Tour Overview
This amazing tour visits some the most iconic attractions on America’s “Mother Road” Route 66. States visited are Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. This tour combines for the best that the West Coast of America's Route 66 has to offer with some of the best riding roads and scenery in the west. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to have your pictures taken at the most iconic Route 66 locations and plenty of Route 66 shopping locations for all those essential Route 66 souvenirs. This is a fantastic nostalgic tour that has been perfected by our experienced tour guides and local friends over the last 10 years to ensure you have the most memorable tour.
Tour Itinerary (Click on the blue box for details of each days ride)
Preparation day in Los Angeles, California
Miles: 000
On arrival into Los Angeles you will be greeting by your BC Motorcycle Tours team. You will be taken to the starting hotel and shown to your room. You will then be acquainted with your ride which has been prepared and is ready to carry you and your pillion (if applicable) on your amazing Best of Route 66 Tour guided motorcycle tour.
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Your tour will start with a briefing informing you of everything needed to ensure you have a fantastic and safe touring experience.
On this tour you will encounter some of the best riding and scenery that America’s Route 66 has to offer on the West Coast.
This is your opportunity to join our tour group where you will experience many of the roads and sights that have featured in many of the most iconic films and television shows.
Los Angeles to Victorville
Miles: 143
After an early start and the most amazing traditional American breakfast we ride to to Santa Monica Pier for your first of many milk shakes! After an hour walking on the pier we will ride off to the start of the Angeles Crest Highway for a stunning mountain ride where the roads and scenery will blow your away with it sheer beauty.
The rest of the day will see us ride along the historic Route 66 through Barstow and into Victorville for a visit to the California Route 66 museum and onto our hotel for the night.
Victorville to Corona
Miles: 176
Today is all about the ride, after a hearty breakfast you will be guided along more amazing single carriageway roads providing some the best riding and scenery that the US has to offer! We will ride around the Big Bear Lake and the surrounding area before arriving at our hotel.
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This is a pretty relaxed day.
Corona to Alpine
Miles: 166
We have another great day in store for you today as we head off south towards the city of San Diego. We then take a mountain road which drops us down to Lake Elsenoir. As we descend from the mountains the views over the lake are spectacular. After a fuel and lunch stop we continue our ride to the little town of Alpine for the night.
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There is a much needed swimming pool at the hotel for you to relax in before we head off for dinner in a Korean/Chinese restaurant.
Alpine to Blythe
Miles: 212
We have a great day in store for you today as we leave the town of Alpine. We have select more amazing roads for you as ride to the town of Julian which is an old cowboy town which is famous for it's many varieties of Apple pies. after an early lunch and of course a piece of pie we ride into the desert where the temperatures will rise considerably.
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The scenery is pretty spectacular as we ride through an area of the San Andreas Fault line before reaching our hotel in Blythe for the night.
Blythe to Payson, Arizona
Miles: 315
Today is an early start. after a hot cooked breakfast we ride off to the town of Wickenburg for a fuel stop. Our next stop will be at a great "Bikers bar" north of Phoenix for lunch and the opportunity to meet some local friendly Arizona bikers.
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The afternoons ride is absolutely spectacular, and is all about the cactus. It's hard not to imagine yourself in the middle of a good old western film shot! We will be having an early dinner on route to Payson which is where we will be spending our night
Payson to Holbrook
Miles: 270
Today is another beautiful ride through the forests. We get to ride through the Salt River Canyon (which is absolutely breath taking) for a bite to eat. We then ride through Show Low and to the classic Route 66 town on Holbrook for the evening.
Tonight's accommodation will be in your very own wigwam.
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Holbrook to Williams
Miles: 235
It's another early start again this morning with a ride to the town of Winslow made famous by the song "Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona" by the Eagles and yes you will be standing on the corner too. It will come as no surprise that there will be more surprises in place for you throughout the day. .
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We then take a beautiful ride through Sedona and up over the Mingus mountains to Ash Fork and into the amazing Route 66 town of Williams for dinner at Cruisers Route 66 diner with live music for the night.
Williams to Las Vegas
Miles: 285
Today is the last day of riding on Route 66 and it is jam packed with amazing riding and scenery. We head out early for a 40 minute ride to the old ghost town of Seligman for a coffee. This is a fantastic place to pick up those last minute route 66 souvenirs. then it's back on the mother road through Peach Springs and to the town of Kingman where a brunch stop at Mr D'z route 66 Diner is an absolute must.
