Ready to ride Route 66 for charity on your motorcycle? This guide breaks down everything you need to plan an epic, unforgettable tour, ensuring a smooth journey while supporting a great cause.
Hey there, fellow riders! Barry K. Richmond here. Ever dreamed of hitting the open road, the wind in your hair, all while making a real difference? A motorcycle charity ride on Route 66 is the ultimate adventure for that. It’s more than just a trip; it’s a legendary journey with a purpose. But planning a big ride like this can feel a bit daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! We’ll break down exactly how to get your bike ready, map out your route, and make sure this epic tour is a success for you and the charity you’re supporting. Get ready to create memories that last a lifetime!
Planning Your Epic Route 66 Motorcycle Charity Ride Tour
Route 66 is more than just a road; it’s an icon. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, it’s a ribbon of asphalt steeped in American history. Undertaking this journey on a motorcycle for charity adds a whole new layer of meaning. It’s a chance to showcase the spirit of freedom, community, and giving back on a grand scale. For beginners, the sheer scope might seem intimidating, but with careful planning, it’s an absolutely achievable and incredibly rewarding experience.
Why Route 66? The Iconic Appeal
When you think of classic American road trips, Route 66 is usually at the top of the list. It’s called the “Main Street of America” for a reason. It’s packed with quirky roadside attractions, historic diners, and stunning landscapes that change dramatically as you ride west. For a motorcycle charity ride, the picturesque scenery and nostalgic charm provide the perfect backdrop for raising awareness and funds. Imagine the photos, the stories, and the sense of accomplishment as you roll through iconic towns and past legendary landmarks.
Choosing Your Charity Partner
The heart of any charity ride is the cause. Selecting the right charity is crucial. Think about what you and your fellow riders are passionate about. Are you supporting a local animal shelter, a national cancer research foundation, or a children’s hospital? Whichever you choose, ensure they are a reputable organization. Research their mission, their impact, and how they handle donations. Organizations like Charity Navigator can offer insights into a charity’s financial health and accountability.
Once you’ve chosen, reach out to them. Discuss your plans and see how they can support your ride. They might have resources, promotional materials, or even a liaison who can join you. Building a strong partnership from the start will benefit both your ride and their mission.
Preparing Your Motorcycle for the Long Haul
A motorcycle charity ride on Route 66 is a significant undertaking. Your bike needs to be in top condition to handle thousands of miles. As your go-to guide for keeping your ride in great shape, let me tell you, this is where reliability truly matters. We want to focus on safety and dependability so you can concentrate on the ride and the cause.
Pre-Ride Motorcycle Inspection Checklist
Before you even think about packing, give your motorcycle a thorough inspection. Think of it as a doctor’s check-up for your bike. Here’s a simple checklist of what to look at:
- Tires: Check for wear, proper inflation (refer to your owner’s manual or tire sidewall for pressure), and any cuts or bulges. Properly inflated tires are crucial for handling and fuel efficiency.
- Brakes: Inspect brake pads for wear and check the brake fluid level. Ensure both front and rear brakes are functioning correctly and feel firm.
- Oil: Check your engine oil level and condition. If it’s close to a scheduled change, do it before you leave. Clean oil is vital for engine health.
- Lights and Signals: Test your headlight, taillight, brake lights, and turn signals. Safety on the road is paramount, especially during long rides.
- Chain/Belt: If you have a chain drive, check its tension and lubricate it. For a belt drive, inspect for cracks or wear.
- Battery: Ensure your battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean. A dead battery can leave you stranded miles from anywhere.
- Suspension: Look for any leaks or damage in your forks and rear shock.
- Horn: Make sure it’s working loud and clear!
- Fluids: Check coolant levels (if applicable) and top up if necessary.
Essential Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
Beyond the inspection, here are some maintenance tasks that are highly recommended for such a long journey:
- Oil Change: Even if your oil isn’t due for a change, consider doing it with fresh, high-quality oil. It’s cheap insurance for your engine.
- Filter Replacement: Replace your oil filter and air filter at the same time. A clean air filter means your engine breathes better, improving performance and efficiency.
- Chain Adjustment and Lubrication: Properly adjusted and lubricated chains last longer and run smoother. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct tension.
