Planning a motorcycle rally on Route 66 this weekend is an exciting adventure for any rider! This guide provides a straightforward, actionable plan to help you experience the magic of “The Mother Road” on two wheels, focusing on a manageable weekend trip. We’ll cover everything from finding rallies and planning your route to essential gear and safety tips for beginners. Get ready to hit the road with confidence!

Motorcycle Rally Route 66: Your Essential Weekend Guide

Hey there, fellow riders! Barry K. Richmond here. Ever dreamed of cruising down the legendary Route 66 on your motorcycle, soaking in the history and the open road? Many riders think of this as a monumental cross-country journey, but what if I told you you could capture a fantastic slice of that iconic experience in just one weekend? Yes, it’s totally doable, and I’m here to show you exactly how to make a “motorcycle rally Route 66 this weekend” a reality, even if you’re new to the scene or just looking for a quick but epic getaway.

We’ll break down how to find those spontaneous weekend rallies or even plan your own mini-rally adventure along a prime section of Route 66. Forget feeling overwhelmed by complex planning; we’re going to keep it simple, fun, and safe. You’ll learn how to pick the best stretch, what gear to pack, and how to make sure your bike is ready to roll, all without needing a mechanic’s degree. Ready to make some unforgettable memories? Let’s get started!

Why Route 66 for a Weekend Motorcycle Rally?

Route 66, often called “The Main Street of America,” offers a unique blend of Americana, quirky roadside attractions, and incredible scenic drives. While the entire 2,448 miles might be a bit much for a weekend, hand-picking a specific, vibrant section allows you to experience its essence. The desert landscapes, classic diners, and vintage motels provide an unforgettable backdrop for a motorcycle rally. It’s accessible, rich with history, and offers plenty of riding enjoyment in a concentrated area.

Finding a Motorcycle Rally Route 66 This Weekend

The first step to a successful weekend rally is knowing if there’s an event happening. Sometimes, serendipity is your co-pilot!

Searching for Existing Rallies

Online Event Calendars: Websites dedicated to motorcycle events are your best bet. Look for sections specific to Route 66 or regional rallies.
Club and Association Websites: Many motorcycle clubs, like the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), have event listings. Local chapters might be more active in promoting smaller, regional gatherings.
Social Media Groups: Facebook and other platforms host numerous motorcycle riding groups. Search for “Route 66 motorcycle rally,” “Arizona motorcycle events,” or “Illinois bike rally” (depending on the section you’re interested in). Often, spontaneous rides or informal meetups are announced here.
Local Dealerships and Bike Shops: Especially in towns along Route 66, dealerships often sponsor or host events. A quick call to a shop in a town you’re considering can yield valuable information.

Organizing Your Own Mini-Rally

If you can’t find an existing rally, don’t fret! You can easily gather a few friends and create your own weekend adventure.

1. Pick Your Section: Choose a manageable portion of Route 66 that offers great scenery and interesting stops. Popular weekend-friendly stretches include:
Illinois: The starting point in Chicago offers city riding and classic diners.
Missouri: The Ozarks provide scenic beauty and historic towns.
Oklahoma: Features long, straight stretches and unique roadside attractions.
Arizona: Iconic stretches like Oatman and Kingman offer dramatic desert vistas.
California: The final leg into Santa Monica has a distinct end-of-the-road feel.
2. Set a Date and Time: Decide on a weekend that works for you and your riding buddies.
3. Create a Simple Route: Map out a daily itinerary, including planned stops for gas, food, and iconic sights. Keep the daily mileage reasonable to allow for enjoyment and unexpected discoveries.
4. Spread the Word: Invite friends, post in local motorcycle groups, or reach out to acquaintances who might be interested.

Start/End: Kingman, AZ to Oatman, AZ, looping back via Highway 95 or continuing towards Seligman.
Highlights: Historic Route 66 Museum in Kingman, the incredibly winding paved road to Oatman through the Black Mountains (watch for wild burros!), and classic diners. This section is famously steep and twisty, offering a great riding challenge.
Why it’s great for a weekend: Compact, visually stunning, and packed with classic Route 66 charm.

Option 2: Oklahoma’s Charm (Approx. 250 miles)

Start/End: Tulsa, OK to Oklahoma City, OK, with detours.
Highlights: The Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Golden Driller statue in Tulsa, Arcadia Round Barn, and Pops 66 Soda Ranch (with its massive selection of sodas). Oklahoma offers a different, gentler beauty of the plains.
Why it’s great for a weekend: Relatively flat riding, plenty of quirky stops, and accessible from major cities.

