Chix on 66: Women, Motorcycles, & the Mother Road. Part 1 - Pontiac to Amarillo
In the summer of 2022, 40 women explored Route 66 by motorcycle. This is a snapshot of their experiences beginning with the kickoff in Milwaukee and the road to Amarillo.
By Harley-Davidson Museum
In collaboration with Chix on 66 organizer and AMCA Riveter Chapter President, Karan Andrea
Chix on 66 Pontiac (2022-06) by Tricia Szulewski WomenRidersNow.comHarley-Davidson Museum
In June of 2022, 40 women tackled Route 66 by motorcycle.
Called Chix on 66, the ride brought together women from around the country, each with varied riding experiences: for some it was their first group ride, first long-distance trip, or first tour on a vintage bike. For the majority, it was their first time riding Route 66.
Chix on 66 Pure Joy (2022-06) by Tricia Szulewski WomenRidersNow.comHarley-Davidson Museum
The initial idea for the ride came from Karan Andrea.
When inspiration struck, Karan founded the Riveter Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America® (the first woman-focused chapter of the AMCA) and began planning the ride that became Chix on 66. Karan's reflections on riding Route 66 are quoted throughout this exhibit.
"Traveling Route 66 on a motorcycle braids an individual’s wanderlust with an iconic highway traveled by millions. The experience is simultaneously personal and universal."
The Harley-Davidson Museum hosted the ride kickoff.
In Milwaukee, just north of Chicago and Route 66's eastern terminus, the riders and their support team gathered for registration and check-in.
During that time, the H-D Museum interviewed some of the women about their experiences as riders and thoughts on the upcoming tour.
Betsy - Chix on 66 | Harley-Davidson Museum (2022-06) by Harley-Davidson MuseumHarley-Davidson Museum
Betsy discusses her approach to taking on Route 66 in her 80s.
After pre-trip preparation, celebration, and getting to know each other in person for the first time, the riders and their support crew set off for Chicago, Illinois and the start of their 14 day adventure along Route 66.
Chix on 66 Ride Out | Harley-Davidson Museum (2022-06) by Harley-Davidson MuseumHarley-Davidson Museum
Kickstands up to Chicago - 1 pm
"Kickstands up" means bikes are leaving at that time—so you better be on yours! Chix on 66 was casual, allowing the women to hit the road at their own pace each day—but there were occasional calls for KSU in the Chix riders' guidebook that is referenced throughout this exhibit.
Day 1: Chicago to Pontiac, IL
Chix on 66 Mesmer-ized (2022-06) by Tricia Szulewski WomenRidersNow.comHarley-Davidson Museum
The average day was 200 miles, and for vintage bikes, the average speed was 35 mph. Between surfaces forcing riders to slow, and the heat reinforcing this choice, the days tended to feel like a slow grind. Yet the charm of the small towns and roadside kitsch fed the riders’ spirit.
"Further away from city center, rumbling long a two-lane by-way that splits fields, the rider’s senses are tuned to the sound of the air rushing past, to the odors it offers, feeling it dancing on her skin, seeing it move the trees and grasses."
Day 2: Pontiac to St. Louis, Missouri
The AMCA® Gateway Chapter is hosting us for Happy Hour at Shady Jack’s Saloon.
They have secured plenty of parking for motorcycles…
- Chix guidebook
Day 3: St. Louis to Springfield, Missouri
This is a very special evening event. We are attending a screening of excerpts from Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road.
- Chix guidebook
Chix on 66 Standard Oil (2022-06) by Tricia Szulewski WomenRidersNow.comHarley-Davidson Museum
On a vintage bike, the ‘gas gauge’ is a trip odometer. Each rider must know how many miles they can travel without running out of gas. A group leader must know which bike has the shortest range, and plan stops based on that bike/rider-but a detour can thwart the best planning.
Day 4: Springfield to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cris - Chix on 66 | Harley-Davidson Museum (2022-06) by Harley-Davidson MuseumHarley-Davidson Museum
Cris talks about the iconic elements of Route 66.
Day 5: Tulsa to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Chix on 66 Flat Tire (2022-06) by Eric BassHarley-Davidson Museum
At a gas stop 50 miles out of Tulsa, a bike showed up with a flat rear tire. Bad things happen, but this was good timing.
Riding Route 66, the vintage bikes suffered failing oil filters, primary chain problems, loose oil lines, and a dead ignition. Repairs happened roadside or in parking lots.
Day 6: Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas
This is a long day in terms of miles and there are lots of sights along the way, so there are no evening events planned... Take your lazy old time getting from OKC to Amarillo!
- Chix guidebook
Chix on 66 Welcome to Texas (2022-06) by Eric BassHarley-Davidson Museum
Each day brought something unknown. They were sore by the end of the day from endless miles of muscling the bikes. They were mentally exhausted, not just from the challenges, but also from the rapid-fire scenery, attractions and exhilaration that is contagious on Route 66.
Vicki – Chix on 66 | Harley-Davidson Museum (2022-06) by Harley-Davidson MuseumHarley-Davidson Museum
Vicki shares her reasons to ride.
The fun's not over! Check out Part 2 of Chix on 66 at this link.
The Harley-Davidson Museum would like to thank Karan Andrea for sharing her words, experiences, and photographs to make this exhibit happen.
Karan Andrea and the Riveter Chapter of the AMCA® wish to thank Harley-Davidson and the Harley-Davidson Museum for their tremendous support of Chix on 66.
Sincerest gratitude to our photographers for capturing our natures in the wild: Tricia Szulewski of WomenRidersNow.com, Kelly Biggs, Marjorie Kleiman, and Eric Bass.
Significant contributions from: Motorcycle Cannonball/Cross Country Chase, Jason and Leeann Sims, H-D University, Create MKE Moto Collective, CCMS in Tucumcari, NM, Turn14, Cardo Systems, Motormaker, Torc Helmets, Route 66 Navigation.
We are grateful to these sponsors for making the event special for all the riders: Stillettos on Steel, Road Guardians, Gun for Hire, Women Riders Now, Cycle Source, Iron Trader News, Open Road Radio, Black Hills Custom Parts, Throttle Gals Magazine, Tattooing by Whitney, Shadow-Light Media.
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