Interview with Gaston: Harley Route 66 Adventure

Interview: Gaston’s Route 66 by Harley—A Couple’s Mythic Roadtrip

From Cuba in a 4x4 to a week on foot in Morocco’s desert, then the Cathar castles by motorcycle—Gaston and his wife have always moved toward the horizon. This time, they chose the most iconic line in America: the Mother Road. In this Route 66 road trip interview, he tells us what surprised him most, what a good guide changes on the ground, and why riding it on a Harley-Davidson feels like turning a legend into something physical.

“The desire for adventure was always there.”

Where does this love of roadtrips come from?

Gaston: From both near and far. The taste for adventure has always been there—for me and for my wife too. Retirement simply gave us the time to live that curiosity more often, without having to squeeze everything into a short holiday window.

Why did you choose Route 66?

Gaston: Because it’s mythical—and a little mysterious. Route 66 is rich first and foremost because of its history: the gold seekers, the pioneers, that whole “Westward” imagination. And then there are the landscapes. You can go from Illinois all the way toward the Southwest, with endless skies, desert light, and small towns that feel like they’ve been left behind by time. Kilometer after kilometer, it keeps surprising you.

Gaston: Riding it on a Harley-Davidson makes it even more intense. You don’t just “pass through” America—you feel it in your hands, in the wind, in the rhythm of the road.

“One good evening can erase a whole morning of miles.”

Any particular anecdotes?

Gaston: Yes—more than one. The Planet Ride guide who accompanied us organized visits, interesting meetups, and genuinely good meals. That changes everything: you stop wasting energy on logistics, and you keep more attention for the road and the people.

Gaston: One evening, the three of us were expected at a roadside “hamburger house” right along Route 66. They had reserved a room for us beside the bar. The atmosphere was wild—in the best way. Neon lights, country music, and even though we were tired from the morning ride, we ended up dancing. It’s a simple moment, but it stays with you: that mix of exhaustion and joy that only a long day on a motorcycle can create.

Your best memory? And the worst?

Gaston: Las Vegas was probably the most captivating—and the strangest—stop. It’s a city of excess, very superficial at first glance, but also fascinating and spectacular. The scale of everything is unreal: giant billboards, bright monuments, endless movement.

Gaston: For the “worst,” it’s more a disappointment than a real problem. We love Japanese food, so one night my wife and I looked for a Japanese restaurant on the main avenue. We found one quickly—Sake Rock. The name tells you the vibe: very loud, hard to talk, and the dishes weren’t great for the price. In general, American food isn’t my favorite… but it’s also part of the experience. Route 66 is not a gourmet tour—it’s a road culture, and you accept it as it comes.

“Feeling safe lets you enjoy the freedom.”

Tell us about your experience with Planet Ride’s local partner.

Gaston: It was excellent. We felt safe with him. He was organized, dedicated, responsible—and that contributed a lot to the overall impression of the trip. When the days stack up, that kind of reliability is what keeps the roadtrip smooth.

What model were you riding?

Gaston: We rode a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The bike’s power and smoothness let us cross Route 66 in very good conditions. It made the whole journey truly enjoyable—especially on long, steady sections where comfort matters.

Mini field guide (what makes Route 66 work on a motorcycle)

Gaston’s story is personal, but the road has its constants. If you’re planning a road trip Route 66 in 2026, these are the practical truths riders feel on day two—not day one:

Distance & pacing: Route 66 is long. Even when you follow “historic” alignments, plan real riding days rather than chasing a map. On a touring bike, many riders feel best around 4 to 6 hours of saddle time per day, plus stops.
Road surfaces: Expect a mix—modern interstates to connect, and older stretches that can be rougher, patched, or slower through towns. Your comfort and attention will vary a lot by segment.
Wind & fatigue: Open plains can mean crosswinds; desert sections can mean dry heat. Planet Ride’s pro tip is simple: stop before you “need” to stop. A 10-minute break taken early prevents a risky last hour.
Fuel strategy: Don’t wait for the last bar. In sparse areas, top up when you can—especially if you choose detours to quieter historic alignments.
Offline readiness: Have an offline map saved on your phone and keep a charging plan (bike USB + backup battery). Reception can dip away from bigger towns.
Iconic detours that riders remember: Many itineraries pair Route 66 highlights with the Southwest’s big landmarks—the Grand Canyon is a classic example for good reason.

“Travel puts your mindset back in place.”

Did this trip change the way you see things?

Gaston: Without a doubt. Too often we stay locked into comfortable routines without noticing it. We become negative; we stop appreciating things. A trip like Route 66 resets your perspective. You discover new cultures and different ways of living. I enjoy the present moment more—and I live more intensely with the person who shares my passion for life.

What’s next?

Gaston: We’re still hesitating between a motorcycle trip in Scotland, or discovering Lapland, or Canada by dog sled… But one thing is certain: Route 66 remains a unique experience—one you should live at least once in a lifetime.

À savoir aujourd’hui

Gaston’s emotions and the essence of the road remain unchanged: Route 66 is still a powerful mix of history, vast landscapes, and small-town America. What deserves a quick check before you go are the most practical points—opening hours, any local restrictions, and how much of your route you want to ride on historic alignments versus faster interstates.