Day By Day videos are coming courtesy of Tony Labbz and Dave Shipton, as I left my bike camera behind of course!
This page is a recounting of the trip I made in April 2022. Yours may be totally different with regard to weather (couldn't be much worse unless you encountered tornadoes!). You may also take longer over your trip and take in more of the Route 66 sights, although a lot of it is mostly ruined, and decrepit, motels and garages.
Having said that, there are still a lot of things to see, motels still running, museums and gift shops (gift shops galore!), and sights that you are unable to see anywhere else in the world.
On our trip we did not see everything, we couldn't in 13 days of riding it would be just impossible. However, one thing that we often said is "It's All About The Ride", and in the case of doing it on motorcycles that is very true.
Despite the poor weather, which was mostly strong winds every day apart from two, it is important to take sun cream. The high winds would sometime dislodge my 'neck warmer', which was pulled up over my nose and, for someone who had never used sun blocker in his life, my nose peeled with the strong springtime sun on my nose pretty much every day.
Please read on to get some idea of what you might expect on an Eagle Riders Bike Rental tour of Route 66 (Other routes are available of course). The other option is to rent a bike, take one of the recommended books on this website, and go it alone or with one or two friends.
Motorcycle Tours in the USA | EagleRider
I've added some photographs to this page to make the text more interesting. LOTS more photographs are in the gallery page, and videos.
This page is a recounting of the trip I made in April 2022. Yours may be totally different with regard to weather (couldn't be much worse unless you encountered tornadoes!). You may also take longer over your trip and take in more of the Route 66 sights, although a lot of it is mostly ruined, and decrepit, motels and garages.
Having said that, there are still a lot of things to see, motels still running, museums and gift shops (gift shops galore!), and sights that you are unable to see anywhere else in the world.
On our trip we did not see everything, we couldn't in 13 days of riding it would be just impossible. However, one thing that we often said is "It's All About The Ride", and in the case of doing it on motorcycles that is very true.
Despite the poor weather, which was mostly strong winds every day apart from two, it is important to take sun cream. The high winds would sometime dislodge my 'neck warmer', which was pulled up over my nose and, for someone who had never used sun blocker in his life, my nose peeled with the strong springtime sun on my nose pretty much every day.
Please read on to get some idea of what you might expect on an Eagle Riders Bike Rental tour of Route 66 (Other routes are available of course). The other option is to rent a bike, take one of the recommended books on this website, and go it alone or with one or two friends.
Motorcycle Tours in the USA | EagleRider
I've added some photographs to this page to make the text more interesting. LOTS more photographs are in the gallery page, and videos.
,
Day 1 - 7 April 2022 - Chicago, Illinois
In my case it all started with a flight from London Heathrow to ORD (Chicago O'Hare) airport on the 5 April. I was lucky in that my Sister in Law and her husband live in Chicago and he, Paddy, came to pick me up and take me to the hotel in downtown Chicago.
Had an evening out with them both, went to The Gage, on Michigan Ave, for an excellent meal.
One thing I discovered, on this first day, was that I had left my bike camera (TomTom Bandit), mount, Smartphone mount, and other electrical items, in the bag I had intended to bring. My wife is used to me riding now, didn't like it when we met in 1974, but she does like me to be safe so asked me to take my biking boots and trousers. So I had to change my packing plan and forgot to take the above items out of the first bag and into the larger case!
Check, and re-check, your list of 'items to take'!
On the 7th itself it was the day to meet our fellow travellers, and our tour guides, DJ and April Johnson. We were told, more than twice along the route, that we were lucky to have these two as guides, very knowledgeable and they've done the trip many times over a number of years.
DJ was officially the tour guide while his wife, April, drove the support vehicle equipped with a trailer and spare bike.
We met up at 16:00 and picked up the Eagle Riders jacket, armoured by the way, which is yours to keep at the end of the tour. Make sure you know your jacket size, although they had enough so that if you got it wrong, they could probably kit you out.
DJ and April gave us a briefing about what to expect and what time we'd be setting off the next morning, names were exchanged but don't worry, I never remember names but by the end of the first week we all knew each other so well that names came without thinking about it, and everyone, and I mean everyone, were firm friends. We are all like-minded people, same interests as well as motorbikes, so it is pretty certain your group will also become friends.
We then went out for the introductory evening meal, which is on Eagle Riders. The meal was at The Excelsior, a popular eating place for Al Capone and his croney's, it was a speakeasy in those days of course.
N.B. throughout the trip the hotels have room cards (keys) ready. They are collected by one of the guides and handed out including WiFi passcode, room number of course which, unless your name is Tony*, it's usually quite easy to remember. It also comes with a breakfast coupon so all hotels are Bed and Breakfast for group members.
One item that always accompanies me, on every trip I've made around the world since July 1968 is 'Rubber Willy'. He is my constant travel companion and this trip was no exception.
He's looking a bit the worse for wear, lost his fingers and toes, and an ear. His head has been glued on a number of times but he's always with me.
*When we arrived in Laughlin, I think it was, shortly after checking in we, myself and Dave Shipton, found Tony Labz running around in a panic because he couldn't remember his room number! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Hotel - Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
Day 1 - 7 April 2022 - Chicago, Illinois
In my case it all started with a flight from London Heathrow to ORD (Chicago O'Hare) airport on the 5 April. I was lucky in that my Sister in Law and her husband live in Chicago and he, Paddy, came to pick me up and take me to the hotel in downtown Chicago.
Had an evening out with them both, went to The Gage, on Michigan Ave, for an excellent meal.
One thing I discovered, on this first day, was that I had left my bike camera (TomTom Bandit), mount, Smartphone mount, and other electrical items, in the bag I had intended to bring. My wife is used to me riding now, didn't like it when we met in 1974, but she does like me to be safe so asked me to take my biking boots and trousers. So I had to change my packing plan and forgot to take the above items out of the first bag and into the larger case!
Check, and re-check, your list of 'items to take'!
On the 7th itself it was the day to meet our fellow travellers, and our tour guides, DJ and April Johnson. We were told, more than twice along the route, that we were lucky to have these two as guides, very knowledgeable and they've done the trip many times over a number of years.
DJ was officially the tour guide while his wife, April, drove the support vehicle equipped with a trailer and spare bike.
We met up at 16:00 and picked up the Eagle Riders jacket, armoured by the way, which is yours to keep at the end of the tour. Make sure you know your jacket size, although they had enough so that if you got it wrong, they could probably kit you out.
