you will travel through Texas. There are even more retro styled establishments, as well as a number of natural attractions to visit. Next up is New Mexico. This state has several popular tourist centers and museums with many unique exhibits. Arizona is next on Route 66. Along 401 miles, travelers will encounter a lovely natural park, attractions such as Querino Canyon Bridge, and the Painted Desert Trading Post just outside the Petrified Forest NP. Of course, you can’t miss “Standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona” made famous in the Eagles song! If you’re interested in the beautiful desert night sky, stop by the Lowell Observatory. This is a good time to break out your night vision device!
The journey ends with 314 miles of California. Before reaching Los Angeles, motorcyclists will drive through several ghost towns and see many attractions related to the history of the road. There are 12 documented ghost towns on Route 66!
Why has Route 66 remained popular for so many years?
Although Route 66 has not officially existed on the US highway system since 1985, it remains popular. Part of it’s appeal is due to a very popular television series, route 66, that ran from 1960 to 1964, about a crime-fighting duo that drove Route 66 in a Corvette. It continues to be popular due to American travelers and tourists who come specifically to visit the legendary road, and an increasing number of travellers from all over the world who come to the famous route. Some travel companies organize unique tours to help you better understand the history of the famous route.
One of the most popular options for exploring the road is to ride motorcycles along it. There is a lot of US history along the road, and that adds greatly to the road trip. The influx of tourists and travelers from all over the world has lead to many new hotels, restaurants, and a loads of retro attractions to enhance the feel of the history.
What should you take with you on a trip?
Traveling on Route 66 by motorcycle is a big adventure. Most organized trips last 12-14 days, but if you’re travelling on your own, you might want to take longer, spending more time at the attractions along the way.
You will want to prepare well in advance. Collecting everything you need should be done in three stages. In the first stage, you should prepare the required documents on the road – you will need to carry your driver’s licence, insurance documents, and registration for the motorcycle. You will of course want to be able to communicate with friends at home, send photos and check in occasionally. Your phone will work well for that. You might also want a walkie-talkie or Bluetooth comms system to talk with friends riding with you, or your passenger. For those starry nights camped out in the desert, night vision devices (NV goggles, monoculars, binoculars, or even night vision scopes) will prove their worth. Thanks to night optics, coping with the deep darkness of the desert will be made easier. Monoculars, binoculars, and night vision scopes will be helpful when inspecting the surrounding area and searching for a campsite if you have ridden too late and are struggling in the dark to set up camp. The third step in preparing for a trip on Route 66 should be choosing appropriate clothing. Dress in layers, wear good riding gear, and prepare for both extreme heat and cold – deserts are shockingly cold at night!
Route 66 rightfully has legendary status, leading you from Chicago to Los Angeles along a route replete with history, fascinating sights, beautiful countryside, and a chance to make new friends along the way. Traveling along this road on a motorcycle will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
