The iconic Route 66 is a cultural, culinary and historic adventure no matter your transport. But if you're not sure whether exploring by car or by motorbike is the right option for you, read on for our take on each.
Exploring by car
You're probably well aware that at certain times of the year Route 66 can get a little toasty and a bit dusty, while at other times you can expect hail storms and chilly winds. While the breeze you get on a bike should help to keep you cool, there's nothing quite like a good air-conditioning system to make sure you're at your most comfortable. It also reduces how much you need to pack, as you won't need boots and a full motorcycle suit.
You can choose a vehicle with plenty of room if you like to have your things accessible, and lots of space to store things when you're exploring outside of the car. Of course, if you want a more thrilling ride, you could opt for a sports car or convertible – to make the driving itself all the more fun.
Add to that the ability to use your sat nav or spread out your maps, exploring by car is a great option.
Exploring by motorbike
Exploring Route 66 by motorbike however, is a different type of adventure and for some, a new and unique experience in itself. Route 66 is synonymous with the classic Harley-Davidson motorbike, that wind in your hair feeling and the sound of the roaring engine you can only get from riding. It's the quintessential US road trip experience, and one that removes the barrier between you and the environment, culture and the elements.
Route 66 is plied with fellow bikers, and the camaraderie between riders means you'll never be short of someone to share your experiences with at cafe stops and hotels. You'll meet people from around the world, with their own take on what they've seen so far, and what you should make sure you see.
Practically speaking, Route 66 is a great opportunity for visitors with limited motorcycle experience, as there are lots of big, comfortable and easy to manage bikes available on the route. There's no need for something super fast that can nip in and out of the traffic on Route 66. Comfort is key. Of course, when are in the city, it's easier to find a parking spot, and you won't need to do any complex manoeuvres either.
Luggage is no problem on our tours, as we'll get your bags transferred by car so all you have to worry about is the experience.
At Route 66 Tours, we offer a wide range of motorcycles from a variety of brands. We take safety extremely seriously and don't alter any of our bikes, which all meet US road safety standards.
Weighing up the options
In terms of how far you have to travel, how quickly you'll get there, and ease of access to nearby sites such as the Grand Canyon and national park trails – there's little difference whether you take a car or a bike. However you travel, you can tailor the trip to your interests, time or budget.
If you're still not sure which option you'd prefer, you could also consider being driven, so you can spend more time relaxing if you don't enjoy the process of driving so much. This is the perfect option for those nervous about driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.
At Route 66 tours we offer both because we understand that different people enjoy different types of transport. If you'd like to talk about which kind of trip is best for you, get in touch with the team at Route 66 Tours today.