Then it's along the old Oatman trail for another tourist stop in an old mining town before heading back to our final night of the tour in Las Vegas. Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Time to return home to the UK
Miles: 000
Enjoy the morning in Las Vegas before your flight home to the UK
Arrive back to the UK
Miles: 000
Time for a nice cuppa tea and rest on the sofa as you reflect on what has been the most amazing journey along America's Mother Road, Route 66. Remember, friends for life are made during these challenges.
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Remember to start thinking about your next motorcycle Adventure with BC Motorcycle Tours.
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"Making your ride an Adventure"
Your tour includes the following:
9 nights of quality hotels / motels
Welcome meeting and Tour Briefing
Daily breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal
Motorcycle rental and the required liability insurance.
Unlimited mileage
All fuel and oil for your motorcycle
Admission fees to all Museums and National Parks (on our scheduled route)
Any tolls, parking fees (any gratuities are additional)
The tour will be guided by a professional Route 66 veteran who will give daily summaries and tell of the history of Route 66
Transfers to and from the Airport and Hotel in the US
Motorcycle rental and the required liability insurance
24 hour roadside assistance
Support vehicle at all times with a spare bike
Luggage carried on the support vehicle.
Ice cold water, soft drinks and snacks throughout each day
Pre tour function including tour briefing
Comprehensive first aid and tool kits
BC Motorcycle Tours bike stickers
Your airfare to and from the US (Although it is arranged for you under a group booking)
Your ESTA (Visa Waiver to travel to the US) This costs $14 from the US Embassy / website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Personal Travel Insurance. Click here for a competitive quote that covers you on larger motorcycles
Heading 6
Meals (Other than what is indicated) and tips, refreshments and your Alcoholic Beverages
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Personal Souvenirs
Shipping of any excess baggage, souvenirs, helmets, etc … To or from to your home
Any necessary riding gear and / or personal effects
Transfers to and from the Airport in the UK
Parking fees
Anything not indicated by a green tick in this section
What our participants think:
This was an amazing trip to be a part of. I came along as a partner to a veteran and was in the support vehicle - although I did enjoy a couple of trips on a bike which was awesome! It was a real privielge to be a part of this trip, filled with incredible sights, wonderful people, good food and company along the way. I would highly recommend this adventure. It is uplifting for the soul and the work these guys do to ensure the trip is special is truly amazing!
Amelia Thorpe on Best of Route 66 Challenge
This being the second tour with BC Motorcycle Tours & BT4TW, I can still say that they deliver an excellent experience.
It cannot be easy organising and running these tours with such a varied range of individuals but they do it very well.
We all met at the airport and got to know each other just a little whilst travelling to Las Vegas. Over the 10 days, tremendous bonds were formed within the group and the teamwork played a significant part in making this tour something to enjoy. Watching individuals learn to trust each other, let go and just enjoy the experiences was very gratifying. The roads and riding were a pleasure to experience and scenery was amazing.
Having everything organised for you helped you relax and just enjoy the experience. The American veterans also spoilt us with food, drink and entertainment.
A trip not to miss if you do get the opportunity.
Desmond McGurk on Best of Route 66 Challenge
Had a fantastic trip, very well organised, brilliant fellow riders, everybody worked as part of a team, support crew did a marvellous job with keeping up with the bikes. roads and scenery amazing. If you wear glasses and cannot get prescription wrap rounds my advice is get an open face helmet with a visor to protect your eyes from drying and or drops. Keep up the fantastic work you are doing.
Paul Howard on Best of Route 66 Challenge
This tour was one of the best things I have ever done. At first I was apprehensive going into a new environment and meeting new people but I was immediately made at ease within minutes of meeting the group.
As the ride got underway it was clear the trip had a lot in store, from the offset we were welcomed with breathtaking views and we were rolling out as a bike crew of Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles.
The tour was really well organised and at each stop we had something to do and the locals would greet us which felt really special. As a veteran it was amazing to feel the support everywhere we went.
We covered some serious miles during the tour and apart from the amazing views it gave me time for reflection and it really helped putting things in perspective. It has cleared my head and its made me a more positive person and confident in where I want to be in life. Its because of this I can not recommend this tour enough. I want to go again.
Fantastic trip from start to finish and I have made some great friends. Thank you all.
Liam Thompson on Best of Route 66 Challenge
Hi Tomo here former Royal Marine commandos injured in 2015.
What an amazing 10 days, organisation was great from start to finish, sites you can only dream of, friendships for life were made between riders, pavillions, servicemen and civilians The American legions were outstanding respect all the way, hospitality amazing, if your thinking of signing up do it now i promise you will have no regrets. Huge thanks to the Riders and BT4TW TEAM.
