Bicycle Route 66, 2,493 Miles, & Map Giveaway
March 2, 2015
Adventure Cycling is excited to announce the release of the Bicycle Route 66 Maps!
Maps are now available for Adventure Cycling Association’s Bicycle Route 66 (BR66). Embracing the spirit of “The Mother Road,” the new route follows the famous corridor from Chicago to Los Angeles on roads appropriate for cyclists, including sections of the historic highway. The route is covered by a six-map set, allowing cyclists to tour the whole thing or ride a few preferred sections to maximize their Americana intake. The 2,493-mile Bicycle Route 66 takes in sights from the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and America’s bread basket across Oklahoma — Adventure Cycling’s first route in the Sooner State — to the iconic deserts of the Southwest and the bright lights of Southern California and Chicago.
The maps feature turn-by-turn directions, detailed navigational instructions, elevation profiles, and services cyclists will need along the route. Cyclists can explore at their own pace the surviving pieces of architecture, abandoned bridges, landmarks, businesses, and historically important communities from the golden era of U.S. Route 66. “This route can be done as a camping tour in roadside campgrounds, however there are many unique motels along the route which make this a good credit-card touring route. Eating in the old cafes and diners is part of the charm,” said Lon Haldeman, an experienced Route 66 bicycle-tour leader.
We know you're as excited as we are to get out and ride Bicycle Route 66. To help with your planning here are a few things to consider when preparing for your tour:
Give yourself a minimum of two months to cycle Route 66
You’re cycling more than halfway across America, if you rush you’re going to miss some incredible sights. There are many museums, great places to eat, historically significant spots, not to mention the endless side journeys you can take to see things just a short distance off Bicycle Route 66. Any day spent on the Mother Road can be incredibly rich.
Best time to Ride
Going Westbound from Chicago? Spring departures (mid-April) are best to hit the desert before June; while autumn departures in September should hit the mountains before heavy snow. Both times should keep hot, humid weather in the midwest to a minimum.
Going Eastbound from Santa Monica? Spring departures in April/May are best before the desert heats up, mountains might still have snow but roads are clear. Cyclists might hit some humidity in the midwest; while autumn departures in late August/September are good as the desert cools but before there are heavy snows in the mountains.
Pace yourself
While there aren't a lot of mountain passes on this route, across California, Arizona and New Mexico there is quite a bit of desert with few services, and especially in summer, significant heat. As with most long tours, we recommend starting with shorter days and building up to longer ones as your body adjusts to riding multiple days in a row.
dot Route 66 from Chicago to L.A.
Be sure to talk to locals
A huge part of the character of Route 66 is the people. Take the time to stop and visit with the locals. You’ll meet folks who’ve lived on Route 66 their whole lives, as well as young entrepreneurs trying to bring beautiful old motels and restaurants back to life. These stories will fuel your nostalgic experience while touring and lead you to discover funky out-of-the-way places.
Bring extra food, water, and rain gear
Don’t forget, Route 66 crosses most of America, and the weather can vary depending on where you are. Be sure to bring rain gear, and if you’re going in the height of summer, carry extra water and protect yourself from the sun. It will ease your mind to bring an extra half-day's worth of water and snacks when riding the longer desert stretches in the southwestern U.S.
Plan to visit a few of these iconic locations
The Blue Swallow Motel, The Blue Dome District, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, The Powerhouse Route 66 Museum, Route 66 State Park, Joe and Aggies, Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, Cadillac Ranch, Roy’s Cafe, Route 66 Drive In Theatre, Tower Station and U-Drop Inn, Laguna Pueblo, Cool Springs Camp, Motel Wigwam, Chain Of Rocks Bridge, Santa Monica Pier
.png)
To celebrate the release of our newest route we'll be giving away two complete BR66 map sets this week. For a chance to win a mapset, simply comment on this blog post and tell us why you are excited about the new Bicycle Route 66 or share with us any adventures you've had on the "Mother Road." We'll draw two winners at random on Friday, March 6. The winners will be contacted via email.
BICYCLE ROUTE 66 MAPS and ACCESSORIES:
Share your experiences and stories with Adventure Cycling: press@adventurecycling.org
Post by Lisa McKinney / Photos by Michael Clark and Lon Haldeman
Comments
Esta é mais uma viagem que pretendemos fazer em breve, adoraríamos ganhar estes mapas.
São Paulo - Brazil
So who were the lucky two winners?
Randomly chosen from over 430 comments, the winners are:
Laura of Austin, Texas, and Peggy of West Bend, Wisconsin.
Congratulations to both of you, and make sure to send us photos!
Incredibly excited for these maps! Planning a cross-USA tour in a few weeks using Southern Tier, TransAm, and Northern Tier and have been dreaming of the day when a Rte66 map set gets created! Also excited that the possibility of an ACA route through OK and northern TX!
My brother and I toured the Silk Road, the thousands-year-old trade route between ancient China and Europe, last summer. He is planning on bringing a small team of cyclists from China to tour Route 66. I live in Austin, Texas and will join him when his team arrives. We have been looking for a good bike route map and are so excited about your release. Thank you for putting this together!!!
Can't wait to try this one out! We've never been on this route by bike or car. Would be fantastic! Thanks for the work AC!
Ross & Jean
Vallejo, CA
I couldn't wait, and rode from Missouri to Chicago a few years ago on Route 66. It was flat and easy, but the fun part was meeting groups of Europeans who flew into Chicago, rented Harleys and were riding through America. I ran into a cycling couple who were pedaling from Rockford, IL to St. Louis and had a great evening with them. I can't wait to ride through my home state and westward to California!
Would love to ride this route! I've driven most of it by car and totally enjoyed it but it would be awesome to ride. Seeing this blog post moves this way up on my bucket list!!!
CYCLE THE MOTHER ROAD!!!
I need to win a copy of the Route 66 map because I am a fan of Martin Milner! You know, I don't think I've ever seen a bike rack on a Corvette....
You've mapped another great course with Route 66; a route to go meet America.
I am so excited to make this trip with my wife. We're looking forward to the adventure and memories we'll make.
Because it makes us think about destiny
I read the article in your magazine. Our family has this on our bucket list.
I read the article in your magazine. Our family HS this on our bucket list.
I drove Rte 66 years ago - can't wait to get out and ride it!
I would love to ride through my homeland.
Links like a nice ride.
This is great news. On Feb. 26 2015, I ceremoniously rode 2 miles on Rt 66 at the Oklahoma Kansas state line on my way to "Spring Cycling Training" in Texas. It was the coldest, windiest 2 miles in recent memory with a air temp of 20 degrees and wind speed of 20 mph which made for a feels like temp hovering around zero. I would one day love to do the whole route in better weather!
This will be an incredible adventure! Thank you for the great timing tips.
This is amazing! I'm always looking for a new adventure and would love to cycle Route 66 since I've never been.
I first drive route 66 in an old VW Bug on the way to my first Air Force assignment. It would be great to do it again on my bike.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s, when Route 66 was the place to be. I'd love to do it by bike.
Exit strategy 2020. Time to get my kicks on route 66.
I need a new adventure!!!
What an awesome route that will be to bike. Thanks for putting this together. Just used your maps for part of my Asheville NC to St Pete FL ride before Christmas. You guys have an awesome product. Route 66, on my bucket list.
I turn 62 on my next Birthday and I would love for Route 66 to be my first retirement bike tour and I know it won't be my last. I hate to stop and ask for directions so a set of Adventure cycling Route 66 map set in my panniers would be an essential piece of traveling gear.
I lived close to Route 66 in Springfield Illinois in the 60's and have driven about 60% of the route...Can't wait to ride Route 66!
Been wanting to do a cross-country roadtrip for some time. What better way to do so than by bicycle, and with a Route 66 road map!
In this lifetime, some of Route 66 and/or the Divide would be an exciting challenge to ride.
I've driven several portions of this route, and I would love to bicycle it!
I have lived very close to rt 66 and have always thought how neat it would be to travel the route.
My name is Mr. Mapmaster, and I need some new maps for my collection.