Start/End: Downtown Chicago, IL to Pontiac, IL.
Highlights: The official Route 66 Begin/End marker in Chicago, historic diners like Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket (Willowbrook), classic motels, and the murals in Pontiac. This section is a great introduction to the historic highway.
Why it’s great for a weekend: Easy to access, rich history, and offers a taste of the Midwest’s contribution to Route 66.

Essential Motorcycle Preparation for the Ride

Before you even think about the rally, your bike needs to be in top shape. As your friendly guide, I can’t stress this enough: a well-maintained bike is a safe and enjoyable bike.

Pre-Ride Checks (The ABCs of Rider Readiness!)

Tires: Check tire pressure and tread depth. Low pressure or worn tires are a major safety hazard, especially on varied surfaces. You can find manufacturer recommendations for your bike’s tire pressure in your owner’s manual or often on a sticker near the swingarm or fuel tank. For tread depth, look for the wear bars within the tire grooves. If the tread is flush with these bars, it’s time for new tires.
Brakes: Squeeze your brake levers. Do they feel firm, or spongy? Check the brake fluid level; it should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. Also, inspect the brake pads for wear. If you can’t see much pad material left, get them replaced before you go. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers excellent resources on vehicle safety, including brakes.
Chain (if applicable): Is your drive chain clean and properly lubricated? A rusty or dry chain can cause poor performance and wear out quickly. It should have about 1/2 to 1 inch of up-and-down play.
Fluids: Check your oil level. Ensure it’s between the low and high marks on the dipstick or sight glass. Also, check coolant levels if your bike is liquid-cooled.
Lights & Horn: Test all your lights (headlight, taillight, brake lights, turn signals) and your horn. Essential for visibility and communication.
Battery: Make sure connections are clean and tight. A weak battery can leave you stranded.

Tools and Spares You Should Carry

You don’t need to bring the entire garage, but a few key items can save your weekend if something minor goes wrong.

Tire repair kit: Plugs and an air pump or CO2 cartridges.
Basic tool kit: Wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys that fit your bike.
Zip ties and duct tape: The universal fix-it-all for temporary repairs.
Owner’s manual: Your bike’s bible for specifications and basic troubleshooting.
Set of spare bulbs: For headlights and turn signals.

DOT-approved Helmet: Always wear one, and make sure it fits snugly.
Motorcycle Jacket & Pants: With armor, offering abrasion resistance and impact protection.
Gloves: Full-fingered gloves protect your hands and improve grip.
Sturdy Boots: Over-the-ankle boots protect your feet and ankles.
Eye Protection: A face shield on your helmet, or goggles if you use an open-face helmet.

Clothing & Personal Items

Layers: Weather can change rapidly. Pack a base layer, a mid-layer (like a fleece), and a waterproof/windproof outer shell.
Comfortable Riding Shirts: Moisture-wicking fabrics are best.
Casual Clothes: For evenings, a couple of t-shirts, jeans or shorts.
Toiletries: Travel-sized essentials.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: The sun can be intense on the open road.
Phone & Charger/Power Bank: For navigation, communication, and photos.
Cash: Some smaller towns or vintage shops might be cash-only.
Identification and Insurance Information: Always keep these accessible.

Luggage Solutions

Tail Bag or Saddlebags: For carrying your gear. Ensure they are securely attached.
Backpack: If you prefer to carry essentials like water, snacks, and your phone. Be mindful of weight distribution and comfort.

Safety on the Road: Tips for Route 66 Riders

Route 66 is a historic highway, and its roads can vary. Some sections are well-maintained interstates, while others are older, narrower roads with less predictable surfaces.

Riding Techniques & Awareness

Scan Ahead: Always be looking as far down the road as possible. Anticipate potential hazards like debris, potholes, wildlife, or other vehicles.
Be Visible: Wear bright colors. Use your headlight at all times. Consider reflective elements on your gear.
Lane Positioning: Ride where you are most visible to other drivers. Don’t hug the white line too closely, where you might be less seen.
Road Surface Changes: Be extra cautious when entering construction zones, paved-to-unpaved transitions, or areas with loose gravel.
Wildlife: Especially at dawn and dusk, be aware of animals that might cross the road. Deer and even burros (on certain Route 66 sections) can be a hazard.

