rt 66

[robin]

My son gave me a set of maps he bought off the net about Rt 66 anybody ever try retracing that Historic route lately with all the running around you have to do to try and stick with it as much as you can?I have always wanted to drive that route and visit small town America.

[R J]

Yup, chased it from Illinois to California when it was in full time use during the Korean Conflict.

They put in the super slabs and 99.9% of it disappeared.

There are some places like in Elko, OK that have preserved what was in and around their town.   Go further out West and watch for signs pointing you to Route 66,  take em, they are real interesting and a lot of photo op's.

Last time I did them was about 9 years ago.  Went from Oklahoma to California on the Valk with my middle grandson..

[fudgie]

Check with Indianawizard. I believe he and Bob did it last year. They were at the B/G ride.

[Gilligan]

We really enjoyed riding part of Route 66 during our two-month trip in 2008.  The road was smaller, bumpier and hotter than we expected, but it was certainly a great experience.

Here is one of the pics that Navigator took as we rode it.  (Yep, the cable is the only thing keeping you from going over the edge here.)

[Valker]

If it is the set with the big 'Here It IS" at the top of each one, they are pretty good. I led a tour summer before last with a group from Switzerland. I used mostly those maps with another book that had GPS points listed also. I got to ride some of the old brick portions in the middle of nowhere, some of the original concrete sections which are only 6 feet wide, etc. it was a great trip. If I can help you in any way, feel free to give a holler.

[Daniel Meyer]

You can't retrace it all...but it's well worth the trip. I highly recommend it.

http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2006/01/11/route66index.html

[Sharkey]

It runs 8 miles north of me. It meanders along I-44 as service roads and going through small town down to Oklahoma.
A lot of the road is in pretty bad shape. There is a neat little stop in MoLees neck of the woods at Devils Elbow
 http://www.elbowinn.org/

[robin]

Thanks everyone i really appreciate the info keep it coming if ya have it.Valker what was the book you said you used with the GPS points?

 Happy New Year everyone

[Sharkey]

Robin
If you are planning a trip, you are welcome to stay a night here. It will save you a nights hotel bill. Just 8 miles south of Cuba Mo. Or if you have any trouble in the hood I have a trailer and tools  Ill pick up some Mico Brews  That last night in Frisco was too short, need more time to visit.

[VMODON]

Robin, I have a summer cabin 3 mile off the old 66 near Williams AZ. Good stop off to visit the Canyon. Your welcomed to stay  a night or two. Just a thought. Ride Safe Don...

[Willow]

They put in the super slabs and 99.9% of it disappeared.

There are some places like in Elko, OK that have preserved what was in and around their town.   Go further out West and watch for signs pointing you to Route 66,  take em, they are real interesting and a lot of photo op's.

R.J. I think your math may be a little off.   There are still a lot of segments of old 66 in use.  I've been on it in several spots and would greatly love to take the trip from Illinois to the sea.

Elko, incidentally, is in Nevada.  Elk City is in Oklahoma. 

I grew up in Bethany, Oklahoma just five blocks off route 66.

[Valker]

Thanks everyone i really appreciate the info keep it coming if ya have it.Valker what was the book you said you used with the GPS points?

 Happy New Year everyone

Here's what I have: http://www.route66maps.com/GuidebookGeneralDesc.htm
and here is a wealth of info: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=route+66+gps+points&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
It's a blast!

[Rowdy]

  I've always wanted to do Rt 66 on a bike - I got looking at the route, I think I did that route in 1969     Drove it from Columbus, Ohio to Camp Pendleton, Calif in a 63 Chevy Nova     Of course in 1969 it was likely the major highway to the west coast 

[R J]

They put in the super slabs and 99.9% of it disappeared.

 

R.J. I think your math may be a little off.   There are still a lot of segments of old 66 in use.  I've been on it in several spots and would greatly love to take the trip from Illinois to the sea.

Elko, incidentally, is in Nevada.  Elk City is in Oklahoma.  

  

Elk City, ya'll is correct Carl, I didn't think it sounded right when I typed it.

Now, % of road left......            That was a very close figure of speech.

Give me a break Gunny, I know you are Gung Ho, but cut some slack....

Tanx....

