I know what you're saying XK, but wouldn't you like to make up your own mind? . . . . I travel a lot, and as you say, route 66 HAS become the tourist trap I would usually avoid like the plague. BUT, with good company, nice bikes, and a variable agenda, it can be what you make it . . . . I have been to the states many times, but this sounds like it could be something different.
I'm watching this thread with interest!
I'm with XK on this one. A bit like comparing Offas Dyke (which is is no longer a continuous single footpath) with the Pennine Way. No Contest. Some of the "regional" US routes are likely to be much more fun, value and breathtaking, especially in the SW (Arizona/Colorado/New Mexico), and coastal routes.
Done several long trip in cars there, sadly, not on bike yet. Can't help feeling Route 66 is much more of a "right of passage" these days rather than an exhilaration, interesting, scenic, adventurous road-trip.
If you want my advice the Best of the West is the best tour u can go on period as it takes in everything u wanna see with out too many massive long straights of nothing.
I've considered route 66. Probably more cos of it's iconic status and xk is right that it's been changed and altered over the years. But places still exist and to grasp the scale of travelling from the older more 'established' states, and what an epic undertaking it was heading west like the settlers did...well, this is the one
With some research of interesting places and being prepared to deviate a bit, this would be a awesome journey. e.g. the grand Canyon isn't on route 66 but it's easily do-able
Also for those warblers among us there are opportunities for some fab sing songs:
*Show me the way to amarillo
*meet me in st Louise (oooey)
*I was only 24 hours from Tulsa
*ooo ooo ooo Oklahoma!
*weeell, I'm standing on a corner in winslow Arizona...
It is something that interests me, i like the grand Canyon , monument Vally route.
I'm going back in 2015 to do Arizona to Sturgis & back again which is an amazing ride
Minnie - you have to be 21 and have a full bike licence to hire a bike in the US but theres no minimum length of time required to have held that licence.
You would also need to think about getting a visa.....especially if you have ever had any sort of "criminal" conviction no matter how long ago! Homeland Security are very very strict these days!
I did 42 states over 6 months in 2006 on my Bonny, independently. I can recommend Blue Ridge parkway, for a cheaper trip, biker campsites aplenty. If anyone wants to pick whats left of my brain on any aspect - just message me. Badger
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