I traveled Route 66 in t h e backseat of my parents station wagon as a child and amlooking forward to riding it on my bike someday (soon).
#Awesome. Been planning to do the ride in stages due to time constraints. A good map/guide will help with the process and increase motivation.
Sweet!! This is a great addition! I want to do it this year!
Maps great for dreaming about making this ride.
I'm going to retire soon and can't think of anything better tha doing route 66
What a great route to consider seeing from the seat of a bicycle.
And, the chance to win a map set might be the catalyst that I need to actually start planning a long-distance tour.
I look forward to riding some of the Route 66 in Illinois and Missouri. I would be riding from Chicago to St. Louis to visit my brother than taking the Amtrak back to Chicago.
Years ago I hitch-hiked Rt 66 from Tulsa to Chicago. I think now I need to bike the route!
Ever since my parents participated in Bike Centennial way back in 1976, our family has supported Adventure Cycling's vision.
I like the idea of the Route 66 tour, hope to make it happen real soon!
It is great to see a trail come through Oklahoma. Now I feel like we a BInterstate coming through my home. I can head west to the manhandle and turn N on the TransContinental.
Thanks for including the southern plains on the trail list!
To tell you the truth my husband is the big biker, but last summer he asked me to go on a bike trip with him. I said yes, without really thinking about it. It was the trip from Pittsburgh to Georgetown, 334 miles. We asked another couple to join us and by then it was too last for me to back out. I didn't think I could do it, but lo and behold I completed it. The amazing part was there was no complaining on my part. At the end of the ride all I could do was cry, shocked and proud of myself for finishing. This year we are headed to the Katy trail. I guess this is going to be our thing to do when my husband finally retires. These maps would be great to have.
Since I've had fabulous bike tours with the ACA maps, I can imagine Route 66 will be equally as fabulous! Also, it's fun to go on a new route. I did Sierra Cascades the first summer the maps were out.
Exciting. So glad you've done this. Would love to bike it and blog about it!
I'm so excited for the Bicycle Route 66 maps so that I can enjoy the open road along this historic route. The culture around the route and of the time that it was popular are what the American spirit are all about: freedom. I can't wait to try out this route!
I love the theme - Route 66 and can't wait for this to be my retirement ride.
Age 63 and still biking. Biked 10,000 miles last year. !0 years ago biked across the USA. Looking forward to another biking adventure.
this runs through my home state of AZ, though i now live in Oregon- wouldn't mind seeing my family!
Age 43, I traveled from Ohio to Texas last summer solo. I was on part of route 66. This time, I might actually know where I would be headed. ;)
I've never driven Route 66, and would LOVE for my first experience to be on two wheels!
I live in Chicago and spend my winters in Phoenix. I can't think of a better way to come down to Phoenix next fall than cycling Route 66! (Slight diversion at the end of course)
Excited? Thrilled? Ecstatic and more, lol. Riding cross country is on my bucket list...and I'd love to ride along the legendary route! ??????
This new route has inspired many great ideas and possibilities for our cyclists in Team Red, White & Blue - a Veterans Service Organization. As the national cycling director, I hope to use this route for our members to plan a full ride or a relay between our chapters and cycling members around the country. Our cycling group is pretty fired up about this new route! I've already started planning for a relay ride next year!
Harry,
Please keep us posted on your adventures. We'd love to feature you as a guest blogger to help inspire others. Please connect if you are interested.
Thanks and good luck!
Lisa
Wow. Soooo many comments. Probably have NO chance to win but that's not the point. The point is the JOURNEY. Boomer here who has taken the road less traveled all her life and now with my PRE BOOMER, we are again taking the next road of our journey. "Get your kicks on Route sixty-six" whether you're 66 or 99!!!....get in line :)
For my 70th birthday this summer, I already have a coast-to-coast ride planned. But now I can start planning on Route 66 for my 77th (or maybe 71st)! I'll pop into the Adventure Cycling office on 6/29/15 according to our current cross-country plans!
What an amazing ride this must be! I'm going to corral a few friends and do it!
Some of our best vacation moments have been from the seat of a bicycle! What a great route to ride! Thank you for working out issues, pulling together the information & providing maps to all who adventure forth. See you on Route 66!
Great news, and great map set! I live near the westernmost terminus of Rt 66 and would love to do all/part of this one day. We've driven several sections of the route in CA, AZ and NM and much of it is lightly traveled and would be a great, epic bike ride!
I had a life-changing experience cycling the Trans-Am, and would love to do it again riding on America's most historic road!
While Route 66 inspired the Disney movie Cars, I want to inspire the Disney movie Bikes. :)
Would love to get the cycling kicks, riding along Route 66.
Congratulations and Thank you for your tremendous efforts to aid us bicycling maniacs who enjoy the fitness and ambiance of riding to sightsee and travel !! Great map opportunity for us and would so appreciate that possibility of a free one for Route 66!!!
Age 66 / Route 66 - Coincidence? Looking forward to riding the Mother Road in retirement.
Very nice!! I just added this route to my list of "Must-do rides".
Things just fly by when you're in a car. Route 66 would look better from a bike.
Best adventure was dad and I driving from Springfield, MO to California on Route 66 the whole way. We talked about doing it for years and last April we finally got the chance to do it. It was awesome!
The next great adventure will be to run the full route from Chicago to California with my daughter.
Would love to ride this someday. Thanks for producing the map!
what an adventure! Thinking about this is taking all my attention. Soon enough I'll get out there.
I did the Transamerica Trail in 1980. I just retired and the 66 ride sounds like a good way to go for an old guy like me.
I have driven on some parts of Route 66. I have not owned a car in 16 years since living in Washington, D.C. I commute almost 100% by bicycle 365 days a year for over 15.5 years. I have logged over 33,000 miles commuting through the streets of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Outstanding. Looking forward to getting my kicks together for a future ride on this famous route.
I need a new adventure!!!
Congratulations ACA, this is a tremendous accomplishment and just in time for me, as I plan to leave Washington DC between April 15 and May 1st of this year and pick up Route 66 somewhere around St. Louis. WoooHooooo
Thanks for making another great route. This route has been added to the bucket list.
Route 66.... Just in time for my retirement! Travel on that route 60 years ago in a car as a kid... Will bike it in my retirement. Thanks for the memories Route 66 & Adventure Cycling Association.
Adventure Cycling Association Rocks!
I'm itch'n to go. Choose me!
There are so many cool attractions along Route 66. Maybe this summer, maybe next.
Looking forward to crisscross the country diagonally and to follow some historical trails
Really glad to see an iconic route that is suited to the tastes and time available to my lovely support staff, my wife my health issues don't really slow me up to much but I do need her there. It also fits our budget.
rides that feature a mystique or are delved in history are always more inspiring to train for and complete.
Route 66 in spring 2016 for me! Hope to see yall out there!
Woo hoo! Another route to help connect the east to the west that incorporates more mileage, and is not your typical straight shot. Can't wait to see the maps. Thanks for all the hard work, and making it easy for cyclists to literally grab and go without much logistical hassle.
I love to read maps especially when it is related to adventure!
This gives me the perfect excuse to come back and explore the states again!!
We would love to try this trip, such an iconic route.
As much fun is wonderlust is, a great set of maps is still your best friend. Can not wait to ride this!
I grew up on RT 66....can't wait to bike the whole thing someday. Maybe these maps may lead me on my way.
Great job Adventure Cycling.
One day hopefully sooner than later I will make this trip!
Would love to ride at least part of this route! We visited from England 5 years ago, and drove across - so to repeat that trip of a lifetime by pedal power would be amazing.
Read Leon McCarron's book "The Road Headed West" recently and I want to go now!
stoke = high!
I would love to ride through the route 66 and I will!! It will be a great adventure!! Last spring I did Hwy 1 and it was amazing!
San Diego to Athens, GA. Any takers? #alwayscarryasmile
Out of curiosity, when will the GPS info be available?
This is awesome! I've crossed through sections of this route but would love to one day ride the whole thing!
