On 1st June 2001, John and Brigid Rynne picked up a BMW 650 GS and a Triumph Tiger 900 in Boston, MA, to begin a 15,000 mile United States motorcycle odyssey. This diary follows their progress from Chicago to Los Angeles via Route 66 with the Mother Road Rally, and their subsequent criss-crossing of North America, taking in 31 States en route.

“If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, take the highway that’s the best,
Get your kicks on Route 66!

It winds from Chicago to L. A.
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route 66!

Now you go through St. Looey, Joplin, Missouri, and Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty.

You’ll see Amarillo, Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona; don’t forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.

Won’t you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip.
Get your kicks on Route 66.”

Words & Music by Bobby Troup
Copyright 1946, Londontown Music