| New Mexico was recently visited by the largest group of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles and riders ever assembled at one time on Route 66. The Harley
Owners Group conducted it's "H.O.G. Ridin' Route 66" event on
June 7 - 21, 1996. 450 Bikers motored the entire route and many more drove
segments along the way, bringing the total to nearly 3,000 cycles and riders.
Twelve countries and 46 states were represented, including Alaska and Hawaii,
with drivers and riders aged 12 to 76 years, from various professions, backgrounds
and ethnic groups. Starting in Milwaukee at the headquarters of Harley-Davidson
Motor Company, the bikers travelled to Chicago and began their trek down
historic Route 66. Michael Wallis, author of Route 66, The Mother Road,
and his wife Suzanne followed along in a Chevy van, donned with Harley-Davidson
logos. The group made one and two-night stops in St. Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma
City, Amarillo, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Kingman and Ontario,
CA. The group arrived in New Mexico on June 14 and paused in Glenrio
to inspect the remains of this once busy Texas/New Mexico border town. Many
drove remnants of 66 to San Jon and continued to Tucumcari. A parade route
in Tucumcari drew many spectators. Unfortunately, the parade route bypassed
Lilian Redman's Blue Swallow Motel, considered as Route 66's "Night
Light." The next day, however, over 200 bikers drove past the famous
motel and saluted Lilian as one of the great Mother Road protectors. This
touched Michael Wallis, who shared, "At that moment, I decided I must
buy a Harley." Continuing west on June 15, the bikers arrived in
Santa Rosa, with many stopping at Joseph's Cafe. Nearby, several bikers
joined Michael Wallis at the Blue Hole, a rich oasis spring that produces
1500 gallons of water every minute. From Santa Rosa, many took the pre-1937
northern route to Santa Fe. The remaining continued west, past Clines Corners
and the forsaken Longhorn Ranch to Moriarity. All afternoon the bikers stopped
by the home of Bob Audette, who displayed several vintage autos and a large
Route 66 banner to welcome guests. That evening they |
 arrived in Albuquerque and stayed at the Hilton for two nights. Most
spent the free day parading their Harleys down Central Avenue while visiting
Old Town, 66 Diner, the KiMo Theatre, El Vado Motel, the Nob Hill district
and old Albuquerque High. Some journeyed back to Santa Fe for the day. Each
night the Wallises spoke to the group and informed them of what the next
day's trip would bring. I spent the evening of June 16 with Michael and
Suzanne and witnessed a biker wedding in the courtyard area of the Hilton.
Michael joined Allen Katz and Orsola Angelino, both from Boston, in a matrimony
that Michael stated was, "Only valid for 48 hours. His concluding blessing:
"As protector of the Mother Road, I bind you two together with a ribbon
of asphalt that binds us all together." The group rose early the
next day and met on Route 66 a few miles east of the Rio Puerco bridge.
Suzanne enjoyed her first Harley ride through Budville, Cubero and McCartys.
In Grants, many in the group ate lunch at the Monte Carlo Restaurant. Much
to everyone's surprise, a fire erupted in the kitchen which the bikers quickly
helped to extinguish. After visiting Milan, Prewitt and Thoreau, a great
deal of media attention awaited in Gallup, with many bikers visiting the
El Rancho Motel and Richardson's Trading Post. From Gallup the group sped
west, in hopes of reaching Flagstaff before sunset. Their final stop was
Ontario, California, which allowed the group to cruise on Rodeo Drive through
Beverly Hills and reach the pier in Santa Monica. From there, many retraced
Route 66 east to return home, while others drove north to Oregon and Washington
before heading east. The H.O.G. Ridin' Route 66 event was an enormous
success. At each overnight stop, local Harley-Davidson dealerships provided
food for hungry bikers and service for tired motorcycles. Spectators of
all ages came out to cheer the bikers on. Michael said that the image of
Route 66 and Harley-Davidson was brought to a new level and will never be
the same. As a result, the Wallises have signed up for Harley-Davidson driving
lessons in September. |
