EagleRider Route 66 Guided Motorcycle Tour

Arrive into Chicago and make your way to the departure hotel to meet your EagleRider Tour Leader and fellow riders over a welcome dinner in the heart of the 'Windy City'. The excitement of this epic adventure might be a little too much, so you might then want an early night in preparation but Chicago has an array of bars and nightclubs that pay homage to the city's strong jazz and blue heritage that could tempt you to stay out.

After picking up your motorcycle, start on this historic route across America safe in the knowledge of the many fantastic and amazing days ahead of you as you cross this vast country. Leaving Chicago behind, first stop is Springfield, Illinois via the Route 66 museum in Joliet and the Gemini Giant in Wilmington.

Journey along the Mother Road today through cornfields and small towns that make up the heartland of America. Ride across the Chain of Rocks Bridge as you enter St Louis, the original bridge where Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River. Tonight you can experience some of the best BBQ ribs in the country, accompanied by some great live music. St Louis has one of the most recognisable structures in the US, the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot monument is the world's tallest arch and an incredible sight. Use your leisure time to visit and explore this amazing landmark and the local St Louis area.

Today is quite a ride, but we recommend getting up early to enjoy views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River. Once you leave the St Louis area you witness beautiful rolling hills and travel through the varied countryside of Midwest America, passing the 'Devils Elbow' - once the deepest road cut in Missouri, as you journey on to Joplin , Missouri. Time should allow us to stop and see the famous 'World's Largest Rocking Chair' in Fanning and a Route 66 icon, Gay Parita. Spend the night in Joplin, where you will no doubt hear locals telling stories of being in the eye of a massive Tornado that severely hit the town in 2011.

Heading west through the rolling hills and horse country that is Oklahoma, you will pass the towns of Miami, Claremore and Catoosa; where the legendary 'Blue Whale' resides. Stop for lunch in a Tulsa diner, before riding through the lands of several Native American tribes - Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek and Cherokee - which in the 1830's this land was set aside as Indian Territory. Journey across the mile-long bridge, near Bridgeport and into Oklahoma City, also known as the heart and soul of Route 66 country.

This morning will have you travelling along some of the oldest stretches of Oklahoma's Route 66 and some of the great cattle trails that were used in the 1860's. Enjoy a trip to the museum in Clinton where you can walk through each era of Historic Route 66 from the 1920's to present day - pick up your memorabilia at the gift shop prior to continuing your ride across the border and into the Texas Panhandle - the southernmost portion of the Great Plains. Some good friends of EagleRider, from 'The Big Texan Steakhouse' will pick up the group in a fleet of old Caddies graced with the horns of Texas Longhorns across the hood and take you for the best steak dinner.

Leaving Texas behind you, make your way into 'The Land of Enchantment', New Mexico. After passing through a world famous Cadillac Ranch and ghost town of Glen Rio - how about standing with one foot in New Mexico and one foot in Texas? Then make your way into the heart of the West; to the beautiful and quaint mountain town of Santa Fe. Rich in Spanish and Native American history and culture, it boasts a unique blend that is reflected in the local art, architecture and cuisine - perfect for exploring during your two nights here.

Today is a non-riding day at your leisure to enjoy this nearly 400-year old city. Relax in the hotel spa, maybe wander the many fine art galleries, or just explore the heart of old Santa Fe before a refreshing drink in one of the local establishments. Speak to your tour guide if you fancy heading out on an excursion, from horse riding along mountain trails to hot air balloon rides, there is plenty to fill your day.

See the lands that entranced and sustained the Native Americans for centuries when you head south today through Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, holding a third of the state's population. Then head west out into the open country of Native wilderness, skirting round mesas and bluffs, Cibola National Forest and towards the famous Route 66 town of Gallup - an old railroad town and Indian stronghold, where you will meet an array of fellow riders from one of the many biker friendly hotels here.

Another day full of spectacular scenery and iconic Route 66 stops. As you cross the border into Arizona you will see a change in scenery to red dirt plateaus and cactus blooms. You'll also stop by the Petrified Forest National Park - a must see and like no forest you will have seen before. Travelling further west, you will reach the Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook to stop and stand on the corner in Winslow. Ride a little further to spend the night just one mile from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for an epic sunset to finish the day.

This morning will allow those who wish to soar above the breathtaking and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park to book your complimentary helicopter ride over the heart of the South Rim. Then as you leave this incredible national park behind you, enjoy some stunning views on the long open stretch towards Seligman. By the afternoon you will see that Vegas isn't the only place to gamble in Nevada - Laughlin lies along the Colorado River and you can try your hand at whatever tables take your fancy.

Today is a shorter ride for a detour into the adult playground that is Las Vegas. This incredible city offers fine dining, gambling, fabulous shows and entertainment galore, even if you just wander up and down the Strip to see the unparalleled hotel designs and gaze at the fountains of The Bellagio, it's a feast for the senses. Tomorrow however, you head back to pick up Route 66 where you left off today so even though your time in Las Vegas is short, try to get a little bit of sleep.

After the buzz of Las Vegas, head for the Mojave Desert for tranquillity and colours that only a few riders ever explore to cross into our final state on this epic road trip. The dramatic scenery you will uncover as you ride across Southern California will take you back to what it will have been like for early Route 66 travellers - Joshua Trees, cactus, volcanic rock and of course sand. Tonight you will celebrate the last night of the 'Mother Road'.

Enjoy the final leg as you ride into one of the most famous cities in the world in the hope of spotting some Hollywood stars. Route 66 officially ends at the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica pier, but first you will get to cruise along the 66-miles of the Angeles Crest Highway through mountainous terrain of Angeles National Forest. The road rises to over 2300 meters and is considered one of the top motorcycle rides in southern California. The perfect backdrop for a final group photo is of course the 'End of the Trail' sign on the Santa Monica Pier, where there will be no doubt mixed emotions from your journey together but you can all then enjoy a farewell dinner with your new riding friends and reminisce on the completion of one of the most iconic roads in the world.

Success! You've completed the most iconic road trip in America and no doubt forged some great new friendships. You depart Los Angeles for the UK today with lasting memories of a fabulous trip, but we are also able to assist should you wish to extend your stay in Los Angeles or any onward travel to another destination; we can highly recommend relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii after your incredible trip across the USA.