GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66

Originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946 the song “Get your Kicks on Route 66” firmly established the 2400-mile route from Chicago to Los Angeles as the Mother Road and an integral part of the American dream. It sparked worldwide interest in travelling Route 66 which continues today. So, what is it that makes Route 66 so special? Lower Hutt couple Athol and Diane Greentree are well placed to provide an answer. They travel Route 66 several times a year escorting KTC Motorhome Tour groups from Los Angeles to Chicago with detours and side trips to New York, Nashville, Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon. The road itself is nothing special with much of the old route replaced by interstate freeways. However, enough still exists to make for interesting travelling and the answer to our question. Route 66 is iconic, a symbol of an ever-changing America. Probably no other road in the world has as many interesting and strange sights. Leaning water towers, all kinds of giants, restored gas stations, wigwam motels, hot-rods and custom cars, barbed wire museum, a painted desert and Cadillac Ranch to name just a few. Then there’s the eating places like The Big Texan in Amarillo (Home to the 72oz steak - eat it in under an hour and its free) and Peggy Sues 1950’s diner with great food and one of the best gift shops in the USA. But for many the longest lasting memory will be small town USA and the people you meet along the way. One place that stands out is the Kansas Route 66 town of Galena and the restoration project initiated by Mel, known locally as motormouth (you need to meet her to find out why) Many small Route 66 towns have restoration projects underway ensuring the Mother Road continues to be well travelled. For many solo travellers it is tempting to get behind the wheel and drive missing these hidden gems located off the freeway on old Route 66. KTC tour leaders really know Route 66 and their escorted motorhome tours travel as much as is practical on the old route visiting all the must-see attractions along the way. Group motorhome touring is a unique and enjoyable way to travel Route 66. The rental motorhomes used by KTC are like apartments on wheels with permanent full sized beds, shower and flush toilet, fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, gas cooking and heating and full sized fridge freezer. The motorhomes are easy to drive with auto, power steering and cruise controls. On this tour, most travel in loose convoy style behind the tour leaders. No problem if you want some time by yourself. A GPS unit, CB Radio, maps and detailed trip notes are all included in the tour package. To request a detailed brochure phone or email the tour leaders, Athol and Diane Greentree, on 0800 895 194, email info@ktctours.com or visit the web site www.ktctours.com