 6Likes
 |
|
10 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by garmei
We rode sections of Route 66 in Arizona last year on our way up to New York. Each to their own and all that, but it was pretty boring after a while. We got a few kicks (wahey!) riding alongside mile long trains, seeing a few signs, the odd curiosities and the odd nostalgic gas station. But much of it is boring, repetive and feels insiincere.
|
Déjà vu - we had the same sorta mixed experience .. :confused1:
From my journal [early April 2008]:
" .. We nevertheless look for the first opportunity to jump back onto 66, which happens 22 miles later, at Ash Fork & Seligman. So we’re once again travelling along a section of Historic Route 66, which I can tell you, right here and now ..
.. is probably the straightest, most boring and featureless tar-snaked road I have ever had the misfortune of riding upon. This is not to say that the whole of US-66 is the same .. of course it’s not; indeed, I'm sure that my brief encounter with the 'Main Street of America' is far from the overall reality.
Having said that, how could you not like, and indeed embrace, any highway that runs through a town named 'Peach Springs' - and with a roadside restaurant called 'Roadkill' .. wherein the menu lists food items such as:
- 'Cheeseburger with Cheese' and
- 'Dead Chicken'
I guess, you just gotta love it all for these reasons alone! .."
.
|
10 Nov 2011
|
|
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 956
|
|
|
More on Route 66
Keith1954 and others it is good to hear your opinions of Route 66.
I know Peach Springs as the place where after 2 weeks floating down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, white water rafters take out after being put in at Lee's Ferry.
Country livin, photo (looking west) is my ranch house just off Route 66 note the northern Arizona San Francisco Peaks in the background . The Old Route 66 is a thousand feet north of my ranch house.
It's the locals that make this part of Route 66 interesting. Just make it a point to see the Grand Canyon and meet some local folks. The country and western Bar called the Museum Club, where,long ago, the greats of country music performed is a good place to visit while in Flagstaff. The Museum Club known as the "Zoo Club" by locals is a good place to meet the locals, try a little 2-step dancing and a local  .
Mary's cafe is a great place for breakfast and has a "cowboy" bar attached.
Also: Wupatki National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Coconino National Forest - Oak Creek Canyon
and especially Walnut Canyon
Walnut Canyon National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Have fun, I'm holed up in Spain for a while longer.
xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Last edited by xfiltrate; 10 Nov 2011 at 22:10.
|
11 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: cork,ireland
Posts: 22
|
|
|
Road trip usa
I came across this book,and website, a while back,it has some great info on 66,and indeed several alternative long distance usa routes.Recommended. 
ROAD TRIP USA
|
11 Nov 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
|
|
[QUOTE=maja;355614]
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris
Just for info to non UK HUBBers: A TV series on British channel ITV by Scottish comedian Billy Connolly finished recently. He rode a trike along most of Rt 66 east-west:
Welcome to the official Billy Connolly Website!
Billy Connolly's Route 66 Competition - ITV Entertainment
Billy Connolly's Route 66, ITV1, review - Telegraph
Possibly this TV series led to the OP's question?
I really enjoyed the show. Looking at the pictures above of the long straight roads, I think I might go looking for more curvy lines on a USA map and seek out less tourist trash.
The comment about the Trans Am trail leading you past more "real/historical America" is definitely true. I rode the western half in 2010: [url=http://www.thebrightstuff.com/USA2010webgallery/index.html]Summer 2010 Riding some pleasant tracks in the western United States: CDT, TAT, Lolo & OBDT. All Images |
Try www.motorcycleroads.us It gives a really good breakdown of all types of roads in the USA. Ride safe.
__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
|
11 Nov 2011
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Elko, Nevada, USA
Posts: 3
|
|
|
Route 66
I've looked into this route also and believe the only section which is fun, and might depict the original "route 66" aura is about 130 miles of highway located around Kingman Az. The ride to the east of Kingman is probably like it really was, a remote desolate 2 lane highway. The ride from Kingman west through Oatman is really memorable as the highway goes through a mountain range as the original 2 lane, twisty, narrow highway it originally was.( Appears to have had sections built by the CCC's in the 30's) The scenery here is quite spectacular, goes by the now abandoned Goldroad Gold Mine. The route 66 theme is really prevalent and tastefully done in Kingman with a really neat Route 66 museum which is full of neat stuff and memorabilia of the era. The town of Oatman is a real tourist gathering place; their one claim to fame being the wild burros which roam the streets and even enter some of the stores. (I guess that implies that they are not wild, but they have no owners and have developed no manners or training and are free to come and go as they please ???)
Have fun.
Lance
|
14 Nov 2011
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: harlow
Posts: 104
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by maja
I did route 66 about 7 years back, or at least about 75% of what purports to be it, as in reality only a few very very short stretches of the single lane road still exist as a back road between farms a couple of farms. Aside from some unbelivablely tatty tourist tat you have to put up with 2.5km, sorry, USA, 1.5ml long freight trains rumbling past your tent/motel door all night long tooting their health and safety offence volume horns/whistles at every unmanned X-ing, of which there are a lot and if you try to move away from that source of noise you get high speed mega trucks on the interstate keeping you awake. A far better and more historic route is the Lincoln Highway (Rt30?) which was the first trans-continent road in N.America, it also runs from Chicago (ish) to Sacramento. Apart from being a lot quieter it passes through a lot nicer scenery and you really do get a look at small town America where more importantly, the and accommodation is generally cheaper. Whichever way you go, the USA is a good place to visit and their National Parks are a must see. Ride safe |
Thanks  saw the program with billy doing the rt 66 and was a bit disapointed like your rt 30 have any others as i want to ride across usa from new york cheers
|
15 Nov 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanceld
I've looked into this route also and believe the only section which is fun, and might depict the original "route 66" aura is about 130 miles of highway located around Kingman Az. The ride to the east of Kingman is probably like it really was, a remote desolate 2 lane highway.
|
Some images of this stretch Lanceld's talking about : it was July 2007 and I had been touring the West astride a Harley rented straight from Italy at Eaglerider in Scottsdale, AZ.
This is a typical tourist trap, but how can you miss this veeeery old gas station now turned into a souvenir shop?? 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanceld
The ride from Kingman west through Oatman is really memorable as the highway goes through a mountain range as the original 2 lane, twisty, narrow highway it originally was.( Appears to have had sections built by the CCC's in the 30's) The scenery here is quite spectacular, goes by the now abandoned Goldroad Gold Mine. The route 66 theme is really prevalent and tastefully done in Kingman with a really neat Route 66 museum which is full of neat stuff and memorabilia of the era. The town of Oatman is a real tourist gathering place; their one claim to fame being the wild burros which roam the streets and even enter some of the stores.
|
All of this is true, the Mother Road stretches throughout an area called "The Black Country" which was really outstanding to be ridden.
If someone loves the open and desolate road, cannot miss the stretch of Route 66 in the Mohave desert, which looks like this (pics were taken some dozens of miles east of the famous Roy's Cafe in the ghost town of Amboy, California)
I really enjoyed this part of the trip, maybe because I love the deserts and the open road that goes thru them: you should think that last summer I was really haaaappy while riding the even more desolated road in the desert of western Kazakhstan! 
Greetings, and have fun on Route 66 (or at least of what remains of it, as many others said before, there's only small stretches that can be ridden...)
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