I'm excited because this is the first ACA route to connect to my adopted hometown of Chicago. I tell 'ya, because most of the city is low-rise, it still reminds a lot of us small-town midwesterners of home. A lot of Warmshowers hosts here (myself included) and its spot as a historic cross-country transit hub make this a fun stopover city.
In 2010 in the middle of a messy divorce I took 4 of my kids out west of the Mother Rode. The kids agree it was there best vacation they ever had. I even got a tattoo on my are commemorating and to be a constant reminder of how that road was an oasis during a rough time in mine and my kids life. This year is the fifth anniversary of that trip. This time I am going to ride it on 2 wheels instead of 4.
Awesome. Route 66 would be the perfect "southern" route to the west. We have done the northern route to California, but would love to take a southern route.
I just participated in the Leadership Training in Clermont, FL. It was great. We talked about Route 66, so I'm looking forward to riding on some of Route 66 on my ride from RI to CA starting May of 2016. I'm getting my route set over the next couple of weeks. I'm looking at taking part of the TransAmerica Trail and then take Route 66. I'm going to be setting up a Blog soon. " GO TOM GO ". I will be raising money for cancer research, as I ride my Recumbent ICE VTX trike. Its a great ride.
Looking forward to doing this route with my three boys one day!! Once they get a touring bike of their own. :)
I drove route 66 as a young man, watched the series on TV and look forward to cycling it now as a "mature" adult.
I would love to ride this Iconic route because who wouldn't! :)
I am interested in doing all or part of Route 66 next year with my classmates from 1966 as part of our 50th reunion activites.
Great work ACA!
One of my wife's goals is to drive Route 66 upon retirement. One of mine is to bike cross country. I can see a vision of a trip that meets both goals.
Congrats on another great route! Looking forward to checking it out soon!
What a great accomplishment! Living where Route 66 got it's name, this is great to see.
When Amtrak's roll on bike service expands there will be some great opportunities to "section bike" this amazing historic route for those of us who do not have 8 weeks at once. I can hardly wait.
This will be one more reason to finaly cross the ocean again for my next bikeride across the USA.
I'm not sure I can add much more to the comments. I just want the free maps so I can start planning my Bicycle route 66 tour!
I have ridden my bicycle, motorcycle and have driven my car on route 66. The road and the territory it covers are amazing and the people you meet and the sights you see are unforgettable. I would one day like to follow the adventure cycling route 66 map and ride the entire way. A dream come true it would be.
Need to add Route 66 to my bucket list...
A very interesting journey. Trying to figure out how to do portions of it. Hoping to win a map!
Finally the date has come! The maps are here. I am putting my plans together to begin getting my kicks on Route66 (on 2 wheels).
If I win a set, I will be that much closer to going. Here's hoping for both.
I would love to do this ride with a group or in stages. Will Adventure Cycling be planning a tour?
The modern motel system got it's start on this route, look forward to riding it some day.
A cross country trip is my dream. Maps would help plan my trip!
Get ya kicks. Route 66. Definitely on my list
Though I've lived in the Pacific NW for years, I grew up in Albuquerque. I'd LOVE to cycle this route with my husband on our tandem. Route 66 here we come!
This is SOOO Cool! I'm in the early stages of planning a X/C trip in 2016 and this route instantly came to the top of the list of route possibilities. Great job ACA!
I was so excited to hear about the new maps of the 66 Route. What a wonderful adventure it would be. I just completed the Transamerica 76 route in 2014. Will be looking toward my new adventure. Keep dreaming the dream.
This ride would be epic! I have yet to take a long trip (considering NW Arkansas to Key West) but route 66 is true Americana.
Congratulations Adventure Cycling! And woohoo for all us cyclists who have been anxiously awaiting the completion of the route. So exciting.
How exciting! This post is really going to help me plan my trip!
I have done several tours. And have used ACA maps. I would love to ride Route 66.
This is great news! I plan to leave from Kingman in April, but it will be a fast trip, 4 weeks, more of a training run.
I am excited to go on this trip with my sister, We have been waiting for the maps to come out! I am so pumped!
Cant wait to ride this!!!
Wonder if anyone has ever unicycled Rte 66. Now THAT would be mix.
I'd love to see the route that Adventure Cycling has mapped out. We've cycled the mother road without detours - and some of it was pretty hard. Route 66 is amazing to experience. It's great to see a bike-friendly set of maps!
I was on parts of route 66 this winter, but on 4 wheels. I would be great on a bike.
Did parts of this GREAT ROAD in 2011. Looking forward to starting in Chicago, Illinois and finishing in Los Angeles, California. This road is a JEWEL; don't miss Baxter Springs, Kansas!!!
I've driven parts of Rt 66, the beauty and mostly the people along the route are awesome. Having a set of bike maps for this iconic highway is great. I would rather ride it, and now I can!
This is a GREAT set of maps! I have used your maps to ride the Grand Canyon as well as ride from Maine to Oregon! I live in OK right along Route 66! I would love to ride all of old Route 66!
Since we ride tandem, the elevation profiles will be VERY useful. Thanks !! Since I graduated in 1966, this route has been on my "bucket list" for a long time...
I've been following the progress of the Route 66 ACA route for sometime. Congratulations on being able to complete the route! It looks like an amazing adventure for sure. I was planning on riding the "Great Rivers South" route solo in the spring of next year. Though if I won the Route 66 maps, I'd have no choice but to accept the challenge of such an epic journey.
Thanks for your consideration!
-Laura
I cycled from LA to Chicago in 2013 and wrote a blog on CrazyGuy called Tailwinds. A well-chosen name in the spring season! I am very interested to see the maps and the itinerary that has been chosen. Hope I am lucky at the draw. However, unlike the TransAm or the Great Divide Route, I would never consider cycling it again.
Super Excited about these maps. Crossed the country on route 66 with my grandpa back when I was 16. Been 10 years since and a whole new love of bicycle touring gets me even more excited to cross it again.
Looking forward to parts of route 66 in the future! Need to finish working first! Hoping to win maps of Route 66 for motivation.
This will be my next tour, after I finish my ride from Blaine Wa to Key West Fl. Made it to Memphis so far.
I graduated in 1966 and always wanted to drive the whole route in my Vette. I only did a part of it...maybe now, on the bike.
These look great! thanks for all the work you do! I live on the route in Los Angeles and am newer to cycling, adventures like this are very inspiring to me. Keep it up!
I love biking, and as a way to celebrate that after 7 years I will be finishing my PhD in DC and move to the west coast, I was thinking about doing it by bike! Route 66 looks like the way to go!!.
I have wanted to travel on Route 66 ever since I found out about it. Experiencing the pure Americana of the Mother Road will be wonderful. What a way to discover history!
I've been cycling in different countries around Europe for the last five years. I hope route 66 will be my first tour across the ocean!
I started bicycle touring self supported two years ago after retiring. I got the motivation from reading Adventure Cycling magazine and joined. I have had the Route 66 tour on my bucket list since reading about AC's project in 2012. At 67 I will have to do this in stages but I am excited to try this one. Thank you.
I am so excited about celebrating my 67th birthday on Route 66!!!
I live on Rt. 66 and work at local bike shop and a member of Warm Showers and CouchSurfers. Needless to say, I get a lot of people biking/driving Old Rt. 66 who need a warm, dry place to stay. We've hosted numerous people, some with only an hour's notice. I have ridden the entire Illinois portion of Rt. 66 and parts of it in Missouri. Plan on doing some of Texas.
My wife and I are retiring in 2 years and hope to ride across and around the USA so this is just one more route to add to our dream.
I love to see how so many people are bringing the old buildings back to life after so many years of neglect and abandonment. It would be fun to be able to stay in motels that have survived, and talk to the owners to hear their story that connects them to route 66.
Would love to team ride a section of BR66. Let's pick one really short for the duffers.
I have ridden parts of route 66, and crossed it several times, but not the WHOLE route yet.
Would love to plan it for the future.
