Hi all, this subject may have been discussed elsewhere & previously but I just cannot find it, so I apologise for bringing it up again.

I am looking at riding the full length of route 66 in the states next year but am unsure of a number of things, so I am looking for any constructive comments & suggestions that may help me work out some of my concerns.

Firstly, hire a bike over there or take my own. Pro & cons here guys- leaning towards hiring for a number of reasons.

Secondly, go with a group tour or on my own, (maybe with my wife). Tour group probably sounds the better option (experiece, backup, organised etc), but doent leave too much room for exploration of other places nearby. As I probably wont do this again, I would like to get in & see as much as i can.

Thirdly, best time to go & in which direction, ie LAto Chicago or vice versa.

Any other comments or suggestions or hints/tips would greatly be appreciated.

Cheers & ride safe.

Mick

I've driven portions of Route 66. It's a great experience to see the history of one of the oldest routes, and stop in at some great diners for grub, but honestly, once you pass through Cali and into New Mexico, it's really boring and flat scenery.

1. I'd be looking at renting. Organizing the transport of your bike, regstration while there, any mechanical issues that may pop up...I don't think it's worth it.
2. Id prefer to go solo, or with a partner. It's pretty hard to get lost on that road haha. Groups will slow you down for sure. I'd want to explore on my own.
3. Chicago to LA makes sense to me so you could fly straight back to Oz, but it doesn't really matter. It's not a trip that can be done year round, as once it hits winter in Illinois it's cold as heck! I think mid May and June, or early Sept are the best times. Summers get quite hot and dusty when you hit west. Not the best for a bike!

Hope that helps!

Did thewhole length 3 years ago but in a motorhome. Loved every mile of it! Gotta be Chicago to LA cause that's the way it was used to get to California! ConR I disagree, my favorites were Arizona and new Mexico, but then I love outback oz too. Once you get to california it's all over, not much of the original road left, not like the eastern/central states.

Yeah see I'm more of a mountain/coastline person haha. Probably why I didn't like it much!

Billy Connelly just did a show on this ride, I`d watch it (if u havent already) it shos alot of stuff you dont see on guides.

Well, in all likelyhood you'll have a banner from one of the site's sponsors just on your right so have a look.

After just returning from an organised tour I can safely say that my group riding days are over since most guys mildly overestimate their riding skills to say the least...

The 66 is also on my list and I have been looking at this mob here:

http://reuthers.com/motorcycle-tours-route66.html

Not only did they seem to be the cheapest but they offer different options from fully guided (you'll get your arse wiped), semi guided (catch up every day) or lone ranger. After my recent experience I'd opt for the last in which you get a gps-kitted bike which details the route + motel vouchers. You can book it for any date you like as they don't have to get a group together. Only downside is there is no backup vehicle so you have to pack lightly and you have to rely on roadside assistance if your bike blows up.

They even have a budget version of this which doesn't include any transfers and has a lower standard of accommodation which would be the way to go for me:

http://kearider.com/en/motorcycle-bike-tours-usa-route66-dream.html

 

good luck...

Yeah I could think of nothing worse than a guided tour. We stopped where we wanted for as long as we wanted, saw what we wanted to see.
And Billy Connellys show was great but there was so much more, the show just scratched the surface (but was only 4 episodes)