DJ and April gave us a briefing about what to expect and what time we'd be setting off the next morning, names were exchanged but don't worry, I never remember names but by the end of the first week we all knew each other so well that names came without thinking about it, and everyone, and I mean everyone, were firm friends. We are all like-minded people, same interests as well as motorbikes, so it is pretty certain your group will also become friends.
We then went out for the introductory evening meal, which is on Eagle Riders. The meal was at The Excelsior, a popular eating place for Al Capone and his croney's, it was a speakeasy in those days of course.
N.B. throughout the trip the hotels have room cards (keys) ready. They are collected by one of the guides and handed out including WiFi passcode, room number of course which, unless your name is Tony*, it's usually quite easy to remember. It also comes with a breakfast coupon so all hotels are Bed and Breakfast for group members.
One item that always accompanies me, on every trip I've made around the world since July 1968 is 'Rubber Willy'. He is my constant travel companion and this trip was no exception.
He's looking a bit the worse for wear, lost his fingers and toes, and an ear. His head has been glued on a number of times but he's always with me.
*When we arrived in Laughlin, I think it was, shortly after checking in we, myself and Dave Shipton, found Tony Labz running around in a panic because he couldn't remember his room number! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Hotel - Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
Day 2 - Chicago to Springfield / 187 mi / 301 km
Strong crosswind, rain, freezing cold.
The day starts with a hired bus ride to Eagle Riders to pick up our bikes, take the opportunity to pick up an Eagle Riders Chicago, T Shirt.
Make sure you have your driving licence and credit card (for the refundable bike deposit) on you, and not locked away in your suitcase in the support van!
Our baggage is carried in the support vehicle and is unloaded when you reach the hotels and loaded again next morning before setting off.
Check out you have adequate bike insurance; it'll all be explained at the time but I had already opted for the VIP Zero waiver which meant I paid extra insurance but the bike was covered. However, YOU ARE NOT. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for hospital, repatriation etc. Probably won't need it but you never know.
Today's ride was wet, very windy and very, very, cold. Not the sort of weather you want with a half shell helmet. With the rain and wind it felt like someone was throwing handfuls of needles into your face. It was still good to be riding, I ride all year round anyway, but with the cold combined with the rain it wasn't 'pleasant' riding.
I was using two neck warmers, one of them pulled up over my nose to protect from the rain and wind.
It took me a few days to get used to doing-up, and un-doing the half shell helmet. There's a knack to it and your guide will be able to teach you the knack! I pretty much found out by accident the easy way to un-do it!
We stopped at 'Dick's Towing' after about an hours riding.
Thanks to my sister in law, Mikki, and her husband, Pudi (Paddy to his friends in the States) for coming out to Dick's to bring me their son's GoPro, and take pictures. Thanks to both of you if you read this. As above, I'd forgotten to repack my bike camera.
After a break for the 'restrooms' we set off again and stopped for lunch at the Polka Dot Cafe. A great stop, with statues of Elvis, Superman, James Dean, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe etc. A good lunch, lovely staff, and out of the rain for a while.
We made frequent refuelling stops around every 80-100 miles, due the Softails having a larger bore (114 engines) and smaller tanks. When we stop for fuel, there is usually a 15-20 minute break for restrooms, a quick drink and browse the inevitable gift shop for R66 items. Longer for lunch of course.
Hotel - President Abraham Lincoln Double Tree (East Adams Street). Springfield
N.B. it's where Abraham Lincoln came from.
Strong crosswind, rain, freezing cold.
The day starts with a hired bus ride to Eagle Riders to pick up our bikes, take the opportunity to pick up an Eagle Riders Chicago, T Shirt.
Make sure you have your driving licence and credit card (for the refundable bike deposit) on you, and not locked away in your suitcase in the support van!
Our baggage is carried in the support vehicle and is unloaded when you reach the hotels and loaded again next morning before setting off.
Check out you have adequate bike insurance; it'll all be explained at the time but I had already opted for the VIP Zero waiver which meant I paid extra insurance but the bike was covered. However, YOU ARE NOT. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for hospital, repatriation etc. Probably won't need it but you never know.
Today's ride was wet, very windy and very, very, cold. Not the sort of weather you want with a half shell helmet. With the rain and wind it felt like someone was throwing handfuls of needles into your face. It was still good to be riding, I ride all year round anyway, but with the cold combined with the rain it wasn't 'pleasant' riding.
I was using two neck warmers, one of them pulled up over my nose to protect from the rain and wind.
It took me a few days to get used to doing-up, and un-doing the half shell helmet. There's a knack to it and your guide will be able to teach you the knack! I pretty much found out by accident the easy way to un-do it!
We stopped at 'Dick's Towing' after about an hours riding.
Thanks to my sister in law, Mikki, and her husband, Pudi (Paddy to his friends in the States) for coming out to Dick's to bring me their son's GoPro, and take pictures. Thanks to both of you if you read this. As above, I'd forgotten to repack my bike camera.
After a break for the 'restrooms' we set off again and stopped for lunch at the Polka Dot Cafe. A great stop, with statues of Elvis, Superman, James Dean, Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe etc. A good lunch, lovely staff, and out of the rain for a while.
We made frequent refuelling stops around every 80-100 miles, due the Softails having a larger bore (114 engines) and smaller tanks. When we stop for fuel, there is usually a 15-20 minute break for restrooms, a quick drink and browse the inevitable gift shop for R66 items. Longer for lunch of course.
Hotel - President Abraham Lincoln Double Tree (East Adams Street). Springfield
N.B. it's where Abraham Lincoln came from.
Day 3 - Springfield, Ill to St Louis, M0 / 116 mi / 187 k
Rain slowly eased off and turned into a beautiful sunny day but still with strong crosswind, along with the cold, but not so cold.
I think today seemed longer than the 116 miles published but it may have just felt it as we stopped a few times and so arrived a bit later than the mileage would have you think.
There was some good sightseeing today.
Henry's Rabbit Ranch; Some people may think Henry to be eccentric, maybe he is but he undeniably a really nice person. A very gentle man who just loves rabbits. He has a small cemetery where the rabbits, that have passed to that big warren in the sky, are buried and they even have little headstones. Henry has a small gift shop which subsides his work with rabbits.
It was a very pleasant, and amusing, stop.
