Route 66 (Transcontinental Fox Tour)

Commonly referred to as the “Bucket List” Tour for many of the Foxes and the “FOMO” Tour for the others. All the preparation in the world didn’t really prepare us for this trip, given a number of us had graduated from a 250cc straight onto the 1690cc Harleys, however we had signed up for it and were keen. Lewy had done the research and signed up with California Sunriders who have been doing these Harley Tours for years. Our guide “Bear” was a legend. We asked why we are starting in Chicago rather than LA and he responded that “the combination of jet lag and the heat of the Mojave Desert meant that it was better to start off in the cooler weather rather than falling off the Bike in the desert.” Made a mental note not to ask that again. As a group we hired Softails, Softail Deluxes, and Street Glides. Gibbo miscalculated on his leg size and completed the tour from the pillion seat of the Duluxe, but it did not seem too much of an inconvenience. The distances per day were pretty good and we had a rest day in Sante Fe. Singo had just passed his licence and went straight out to buy a tin helmet and fox tail for protection. The rest of us came fully protected, with Lewy resplendent in his Flouro rain gear on day one.

Itinerary

1. Prelude
2. Chicago, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois.
3. Springfield to Rolla, Missouri
4. Rolla to Tulsa, Oklahoma
5. Tulsa to Weatherford, Oklahoma
6. Weatherford to Amarillo, Texas
7. Amarillo to Sante Fe, New Mexico
8. Sante Fe to Gallop, New Mexico
9. Gallop to Williams Arizona
10. Williams to Needles, California
11. Needles to Victorville, California
12. Victorville to Los Angeles, California
13. Testimonials

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Video Highlights – Chicago

Blog

We assembled at 11am on Tuesday, 6 May, 2014 at the Qantas check-in desk and successfully negotiated progress to our next step in the boarding process. Our trip along the historical Route 66 started and ended where it should, in the First Class Lounge at Qantas. Thanks to the millions of miles travelled by Sean (aka Tone), we were accepted without reservation into the Lounge for a pre-boarding meal supplemented by Bollinger & Carlei 2012 Pinot Gris. We reluctantly responded to the Boarding Call.

The trip went off without a problem (assuming you ignore the dash from the International to Domestic Airports at LAX). They seem like miles apart. Hydro was alert to the time it takes and led the undignified dash to American Airlines.

Having been ‘on tour’ for about 22 hours, we arrived at the Holiday Inn at 6pm, 5 hours after leaving Sydney. Check in and straight to the Bar for welcome drinks hosted by the Silver Foxes for the Silver Foxes. Bring it in tight boys. With a last shout out of “Here we go, Here we go ……….”. Yep, time to crash.

Headed off at 9am for breakfast at ‘wildberry’ for brilliant eggs and pancakes. Kitty system confirmed and Russ (banker) replaced Sean (celebrity) due to the need for greater governance! Sean made a lengthy and emotional speech of gratitude.

At 1pm, a river cruise to see the architectural aspects of Chicago. Takeaways included:

1. Boxy understands that any building after he was born is post-modernism;
2. Eco Deco is modern art déco;
3. Buildings were built over the train lines, footings into bedrock 100ft below the waterline;
4. The river is now polluted rather than toxic;
5. The river was reversed so that crap would be sent to Mississippi rather than Lake Michigan (drinking water); and
6. Bob, the speaker, would not take a tip. WTF!

After, boys went shopping. Rusty & Sarge bought awesome jackets. Up the John Hancock Tower for views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

At 6, drinks with Andy & Petra (tour operators). Then to dinner at Gene & Georgetti for biggest steaks in the world. Somehow, we then ended up on a disco bus which took us to Kingston Mines, an iconic blues destination, where we ,,,,,,,,,,,,. Got home at 2.30am after a very successful night. Tour is exceeding expectations

It’s all about preparation today!

Breakfast at the famous Lou Mitchell’s (former Presidents ate there), a 50’s style diner. Most of the waitresses born about then. Best coffee in the world …….. was filter coffee. Mmm, I don’t think so.

Then a stop at the starting point of Route 66 on Adams St. Note Gibbo kissing the ground, pathetic really but we encourage this over the top behaviour.

That afternoon was spent at the Harley outlet to buy essentials, like pocket chains, head scarves etc. It’s the look that counts. Returned to the hotel to find the bikes had been delivered. We sat on them and yelled vroom vroom! We were now in the moment and it was very real. Great sense of excitement.

We did our trip paperwork over a beer with the tour guide, Bear, and then a welcome dinner with the whole group at the hotel. We have 3 poms joining us. Early night to pack and ponder whether we’d fall off our bikes as we left the hotel tomorrow morning and embarrass ourselves.

Music

Next Day