- Spark Plugs: While often overlooked, worn spark plugs can affect performance and fuel economy. Consider replacing them if they’re nearing the end of their life.
- Coolant Flush (if applicable): For liquid-cooled bikes, a coolant flush ensures your engine stays cool, especially important in varying climates.
If any of these checks reveal issues you’re not comfortable handling, don’t hesitate to take your bike to a trusted mechanic. A little investment now can prevent major headaches on the road. Remember, your safety and enjoyment are the priority.
Making Modifications for Comfort and Utility
Route 66 is a long ride, and comfort is key. Consider these modifications:
- Comfortable Seat: An aftermarket seat or a seat pad can make a world of difference on long days.
- Windscreen: A good windscreen reduces wind fatigue, especially at highway speeds.
- Luggage Solutions: Saddlebags, a tail bag, or a tank bag are essential for carrying your gear, tools, and anything you pick up along the way.
- Auxiliary Lighting: Extra lights can improve visibility and safety during early mornings or late evenings.
- Phone Mount and Charging Port: For navigation and communication, a secure mount and a way to keep your devices charged are indispensable.
Route 66: Mapping Your Epic Charity Tour
Route 66 is famously long and winding, with sections that have been bypassed over the years. Planning your route meticulously is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable motorcycle charity ride.
The Official Route vs. Modern Day
The original Route 66 is no longer a continuous highway. Many original segments are now fragmented, bypassed by the interstate system, or even gone entirely. For a motorcycle tour, you’ll likely want to blend riding on the historic alignments with faster interstates to cover ground efficiently. The National Park Service provides excellent resources on the historic alignments.
You’ll want to identify the key historic sections you absolutely want to experience. These are often marked with the classic shield sign. Planning to use tools like Google Maps, Garmin, or dedicated motorcycle GPS apps like Calimoto or Rever can help you navigate both the historic byways and the most efficient routes between them.
Key States and Potential Stops
Route 66 passes through eight states, each with its unique charm:
| State | Key Cities/Attractions | Notes for Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Chicago, Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield | Often starts flat and agricultural. Historic murals. |
| Missouri | St. Louis, Cuba, Springfield | Charming small towns, rolling hills. Meramec Caverns. |
| Kansas | Galena, Riverton (short stretch) | The shortest segment, but iconic for its “Cars” movie inspiration. |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Clinton | Longest drivable stretch of historic Route 66 segments. Plenty of classic motels. |
| Texas | Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch | The “Big Texas” feel. Flat plains and iconic roadside art. |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Gallup | Unique Native American culture and stunning desert landscapes. High altitude sections. |
| Arizona | Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Kingman | The Grand Canyon is a must-see detour! Seligman is the “Birthplace of Route 66.” Petrified Forest National Park. |
| California | Barstow, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Monica | Desert driving, the final push to the coast. Traffic can be intense near LA. |
Estimating Mileage and Time
The total mileage of Route 66 is around 2,448 miles (3,939 km). However, this can vary depending on how much of the historic alignment you follow. For a motorcycle charity ride, you’ll likely want to take your time, maybe allocating 10-14 days or even more.
A realistic daily mileage for a comfortable motorcycle trip is around 250-300 miles. This allows for stops at attractions, lunch breaks, dealing with traffic, and simply enjoying the ride. Remember to factor in weather, potential delays, and the need for rest days.
Example Itinerary Breakdown (Approximate):
- Days 1-2: Illinois & Missouri (Chicago to Springfield, MO)
- Day 3: Kansas & Oklahoma (Springfield, MO to Tulsa, OK)
- Day 4: Oklahoma City & Western OK (Tulsa to western OK stretch)
- Day 5: Texas & New Mexico Border (Western OK to Santa Fe, NM)
- Days 6-7: New Mexico (Santa Fe/Albuquerque exploration)
- Day 8: New Mexico to Arizona (Gallup to Flagstaff)
- Day 9: Arizona (Grand Canyon detour, Winslow to Kingman)
- Day 10: Arizona to California (Kingman to Barstow)
- Days 11-12: California (Barstow to Santa Monica Pier)
This is just a template. You can adjust it based on your pace and the number of fundraising events or stops you plan.