One stop, in Auburn on the way, was a ride down 1.5 miles of ORIGINAL BRICK Route 66. I felt quite a thrill knowing it was original, although some bricks are replaced now and then it is being kept as original as possible. Now that really was an incredible ride along history. Later on in the tour we stopped at the Route 66 museum and we saw the poverty and hardship the original travellers suffered on the way to go West. Brings you down to Earth a bit when you see such things portrayed.
We then rode to the Mississippi, following it for some time, until we could see St Louis and that famous arch. Crossing the modern bridge, from Illinois to Missouri, there was an old, iron, bridge to our left. This bridge is called "The Chain of Rocks" bridge. We rode around to the beginning of the bridge as our guides had contacted the authorities and obtained permission for us to cross this bridge, which is normally closed to vehicular traffic. As it happens, we are the only group that will have crossed this bridge in 2022 as some construction work is going to take place. I think it's more to do with the approach to the bridge than the bridge itself.
It's a very historic bridge and it has a bend in it. Various stories are around about why it has a bend in it, could have been the one about the owner on the other side not allowing the bridge to terminate on his land. Or, more likely, there was a geographical reason to do with the riverbed. We may never know. The photograph clearly shows the bend.
Why the 'Chain of Rocks'? To the right of the bridge, looking towards St Louis, there is a line of rocks. When we were there they were just covered with water which bubbled over them giving some white-water effect. When the river is low, in the summer, the native American Indians would walk across the Mississippi to trade on the other side. There was no bridge then of course. So that's where it gets its name from.
After riding across the bridge we were once again in Illinois, but briefly. We were within sight of St Louis so we soon crossed back into Missouri.
A few of us went out looking for somewhere to eat and we found the most amazing restaurant. ' The Spaghetti Factory'. They do a great varied menu and the decor is just stunning.
Hotel - Hampton Inn Gateway Arch, St Louis
Rain slowly eased off and turned into a beautiful sunny day but still with strong crosswind, along with the cold, but not so cold.
I think today seemed longer than the 116 miles published but it may have just felt it as we stopped a few times and so arrived a bit later than the mileage would have you think.
There was some good sightseeing today.
Henry's Rabbit Ranch; Some people may think Henry to be eccentric, maybe he is but he undeniably a really nice person. A very gentle man who just loves rabbits. He has a small cemetery where the rabbits, that have passed to that big warren in the sky, are buried and they even have little headstones. Henry has a small gift shop which subsides his work with rabbits.
It was a very pleasant, and amusing, stop.
One stop, in Auburn on the way, was a ride down 1.5 miles of ORIGINAL BRICK Route 66. I felt quite a thrill knowing it was original, although some bricks are replaced now and then it is being kept as original as possible. Now that really was an incredible ride along history. Later on in the tour we stopped at the Route 66 museum and we saw the poverty and hardship the original travellers suffered on the way to go West. Brings you down to Earth a bit when you see such things portrayed.
We then rode to the Mississippi, following it for some time, until we could see St Louis and that famous arch. Crossing the modern bridge, from Illinois to Missouri, there was an old, iron, bridge to our left. This bridge is called "The Chain of Rocks" bridge. We rode around to the beginning of the bridge as our guides had contacted the authorities and obtained permission for us to cross this bridge, which is normally closed to vehicular traffic. As it happens, we are the only group that will have crossed this bridge in 2022 as some construction work is going to take place. I think it's more to do with the approach to the bridge than the bridge itself.
It's a very historic bridge and it has a bend in it. Various stories are around about why it has a bend in it, could have been the one about the owner on the other side not allowing the bridge to terminate on his land. Or, more likely, there was a geographical reason to do with the riverbed. We may never know. The photograph clearly shows the bend.
Why the 'Chain of Rocks'? To the right of the bridge, looking towards St Louis, there is a line of rocks. When we were there they were just covered with water which bubbled over them giving some white-water effect. When the river is low, in the summer, the native American Indians would walk across the Mississippi to trade on the other side. There was no bridge then of course. So that's where it gets its name from.
After riding across the bridge we were once again in Illinois, but briefly. We were within sight of St Louis so we soon crossed back into Missouri.
A few of us went out looking for somewhere to eat and we found the most amazing restaurant. ' The Spaghetti Factory'. They do a great varied menu and the decor is just stunning.
Hotel - Hampton Inn Gateway Arch, St Louis
, Day 4 - St Louis to Joplin, both in Missouri / 335 mi / 539 km
The biggest riding day, 335 miles. Still with a strong crosswind but sunny and cold.
Wonderful weather today. We've gone from 0c in Chicago to over 20c today
Set off from St Louis early, around 08:15 to cover the 335 miles to Joplin, Missouri.
Fuelled up twice, the last time my reserve only had 20 miles so it was good timing!
First stop was at the world's largest rocking chair, it used to rock too.
Through 'The Ozarks', if you've watched the series you will know it is a stunningly beautiful area with forests, rivers, abundant wildlife. So many huge birds commonly called 'Turkey Vultures'. The lady driving the support van was SO excited at seeing a 'Bald Eagle, taking to the air from a residents garden (the residents are scattered around, not many close to each other).
Went across the bridge at The Devils Elbow.
Named such due to the Sharp, 90 Deg, bend in the Big Piney river. A large rock, in the middle, used to cause the transportation of logs, floated down the river, to block. Many men lost their lives freeing the logs hence the name. And yes, there is a Little Piney river.
Lunch at Sweetwater Bar-B-Que. Portions of ribs etc was massive so I had a beef sandwich, not too big but just delicious, tender brisket with BBQ sauce. I think that's why the pig in the window is smiling at me, a beef sandwich instead of pork ribs!
The other photograph is a great girl we met inside, she was with some hilarious friends. We found out she was a rider too and she took us out to see her bike.
'Gary's R66' was a good stop, an original building and grounds that welcomes visitors to wander around also visit the souvenir shop.
A long day but very enjoyable. Everyone ditched some layers in the heat.
After we left Gary's a pick up truck passed in the opposite direction. As it got to me it flicked a three foot, very jagged, piece of wood up from the road.
Thank you, my wonderful wife Marlane, for being worried enough about me to persuade me to bring my bike boots and armoured trousers. The wood hit me in the calf but I was protected by both of the above!
Photograph shows us all stopped, the road was blocked by a large truck that had gone off the road. We had to take a short detour. We were on Route 66 but the truck had left the freeway and crashed onto 66.
The other one, with the black bike on the trailer instead of the cream coloured one, is because the black one developed a clutch cable problem so the spare bike had to be used. The black one will be dropped off at HD for repair.