[Willow]

Elk City, ya'll is correct Carl, I didn't think it sounded right when I typed it.

Now, % of road left......            That was a very close figure of speech.

Give me a break Gunny, I know you are Gung Ho, but cut some slack....

Maybe we're thinking of different roads.  I was thinking we were talking about Route 66 in its heyday, but even if we were discussing the original 1927 road it would have to have less than 2.5 miles remaining to be 99.9 % gone.

You're likely correct as I really don't remember the original road.

Consider yourself slacked.  See you next year.   

[laserpat]

Asleep at the Wheel-Route 66	powered by Aeva

[R J]

Elk City, ya'll is correct Carl, I didn't think it sounded right when I typed it.

Now, % of road left......            That was a very close figure of speech.

Give me a break Gunny, I know you are Gung Ho, but cut some slack....

Maybe we're thinking of different roads.  I was thinking we were talking about Route 66 in its heyday, but even if we were discussing the original 1927 road it would have to have less than 2.5 miles remaining to be 99.9 % gone.

You're likely correct as I really don't remember the original road.

Consider yourself slacked.  See you next year.  

Thanks Jarhead.......

SO & I was trying to decide how many times during my Marine tenure we made that trip across Route 66...........

Remember 2 times in the 39 Plymouth Coupe by myself before we were married. and 2 times after we were married..
2 times in the 41 Ford,  2 times in the 48 Hudson, 3 times in the 49 Ford,  and 1 time in the 50 Mercury when I was discharged, and then 2 times as a CHP in the Merc.    
During that time frame you could go from Iowa to California for just a tad over $50.00 total cost.........

Carl. thanks for bringing back some memories of the old road for me and the wife.......   We enjoyed yacking about it on the last day of 2009......

[Mo Lee]

Like Sharkey said some of the roads are a little bumpy, the area around the Elbow Inn is still original concrete with the lip on the edge of the road. I live less than 1/2 mile from Route 66 and see groups of 2, 3, and 4 wheelers from all over the world come through all the time.  Stay in touch an if you come thru at the right time I may be able to ride a few miles. Matter of fact maybe this would be a good opportunity for Sharkey, Armyvalker, and myself to get together.

[R J]

Okay, here is some links to the old Mother Road.


http://www.historic66.com/california/

http://www.historic66.com/arizona/

http://www.historic66.com/new-mexico/

http://www.historic66.com/texas/

http://www.historic66.com/oklahoma/

http://www.historic66.com/kansas/

http://www.historic66.com/missouri/

http://www.historic66.com/illinois/

There are also some scheduled events every year.
http://www.historic66.com/events/
 

[robin]

Ya know this sounds like a great ride for alot of Valkyries it seems many people here have wanted to do that ride at one time or another start in Il. and pick up riders along the way and by the time we get to the west coast WOW we got us a convoy!!!!!!!

[threevalks]

        To learn about the annual Route 66 Mother Road Rally click link below. http://www.hhjm.com/rally/
        George Higgins has ridden Route 66 several times and if I am correct is now the leader of the ride. For inside info contact George at.  georgess@juno.com

[scoot]

There is a ride every year. It's called "Ride for Relay". It's for cure for cancer. check out the web site. It has some neat pictures and some  very good information. www.ridefortherelay.com

[BudMan]

We have a lot of activity on the Mother Road here in Oklahoma.  Any nice weather weekend there are motorcycles of every make, model and description to be seen just cruising.  One of my favorite spots is Pops in Arcadia, OK. 
If you’re going to do Rt 66, be sure and allow time to make a LOT of stops.  Spending time with the locals in all the little towns is an adventure well worth the effort.  I think “colorful” is the most usual descriptive term for the hardy souls that still cling to their businesses away from “the slab”.  I-40 is a great convenience for getting g from here to there quickly, but the piece of America that we lost with its construction was a heavy price for speed. 
Cone on out to “Okie Land” and you can at least get a feel for what it was like in a slower time in this great land of ours.
(Here are a few links to some places that are trying to recapture some of that lost past.)
http://www.oklahomaroute66.com/
http://www.historic66.com/oklahoma/
http://www.route66.org/index2.html
http://www.pops66.com/