Fundraising Strategies for Your Charity Ride
A charity ride is a fantastic way to engage people and raise money. Here are some strategies to maximize your fundraising potential:
Setting Up Your Fundraising Page
Utilize online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, JustGiving, or your chosen charity’s dedicated platform. This makes it easy for people to donate securely from anywhere. Share your page link on social media, in emails, and with friends and family.
Sponsorships and Donations
Approach local businesses, motorcycle shops, and even national brands for sponsorships. Offer them advertising space on your bike, gear, or promotional materials in exchange for their support. Friends and family will likely be your most enthusiastic individual donors.
Ride-Specific Fundraising Activities
- “Mile Sponsorships”: Ask people to sponsor you per mile ridden or a fixed amount for the entire trip.
- Merchandise Sales: Design t-shirts, stickers, or patches related to your ride and sell them.
- Donation Stops: Plan stops in key towns along Route 66 where you can host small fundraising events, collect donations, or sell merchandise.
- Pledge per Landmark: For every iconic landmark visited, ask for a symbolic donation.
Promoting Your Ride and Cause
Spread the word! Use social media extensively (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Post regular updates on your progress, photos, and stories from the road. Tag your charity and sponsors. Contact local news outlets in towns you’ll be passing through; many are eager to cover inspiring stories like yours.
If possible, coordinate with the charity to create a dedicated page or hashtag for your ride. This centralizes information and makes it easier for people to follow and contribute. For inspiration on successful charity rides, you can look at events organized by groups like the American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE), who often organize large-scale motorcycle events for various causes.
Essential Gear and Packing List
Packing for a cross-country motorcycle trip requires careful planning. You need essentials for riding, camping (if applicable), personal use, and motorcycle maintenance, all while keeping weight and bulk to a minimum.
Riding Gear
- Helmet: DOT-approved, well-fitting helmet. Full-face is generally best for protection and comfort.
- Jacket: Abrasion-resistant, with armor. Consider a textile jacket with zip-out liner for temperature variations.
- Pants: Riding pants with armor, same as jacket material.
- Gloves: Comfortable, protective gloves that are suitable for various temperatures.
- Boots: Sturdy, ankle-supporting riding boots.
- Rain Gear: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Don’t underestimate this – conditions can change rapidly.
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking materials for comfort.
- Eyewear: Sunglasses or a helmet visor.
Camping Gear (Optional)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Camping stove and fuel
- Utensils and cooking pot
- Water bottles/hydration pack
Personal Items
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- First-aid kit (comprehensive)
- Any personal medications
- Change of clothes (minimal)
- Comfortable shoes for off-bike wear
Motorcycle Tools and Spares
This is where your DIY spirit comes in handy! A good toolkit can save you from major disruptions.
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire repair kit (plugs, sealant, patch kit)
- Basic wrench set (metric)
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Pliers
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Owner’s manual for your bike
- Spare fuses
- Spare bulbs for critical lights
- Chain lubricant and cleaning equipment (if applicable)
- Small bottle of engine oil
- Funnel
- Gloves for working on the bike
Consider a compact torque wrench if space allows, especially if you’re comfortable making minor adjustments.
Navigation and Electronics
- GPS device or smartphone with navigation apps
- Power bank or portable charger
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Headphones (for podcasts, music, GPS directions)
Waterproof bags or dry sacks are ideal for keeping your electronics and important documents safe and dry.
Safety on the Road: Tips for a Charity Ride
Safety should always be your top priority, especially on a long-distance charity ride. You’re not just riding for yourself; you represent your charity and inspire others.
Riding in Groups
If you’re riding with a group, establish clear communication before you start. Designate a lead rider and a sweep rider (the last person in the group). Discuss hand signals for common occurrences like “stop,” “turn,” “hazard ahead,” and “pull over.” Maintain staggered formation on highways for better visibility, but transition to single file when needed, especially on narrow or winding roads.
It’s crucial that all riders in the group are comfortable with the pace and the route. Pre-ride meetings are essential for group rides. Understanding proper group riding techniques, like those outlined by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), is invaluable.
Awareness and Defensive Riding
Route 66 can have varying road conditions and traffic. Always practice defensive riding: