“Welcome”. After a long flight you have finally reached your goal for today and arrived at the “City of Angels” or simply Los Angeles. First, you check-in at the hotel in the immediate vicinity of Venice Beach where you can relax and recover from the strains of the long flight. In the early evening your “California Dream” begins. We meet in order to have dinner at the hotel and then you go to the typical American sports bar. Here you will be offered the typical American “welcome drink”.

After a well spent first night on American soil, today begins our journey. First, we pick up our bikes that will takes us for the next two weeks on the highways and interstates of the American West. After storing the luggage in our support vehicle which includes chilled soft drinks for you during the whole tour, you are free to familiarize yourself with your dream bike. “Life is a Highway”. We leave the City heading south crossing the San Bernardino Mountains and making a stop at the “Lookout” where we take our lunch and enjoy a fantastic overview of the Lake Elsinore. Our trip takes us via Perris and Romoland, the desert town of Hemet – then by the San Bernardino National Forest and Mountain Center to Palm Desert. Here we go to the US 111 riding the remaining miles under the wheels. About Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City we reach our destination: Palm Springs, located in the middle of the desert, is an artificially crafted oasis where alternate exclusive shops and fancy restaurants can be found. No wonder that Palm Springs is the destination of many Hollywood stars and is considered the place where one finds the most millionaires in the United States. We will stay here at our hotel pool and look back on our first driving impressions with a cold beer.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

Freshly rested we continue today. We pass by Yucca Valley and a few miles behind Twentynine Palms we reach the Joshua Tree National Park which is named after its impressive rock and cactus landscape of the park. A little later we reach the road which you have heard and dreamed a lot about, the “Mother Road,” Route 66. After a few miles on this historic street, we stop at Roy’s Café, which is well-known from several music videos in order to take a photo. We continue along the 66 parallel to Interstate 40 east. On this road, we pass Needels and while driving through Topock we will cross the Colorado River and also the Arizona border. (Just FYI: In Arizona there is no helmet law and everyone can, of course, at their own risk and responsibility, drive “helmet-free”.) For the rest of the day we keep driving down the Route 66 while we pass the desert, cross the border to Nevada and finally reach our destination Laughlin.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

Our current destination is Lake Havasu – Williams. Along the way, we have two alternatives. The majority decides. But first things first. Our route takes us again via the State Highway 95 to Interstate 40, which brings us to Kingman. Here we make a stop at the local Harley dealer “Mother Road”. We follow the “66” on its further course via Valentine to Seligman. In the sleepy town of Seligman, where years ago there was such sheer traffic one could barely cross the street, we make a stop. Those who wish to take any mementos of the road with the “double six” should now be able to find whatever their hearts desire.
After leaving town we hop back on Route 66 until we reach Interstate 40 heading east towards the Grand Canyon. From here to the Grand Canyon, there are still about 50 miles ahead. We arrive at the southern edge of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado River blazed its way through the rock. Those who wish can take a 30-minute helicopter ride through the canyons of the canyon or be fascinated only by the magnificent panorama.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

Our destination for today is Bluff. Bluff is a settlement at the community free area in San Juan County in the southeast of the state of Utah.
We take the most direct route from Williams Flagstaff to Cameron. In Cameron there is a big Indian gift store. Here where we make a stop and you can find Native American handcrafted items, firsthand stocked and located in the Navaho Indian reservation. If you have stored all your goodies, it’s now time to turn towards northeast to Kayenta on towards Tuba City. From Kayenta, there are still about 30 miles, where we cross the border from Arizona to Utah, where we finally got to the 8th wonder of the world (as it is called) the Monument Valley. Here awaits you a surprise … From here we have about 35 miles until we reach Bluff and our hotel, and these 35 short miles are full of indescribably beautiful landscapes.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

On this morning, we should get on the road early because we have 300 miles ahead of us until we reach Bryce Canyon. We drive on the 261 north through the Valley of the Gods enjoying a great road full of breath taking sceneries towards Natural Bridges National Monument. Our journey will continue along the Natural Bridges Monument a giant red rock scenery along the Glen Canyon. Our next stop in almost one hundred miles takes us to Hanksville. Here we make a fuel stop and enjoy a much needed lunch break. After our break, we then cross the Colorado River and drive for a while on its western shore. From here, yet nearly 50 miles to Torrey lie ahead. It is amazing how quickly the landscape can change here. The first half of today’s trips is full of red rock landscape, and suddenly, you feel like being in the Alps. Green forests, animals and cows on the street. It is such a great experience that I can not explain with words. This driving day is for me the most beautiful of all my trips. Tonight we can be at the hotel, with a cold beer, relaxed after the day’s events. I look forward to your opinion.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

After a sumptuous breakfast buffet we head towards “Sin City”, Las Vegas, where we enjoy two days of the colorful, spectacular glittering world of the fascinating city of Las Vegas. Until then, however, there are still a few miles with magnificent traveling impressions ahead. We start on road 12 heading west from the hotel on the highway. We continue along the 89 to Long Valley and here it leads us to the Cedar Breaks National Monument, which is 3,100 meters high. What a fantastic and great track! In Cedar City, we take a break to eat, drink and feed our steel Horses. Saddle up, via the Interstate 15 South, to Hurricane where we stop at the Harley-Dealer Zion National. Here you can dress yourself from head to toe with Harley-goodies. After all purchases are stowed, we continue on I15. We are touring the south over Mesquite to Overton and depending on how hot it is today, we can still take a detour to Lake Mead. At nightfall we finally roll in Old Las Vegas Down Town, where we are welcomed by the Freemont Street and the famous neon cowboy named “Vegas Vic” (since 1951). The Freemont Street is covered with a 450 meter long and 27 meter high vaulted ceiling. The underside of the dome forms a giant LED scoreboard, stunning light shows will be running every night in the dark. It has been restored to Old Las Vegas more glitz and glamor. The course we will not want to miss and watch. Just look and be amazed! Then it goes through the Old Las Vegas Boulevard – “The Strip” – known by tourists, right across from the “Ceasars Palace” in the middle of the strip. This is an unforgettable experience. After a short break in our rooms, we will spend the evening on the “Strip”, where the “Sin City” and all its full glittering glory lies ahead.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

Today you have a free day in Las Vegas and you can roam the city and its surroundings on your own. There is an infinite number of possibilities. Make a trip to the 223 meter-high Hoover Dam which dammed the water of the Colorado River and the Virgin River. Make a trip to the nearby Valley of Fire. I can give you some tips of how to spend the day in Las Vegas. Anyway, in the evening we regroup and I have a surprise for you. After that we can visit one of the numerous shows, such as Legends in Concert” a unique music show.

Today, after two exciting days in which sleep may have been a bit too short, we leave the “Gamblingtown Las Vegas” heading south. Our trip continues through Lake Mead National Park towards Overton Beach. The approximately 45 miles up to here everyone can drive on their own. Then we continue through the Valley of Fire: Although it is hardly known to most Americans, it is in no way inferior to the Grand Canyon or Death Valley. Our way continues west to Red Rock Canyon via Highway 160, where a fantastic biker route awaits us, to Pahrump. There in our hotel, the Nugget, we saddle up our steelhorses for today. After we have freshened up, we go to the Country Western bar/restaurant, where a little surprise awaits you. Then of course there are steaks / ribs / beans and baked potato. Just like in the Wild West…

Day 10 is nothing for late risers, since we are cruising through the Death Valley. It is necessary to leave very early, since it is almost unbearably hot in the Death Valley. After about one and a half hours, we reach Pahrump. A rich and fortifying breakfast is waiting for us. After driving a few miles southbound, we have to say bye to the beautiful state of Nevada while crossing the border to California. Slowly but steady we come closer to the incredible Death Valley. At the entrance of the Valley, we take a short break in order to take some photos. Our next stop is the “Hotel California”. It is said to be the hotel, which is mentioned, in the eponymous song sung by the Eagles. After enjoying a cool refreshment from our service can, I’ll give you time to explore the infinite expanses of the Valley. We’ll meet again after a 55 miles drive through a stunning scenery at our next stop in Panamint Springs. After a recreational break we continue towards Lone Pine to Mount Whitney. The mountain is well known because of its imposing height of 4,418 meters. It is the highest mountain in the USA (outside of Alaska). On today’s tour we visited the highest with 85 miles and below the sea level the lowest point with 86 meters in America. Today’s destination is California winter sports hot spot Mammoth Lakes. After checking in to our hotel we’ll talk about today’s experience and gather fresh powers while having a BBQ with the whole group.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

After having a good German breakfast à la JC we start our today’s stage. We’re heading towards Virgina City on the 395 northbound. Western movie lovers will recognize this place as it is the film location of many famous movies. You can visit a gold mine, a lot of souvenir shops or good old saloons. One of my insider tips is visiting the old cemeteries in Virgina City. You may be familiar with our today’s accommodation, because it is a replica of the “Ponderosa Ranch” from the television series Bonanza, played in the ’60s. Tonight we meet at the “Red Dog Saloon” to listen to live music.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

With today’s stage we leave the romantic Wild West locations and make our way to the “Flowerpower City” San Francisco. While driving on Highway 395, we pass Crestview and Lee Vining. A breathtaking route lays in front of us. We cross the Sonora Pass, where we drive through a magnificent natural landscape. This pass is very special; you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and snow right next to the road sometimes. After leaving Sonora behind, we are heading towards Manteca. After turning onto the interstate, we pass Hayward and Oakdale and cross the Bay Bridge to San Francisco. Our hotel is located right on the famous Lombard Street in Marina. An area full of bars and restaurants. The Lombard Street is probably the most famous street in San Francisco with its eight serpentines. Another well-known sight is the probably most distinctive bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

Today we will take a special sightseeing tour of San Francisco in an incomparable way namely on our bikes. No city is so well known and fascinating as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, San Francisco. It is built on 43 hills and exudes the flair of a European city with its colorful diversity and its manifold facets. From our hotel we drive to the popular lookout point, “Twin Peaks” from where you can almost see the whole city. Now it goes to the most famous landmark, which was completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge. This masterpiece of art, a 2,789-meter-long bridge made of steel connects the city with the Northern Marine County. It is a unique experience to drive across the bridge on your favorite motorcycle! After crossing the bridge we take a little photo break to take some photos of this famous sight. Now we head back across the bridge to Lombard Street. This street is one of the steepest in the whole city with 27% slope. In order to make the slope less dangerous they built 8 switchbacks. Today it is considered one of the most winding roads of the world.

It’s time to say goodbye to the “Pearl of the Pacific”. I know it’s hard, but don’t worry the best is yet to come. Say hello to the “dream road in west America” the Pacific Coast Highway No. 1. After a few miles along the Pacific Coast Highway you will be able to enjoy the intense beauty of the landscapes around the street. Today’s destination is about halfway between San Francisco and LA. Morro Bay, which was founded in the 1870s, is our accommodation for today. Let’s relax and have a cheerful and funny evening in “Otter’s Rock”

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

We start our last ride with a bit of melancholy. We take the last few miles on our bikes under the wheels and we’re heading back to our start point Los Angeles. We are driving the last 150 miles on the PCH and the 101. The last few miles of this beautiful route lead us completely along the coast. We pass Malibu, where we can look at the Villas of Hollywood stars and millionaires before, we pass Santa Monica and as a consequence thereof the Will Rogers Highway and the Route 66. From here we head towards Hawthorne, where we finally return our bikes. Tonight we have our official farewell drink and talk about the experiences and the friendships we’ve made.

Tour Overview (The actual route may differ from the illustration):

I hope you enjoyed the tour. There is no doubt, at some point it is “time to say good bye”. I wish you all a nice and turbulence-free flight home and I hope that I see you all again either on one of my other tours or on my Christmas party in Germany in December.

See you there, Your Jörg Cremer, known as JC.