Looking forward to seeing it all!
rode through Oatman, Arizona (watch for the wild burros) and the switchbacks east on old Route 66 several years ago by bicycle . It was hot, dry, windy and miserable bliss, can't wait to do it again.
With all the warning of how hot it can be sitting here in cold Canada waiting for Spring I can't think of a better way to start thinking of someplace warm to ride!
Would sure like to take a road trip down route 66. Thank you all at Adventure cycling for taking the time to make it happen!!!
may have to re vist the south land ! been 2o plus years time for a tan line ride
I did my first tour in New England last fall and I'm hooked! Route 66 is a dream ride. I think I should do it to raise money for a children's charity. So we both get something great out of an epic ride.
What a wonderful way to make something old new again. I am looking forward to reading all about everyone's Route 66 adventures. My Southern Tier CC is happening later this month. Perhaps, Route 66 will be one for autumn.
I've ridden on some of these roads as a wee little passenger in the family car. My grandparents would tell us stories about the sites along the way. What a great way to explore Route 66! I can't wait to take my own kids on a bike tour there one day!
I live along Route 66 so of course I'm excited especially as a "local"
I remember red roads, made from the red rock of the buttes along the way. Really impressed me as a kid in the 60s!
I have been waiting anxiously since plans for the route were announced. It will be my next multi month tour. I will start from Detroit and join Route 66 in Chicago. Happy Trails.
Sure, I'm excited by this route. Move over Jack Kerouak!
I am looking forward to doing a retirement run on route 66, now it will be that much easier to plan the route with Adventure Cycling Associations great references.
I remember travelling parts of this route by car as a kid. It will be great to do again but on a bike. It will be wonderful if this route can revive this corridor and bring back so many businesses that have been closed down due to Interstates. This has a lot of potential to make a difference in many small downs along the route.
I have to three dreams to fulfill on my bicycle adventure life: From Alaska to Chile, Tour Divide and Route 66. If I win, Route 66 jumps becomes priority. Route 66 with Brompton....
Road tripped cross country across Rt 66 several times now can't wait to cycle across- dream come true!
Wow, I would love to do this new route. Especially if I win the maps. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Looks like quite the ride. Have done some of it by car, but on a bike would be amazing.
Another great adventure for the true adventure cyclist!
"It's 2.493 miles to Chicago, I've got two bottles full of water, half a pack of Shot Bloks, it's sunny...and I'm wearing Oakleys."
[with these new maps, I can finally say,]
"Rolling!"
I'm looking forward to riding Route 66! It will take me from my current home to my childhood home, the perfect route to visit the folks and make it an adventure!
I am excited about the new Bicycle Route 66 because it's such a great American route, and such an exciting one to travel by bicycle. What a great resource. Thanks!
Have seen portions of Route 66 by car but would LOVE to see more of it on a bike!
I will take a good map any day over a gps, adventure cycling is supplying me with the best. I have been on parts of Route 66 in the past, cannot wait to do more in the future.
I am a member of the USCGA class of 1966 and have always wanted to ride a part of this historic route. Now that I live in Arizona, I am definitely going to do it!
Can't wait to ride this great route one day and having the set of maps will keep the dream alive.
I really want to do this! My brother's and I drove it this past summer and spread our father's ashes at Cadillac Ranch. Can't wait to do it on a bike.
I became a cyclist when I discover that I had cancer and after the treatment the doctor recommended extreme exercise I started pedaling away from the big "C" and never looked back. I would love to put Route 66 on my bike list of places I have toured and a set of maps would help make sure that my bike and I find our way. Adventure Cycling has done so many things to help improve peoples lives keep on improving one pedal stroke at time.
I have cycled around the world and driven in a car on Route 66, now it's time to cycle Route 66. Great way to do it!!!
I am a keen cyclist but have never done any long trips in the US. I am an American living in the UK. Have cycled London to Paris and many other shorter rides but Route 66 has always been a dream. Will definitely start checking this out!!!!
I am a keen cyclist but have never done any long trips in the US. I am an American living in the UK. Have cycled London to Paris and many other shorter rides but Route 66 has always been a dream. Will definitely start checking this out!!!!
Pacific Coast done, let's bike Route 66!
Route 66 or Lewis & Clark? Wife won't let me ride alone due to extreme vision loss but a friend inquired if I'd be interested in riding the A/C Route 66 this summer.....oh yes.....I've done many short rides from overnights to 2 week tours but only one Epic Journey in 2012. I followed the Mississippi River Trail 1803 miles to New Orleans & was hooked on long tours. Looking forward past awful midwest winters to this ride......
By bike, Route 66 at age 66. Seems everything is in alignment. Finally. Have been a Route 66 fan since I was a kid in L.A. when we drove East to visit family.
Awesome work! Look forward to riding AND running Route 66 with these maps as my guide!
this route is a must do for me..
I travel from the UK each summer to ride the tremendous AC routes. Sierra Cascdes this summer. Hopefully Route 66 in 2016.
Great effort to get the maps done.
I would love to win this set of maps to see if there really exists the town of Radiator Springs--made famous by the Disney movie "Cars." I also would love to just ride my bike across the country on this iconic American road.
I've been waiting for these maps to be out so I can ride them. Even if I don't win, I'll be ordering a set!
I grew up near a section of Route 66 in central Illinois. It would be a dream come true to explore "The Mother Road" on a two wheeled adventure.
one of my favorite songs is Get Your Kicks on Route 66 -- even got Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel to do an acoustic version when he spoke at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Did the whole Route 66 driving from Chicago to LA. and have done limited trips in various states along the way. Now it's time to bike the route! Plus I love maps!
Can't wait! I'm living in Chicago now but my bike is packed and waiting for me in LA from my SF-to-LA trip in December.
Because, if I win these maps, I'd have that much more leverage to encourage my wife to join in.. (See, look wife, we don't have to go far to start on a marked, mapped bike route.. it's the road in front of our house!) :-D
Nice work guys! Looking forward to get my kicks on Route 66!
Looks like a great trip!
I took a road trip down route 66 (in a car) and the whole trip I couldn't help but think of how much better it would be if I were on a bike instead.
Oh what a routae to ride!!!!!!!! I would love this !!!!!!!!!!
I have had the chance to ride many Adventure Cycling routes over the past couple of years, so when me and my dad first heard that they were planning on making maps for Route 66, we were very excited to have a chance to ride this classic route across the US and are now making tentative plans to ride this route this summer.
Looks like another great route!
I have road the Route 66 but it sounds so much better than driving it. Hopefully soon in the future.
I'm hoping to someday get my kicks on Route 66 by bicycle. Wonderful that a guide and maps set are now available!
I'm a proud Route66 supporter and I'll gurantee you that I'll bike the whole route unsupported if I win the maps.
THIS LOOKS AMAZING! I've been dreaming about driving route 66 since I was a kid, growing up in Sweden this seemed like the ultimate thing to do. This summer I'm cycling Transamerica for the first time, and I would definitely want to go back next year to cycle route 66 too!
Riding Route 66 would be cheaper than a therapist for me.
Everytime when I tell friends that I would like to cycle the U.S., the first question is: "on the route 66?"
Maybe ... now the right map set is available ...
Several of us from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of '66 have been waiting anxiously for this route to be posted, and can now begin planning. Thank you!
Movie stars, music and fancy cars... and now bicycles are making Rt 66 legendary. Begin the Adventure!
I love bike touring and any new route is reason to celebrate, but this has an extra weird appeal to me because one of my favorite songs in college was Depeche Mode's remix of the old Route 66 tune.
My dream is to someday kickscoot the route, so I can honestly say I got my kicks on Route 66.
Looks like a great set! I would love to do a part of this route soon.
This route looks amazing, so looking forward to riding route 66. Thanks for all the work on the new map set, you folks make the best maps!
this sounds like fun! saw some of Route 66 in New Mexico, looks like fun to ride it instead. Good work!
Wonderful! Can't wait to ride it twice......
Yeah! Another trip to add to my bucket list!
i grew up with route 66 as a major traveling route for my family....can't wait to do it on a bicycle!
