There's nothing quite like the freedom of the open road, the wind in your face, and the thrill of embarking on a motorcycle adventure. EagleRider Rentals & Tours is dedicated to giving bikers from all over the globe the opportunity to explore and discover the beauty of the country from the back of a motorcycle. Whether you prefer guided tours or self-guided adventures, EagleRider has you covered. These experiences not only allow riders to connect with the stunning landscapes but also create unforgettable moments and forge lifelong friendships.
EagleRider goes beyond just motorcycle rentals, offering comprehensive tour packages that take the stress out of planning itineraries and accommodations. Their programs have gained immense popularity worldwide, with tours available in the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, and many other captivating locations.
For Senior Tour Guide Richard Wynkoop, motorcycles have been a lifelong passion. "I was hooked from a young age. My first bike was a Kawasaki Triple back in high school. It wasn't until I turned 26 that I got into Harleys, and that purchase definitely set me back financially."
Since joining EagleRider in 2012, Wynkoop has become a renowned Route 66 tour guide. This iconic tour follows the original Route 66, also known as the Mother Road. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 crosses three time zones and traverses the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This historic route was once traveled by migrants, dreamers, and outlaws, and now it attracts adventurers from around the world, making it a journey through the heart and soul of America.
For Wynkoop, the highlight of the tour lies in the people he guides and the encounters he has along Route 66. "I've covered over 186,000 miles on Route 66. Throughout my numerous trips, I've met the same individuals, and they've become like family to me. I remember this one place we stopped at called Henry's Rabbit Ranch. I thought it would be a place with a bunch of rabbits."
To his surprise, Henry's Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, not only had adorable rabbits but also a collection of Volkswagen Rabbits. Wynkoop shared, "It was an incredibly unique setup. There was a row of VW Rabbits planted in the ground, a rabbit slide, a rabbit graveyard (which was a bit eerie), and countless other rabbit-related attractions to explore."
It's precisely this kind of authentic Americana that Wynkoop loves to introduce his tour groups to. "On this current tour, which is my last one for the season, I have 23 people and 16 bikes representing 11 different countries. I get to teach them about the true American biker cowboy experience."
The 14-day Route 66 tour kicks off with a welcome dinner, where the guide covers safety and provides an overview of the trip. "We ride in staggered formation, making us more visible on the road," explained Wynkoop. "I've seen cars and trucks pull over to give us space. Everywhere we go, people are taking pictures and videos of us. I tell the group, 'You're going to be famous.'"
After 12 days of riding, the tour concludes with a celebration party where stories are shared and farewells are exchanged. "The motorcycle world fosters deep connections among people," Wynkoop expressed. "By the end of the trip, we're like a family."
In addition to the Route 66 tour, EagleRider offers five other captivating tours in the United States, including American West, Baja, Coast to Coast, Northwest and the Rockies, and Southeast. To learn more about these incredible adventures, visit eaglerider.com.