Hotel - Hampton Inn, E 36th Street, Joplin
The biggest riding day, 335 miles. Still with a strong crosswind but sunny and cold.
Wonderful weather today. We've gone from 0c in Chicago to over 20c today
Set off from St Louis early, around 08:15 to cover the 335 miles to Joplin, Missouri.
Fuelled up twice, the last time my reserve only had 20 miles so it was good timing!
First stop was at the world's largest rocking chair, it used to rock too.
Through 'The Ozarks', if you've watched the series you will know it is a stunningly beautiful area with forests, rivers, abundant wildlife. So many huge birds commonly called 'Turkey Vultures'. The lady driving the support van was SO excited at seeing a 'Bald Eagle, taking to the air from a residents garden (the residents are scattered around, not many close to each other).
Went across the bridge at The Devils Elbow.
Named such due to the Sharp, 90 Deg, bend in the Big Piney river. A large rock, in the middle, used to cause the transportation of logs, floated down the river, to block. Many men lost their lives freeing the logs hence the name. And yes, there is a Little Piney river.
Lunch at Sweetwater Bar-B-Que. Portions of ribs etc was massive so I had a beef sandwich, not too big but just delicious, tender brisket with BBQ sauce. I think that's why the pig in the window is smiling at me, a beef sandwich instead of pork ribs!
The other photograph is a great girl we met inside, she was with some hilarious friends. We found out she was a rider too and she took us out to see her bike.
'Gary's R66' was a good stop, an original building and grounds that welcomes visitors to wander around also visit the souvenir shop.
A long day but very enjoyable. Everyone ditched some layers in the heat.
After we left Gary's a pick up truck passed in the opposite direction. As it got to me it flicked a three foot, very jagged, piece of wood up from the road.
Thank you, my wonderful wife Marlane, for being worried enough about me to persuade me to bring my bike boots and armoured trousers. The wood hit me in the calf but I was protected by both of the above!
Photograph shows us all stopped, the road was blocked by a large truck that had gone off the road. We had to take a short detour. We were on Route 66 but the truck had left the freeway and crashed onto 66.
The other one, with the black bike on the trailer instead of the cream coloured one, is because the black one developed a clutch cable problem so the spare bike had to be used. The black one will be dropped off at HD for repair.
Hotel - Hampton Inn, E 36th Street, Joplin
Day 5 - Joplin, Mo to Oklahoma City, OK 255 mi / 411 km
Great weather in that it was sunny and dry, but horrendous wind which blew us around quite a bit.
Almost 300 miles and we got into the hotel about 6pm.
Rainbow bridge, Kansas state line (short journey through Kansas), Buffalo ranch spotted when we stopped to refuel, the Blue whale and motorcycle museum.
The Buffalo Ranch was a surprise, it was great to see these magnificent beasts. That was a lucky refuelling/restroom stop.
The Blue whale is, of course, one of those 'must see' places on Route 66. Interesting story that Hugh Davis had it made for his wife's anniversary as a surprise gift. His wife collected whale ornaments and figurines. Guess she wasn't expecting anything like that though.
The Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum was just quite amazing. It had a few motorcycles that I'd not even heard of and is well worth a visit
Link to the museum website - About Us (route66vintageiron.com)
There was something rather special about Oklahoma City, I met my Facebook Friend, Dozer, for the first time. We became friends when he responded to something I'd written on a Route 66 FB page. We immediately had a rapport and hit it off.
It was fantastic to meet him and go for a meal at 'Cattlemen' steak restaurant. I've added a photograph of both of us below.
The next morning, as were were setting off, Dozer turned up on his BIG Indian bike and rode along with us for a few miles. That was a bit special and I'm sure we will continue to be friends for the future.
Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott, West Reno Avenue OKC
Great weather in that it was sunny and dry, but horrendous wind which blew us around quite a bit.
Almost 300 miles and we got into the hotel about 6pm.
Rainbow bridge, Kansas state line (short journey through Kansas), Buffalo ranch spotted when we stopped to refuel, the Blue whale and motorcycle museum.
The Buffalo Ranch was a surprise, it was great to see these magnificent beasts. That was a lucky refuelling/restroom stop.
The Blue whale is, of course, one of those 'must see' places on Route 66. Interesting story that Hugh Davis had it made for his wife's anniversary as a surprise gift. His wife collected whale ornaments and figurines. Guess she wasn't expecting anything like that though.
The Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum was just quite amazing. It had a few motorcycles that I'd not even heard of and is well worth a visit
Link to the museum website - About Us (route66vintageiron.com)
There was something rather special about Oklahoma City, I met my Facebook Friend, Dozer, for the first time. We became friends when he responded to something I'd written on a Route 66 FB page. We immediately had a rapport and hit it off.
It was fantastic to meet him and go for a meal at 'Cattlemen' steak restaurant. I've added a photograph of both of us below.
The next morning, as were were setting off, Dozer turned up on his BIG Indian bike and rode along with us for a few miles. That was a bit special and I'm sure we will continue to be friends for the future.
Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott, West Reno Avenue OKC
Day 6: Oklahoma City, OK - Amarillo, TX 266 mi / 428 km
Wind hadn't abated, we were pushed around on the freeway and the stretches of Route 66.
On this stretch we crossed over from Oklahoma state to Texas at the Rainbow Bridge. Photographs of this will be in the Gallery.
Visited the Route 66 museum, not to be missed. It's a terrific museum with videos running and many items on display including photographs of people making the journey in the 1920's and 30's. Some very sad looking families, times were very hard, they were poor, hungry, stuck in the soft sand of parts of the route. Planks were carried on the vehicles to help get them over the soft sandy areas. Can't really imagine what it was like but felt very emotional looking at the photographs.
Also visited the Conoco shop and cafe. This used to be a garage too and one of the iconic R66 stops.
Stopped at a viewing point featuring info about the history of capturing the wind. Great views over what looks very much like cowboy country from my young days. Always wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up, not much chance of that in South Shields!
In the evening ate an excellent, and not over the top, meal at 'The Big Texan".
Tomorrow, another long riding day, over 300 miles, to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Hotel - Holiday Inn, Amarillo West, West Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo
Wind hadn't abated, we were pushed around on the freeway and the stretches of Route 66.
On this stretch we crossed over from Oklahoma state to Texas at the Rainbow Bridge. Photographs of this will be in the Gallery.