Still preparing for my first tour (which will be TransAm), but Route 66 will definitely be a prime candidate for tour two. Love the history behind it and love how the bicycle route will help preserve it. Thanks for all your hard work!
I would love to ride Route 66. I have the time, the bike for the job and thought about buying this set when it came out.
Great addition to Adventure Cycling's route maps. Get your kid on Route 66!
I plan to ride the Route 66 for my 50th birthday coming up in a few short years and this map set would be awesome to win!
My addiction to touring is growing every time I see a post. last year I did a short tour from Miami to Key west, and just the idea of being out in the middle of nowhere with just a small group riding and enjoying the scenery gets me excited. I can't wait to start planning for my trip. unfortunately I would not be able to do the entire trip in one shot, but this is now my ultimate goal. if I have to do 5 trips of 500 miles, I will ride rote 66 in its entirety. thanks for putting together this map .
AWWW JEAH! Lived in NM briefly. Excited about riding back through there and all the way to LA from Chi-Town! Thanx!
Are you from Weed CA. If yes, I lived with you and your mom when you were 5. You came to mind tonight, so I googled your name and wound up here. But the Google hit referenced your trip from Weed to Ashville. Would love to hear from you. I don't expect you to remember me, kids often don't that young.
So excited. Thanks Adventure Cycling Route. Just geared up with my first dedicated touring bike and and now searching out routes. Would love to meet the folks along 66 that make it unique.
I have driven parts of 66, but to cycle the route and have time to see the hidden treasures sounds like a win win situation.
This is THE long trek I would love to ride! In response to various conditions, I've gone from road bike to hybrid to "comfort" bike, and finally have a recumbent trike which, after a little fixing, I will be to take on long rides. For years, I've wanted to do some l-o-n-g- ride, and this route has captured myimagination. Would LOVE to get my hands on those maps!
Having ridden large portions of the route here in IL, & look forward to cycling the whole distance in the next couple of years - a great iconic route with so much history, wonderful scenery & people!
...I'm newly retired and would love to do this route now that I have the time.
Now if I can convince my Wife to let me disappear for a few months to do it..... :)
Back in 1984 I rode part of US66 in New Mexico and Arizona. Since the announcement the ACA was planning Bicycle Route 66 I have been looking forward to ride this route with my daughter, Sophie. We are tentatively planning on riding Bicycle Route 66 this summer.
Very excited that these maps are available. I live on the route in Los Angeles and have been looking forward to traveling this route. Thanks for all the work you do!
So excited to see more cyclists along this route -- and more understanding of the benefits cycling brings to the areas visited.
I am looking forward to cycling Route 66 with my new wife as part of honeymoon in 2016!
I'm 71 and remember my grandfather telling the story of when he was a teenager taking Route 66 with some of his buddies to California. His dad was a car dealer and gave them a vehicle for the epic trip. There was so little traffic that they would stop at night and play cards in the middle of the roadway by the beams of the headlights. Now I'm going to try it by bike.
I spent my college years traveling from Illinois to Arizona (Flagstaff) following much of the Route 66 trail. I have always dreamed of covering the same route on 2 wheels. These maps will make this possible!
Route 66 is iconic and something I have always wanted to ride.
I will be driving this route this spring. I no longer can ride a bicycle because of my terminal cancer from exposure to agent orange in Vietnam. I have cycled all my life. I have bicycled Rt. 66 in the state of Illinois. Now I want to drive the route since I no longer can bicycle it. I think this map set is great.
Route 66 has been on my bucket list forever. Will this be my first self-supported tour? ACA just made it a bit easier!
This is definitely an awesome classic... I have my bike, and slowly, but surely, will acquire the gear... some day I *will* dip my back tire in the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, and begin pedaling. The Rte 66 route to Chicago is awesome - and continuing on to Delaware to dip my front tire in the Atlantic, get the picture, then head to Dog Fish Head Brewery. :-D
One more route to add to the bucket list that already has 24000 miles of rides in the US and overseas. Better get started soon ticking off some of the bigger trips. Already squeeze the little 300-500 mile trips in pre-retirement.
I can't wait for these maps! I've always been fascinated by Route 66 and its heritage. I was pumped when Disney released their movie "Cars" a few years ago because I immediately saw the parallels before I even saw the movie. I even picked up a DVD box set that travels the entire route! We all know that the world looks different when seen by bike and I can't wait to take this tour!
We're so excited to have this historic route accessible for cycling. We're looking forward to touring on our tandem experiencing our country on two wheels for two!
What a great way to spend my summer! Put this on my bucket list!
Two-wheeled kicks on Route 66! A dream come true. I have (and do) lived in many of the states crossed by Route 66. What a great way to cross America, see new sights, and relive the past. Thanks Adventure Cycling Association.
what a great way to see a historic travel route in the US. Great sights, great people, great experiences!
my bucket list just got a bit more crowded. can't wait for first ACA sponsored tour!!!
looks like a really fun trip to do with a group.
I will put it on my trip list, after the TransAm I am doing this summer.
I have always thought that touring Route 66 would be a great trip. I wasn't sure which roads to take with all of the changes to the route over the years. These maps will be a great resource.
I have cycled the Northern Tier. I have been waiting anxiously for the Route 66 journey. This will be a great autum!
I love the idea of a historic route through the heart of America
I've been following the development of this route for several years and am very pleased that you have been able to complete it. Thanks very much for your perseverance! It looks like an excellent route.
What a fantastic route! Route 66 has been on my radar for a long time for a bicycle tour, and now with these maps I can make an epic trip. Kudos Adventure Cycling!
After the Southern Tier Cross Country, we are looking forward to another great cycling adventure. This could be It.
Route 66 Water Bags and Life Insurance
I was one of the lucky ones? Perhaps you've heard tales of tying that canvas water bag to the front of the car, loading the luggage and and traveling Route 66 on the vacation trip of a lifetime? For the Brunk's of Lakewood Ohio in the summer of 1961 "the trip west" couldn't be postponed any longer. Dad, eager to visit my grandparents who had moved to California, and Mom, always itching to travel , decided this was the summer to make "that California trip." And so it was, the 58 Ford was loaded, Bambi, our dog, boarded at the kennel, and the kids, sister Carol and I, installed in the back seat. As Dad use to say, "let's cock her back and let her fly", it was, in short, an exciting time!
But......I digress.....there is the afore mentioned WATER BAG!
As a 12 year old I had already heard stories of family adventure, traveling across the desert of the American Southwest in an automobile. Nearly all the tales contained the admonition to not go forth without a WATER BAG, a canvas bag about 12"x12", with a rope over the top, to allow it to be hung from the car, filled with life sustaining water; just in case!........ Just in case?
That "just in case", had all the elements of western adventure. I couldn't wait until we made it to Oklahoma where these vaunted symbols of adventure travel were sold, at the filling stations of that time, for about 25 cents. As we traveled on we saw many a car with this iconic symbol affixed over the radiator. While the uniformed attendant pumped 25 cents a gallon gas into Fairlane 500, and the four of us were being refreshed with 12 once Pepsi's (twice a much, for a nickel too) I was suggesting to Father it was, doubtless, time for us to acquire OUR life sustaining water bag........somehow,?.......somehow, I still don't understand why, Dad didn't share my enthusiasm. My carrier in sales had just begun! "Dad, you know EVERYBODY has one,...... it's simply not safe for us to go on without one,......what Dad,....just WHAT would people think,...... pleeeeese??..... Finally, and I've always loved her for this, Mom intervened,?...... "Dear, what possible harm could come from us having a water bag?".........Dad had no answer,......YES, the sale was made;..... well OK,....he wasn't SOLD, sold,......but we did, by crackie, have a water bag, hanging from the front fender of the Ford, and the twelve year old boy, that still lives within this sixty six year old man, was ready to face the adventure of his young life. A cowboy hat, gun, holster and horse couldn't have thrilled me more, and,......and, what I didn't realize at the time, I'd sold my first life insurance policy; a water bag to my Dad! A future life of adventure awaited!