Staggered Formation: On wider roads, ride in a staggered formation (rider on the left, rider on the right, with space between them) to allow for better visibility and escape routes. Single file is for narrow roads or poor visibility.
Maintain Spacing: Keep a safe following distance from the rider in front of you. This is usually two seconds, but can be more depending on conditions.
Communicate: Use hand signals to indicate stops, turns, hazards, and check if the riders behind you are okay.
Lead Rider Responsibility: The lead rider sets the pace and is responsible for selecting safe stops and routes.
Tail Gunner: The last rider in the group is often called the “tail gunner.” Their job is to ensure no one falls behind and to assist if someone breaks down.

For more detailed safety information, the Federal Highway Administration has comprehensive resources on motorcycle safety.

Route 66 Rallying: What to Expect at Stops

Part of the fun of any rally is the journey between points and the stops themselves. Route 66 is perfect for this.

Iconic Stops and Photo Ops

Diners: From classic chrome diners to quirky cafes, grab a bite and soak in the atmosphere.
Roadside Attractions: The Gemini Giant, the Blue Whale, Wigwam Motels – these are the quirky gems that make Route 66 famous.
Historic Towns: Explore old main streets, antique shops, and local museums.
Scenic Vistas: Pull over at designated viewpoints to appreciate the landscape.

Motorcycle Friendly Amenities

Many places along Route 66 cater to motorcyclists. Look for:

Easy Parking: Often with ample space for bikes.
Bike Nights: Sometimes organized by local establishments, especially during rally weekends.
* Friendly Locals: Riders are often welcomed with enthusiasm.

Table: Sample Weekend Rally Itinerary (Arizona Example)

| Day | Morning Activity | Afternoon Activity | Evening Activity | Route Segment |
| :—— | :———————————— | :——————————————– | :——————————————— | :——————————————- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kingman, AZ. Visit the Route 66 Museum. | Ride the historic stretch to Oatman, AZ. Explore the ghost town & watch for burros. | Dinner in Oatman or back in Kingman. Check into accommodation. | Kingman to Oatman, AZ (approx. 30 miles) |
| Day 2 | Morning ride towards Seligman, AZ. Stop at quirky shops. | Enjoy lunch at a classic diner. Explore the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” sign. | Option: Ride back towards Kingman or continue east on I-40 to find further Route 66 segments. Depart. | Oatman to Seligman, AZ (approx. 50 miles) |

Note: This is a suggested itinerary and can be adjusted based on your pace and interests!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Route 66 safe for beginner motorcycle riders on a weekend rally?

Yes, with proper preparation and caution! Focus on well-maintained sections, ride during daylight, and ensure your bike is in excellent condition. Stick to your comfort level regarding speed and road conditions. Sections like the Illinois or Oklahoma stretches can be more forgiving for beginners.

Q2: What’s the best time of year for a Route 66 motorcycle rally weekend?

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) generally offer the most pleasant weather across most of Route 66. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the Southwest, and winters can bring unpredictable cold and snow, particularly in the northern sections.

Q3: Do I need to book accommodations in advance for a weekend rally?

It’s highly recommended, especially if you’re coinciding with a known rally or traveling during peak season. Popular Route 66 towns can fill up quickly with both tourists and event participants. Booking ahead ensures you have a place to rest.

Q4: What kind of mileage is realistic for a weekend rally on Route 66?

For a comfortable and enjoyable weekend, aim for no more than 150-250 miles of riding per day. This allows plenty of time for planned stops, spontaneous detours, photos, and meals without feeling rushed. The focus is on experience, not just covering distance.

Q5: Are there specific Route 66 apps or GPS resources for riders?

Absolutely! While standard GPS works, dedicated Route 66 apps and websites often highlight historic sites, points of interest, and actual old alignments of the road that Google Maps might miss. Searching for “Route 66 GPS map” or “Route 66 app” will bring up several helpful options.

Q6: What if my motorcycle breaks down during the rally?

First, stay calm and ensure your safety. Move your bike off the road if possible. Use your phone to call for roadside assistance (ensure you have a plan with your insurance or a service like AMA Roadside Assistance). Having your basic tool kit and tire repair kit can help with minor issues.

Conclusion

There you have it – your essential guide to creating an unforgettable motorcycle rally experience on Route 66, all within a single weekend. Remember, the joy of riding isn’t just about the destination, but the journey, the camaraderie, and the sense of freedom. Whether you find an organized rally buzzing with fellow enthusiasts or gather your own crew for a custom adventure, a weekend on “The Mother Road” is an achievable and incredibly rewarding way to experience a piece of American history on your motorcycle.

By preparing your bike, packing smart, prioritizing safety, and embracing the spirit of discovery, you’re set for an epic time. Don’t