Mark on Best of Route 66 Challenge
Hello I am one of the Beneficiaries that did this years Aug-Sept Challenge. I initially was worried, as I have never been on a bike in my life. I am physically and mentally disabled. I need not have worried, the support team, and the riders looked after me magnificently. We worked out a way to get on and off the bike, a system of hand signals on the bike so that my rider knew if I was okay. This was not a holiday it was a challenge. The weather was extremely hot most of the riding was across the deserts and canyons of the west. However we were managed wonderfully. The hospitality from the towns people and other organisations along the route was amazing. The routes themselves are in some of the most stunning landscapes that I have ever seen, with canyons, forests, deserts, every mile bringing you yet another sight to see. Also the camaraderie of the riders and pillions is second to none. I have made life long friends, first thing I did when getting back to England was look for a trike. Next year I am on the Normandy Trip, Also if there is a spare place on the Route 66 next year will be putting my name down for that. For me since discharge my world is the grey walls in my house where i hide from the world, BT4TW showed me what true colour there is out there to explore. I am eternally grateful for the experience and opportunity.
Richard on Best of Route 66 Challenge
Wow! What a great experience. I cannot recommend this highly enough. So many "firsts" for me - I'd never ridden a Harley, never ridden feet-forward or in an open face helmet. I had definitely never ridden through the desert at 45 degrees or in the most spectacular thunderstorm before. It's all here in one short ten-day trip!
The tour is organised so that there really is something for everyone.
Special thanks must go to Mark for being very, very patient with me and my riding nerves. Also to Amy, who did an amazing job of dealing with a bunch of strong and competing personalities, she had to cope with temper tantrums, tearful guilt trips, illness and logistical problems. She did it all with good grace and humour.
Did I enjoy every minute? No. Would I do it again? HELL YES!
by Liz Hoskin on Best of Route 66 Challenge
It's about five years since I first rented a Harley and rode in the Vegas area, back then I was on my own and set out without a clue where to go. I had a great time.The experience of riding with BC Motorcycle Tours on the BT4TW best of 66 tour this year has cemented what I missed trying to find my own way.
On arrival at Vegas we were met by Darren, Scott and Mike the Tour Guides and Trevor and Derrick the Support Vehicle Drivers. Well organised for our arrival Darren's Contacts at the airport had us speedily vacated through Customs and into the heat of the Vegas day. The Bikes provided were first class, and from the moment we set out it was clear this was going to be an adventure not the typical "bland guided ride" that perhaps other touring companies provide. Day one saw me hit a town I had visited on my previous solo trip, the difference was the local knowledge of the guides that allowed me to ride roads I never found last time, and what roads.
Each day was full packed with challenging rides, amazing scenery and inspirational Veterans in the group.
Along the way we met Medal of Honour winner John Bacca, a true hero who survived against the odds when he carried out the bravest act I have ever heard of, we were hosted by members of the American Legion of Veterans who showed such respect for the Beneficiaries.
Highly recommend BC Motorcycle Tours, don't make the same mistake I did and try and do this alone, you will miss the Best for sure as it is off the beaten track.
Patch on Best of Route 66 Challenge
I've been on several of the tours for Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway and the best of the West, including the very first 66 tour in 2010. I always had the original ambition of riding along Route 66 on a Harley as part of “one of those unforgettable items to tick off”, and with the help of Darren and his team I have made that dream come true. So much so that I've been back several times since that very first tour! Could I have done it myself? Sure. But you don’t get all the experience, camaraderie of other bikers, insights, local knowledge and the best routes to take – and along with all the logistics sorted, including fantastic bike rental, flight arrangements, hotels, meals and all the backup services the tour provides, doing it alone would just not compare. You get to see the sights of sounds of real America - from the bright lights of Vegas to the majestical and romantic Grand Canyon at sunset; from long open route 66 roads to twisty, rugged mountain passes of the devils backbone in Utah; through temperatures of 110c in Death Valley, and the odd rain cloud or even snow over the tops; you can ride, see and experience it all.
If you have that dream – don’t hesitate.
Andy P on Best of Route 66 Challenge
"Experienced riders wanted" That was the sign that made me ask what is it all about at the Bike Tours For The Wounded Stand and I ended up signing up for the best bits of route 66. I'd always wanted to do a tour like this but the thing that swung it for me was that I would also be supporting one of wounded, injured or sick military personnel.
The tour was extremely well organised. The camaraderie was fantastic and by the end of the tour - to see the difference it had made to some of our pillions, well you can't get that on the NHS and I should know I'm a retired nurse. The only gripe about the tour was that it was over so quickly. Just had to come home and book another trip!
Ted Foulger on Best of Route 66 Challenge