standcool
Member
Posts: 20
My "NEW" 1999 Valk Interstate.
S.E. Indiana
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« on: May 09, 2012, 08:46:28 PM » |
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Hey all. This is a long shot. But here goes. I've finally talked myself into riding out west via Route 66. (Or what's left of it.) I'm leaving June 1st; and will jump on Rt. 66 at St. Louis sometime in the early afternoon. Gonna take my time, (up to 5 days if needed) getting to L.A. **Was wondering if anyone would like to ride along? On the way back, I'll be taking U.S. 50 after I visit my kids in S.W. Utah for a couple days. Feel free to join up with me for as little or long as you like. -stan  |
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I sold my beloved Honda VTX so I could get a TOURING bike to allow my wife to be more comfortable on long trips. Can't afford; nor do I subscribe to the Harley "hype". Wanted to stay with Honda quality. And as I'm still young enough to want a "COOL" looking tourer; the Valk Interstate is for me.
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2012, 09:03:16 PM » |
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Have fun.I road a short part of 66 in Ca.and it was terrible.I had to get off and back on the interstate before it destroyed my valk.that was only a short distance I do hope you don't have any worn beat up sections to ride on.The area I'm refering to in near Newberry Springs,Ca going towards Ludlow,Ca. Some HD riders were behind me and they had to get off also
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standcool
Member
Posts: 20
My "NEW" 1999 Valk Interstate.
S.E. Indiana
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« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2012, 05:24:38 PM » |
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ART: THanks for the tip on the bad RT 66 between Ludlow and Newberry Springs. I just got a detailed map/book outlining the entire 2300 miles from Chicago and L.A. It gives detailed directions where the highway starts and stops through all 8 states. It actually mentions the stretch you are talking about. It says..... "Avoid! Jump on I-40 here.". Without a Co-pilot on the back of my Valk, I'll be stopping ALOT to check the maps.  Maybe there is a website out there where I can advertise for a sweet little honey to ride along as "strictly a map reader". I'm SURE my wife won't mind.  |
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I sold my beloved Honda VTX so I could get a TOURING bike to allow my wife to be more comfortable on long trips. Can't afford; nor do I subscribe to the Harley "hype". Wanted to stay with Honda quality. And as I'm still young enough to want a "COOL" looking tourer; the Valk Interstate is for me.
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8763
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2012, 05:52:27 PM » |
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Maybe there is a website out there where I can advertise for a sweet little honey to ride along as "strictly a map reader". I'm SURE my wife won't mind. Talk to Oss, see if he can spare one of his secretaries. |
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GreenLantern57
Member
Posts: 1543
Hail to the king baby!
Rock Hill, SC
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« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2012, 06:20:07 PM » |
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There are still some parts of 66 in the Texas panhandle that are used daily, so they are in good shape, if you have a good book, they should be noted. Breakfast or Lunch in McLean TX at the Cowboy Cafe. Great Tex-Mex all over Amarillo, but you should stop in Vega Texas and eat at Boot Hill, great food. Big Texan food is only mediocre. But good photo ops. Best burgers in town are at Arnolds and Coyote Bluff. There is a cafe in Adrian called the Midway Cafe, best pies around. Enjoy your trip through my old stomping grounds.
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gordorad
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« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2012, 06:24:54 PM » |
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I"ve done the route about 3 times. The best guide book is the EZ Guide to Route 66. Very detailed and great explanations. It really will make your ride more enjoyable. You can get it on Amazon or many other places. The author is Jerry McClanahan. He is an artist and has a studio near 66 in Oklahoma..(I think Stroud)....
If you have any questions, PM me. I've a lot of info on the Route, and it's many alignments.
Also, check out my website, I've a ton of pics along 66...
Also, the California section is very So so......Not much there....I will usually head just a bit East from Needles, head up to Vegas, then venture back through Utah and Colorado...
Agree with Lantern on the Big Texan. Way overpriced crap. Avoid that place.....
A few gems........
Afton Station in Afton, OK. Great museum, free too, and a bunch of old packards...
John's Modern Cabins in Missouri
Clanton's Cafe in Vinita, OK...Great CFS.
Red River Steak House in McClean, TX
Tons of great places along the way, but those always stand out for me...
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« Last Edit: May 10, 2012, 06:40:44 PM by gordorad »
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art
Member
Posts: 2737
Grants Pass,Or
Grants Pass,Or
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« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2012, 06:32:06 PM » |
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ART: THanks for the tip on the bad RT 66 between Ludlow and Newberry Springs. I just got a detailed map/book outlining the entire 2300 miles from Chicago and L.A. It gives detailed directions where the highway starts and stops through all 8 states. It actually mentions the stretch you are talking about. It says..... "Avoid! Jump on I-40 here.". Without a Co-pilot on the back of my Valk, I'll be stopping ALOT to check the maps. Maybe there is a website out there where I can advertise for a sweet little honey to ride along as "strictly a map reader". I'm SURE my wife won't mind. If you find one let me know  |
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F6Dave
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« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2012, 06:58:41 PM » |
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I attended the VRCC Memorial Day BBQ in Tucumcari for the last 4 years. There's several miles of the original road just west of town. I was told it is the longest continuous stretch remaining. There’s even a Stucky’s there, where you can still buy Pecan Logs!
I’d highly recommend the ‘Historic Route 66 Motel’ in Tucumcari. Rooms are about $30 a night, and believe it or not, they are in great condition and spotless. The owners, Bill and Cathy, never stop working. When I made a reservation Cathy asked me when I’d be arriving, so she could have the air conditioning on ahead of time.