Bicycle travel across the country on the southern tier and Lewis & Clark trail as well as numerous other AC inspired tours were born that special summer so long ago; and now, Bicycle Route 66...the adventure continues!
I traveled 66 from Tx. to Calf. In late 60's, was just a kid but remember it well. Now I'm looking forward to getting my kicks on 66 as an adult on a bicycle. Thanks for all the work to produce great maps for my journey. (would be nice to win one). Thanks again.
Great! Thank you. Historic. I hope to go next year september.
I look forward to recreating by bicycle the adventures a prior generation pursued with cars.
have been dreaming for years, about the 66, hope to go 2017
Route 66 ... just the name invokes images of beauty and feelings of adventure !! I can't wait to see the new maps and hit the road again.
Another set of maps to add to our collection and dream about doing some day! I hope we win :)
I have been a member of Adventure Cycling since it was "Bike Centennial". I have supported bicycle advocacy for my whole adult life (since the 1970's). With my nest finally empty, I planned my first week long bike trip, only to have both of my aging parents become ill at the same time. I did manage to finally take the trip this past autumn and I can't wait to go again one day. I am so excited that Route 66 is getting the love it deserves as one of the great travelling traditions of our country. It is one of the routes I will ride when I am free to take longer rides again. Thank you for supporting all of us cyclists!
My husband and I drove all of Route 66 from east to west in our truck camper two years ago. It is so fascinating. I'd love to bike the same route!
This looks like a good way to experience the West.
I biked sections of Route 66 on my cross country trip from Weed, CA to Asheville, NC in 2011. I really enjoyed the history, the beauty, and the hospitality along Route 66! If I won these maps I would have to pack up my bike and trailer and go tour the entire Route 66!! I would love to do a video blog of the route and compile photos for a book of my journey.
southern tier 2014 - this could be the next adventure. Chicago is the perfect start!
A great excuse to go touring!
My husband ran away from home when he was 16-for two weeks- and made it to CA via Route 66. We're cyclists and look forward to riding it now and remembering those teenage adventures.
My dream tour. Planning it now just need those free maps to seal the deal!!! :-)
I am continually amazed and inspired by the ever increasing number of both on and off road cycle routes that I discover each time I log on. The Route 66 is surely the ultimate. Famous the world over - even way down here in New Zealand, this ride must surely be the ultimate USA experience. Traverse the country meeting the real American people whilst living and learning. Plus I get to do it by bicycle. Now there is something to dream about and plan to do in the next year or so.
I don't believe I've ever been on any part of the Route, but I'd love to check it out on my bicycle.
And no rain, right? ;)
Always wanted to drive the whole thing, now I won't have to if I can ride it.
So glad you were able to work out some challenges with Caltrans.
I was eagerly waiting for the info on the web site to come online today. I found it to be very exciting reading on the way home from work today.
I think this might be greatest way to get to Chicago for the Grateful dead shows this upcoming Fourth of July weekend.
If I get tickets...[I'll just keep] truckin, get my chips cashed in...
For awhile I lived just off old Route 66 in rural New Mexico. I traveled it by car many times. I'd love a chance to travel it by bike!
This sounds like a great tour! Now to decide do I travel east, or west!
I traveled part of Route 66 with my family on a cross country road trip as a kid. How exciting it would be to revisit that route on my own two-wheeled adventure!
Right in my backyard, route 66 is the perfect next adventure for me.
I'm heading from Chicago to California soon. My goal is to log as many miles as possible by bike as I recreate my life. See you all there!
I'm excited about this new map because I live overlooking Rte 66 at the west end of Flagstaff AZ and I'd love to ride the Route. I read about it in my Adventure Cyclist mag. Can't wait to try it.
Planning my first long bike trip now for april departure, would love to ride the whole 66 route. Grew up with stories from my dad about his travels along route 66.
I am happy that Oklahoma FINALLY has a route. I live only a few blocks from the route so I am pretty sure we will be hosting a lot of cyclists over the years.
I am so excited for this new map set! What a great piece of US history. I grew up near Route 66 in New Mexico and look forward to a tour and experiencing the magic of this route.
This will be my next tour!
I rode on part of Route 66 while bicycling from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. I exited I-40 west of Williams, AZ and rode through to Kingman on the Mother Road. I had fun, staying a couple nights in Seligman, AZ. I even bought a Route 66 'Do Rag. :o) I'd love to ride the whole Route 66!
I'm very excited about these maps! I'm a cyclist and I own the gift shop by the Route 66 Museum in Pontiac. This combines my two loves!
This would be the best way to finish off grad school in Chicago! Here is to... thinking way too far into the future! :)
But seriously, this will be the next tour we complete after the tour we already have planned for 2016.
Looks like a great ride!!!
What a great way to see the USA. I imagine it somewhat touristy, but ACA is pretty good steering us in the direction as from other maps I've used.
Can't wait to get my kicks; and the maps.
Sounds like a great route for my first tour. Please pick me, my bike would love you forever!
Route 66 adds to the growing network of bicycle routes across the country. I am newly retired and hope to ride as many as possible, including Route 66.
I would love to bike the route 66. In high school, my grandfather told me about how he used to hitchhike along route 66 to and from Kansas, where he was from. I've wanted to travel it ever since.
Rt 66 is a big part our history here in Central IL, and it's been a dream of mine to enjoy as much of the mother road as I can by bike.
Love to ride Route 66. Combine history, culture and cross-country cycling
I traveled this road in the back end of a station wagon with three sisters while my parents drove us from Illinois to Grandma's house in Southern California. I would love to do this trip via the bicycle's version of the station wagon - Surly LHT!
It would be amazing to ride Route 66. I love long distance cycling and hope one day to ride coast to coast.
As a child, I traveled this "grand old road" in the back of a station wagon from Illinois to Long Beach to visit Grandma. I would love to tackle this route with the bicycle version of the stationwagon - the LHT Surly!
I just need to come into a large sum of money so I can add this onto my bucket list of tours....would be awesome and I hope to live out this tour on my own saddle in the next ten or so years.
50 years ago as a teenager my family made a cross country trip from Kentucky to California, connecting up with the infamous Route 66 in Springfield,MO. As we made our way across Route 66, my cousin and I talked about making this cross country trip by bike someday. Now in my 60's I am looking forward to making this trip along this famed route in 2016. Although most of the sights and landmarks I encountered in 1965 are long gone, I still feel teenage giddy about making this trip next year to rekindle at least some of those memories of the summer of "65" and making new memories in the summer of "16".
Glad the California difficulty was worked out. Ready to try a portion of this this spring.
My family and I drove part of the route last year from Flagstaff back home in Kansas. We drive past so many amazing things that we had to miss to get home on time. There were likely countless other small spots that can only be experienced and seen on bike. I'd love to pack up my bike and head west.
I am excited to set this bike route. I enjoyed two car trips along Route 66, and as someone who loves bike touring am looking forward to repeating that journey on two wheels.
Happy to see another route in Adventure Cycling's ever-expanding network. Can't wait to ride some or all of it!
As an avid Adventure Cyclist who has used your mapsany times, I think Route 66 is the perfect addition. I'm a displaced Midwesterner now living in the Northwest, and I know that area to be beautiful but not the easiest to navigate on two wheels. I can't wait to see it!
Can't wait to BIKE my kicks on route 66!!!!! Looking forward to this new route! Thanks!!!!!
I have done this in an auto, I cant wait to ride it on my bike!
I have been really excited about biking this route and am very thankfull for all the hard work put in on these maps! Thank you!
I grew up on part of Route 66, and often ride it in my dreams.
I figure this Route 66 map set will be epic! I used AC's maps in 1995 and completed the northern route with 2 friends. That ride changed my life. I have no doubt this map will do the same for someone else. There is truly no better way to see the USA than on a bicycle! Thanks for the many years of dedication to the bicycling community.
You're gonna love the ozarks and the hills!
