Johnny Hallyday: France’s biggest rocker—and a true motorcycle fan
Johnny Hallyday passed away on December 6, leaving behind multiple generations of fans. The tributes that followed across France—especially in Paris—said it all: more than 700 bikers gathered for a final salute, and around one million people came to pay their respects. Beyond the stage and the spotlight, Johnny had a real place in France’s biker culture. And one story keeps coming back: his Route 66 roadtrip across the United States in 2006, ridden with two friends—Guillaume Canet and Yodelice. Here’s a clear, step-by-step look back at that ride, the way riders remember it: through stages, weather, breakdowns, and the small moments that turn a trip into a legend.
A 2006 Route 66 roadtrip: the dream made real
Like many motorcycle lovers, Johnny carried a classic obsession: Route 66. In 2006, he finally ticked it off—crossing the U.S. from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Not as a stunt, not as a promo gimmick: as a proper ride, with long days in the saddle, changing skies, and a support crew trailing behind—because that’s what makes this kind of roadtrip feasible when time is tight and miles are long.
The bike: Johnny’s Indian Springfield
For this Route 66 roadtrip, Johnny rode an Indian Springfield. A machine built for distance: stable at highway pace, comfortable for big days, and made for the kind of American asphalt that alternates between fast interstates, old sections of historic road, and long straight lines where fatigue sneaks up on you.
Stage 1 — New Orleans to San Antonio: first miles, first rhythm
The opening leg linked New Orleans to San Antonio—a first stage designed to discover the Route 66 spirit and get used to the bikes. Early in the trip, Johnny meets Cheyenne, a stray dog, and decides to adopt him—one of those unexpected turns that only happen when you’re on the road, exposed to the day instead of insulated from it.
The day ends in San Antonio, Texas’ second-largest city, with a night that’s described as decidedly festive. A classic roadtrip pattern: ride, arrive, decompress—then do it again the next morning.
Stage 2 — San Antonio to Big Spring: when the weather takes control
The second stage runs from San Antonio to Big Spring, and the trouble starts: the group is hit by a hailstorm strong enough to slow everything down and force them to wait for the support truck following at a distance.
It’s a reminder every long-distance rider learns sooner or later: on a roadtrip, you don’t “manage” weather—you adapt to it. When hail falls hard, the smart move is patience, not bravado: find cover, protect the bikes and visors, and let the support crew do its job.
Stage 3 — Big Spring to Santa Fe: sun returns, the ride breathes again
From Big Spring, the route continues to Santa Fe. The sun comes back, and with it the simple pleasure of riding: clearer visibility, warmer air, a smoother pace. On the way, they take time for a stop at an old car exhibition—the kind of detour that fits Route 66 perfectly, where roadside nostalgia is part of the experience.
Planet Ride pro tip (pace & safety): on multi-day rides, keep your “real riding time” honest. Even when the sky clears, avoid stretching a day just because it feels good—fatigue builds quietly after two or three consecutive long stages.
Stage 4 — Santa Fe to Durango: shared miles and a country-night vibe
The next stage links Santa Fe to Durango. Two contest winners join the group for a day, riding through the landscapes of New Mexico. It’s a different kind of energy: more people, more stops, more moments—less “pure mileage,” more shared experience.
The evening shifts into a country atmosphere, complete with pin-up waitresses and a high-color, throwback vibe—again, very Route 66: part road, part pop culture, part roadside theater.
Colorado, Utah, then Monument Valley—by 4x4
After passing through Colorado and Utah, the trio heads toward Monument Valley—this time in a 4x4, with Cheyenne still along for the ride. The roadtrip ends with a final barbecue in nature, a last moment of communion with the wide-open landscapes before reaching Los Angeles, where Johnny’s family welcomes them at the finish.
It’s a detail riders recognize immediately: sometimes the most memorable part of a motorcycle roadtrip isn’t the arrival—it’s that last simple evening outdoors, when the engine is off and the day finally catches up with you.
Ride Route 66 today: the same myth, a different reality
Johnny’s Route 66 roadtrip is anchored in 2006—but the myth is alive. If you’re planning your own crossing, think in stages that stay human, allow time for weather delays, and decide early whether you want a support vehicle or a lighter setup. Route 66 isn’t one single road anymore—it’s a patchwork of historic segments and faster connectors—so your itinerary is what makes it feel “true.”
À savoir aujourd’hui
This story remains a solid snapshot of what makes Route 66 special: long distances, sudden weather, and the freedom to let the trip unfold. What must be checked before leaving: the condition and accessibility of specific historic segments, seasonal weather risks along your dates, and current road closures or detours on the portions you want to ride.
Mini-FAQ
How many days do you need for a Route 66 roadtrip by motorcycle?
To enjoy it rather than just “consume” it, riders typically plan enough days to break the trip into comfortable stages and keep time for detours and weather delays.
Do you need a support vehicle to ride Route 66?
Not mandatory, but it changes everything if your schedule is tight or you want extra security (luggage, mechanical help, shelter during storms).
Is Route 66 hard to follow today?
It can be, because the historic road is discontinuous. The experience often comes from selecting the right segments and connecting them with larger roads when needed.