Visited the Route 66 museum, not to be missed. It's a terrific museum with videos running and many items on display including photographs of people making the journey in the 1920's and 30's. Some very sad looking families, times were very hard, they were poor, hungry, stuck in the soft sand of parts of the route. Planks were carried on the vehicles to help get them over the soft sandy areas. Can't really imagine what it was like but felt very emotional looking at the photographs.
Also visited the Conoco shop and cafe. This used to be a garage too and one of the iconic R66 stops.
Stopped at a viewing point featuring info about the history of capturing the wind. Great views over what looks very much like cowboy country from my young days. Always wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up, not much chance of that in South Shields!
In the evening ate an excellent, and not over the top, meal at 'The Big Texan".
Tomorrow, another long riding day, over 300 miles, to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Hotel - Holiday Inn, Amarillo West, West Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo
Day 7: Amarillo, TX - Santa Fe, NM 303 mi / 488 km
This morning turned extremely cold again, despite the sunshine and blue skies. It also saw the strong wind return shortly after setting off.
Stopped off at Cadillac Ranch, where 10 Cadillac cars are half buried. Over the years inches thick spray paint and graffiti have built up, so I added some of my own but just with marker pen.
A short way from there is a deserted village, motel and housing, all because the interstate road was built to replace Route 66.
Next stop was a small, but very interesting, museum after pre-arranged cinnamon swirls and coffee at the halfway point of Route 66.
Tucamcari, of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fame, was the next stop where we had lunch and also visited a gift shop and the longest operating Motel on R66. That's where the mural photos are from in the gallery page.
The next museum visited was just fabulous. Pictures of cars, Marilyn Monroe etc.
We are now in Commanche country. Along the route, especially during the central and Western half of the trip, there are Indian gift shops full of jewlery, carving, paintings, leather goods etc. all made by the native Americans.
To avoid the freeway riding we took a route to Las Vegas, the New Mexico one, not the glitzy one. The scenery en-route was stunning. Apart from the light tan coloured prairie, as in Western movies, we rode up the twisting road through the 'Canadian Escarpment. I don't know why it's called the Canadian Escarpment either! (N.B. I found out that it's the beginning of the mountain range that runs 3,000 miles to the Rockies in Canada, hence the name).
As we were riding towards Las Vegas I noticed smoke all along the mountain range, or maybe, I thought, a meteorological phenomenon caused by the wind and freezing temperatures. No, it was smoke. A lady in an L.V. garage told me it was a spreading forest fire and that people were being evacuated from their homes. The aircraft, that would normally deal with these fires cannot operate due to the extremely high winds, which we were riding through!
We continued on to Santa Fe in the bitter cold and extreme winds but arrived safe, but later than planned.
Clocks back for the new time zone so we are now 7 hours behind UK.
Hotel - Hilton Historic Plaza, Sandoval Street, Santa Fe.
This morning turned extremely cold again, despite the sunshine and blue skies. It also saw the strong wind return shortly after setting off.
Stopped off at Cadillac Ranch, where 10 Cadillac cars are half buried. Over the years inches thick spray paint and graffiti have built up, so I added some of my own but just with marker pen.
A short way from there is a deserted village, motel and housing, all because the interstate road was built to replace Route 66.
Next stop was a small, but very interesting, museum after pre-arranged cinnamon swirls and coffee at the halfway point of Route 66.
Tucamcari, of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul fame, was the next stop where we had lunch and also visited a gift shop and the longest operating Motel on R66. That's where the mural photos are from in the gallery page.
The next museum visited was just fabulous. Pictures of cars, Marilyn Monroe etc.
We are now in Commanche country. Along the route, especially during the central and Western half of the trip, there are Indian gift shops full of jewlery, carving, paintings, leather goods etc. all made by the native Americans.
To avoid the freeway riding we took a route to Las Vegas, the New Mexico one, not the glitzy one. The scenery en-route was stunning. Apart from the light tan coloured prairie, as in Western movies, we rode up the twisting road through the 'Canadian Escarpment. I don't know why it's called the Canadian Escarpment either! (N.B. I found out that it's the beginning of the mountain range that runs 3,000 miles to the Rockies in Canada, hence the name).
As we were riding towards Las Vegas I noticed smoke all along the mountain range, or maybe, I thought, a meteorological phenomenon caused by the wind and freezing temperatures. No, it was smoke. A lady in an L.V. garage told me it was a spreading forest fire and that people were being evacuated from their homes. The aircraft, that would normally deal with these fires cannot operate due to the extremely high winds, which we were riding through!
We continued on to Santa Fe in the bitter cold and extreme winds but arrived safe, but later than planned.
Clocks back for the new time zone so we are now 7 hours behind UK.
Hotel - Hilton Historic Plaza, Sandoval Street, Santa Fe.
Day 8: Santa Fe, NM 0 mi / 0 km
A days rest in Santa Fe, an interesting place to spend some time. One of the oldest towns in the United States. The hotel we were staying in was first occupied, as a family home, in the 1680's.
Started off at 20f/-6.6c but quickly warmed up, enough so only a cardigan or light jacket needed.
Used the bikes to go to Harley Davidson for a mooch around, that was after my new friend, Dave, and I walked the best part of a mile to do what washing we'd accumulated. Laundromat was large with many machines, and change machines too.
After HD we went to Best Buys technical shop but didn't have what I needed to get the camera mounted, that's the go-pro that my brother in law brought to me at Dick's Towing. I did manage to order one off ebay so it was waiting for me when I got home.
Early afternoon I couldn't find my friend Dave so wandered down to the centre of Santa Fe but, apart from the lovely Adobe buildings it was extremely tourist orientated. Lots of buskers and beggars around.
Tomorrow we will be setting off to go to Albuquerque and Gallup, still in New Mexico
I took some photos of buildings, they really are so lovely, even the ATM I spotted is housed in Adobe! These can be seen in the gallery pages.
A good meal in the evening at Thunderbird Bar & Grill.
P.S. dozing off to the weather channel and I heard him say 'Gloucester' and 'Worcester', jumped up to take a screenshot! It wasn't, of course, the Gloucester where I live or the Worcester that is a little North of Gloucester.
A days rest in Santa Fe, an interesting place to spend some time. One of the oldest towns in the United States. The hotel we were staying in was first occupied, as a family home, in the 1680's.
Started off at 20f/-6.6c but quickly warmed up, enough so only a cardigan or light jacket needed.