Love this! I can't wait to get a set and set some destination goals:) looks so fun and these maps eliminate alot of the groundwork in choosing the best routes! Nothing to do but pedal, pedal and pedal:)
I am excited about this at Rt 66 because it has been my dream for almost a decade to bike the entire route. I think it's happening in the next year or two. I grew up right near the intersection with "Wishing Well Motel," in Country Side, IL (~20 miles outside Chicago) which has since burned down. However, its iconic image is still in older Route 66 guides. :) When I make this trip, I will be bringing my dog as a travel companion.
I grew up watching Route 66 on TV! Would love to ride west and visit my kids in Arizona and New Mexico.
What a dream ride! It is on my bucket list.
Last summer did a cross country trip, passing through a little bit of route 66 in Missouri. I went north towards Washington though. Months later, I arrived in Santa Monica where route 66 ends and made me really want to continue the adventure. Doing another cross country trip this summer and passing through New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Wouldn't mind having these maps for the trip, kinda scared about making it through the desert!
My dream is to ride Route 66 the summer of 2016 - I know it will be awfully hot, but I am a teacher and have those 2 months off. THANK YOU so much for your work on route access and maps!
This is a bucket list ride. The dream starts now.
ive been waiting for this route to be completed for a while and am excited to see its finally here! I live one block from Route 66 in Albuquerque and hope this new route inspires my hometown and others along the way to spruce up their sections of Route 66 and add separated bike lanes so that everyone can enjoy it even more in the years to come. Thanks Adventure Cycling!
i am really excitedly to see this map set. I live near Route 66 in the middle of America and I am looking forward to riding the route.
These maps would be the best inspiration to plan an epic once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Very excited that the route starts in my hometown of Chicago! Thanks for your efforts in creating this route.
I can only imagine some of the characters I would come across biking the 66! Excited for the new maps set!!
WooHoo. It's always good to get another route. I woud very much love to have one of these sets of maps so that I can start planning my next adventure...
Thank you Adventure Cycling for all you do. It is my hope and plan to ride across the U.S. this year, and it is all possible because of maps like yours and the thousands and thousands of people that lay the path and keep us informed. See you on the road. Cheers, Leisure
I'm going to quit my job in September to ride Route 66!
Any new route is a good route!!
I've been looking forward to the release of the maps since I first heard about the plans. I live 20 miles from Route 66 in Oklahoma and have ridden portions of the route in Oklahoma and driven many others. Can't wait to bike the whole thing.
I would love the fact that this route gives me the option to use Adventure Cycling routes right out of my backyard. Before this route existed, I was hundreds of miles away from the nearest ACA route.
Living in Denmark but dreaming of the route of all routes.:-)
Just a short detour to the Owl Bar and Cafe, too.
We have been planning to do Route 66 for some time. I live in New Zealand and had planned to drive but cycling would be so much more fun. Maybe next summer!!!!
Most of my experiences on Route 66 involve eating frozen custard at Ted Drewe's in St. Louis, but it'd be awesome to ride this route.
Plus I love love love maps!
Huzzah!
Great work. We can now see the best route in the US by the best means of transport!
Haven't taken a great big bike adventure YET...perhaps this will be the first one!
I need to ride from the west coast to New England in a few years, arriving mid-June. Too early to start from my home in the Pac NW. Route 66 starting mid-April in LA will be perfect.
Adventure Cycling maps are the absolute best. It exciting to see the map set addition for the historic Rt. 66 route. This is an iconic route and so much at the grassroots of cross country travel in this country. It is awesome to have bicycle maps to support this special route!
Sounds good. This is going on my list of bike tours. the maps will be a great help.
Wonderful route. I did most of OK & KS last year. Maybe stopping in Baxter Springs, KS where Bonnie & Clyde robbed so many times was the best.
Really glad to finally see this map finished. My sister and I are planning to ride our first multi-day touring ride this summer following Rt. 66 from St. Louis to Chicago.
50 years ago I moved to California with my family. We drove the entire length of Rt 66 to get here. I promised myself that I would do it again one day by bike. These maps will be a valuable resource.
Some day I will do this ride through the heartland of America! It's so amazing Adventure Cycle has this route mapped!!
What great achievement! Thank you for all the work that you do in getting all the i's dotted and t's crossed to have the maps prepped and ready.
Looking forward to checking them out and making a plan.
planing to do an US biketrip and a map like this could ease up planing
I'm a long-time member of Adventure Cycling. I usually plan my own trips with friends. I'm going to talk them into a Route 66 trip, using the Adventure Cycling Maps. Great. Thank you.
I have always wanted to ride Route 66 I used to watch the show and I owned a Corvette. It would be cool to ride it and see the sites. There is lots of interesting history on that road. If I had a choice of the maps or a corvette I would take the maps LOL
This route sounds like a great little piece of history. I have ridden the Trans America and the Southern Tier. R=This could be my next big adventure!
Congratulations on achieving this milestone. A neat option for me when I come back to ride in America.
I've been reading and dreaming about touring for several years now. This might be just the incentive I need!
Hard to imagine better food to fuel a long ride than along Route 66!
I have cycled many parts of route 66 in my home state of Oklahoma. I have long wanted to ride from Oklahoma City to Chicago via route 66. These maps will be great!
My husband has a dream of riding across the country. We are starting to plan our trip with our son. This would be a great route as it would be a part of the heart of our country! What a great way to explore!
You've done it again! Another adventurous route across this great land. By-cycle is the only way to travel!
Being obsessed with bicycle travel and having a goal of riding across the country for a retirement gift to myself, the recent cooperation with California to make a safe and legal route for Route 66 makes it that much more possible. Keep the rubber down!
Your maps are the best. I have used them in the past and cannot wait to travel the Mother Road with them. It was your maps across the Northern Tier that caused me to join Advevture Cycling many years ago!
I just traveled part of Route 66 in TX and NM and was thinking how cool it would be to do it by bike!
I would love nothing more than a multi-month cross country bike trip, to clear the brain and renew my soul. Putting this trip on "the list".
I experienced my first taste of touring last summer when I rode the Great Allegheny Passage. Since that point, I have been incredibly interested in a cross-country tour (bucket list).
Riding historic Route 66 is something that anyone could be proud of and a great story to tell grandchildren.
How's this: if I win the free maps, I will finally get around to joining Adventure Cycling. It has been 35 years since I have been able to do a long-distance bicycle tour, but I am dying to restart. I love the mystique of Route 66 ("I get my kicks...") What a venue for my return to long distance touring!
I live just a few blocks from bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma City. I'm excited to hop on my bike at home and be riding on an Adventure Cycling route in just minutes.
the wife and I are just getting into bike touring we are so looking forward to making this our first big tour should be an epic ride
I love that this is a bike route I can take to explore my home state and the beautiful deserts of the southwest!
My dream route for a bike tour!
Riding Route 66 with my best friend!!!
I have wanted to go on a cross country tour with my tadpole trike for years. This year I retired. If I don't go soon, I won't be able. I need the maps! :-)
I love history almost as much as I love cycling. And if I could combine them- say, by, riding Route 66- that would be amazing!
Ride or drive, either way a good bucket list addition. If it's a drive, there's always enough bike stuff on board for some SAG support. Always a great sight to see bicycle tourists on the road.
;-)
Rode cross-country in 2000, in part using Adventure Cycling maps. This is a great reason to take more time off from work!
Wow! Sounds like a fabulous ride !
Woo hoo! I'm looking forward to riding this route from my front door! Sweet home Chicago!
Thanks as always for the great work!
looks like some great riding
Congratulations on a great project completed.The Rt 66 route is an excellent addition to the existing network. I hope to utilize it in making some epic loops. Thanks for all the hard work on behalf of your members!
Nearing retirement, I am planning a long solo bike tour in the next couple years, and this one looks perfect! I've done multiple 400-500 mile rides across Iowa and am ready for a change of scenery! I'd love a set of the Route 66 maps! Thank you.
I have been looking forward to these maps for a few years.
I once lived at the intersection of the Rio Grande River and Route 66 in Old Town Albuquerque. I had two jobs-- one at a restaurant and one at a bicycle shop-- both on Route 66.
