10 Tips for Riding Route 66
Riding Route 66 is a bucket list trip for many motorcyclists. Whether it’s your first time on the Mother Road or you’re coming back for another ride, a bit of planning goes a long way. These tips will help you make the most of your adventure so you can truly experience the heart and soul of Route 66.
Plan Ahead but Leave Room for Discovery
Route 66 is more than a single highway. It’s a patchwork of old alignments, main streets, and backroads. Map your must-see stops, but leave plenty of time for spontaneous detours. Sometimes the most memorable experiences are spur-of-the-moment.
Take Your Time
This isn’t a race. Give yourself time to explore, meet locals, and enjoy the scenery. Planning too many miles per day leaves you rushing to the next motel instead of embracing the magic of Route 66. Our recommendation is to take a minimum of two weeks to enjoy this trip. If we could do it over again, we would have stretched it to at least three.
Learn Before You Go
Each state and town along Route 66 has a unique geography and history. Knowing a little about the desert, plains, or Ozark hills you’re riding through makes the experience richer. Before heading out on the Mother Road, check out all the Route 66 editorial on the RoadRUNNER website. Simply type “Route 66” into the search bar at www.roadrunner.travel.
Respect the Weather
From the deserts of New Mexico to the plains of Illinois, Route 66 crosses many climate zones. Check forecasts daily, and be prepared for sudden rainstorms, high winds, or temperature swings. Layers and waterproof gear are a must. We did our trip between late June and early July, and it was brutally hot. Don’t forget to hydrate!
Capture the Memories
Route 66 is iconic for a reason. Bring a camera or action cam to record roadside attractions, murals, vintage signs, and quirky towns. You’ll want to look back on this trip for years to come. Taking photos is also a great way to share your experience with friends and family back home—and with RoadRUNNER by tagging us on social media.
Carry Cash for Small Town Stops
Not every cafe, diner, or roadside attraction takes cards. Carrying cash ensures you can grab gas, food, or souvenirs without stress. Many of the small businesses along Route 66 prefer cash as card processing cuts into their bottom line. Do your part to ensure these businesses get maximum profits.
Enjoy the Small Details
Sometimes it’s the little things—the faded motel signs, the hissing old neon, or a stretch of road that hasn’t changed in decades—that make Route 66 feel magical. Slow down and take it all in.
Patronize Local Businesses
A Route 66 tour isn’t the time to hide in chain hotels or grab snacks at big-box stores. Doing so is practically sacrilege to the spirit of the Mother Road! Stop at family-run motels, diners, and gas stations. They’re the lifeblood of the route, and the folks running them often have stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Talk to the Locals
The best part of Route 66 isn’t always the road but the people who live along it. Stop and chat with locals at diners, gas stations, or even a random roadside attraction. Some of the best memories come from a conversation over coffee or a cold drink with someone who calls the Mother Road home.
Service Before You Go
If you’re riding your own bike instead of renting, make sure it’s in tip-top shape before you leave. Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles, not including the ride to the start and back home, so fresh oil, topped-off fluids, and a new set of tires are a must. The last thing you want is a breakdown on the side of the road. Then again, if you’re chasing an authentic Route 66 experience, maybe a little roadside mechanical drama isn’t the worst thing… Just be ready to snap some photos when it happens.