Used the bikes to go to Harley Davidson for a mooch around, that was after my new friend, Dave, and I walked the best part of a mile to do what washing we'd accumulated. Laundromat was large with many machines, and change machines too.
After HD we went to Best Buys technical shop but didn't have what I needed to get the camera mounted, that's the go-pro that my brother in law brought to me at Dick's Towing. I did manage to order one off ebay so it was waiting for me when I got home.
Early afternoon I couldn't find my friend Dave so wandered down to the centre of Santa Fe but, apart from the lovely Adobe buildings it was extremely tourist orientated. Lots of buskers and beggars around.
Tomorrow we will be setting off to go to Albuquerque and Gallup, still in New Mexico
I took some photos of buildings, they really are so lovely, even the ATM I spotted is housed in Adobe! These can be seen in the gallery pages.
A good meal in the evening at Thunderbird Bar & Grill.
P.S. dozing off to the weather channel and I heard him say 'Gloucester' and 'Worcester', jumped up to take a screenshot! It wasn't, of course, the Gloucester where I live or the Worcester that is a little North of Gloucester.
Day 9: Santa Fe, NM - Gallup, NM 200 mi / 322 km
A great day's riding from Santa Fe to Gallup, still in New Mexico
Visited a place that has been used as a film set for so many films such as Cowboys and Jane got a Gun.
Thomas, the old chap with the hat and beard, owns it and loved telling how it's all done, and the many, many, stars that have made films there.
Stopped at an old mining, small, town called Madrid which has 'Maggies', featured in Wild Hogs
Loved riding through the Navajo Nation and stopped at the Trading Post. Everything in the extensive shop is made by the Navajo that live around the area.
I'm loving this ride but must admit the latter half, so far, is so much more interesting. Forests, mountains, red cliffs in the Navajo Nation which is real cowboy country, long sweeping curves, some pretty sharp, which makes for an exciting and exhilarating ride.
Just loving it.
Hotel - Best Western Plus, E Aztec Ave, Gallup
A great day's riding from Santa Fe to Gallup, still in New Mexico
Visited a place that has been used as a film set for so many films such as Cowboys and Jane got a Gun.
Thomas, the old chap with the hat and beard, owns it and loved telling how it's all done, and the many, many, stars that have made films there.
Stopped at an old mining, small, town called Madrid which has 'Maggies', featured in Wild Hogs
Loved riding through the Navajo Nation and stopped at the Trading Post. Everything in the extensive shop is made by the Navajo that live around the area.
I'm loving this ride but must admit the latter half, so far, is so much more interesting. Forests, mountains, red cliffs in the Navajo Nation which is real cowboy country, long sweeping curves, some pretty sharp, which makes for an exciting and exhilarating ride.
Just loving it.
Hotel - Best Western Plus, E Aztec Ave, Gallup
Day 10: Gallup, NM - Grand Canyon, AZ 283 mi / 456 km
Another day of windy conditions which got stronger as the day went on. But it is warmer.
Into Arizona and visited the Wigwam motel which is still operating. On to the Petrified Forest National Park which was quite amazing.
Winslow, which makes a huge thing about its association with 'The Eagles' who mentioned it in their song "Take it Easy', and also has the largest 'Route 66' sign painted on the road, of the whole route.
During a fuel and restroom stop I took some photos of the animal statues, and a fast caterpillar that made it through the parked bikes.. I thought it deserved some fame for it's heroic effort to get to safety :-)
So much to see on this trip and another one not to miss is the Petrified Forest National Park. I've seen petrified forests before, in Saudi Arabia, but not on this scale. There were also some ancient rock drawings, not easy to see but I zoomed in with my camera (24x zoom). Photo below.
Some visited the Grand Canyon in the evening but, to be honest, I was very tired and also wanted to catch up on updating my facebook, and Blipfoto which is a daily photographic journal (www.blipfoto.com/djrose007)
Also, we had a helicopter trip booked for the morning, which turned out to be quite amazing.
Hotel - Red Feather Lodge, Grand Canyon AZ
Another day of windy conditions which got stronger as the day went on. But it is warmer.
Into Arizona and visited the Wigwam motel which is still operating. On to the Petrified Forest National Park which was quite amazing.
Winslow, which makes a huge thing about its association with 'The Eagles' who mentioned it in their song "Take it Easy', and also has the largest 'Route 66' sign painted on the road, of the whole route.
During a fuel and restroom stop I took some photos of the animal statues, and a fast caterpillar that made it through the parked bikes.. I thought it deserved some fame for it's heroic effort to get to safety :-)
So much to see on this trip and another one not to miss is the Petrified Forest National Park. I've seen petrified forests before, in Saudi Arabia, but not on this scale. There were also some ancient rock drawings, not easy to see but I zoomed in with my camera (24x zoom). Photo below.
Some visited the Grand Canyon in the evening but, to be honest, I was very tired and also wanted to catch up on updating my facebook, and Blipfoto which is a daily photographic journal (www.blipfoto.com/djrose007)
Also, we had a helicopter trip booked for the morning, which turned out to be quite amazing.
Hotel - Red Feather Lodge, Grand Canyon AZ
Day 11: Grand Canyon, AZ - Laughlin NV, 256 mi / 412 km
What a day. Started with a helicopter ride over, and along, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's all very well seeing on TV but you just cannot imagine the enormity of it. We had a lovely, and incredibly good, pilot by the name of Yani. I only know one other Yani and she happens to be our niece.
After the Grand Canyon we jumped on the bikes and set off for Williams, a very important link to R66. It was the last place to have an interstate bypassing the town. I hope it doesn't kill the town as it has other places, I don't think it will considering the number of visitors there today.
On to Hackberry, made famous by Bob Waldmire, look him up, he's quite a character.
Cool Springs was next on the route, it's a store, gift shop etc. If you do this route, make sure you visit bathrooms prior to Cool Springs, enough said!
Then came the hair-raising ride to Oatman. 91 bends and 2 hairpin bends. It's not the bends themselves that are hair raising, it's the sheer drops on the right-handside of the unprotected edge that scared me. I can't even do those glass lifts that overlook the atrium in some hotels.
Anyway, I made it to Oatman alive, if a little greyer.
One thing that makes Oatman famous is its wild donkeys, or Burros as the locals call them. I have always loved donkeys and these are no exception. They are such gentle creatures and quite intelligent.
This mother and daughter below were wandering around, with half a dozen others, but it was the "Please don't feed me" notice on the forehead that initially caught my eye.
They also stage a robbery and shootout twice a day but we were too late to catch that.