You’ll also meet lots of unusual folks travelling Route 66. Staying at the motel last year was a group of 5 Swiss police officers who were riding identical rented Harleys. They said a magazine was picking up the tab. There were also 3 older Australian guys who bought a mint ’65 Thunderbird in Tennessee, and were driving the Route to California before shipping the car back home down under.
When talking to these people there is a common thread. They all seem to see the road as a symbol of the American West, wide open spaces, and freedom. It is a great ride.
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B
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« Reply #8 on: May 10, 2012, 07:03:44 PM » |
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Get some good historic maps. http://www.historic66.com/books/book-8statemaps.html-Not sure why youre skipping IL. One of the best museums is in Pontiac. You can tour Bob Waldmires Bus and Van. There are some real neat stretches of the old route in IL. -Make sure you catch the Rte66 Museums in Clinton OK & Elk City OK. -Try to stay at Blue Swallow in Tucumcari NM & eat at the mexican lunch buffet at The Pow Wow Restaurant. -El Rancho Hotel in Gallup NM is worth a night... Lots of history & good food. -DON'T SKIP Oatman AZ... My fav town on the Rte. Too many good things to list... 5 days? Don't cheat yourself on a good time and great history. BE CAREFUL; The Mother Road gets in your blood. I've done Navy Pier to Santa Monica Pier 3 times and parts of it another 5 or 6 times. |
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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LandElephant
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« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2012, 06:53:46 AM » |
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You can't miss the largest cross west of the Mississippi River in Groom TX. In Amarillo, Tx there is the Blue Front Cafe (on Rt 66). The waitresses are freiendly and the owner is there every day and she is in her 70's. When I'm home my daugther's father-in-law and I go there everyday for breakfast. Just farther west is an area of Amarillo that is being revitalized with the old stores of Rt. 66. And don't forget Cadillac Ranch off Hope Rd (South side of I-40).
Vega, TX is a restraurnat (sp) called the Boot Hill Cafe and Saloon. The owner and chef was I believe season 7 runner up of the Next food Network star. The waitresses dress up like old saloon girls and the place is very friendly.
Be aware when you drive across the high plains from Amarillo to ALB and on the Gallup that this time of year there are days where the wind could blow you off the road. Weather changes quickly on the high plains (over 3500 ft elevation).
Land Elephant
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standcool
Member
Posts: 20
My "NEW" 1999 Valk Interstate.
S.E. Indiana
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« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2012, 11:02:18 AM » |
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Wow. Thanks for all the tips guys. I have hand cramps from writing it all down on sticky notes to stuff in my "EZ66 road guide". Let me know when one of yuz plans on riding the Mother highway again. I'll ride with you. |
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I sold my beloved Honda VTX so I could get a TOURING bike to allow my wife to be more comfortable on long trips. Can't afford; nor do I subscribe to the Harley "hype". Wanted to stay with Honda quality. And as I'm still young enough to want a "COOL" looking tourer; the Valk Interstate is for me.
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B
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« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2012, 01:37:39 PM » |
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Wow. Thanks for all the tips guys. I have hand cramps from writing it all down on sticky notes to stuff in my "EZ66 road guide". Let me know when one of yuz plans on riding the Mother highway again. I'll ride with you. I can't do the whole thing this year but here's a cancer fund raiser Ive been on 3 times. I may meet up for a day. Too many places to ride & too little time off... MAN I NEED TO RETIRE! www.ridefortherelay.com |
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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B
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« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2012, 03:31:01 PM » |
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"if I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me." TLB-Ps.139:9-10
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2012, 05:03:09 PM » |
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Stan, All I'll say is, I'm envious as hell. Would love to join you on this adventure but it just isn't in the cards. Have fun and I'll be looking forward to that Ride Report. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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RP#62
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« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2012, 08:11:50 PM » |
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The Wig Wam Motel in Holbrook AZ is also a neat old Rt 66 motel. -RP  |
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6pak2go
Member
Posts: 66
Somewhere in New Mexico #30112
Hanover, Indiana
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« Reply #15 on: May 14, 2012, 07:06:45 AM » |
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Stan, I am not sure where I got this link from, but read it and carry the info contained from within in your computer that's sitting on your shoulders. Ask anyone who's been thru the dessert southwest and they will agree. Gene
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standcool
Member
Posts: 20
My "NEW" 1999 Valk Interstate.
S.E. Indiana
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« Reply #16 on: May 14, 2012, 07:31:21 AM » |
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Hey Gene. Not seeing the link you refer to. E-mail it to me! standcool@yahoo.com |
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I sold my beloved Honda VTX so I could get a TOURING bike to allow my wife to be more comfortable on long trips. Can't afford; nor do I subscribe to the Harley "hype". Wanted to stay with Honda quality. And as I'm still young enough to want a "COOL" looking tourer; the Valk Interstate is for me.
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6pak2go
Member
Posts: 66
Somewhere in New Mexico #30112
Hanover, Indiana
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« Reply #17 on: May 14, 2012, 09:35:41 AM » |
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czuch
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« Reply #18 on: May 14, 2012, 01:25:57 PM » |
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That time of year you simply wont get enough water. I soak a flannel and wear a light jacket over it.You actually get cold, but dont let that fool you. You can jump inna pool here and be dry in 25 miles. Coolish water is what you want, Ice cold will give you a heart attack.
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Aot of guys with burn marks,gnarly scars and funny twitches ask why I spend so much on safety gear
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