ROUTE 66 Oatman run

Just put a new 50 tooth gear on the bike and had to find a good hill to test it on, and the best place for that is a run from Kingman AZ. to Oatman AZ. on old RT.66. The road from Kingman to Oatman is not to bad to run there's no big potholes to have to avoid and on the week day the traffic is light.
From Kingman to Oatman you pass through Golden Valley elevation 2800 from there you go up to Sitgraves pass elevation 3550, that's a 750 foot elevation difference but it's a long section of road with only a hard pull as you get to the top. The view is great at the top of the pass, but from here on in to Oatman the road is all down hill you go from 3500 feet to 2700 feet in about 4 miles and there is lots of sharp turns for those of you who like that sort of thing. Oatman is fun little old mining town from the 1800's with lots of tourist shops. watch out for the burrows that walk around every were " Remember burros always have the right of way " . The pull out of Oatman to sitgraves pass is a good one you pull up 850 feet in only 4 miles. My bike made it and I did not have to pedal to help it up the hill. If you bike is not good on hills I don't recommend this run. Round trip distance was only around 70 miles or so. Come across a group of Harley rides from Germany in Oatman they crowed around my bike as soon as I parked it which followed with 20 minuets of questions about the bike and a lot of posing for photos. So if your looking to get your kicks on route 66 give the Oatman run a try.
The pic is from sitgraves pass looking down towards Oatman for more pics of run http://motorbicycling.com/f15/route-66-oatman-run-7961.html#post77917

Oh wow.. I might have to make that run on my Whizzer once its up and running again.

THanks for the great writeup and photos!

Looks like a good plan. Anybody else game to try this ride?

I'm game. Just not sure my 48cc can make the climbs.

Most motors will make climbs with peddle assist going strong.

My motor bike is currently a single speed (by conversion kit, on the pedal side) and I begin to windmill at 10-12 mph. I may have to put the cogs, shifter and derailleur back on so that I can pedal effectively at higher speeds.

Best way to go especially if motor dies and you end up with a 10 or more mile ride to do on human power.

Sounds like a cool trip, nice looking bike. What does the tank hold? Guess the volume comes in handy in the desert.

Is there any gasoline available in Oatman?
MapQuest says it's a 61 mile ride one way from Kingman to Oatman, and that is very close to the limit of my range with a 3/4 gallon tank.
I have a 2 gallon gas can that I could strap to my cargo rack but I would have to backpack everything else (tools, etc).
Cheers.

There is not a gas station at Oatman any more,so I would say that you might want to bring some fuel with you just in case. Kingman to Oatman is only around 70 or so miles round trip. I think mapquest is going down the I 40 route to Oatman instead of down route 66.

Here's my Route 66 Oatman Checklist:
1 Put cogs and derailleur back on my bike for better pedal assist
2 Bring 1 gallon tank of premix on cargo rack
3 Bring cash for libation
4 Bring camera to properly document the expedition
5 Bring coins to get oats from the machines on main street to feed the donkeys
6 Bring water bottle to prevent cramps during prolonged pedal assist
7 Bring some emergency libation in case my 48cc MB cannot climb the hills to Oatman

I will update the list as I learn more about the route

Sounds like the perfect scenario for using a trailer of somekind. Can pack it with the extra fuel, water and maybe some food and not be lugging down the bike. I'm so jealous. We love that area y'all will be riding.

Yeah, I know we can ride along our coastline and beaches, but lately, they've been picking off bikers IN the bike lanes. I know some of that road up near Oatman is real narrow, but there's always someone driving like a darned tourist slowing things up. Have fun and be safe.

Hey there must be a spy in my B1 testing grounds !!!. I have been testing and reworking a trailor to take on long road trips Small tents and thin sleeping bags are no fun to use when you have to leave the good stuff at home.

bugler1 said:

Hey there must be a spy in my B1 testing grounds !!!. I have been testing and reworking a trailor to take on long road trips Small tents and thin sleeping bags are no fun to use when you have to leave the good stuff at home.

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If ya build it right, you could even mount an electric pusher motor to help out on those long hills. Use a solar battery charger while on the road.

Kinda day dreaming of doing such a trek through the 4 Corners area. Lots of established and primitive camping sites in the area. From the Canyon of the Gods, to Dead Horse Point, Hovenweep and Mesa Verde, down south to the Hopi Rez. <sighi>

bugler1 said:

Hey there must be a spy in my B1 testing grounds !!!. I have been testing and reworking a trailor to take on long road trips Small tents and thin sleeping bags are no fun to use when you have to leave the good stuff at home.

Click to expand...

1 big denimm hammock could work just fine bros....its the best way to camp....get a hammok and a any big plastic spread over it...you can make a floating cannopy..thats how i roll...