Next stop was Laughlin, Nevada. So yet another State to add to the list. I was quite surprised at how prolific the huge hotel/casinos were. But I shouldn't have been, I suppose, considering it's not that far from Las Vegas, about 150 miles, and how lax the gambling laws are. I didn't get a picture of it but one of the casino's was a large paddle steamer, as in 'The Ozarks' series.
Tomorrow, we go on to Las Vegas itself.
Plus - the wind has dropped and it is much warmer
Hotel - Harrah's S. Casino Drive, Laughlin NV.
What a day. Started with a helicopter ride over, and along, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's all very well seeing on TV but you just cannot imagine the enormity of it. We had a lovely, and incredibly good, pilot by the name of Yani. I only know one other Yani and she happens to be our niece.
After the Grand Canyon we jumped on the bikes and set off for Williams, a very important link to R66. It was the last place to have an interstate bypassing the town. I hope it doesn't kill the town as it has other places, I don't think it will considering the number of visitors there today.
On to Hackberry, made famous by Bob Waldmire, look him up, he's quite a character.
Cool Springs was next on the route, it's a store, gift shop etc. If you do this route, make sure you visit bathrooms prior to Cool Springs, enough said!
Then came the hair-raising ride to Oatman. 91 bends and 2 hairpin bends. It's not the bends themselves that are hair raising, it's the sheer drops on the right-handside of the unprotected edge that scared me. I can't even do those glass lifts that overlook the atrium in some hotels.
Anyway, I made it to Oatman alive, if a little greyer.
One thing that makes Oatman famous is its wild donkeys, or Burros as the locals call them. I have always loved donkeys and these are no exception. They are such gentle creatures and quite intelligent.
This mother and daughter below were wandering around, with half a dozen others, but it was the "Please don't feed me" notice on the forehead that initially caught my eye.
They also stage a robbery and shootout twice a day but we were too late to catch that.
Next stop was Laughlin, Nevada. So yet another State to add to the list. I was quite surprised at how prolific the huge hotel/casinos were. But I shouldn't have been, I suppose, considering it's not that far from Las Vegas, about 150 miles, and how lax the gambling laws are. I didn't get a picture of it but one of the casino's was a large paddle steamer, as in 'The Ozarks' series.
Tomorrow, we go on to Las Vegas itself.
Plus - the wind has dropped and it is much warmer
Hotel - Harrah's S. Casino Drive, Laughlin NV.
Dangers of riding around the Oatman area!
Video reproduced, with thanks to Dave 'Shippers' Shipman,
Video reproduced, with thanks to Dave 'Shippers' Shipman,
Day 12: Laughlin, AZ - Las Vegas, NV 184 mi / 296 km
Las Vegas (the one with the lights and casinos, not the New Mexico one!) is not on Route 66 but it's not a huge diversion. A lot of my fellow travellers likes Las Vegas, but not me I'm afraid. I've nothing against the bright lights and casinos, they simply don't interest me in the least. I'd rather be riding the ride along Route 66, particularly with some scenery and interesting places to visit.
Having said that, the ride was great. After a stop to refuel all of the bikes we rode through the Mojave Desert across to the Hoover Dam.
Lake Mead was certainly an impressive sight and you could see how very low it was compared to the level it should be at at this time of year.
The dam itself is quite amazing but I always imagined a dam with a huge reservoir of water behind it. The Hoover Dam doesn't appear to have this 'dam feature', it's Lake Mead that holds the water for the dam. The lake has a marina and people were jet skiing and having a great deal of fun.
The Hoover Dam has an immense history, it's worth looking up. Those 'towers', connected to the walkway between them, are where the large generators are located, the dam also provides electricity to the area.
The photograph of the 'little creature' was taken while we were at the fence in the car park overlooking Lake Mead. There were a few of them and they were quite comical, as well as rather cute. They look like little chipmunks but I can't find out what the proper name is for them
From there we rode another 30 miles to Las Vegas. A slightly bigger run tomorrow to Victorville, California, so crossing another state line.
Hotel - Golden Nugget, East Freemont Street, Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas (the one with the lights and casinos, not the New Mexico one!) is not on Route 66 but it's not a huge diversion. A lot of my fellow travellers likes Las Vegas, but not me I'm afraid. I've nothing against the bright lights and casinos, they simply don't interest me in the least. I'd rather be riding the ride along Route 66, particularly with some scenery and interesting places to visit.
Having said that, the ride was great. After a stop to refuel all of the bikes we rode through the Mojave Desert across to the Hoover Dam.
Lake Mead was certainly an impressive sight and you could see how very low it was compared to the level it should be at at this time of year.
The dam itself is quite amazing but I always imagined a dam with a huge reservoir of water behind it. The Hoover Dam doesn't appear to have this 'dam feature', it's Lake Mead that holds the water for the dam. The lake has a marina and people were jet skiing and having a great deal of fun.
The Hoover Dam has an immense history, it's worth looking up. Those 'towers', connected to the walkway between them, are where the large generators are located, the dam also provides electricity to the area.
The photograph of the 'little creature' was taken while we were at the fence in the car park overlooking Lake Mead. There were a few of them and they were quite comical, as well as rather cute. They look like little chipmunks but I can't find out what the proper name is for them
From there we rode another 30 miles to Las Vegas. A slightly bigger run tomorrow to Victorville, California, so crossing another state line.
Hotel - Golden Nugget, East Freemont Street, Las Vegas, NV
Day 13: Las Vegas, NV - Victorville, CA 282 mi / 454 km
Las Vegas to Victorville.
Must say how impressed I am with how Patriotic Americans are. The Stars and Stripes are flying everywhere. At petrol stations, shopping centres etc. they tend to be these HUGE flags. You can get a scale from the bikes and people below in the photograph.
There was also the James Bond Lotus car in a service station we stopped at for a break and refuelling.
Left Las Vegas heading for Victorville. Calm to begin with but the forecasted 50 - 70 mph winds soon showed up. Makes for uncomfortable riding as you are constantly correcting your position after getting blown across the traffic lane.
We left Nevada, and entered California, at 10:33 (yes, I know, I had to look at the clock on the bike to get that).
Stopped at Kelso after traversing the Mojave desert for a few miles. Still had a lot of desert miles to cross, but there is a road, of course!
In the Mojave there is the largest area of Joshua Trees, I think, in the world. Quite amazing to see. [url=https://blog.tentree.com/10-facts-about-the.../...]https://blog.tentree.com/10-facts-about-the.../...