It is definitely a DREAM of mine to do a bicycle tour of the United States. I wish I could work for Adventure Cycling.
I've been having financial difficulties, so I would greatly appreciate any help in regards to this bicycling dream of mine.
I've been saving up on bicycling gear & supplies, bicycling for exercise, learning bicycle mechanics, searching for free bicycle maps, etc...
I'm just taking it one step at a time towards my dream of bicycling across our country.
On May 1st I'm headed on my first ever bike tour! Starting big: Washington DC to Portland, OR. From there I'm biking south to Davis, CA. Would love to take Route 66 back home to Chicago next summer!
That is awesome!
If I had the money, I would love to go too!
Last year my roommate and I completed our first road tour using the Atlantic Coast map from Bar Harbor to Boston. We couldn't believe how much local stuff is missed when traveling by car. We haven't been able to decide on a bike trip for this summer either because we don't know what could top that experience. It would be amazing to travel route 66 by bike...my adrenaline rush is sky high right now, and I can't stop singing the soundtrack from Disney's CARS!
That looks like a great new adventure. After having crossed Route 66 several times on my last trip across the US with my bike, it would be a new challenge to do the whole thing!
I've traveled quite a bit of it by car, and would love to do it by bike. The fact that my front door is under a mile from it should make it easier to get started.
I've wanted to ride this ever since the TV show of the same name. On a bike would be even better than a Corvette
I'm a route 66 enthusiast and along the route I have met many foreign riders having a Route 66 adventure. The ones that have asked for directions sure could have used these!
This route looks amazing, so looking forward to riding route 66. Thanks for all the work on the new map set, you folks make the best maps!
Just got touring bikes for our trip this summer and we are super excited! Awesome job putting together more route options, definitely going to have to look into this route.
What a great idea! I would love to ride Route 66! :)
This is great news. Cycling 66 would be such an incredible ride.
This trip is on my bucket list! After doing the TransAm a couple of summers ago, the bicycle travel bug has bitten me! I've driven almost the entirety of Route 66 a couple of times, and would love to experience it via the slowed down method of cycling. I love the history of the Mother Road and the small towns it still connects across this great country!
I just got a touring bike and am getting all supplies I need but I would love to have some good maps. I am still trying to figure out the best way to take my dog with me on the longer rides.
I am hoping to plan an excursion and get my kicks on route 66. I have liked americana and things from an era gone by and think this would be perfect trip to a time before interstates and airplanes.
I want one!!!!
I biked in New Mexico this January and Tammy Schurr invited me to ride part of it during the NM statewide bike convention. That would be cool!
Awesome! It's been a dream of mine for quite a few years to do a cross country ride!
I'd photograph and blog the entire journey for adventure cycling. Did a 4 month journey from jasper national park to san diego 9 years ago and would love to do this trip for the 10 year renunion.
Thanks!
Hope i win!
Julian,
We'd love a guest blog post of your adventures! Please contact me if you are interested.
Thank you,
Lisa
I am excited about this new route. Congratulations on this great accomplishment. Looking forward to seeing some new parts of the US.
I am excited to ride this route someday but just as excited that it comes through, or close to, Springfield, MO. I can easily "hop on" and go either direction. Great work ACA!!
The map release is exciting, and I can't wait until the celebration in Albuquerque on April 19 with Jim Sayer and Jennifer Milyko. http://www.nmts.org/rt66/
A great tour of an iconic American road.
My Grandma was born in Chicago.. my Mothe from Texas and my father from L.A... Route 66. Played a part in my being born..connect the dots :) I even have the route 66 logo tattooed on me.. I am an avid cycle tourist and love your maps.. have used them in the past, present and will in future use.. Tha.k you for rhe opprotunity for the chance to win the maps for this trip!!
I'm excited for these maps because I've always wanted to drive this route and see all the sites, but the fact that I can now bike it?! That's WAY better!
Get yer kicks...on Route 66. I remember traveling the Mother Road back in 1964 on a family vacation from Iowa to Southern California. It would be great to swap my dad's Ford Galaxie for a touring bike.
Wow! Sounds like a fabulous ride - can't wait for the maps!
My son and I. Ages 80 and 58 by the time we can put this ride together, have been on two Adventure Cycling tours and have done a long section in Colorado and Wyoming on the Continental Divide route. Since the idea of this Route 66 ride was first mentioned we have had it our "bucket." Can't wait for the first chance we have. Either direction should be a wonderful experience.
Looks like an interesting route. Hmm. credit card touring. Thanks for doing this.
Look forward to making this my introductory long ride across the states!
Looks like a fun trip.....I could add to my Tours; i.e, Southern Tier, Lewis & Clark and Underground Railroad.
Pleas let me win?
Thanks.
Dave
What a wonderful way to see this see America cycling the Mother Road.
This ride is in the top 5 of my bucket list of adventure rides. Can't wait to see these incredible sights
Thank you for creating this route and for creating this opportunity. I have ridden parts of Route 66, but would love to do the whole thing!
This route could be my first long trip!
just pondering about this years cycle touring adventure. With this route I can finally start the planning! Thank you! Cycled parts of it already while doing the southern tier in 2013.
I've been eagerly awaiting this map set ever since it was announced. We used Adventure Cycling's maps for our ride on the Western Express and Transamerica routes 11 years ago, and are looking forward to introducing our son to bicycle touring on Route 66!
I've biked across America but still haven't made it to CA, Route 66 sounds like the way to go!!
Good ol Route 66, the origins of the quintessential American roadtrip. It's about time we redefined "roadtrip" from 4 wheels to 2 and brought a bit of new energy to this route and what's left of the quirky spectacles along it. Reviving American traditions one set of maps at a time-- well done, Adventure Cycling , well done.
Definitely a dream ride! Hope you have some organized tours in the works too.
I have been dreaming of doing this. The maps are a great help!!!
Great piece of news! Sooner or later I will run this route by pedaling, so I appreciate it very much.
I have used/loved these map sets since 1982. This is a wonderful new addition and I hope to get/use them shortly!
Looks like loads of fun! I've only ever seen the start of 66 in Chicago but I would definitely be up for biking it.
I'm planning to lead a small group ride that will follow 400+ miles of Route 66 starting at the end May. We'll pedal from Chicago to Bentonville, Arkansas in a project I've dubbed "Tour de Fairness." These maps would sure come in handy.
This is great news! Bicycle touring may help revitalize some smaller communities along the road, they were hit hard when they were by-passed by the highway.
Route 66 from Chicago would be my way to go, and paper maps are invaluable for navigation!
I totally want to ride this some day! Currently I've only done two day bike tours, but have plans to do much longer bike touring in the future!
Good job on route negotiations and getting the map set out. This route is definitely on my to do list.
Having a new route to ponder gives me more inspiration to tour and explore different parts of the country.
Wanted to travel Rt. 66 ever since watching Tod and Buz back in the 60's. Never have been able to afford a Corvette so when I do it after retirement, it will be by bicycle.
Outstanding. Looking forward to getting my kicks together for a future ride on this famous route.
This is excellent news. Ride route66 is back on my bucket list. I took it of when I had to give up long distance Motorcycle riding and went back to bicycle riding. Finishing all my health issues (hope the one I am doing now is the last one!) and after that I am ready to start riding and hiking my bucket list.
Rout66 here I come.
I have cycled Route 66 between Los Angeles and Flagstaff in stages, but I had put my plans eastward on hold, waiting to see what Adventure Cycling would come up through New Mexico. Looking forward to the maps!
Congratulations on this latest map set! This sounds like an epic, exciting route that will allow riders to experience a unique part of Americana. One more trip to add to my bucket list
I plan to bike across the country someday. It's great to know this resource exists!
I always had Route 66 on my bucket list, but by car. Now I want to cycle it! Thanks for putting the route together.
Forgot Password?
Enter your email address and we'll send you an email that will allow you to reset it. If you no longer have access to the email address call our memberships department at (800) 755-2453 or email us at memberships@adventurecycling.org.
Not Registered? Create Account Now.