Rider Tips Library
Everything we learned on fourteen days and 2,451 miles across Route 66 — searchable, filterable, and auto-linked to the ride days each tip relates to.
Cooling Vests: Surviving 44°C Desert Heat
A good cooling vest is the single biggest comfort upgrade you can make on a hot Route 66 crossing.
3 min readHydration: Drink Before You Are Thirsty
By the time you feel thirst in the desert you are already dehydrated. Here is the routine that keeps you sharp.
3 min readFuel Planning on the Mother Road
Some desert stretches run fifty miles between stations. Never gamble on the next one.
2 min readHeat Management: The Full Desert Strategy
Early starts, cooling vests, constant water stops and shortening the ride when the temperature peaks.
3 min readGroup Riding: Eighteen Bikes, One Convoy
Moving eighteen people and eighteen Harleys across America looks effortless when it is done well. It is not.
3 min readWildlife on Route 66
From the famous Oatman burros to desert coyotes, the Mother Road serves up wildlife you do not expect.
2 min readRoute Navigation: GPS, Brown Signs and Good Detours
Route 66 is a ribbon of alignments and bypasses. Trust your guide and never be afraid to take the scenic line.
3 min readPhotography: Capturing the Mother Road
The desert light is harsh at midday and golden at the edges. Plan your most scenic stops accordingly.
3 min readPacking: Lay It Out, Then Put Half Back
Pannier space is finite and every gram matters. Favour multi-purpose kit and quick-dry fabrics.
2 min readHarley Rental Advice From the EagleRider Depot
Inspect the bike, know your range, and confirm the breakdown procedure before you leave the depot.
3 min readCrosswinds: Relax the Grip and Counter-Steer
The open plains and high desert serve up gusts that can move a loaded Harley sideways. Here is how to handle them.
2 min readRoad Surfaces: Reading the Tarmac
Route 66 serves up every surface imaginable. Read the road ahead and ease off before you arrive.
3 min read