Our guide told us that even the small ones, approx 3 ft, are around 75 years old.
Also stopped in Amboy, where 'Roys' cafe, shop, garage is. Amboy was an important stopping place for the travellers making their way West looking for a better life.
[url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/.../life-in-a-town-with-a...]https://www.atlasobscura.com/.../life-in-a-town-with.../url]
I noticed my range (fuel) only had 16 miles left when we got to the end of the desert, and there was a 'gas' station, phew! Our guide beckoned us to carry on so I went into a mild panic! The other garage was just across the freeway intersection so I was quite safe.
Now in Victorville. Not famous for anything except for being on Route 66!
Photos in the gallery are from our stops, some show the dust and sand being blown up by the strong winds such as the photograph below.
Hotel - Hilton Garden Inn, Mariposa Road, Victorville, CA
Las Vegas to Victorville.
Must say how impressed I am with how Patriotic Americans are. The Stars and Stripes are flying everywhere. At petrol stations, shopping centres etc. they tend to be these HUGE flags. You can get a scale from the bikes and people below in the photograph.
There was also the James Bond Lotus car in a service station we stopped at for a break and refuelling.
Left Las Vegas heading for Victorville. Calm to begin with but the forecasted 50 - 70 mph winds soon showed up. Makes for uncomfortable riding as you are constantly correcting your position after getting blown across the traffic lane.
We left Nevada, and entered California, at 10:33 (yes, I know, I had to look at the clock on the bike to get that).
Stopped at Kelso after traversing the Mojave desert for a few miles. Still had a lot of desert miles to cross, but there is a road, of course!
In the Mojave there is the largest area of Joshua Trees, I think, in the world. Quite amazing to see. [url=https://blog.tentree.com/10-facts-about-the.../...]https://blog.tentree.com/10-facts-about-the.../...
Our guide told us that even the small ones, approx 3 ft, are around 75 years old.
Also stopped in Amboy, where 'Roys' cafe, shop, garage is. Amboy was an important stopping place for the travellers making their way West looking for a better life.
[url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/.../life-in-a-town-with-a...]https://www.atlasobscura.com/.../life-in-a-town-with.../url]
I noticed my range (fuel) only had 16 miles left when we got to the end of the desert, and there was a 'gas' station, phew! Our guide beckoned us to carry on so I went into a mild panic! The other garage was just across the freeway intersection so I was quite safe.
Now in Victorville. Not famous for anything except for being on Route 66!
Photos in the gallery are from our stops, some show the dust and sand being blown up by the strong winds such as the photograph below.
Hotel - Hilton Garden Inn, Mariposa Road, Victorville, CA
14: Victorville - Los Angeles 124 mi / 200 km
The last leg. Today's destination was the pier at Santa Monica California, where the Route 66 end sign is located.
Had to be a picture of me successfully completing the 2,632 miles that we have ridden since 7 April. It's a bit more than the normal mileage as we also did Las Vegas and a couple of exhilarating twisty rides off of R66. The screenshot of the satnav is the twisty road today, some pretty sharp bends which I was down to 3rd gear for, and a great deal of leaning!
Another photo is of me with the Softail Heritage that I did the whole of Chicago to Santa Monica on.
We didn't visit anywhere else today other than refuelling stations.
What an adventure, and only one major crash in our group, and a couple of dropped bikes.
The major crash occurred on the mountain road on the way to Santa Fe. The rider directly in front of me lost control and left the road. I saw him falling into an, approximately, 20 foot drop and hitting the large rocks. Bike is a mess but he's recovering from broken ribs, a bleed in the lung and a cracked vertebrae in the neck. Could have been a lot worse of course.
After we all took photgraphs at the end sign, and had some time to wander around, get some lunch, buy T Shirts (of course), we all rode to Eagle Riders in Los Angeles to hand in the bikes.
Only fault with mine was that a bolt had either never been there, or it had dropped out on the first day. I regularly check my own bike for things coming loose and, on the second day, I checked the Softail and found the spotlight bar was loose due to a missing bold. The tour guide used a cable tie/zip tie to secure it.
So, now feeling sad that is over, it's been great fun, as well as educational, interesting and exhilarating. You will find that you are drawn very close to your fellow riders and you will become firm friends. We are all still in touch although we are spread from Brazil, to Mexico, UK and France and Canada.
Must find some buddies to plan touring trips with!
Hotel - Sonesta LAX, W Century Road, LA, CA.
The last leg. Today's destination was the pier at Santa Monica California, where the Route 66 end sign is located.
Had to be a picture of me successfully completing the 2,632 miles that we have ridden since 7 April. It's a bit more than the normal mileage as we also did Las Vegas and a couple of exhilarating twisty rides off of R66. The screenshot of the satnav is the twisty road today, some pretty sharp bends which I was down to 3rd gear for, and a great deal of leaning!
Another photo is of me with the Softail Heritage that I did the whole of Chicago to Santa Monica on.
We didn't visit anywhere else today other than refuelling stations.
What an adventure, and only one major crash in our group, and a couple of dropped bikes.
The major crash occurred on the mountain road on the way to Santa Fe. The rider directly in front of me lost control and left the road. I saw him falling into an, approximately, 20 foot drop and hitting the large rocks. Bike is a mess but he's recovering from broken ribs, a bleed in the lung and a cracked vertebrae in the neck. Could have been a lot worse of course.
After we all took photgraphs at the end sign, and had some time to wander around, get some lunch, buy T Shirts (of course), we all rode to Eagle Riders in Los Angeles to hand in the bikes.
Only fault with mine was that a bolt had either never been there, or it had dropped out on the first day. I regularly check my own bike for things coming loose and, on the second day, I checked the Softail and found the spotlight bar was loose due to a missing bold. The tour guide used a cable tie/zip tie to secure it.
So, now feeling sad that is over, it's been great fun, as well as educational, interesting and exhilarating. You will find that you are drawn very close to your fellow riders and you will become firm friends. We are all still in touch although we are spread from Brazil, to Mexico, UK and France and Canada.
Must find some buddies to plan touring trips with!
Hotel - Sonesta LAX, W Century Road, LA, CA.
The group of riders that set out. The two Mexicans and Julivan, the Brazilain, left us in Amarillo and we were joined by 4 others.
Two French and two Canadians
The two French are to the left in the photograph below.
Two French and two Canadians
The two French are to the left in the photograph below.