Ken Hollis' Epic Ride on Route 66—and the Trans-Canada Highway Home

In this Miles Shared episode, I reconnect with Ken Hollis ( ⁨‪@GandalfDDI_‬   )--an adventurous rider from the Seattle area who just completed a 6,315-mile solo motorcycle journey. Starting in Los Angeles, Ken followed the legendary Route 66 to Chicago, then looped north through International Falls and took the Trans-Canada Highway all the way back home.

Ken shares insights from his journey on Route 66 and the Trans-Canada Highway, recalling memorable moments and fun discoveries. This conversation spans two iconic routes, highlighting the allure of the open road and the spirit of travel.

We talk about travel planning, Route 66 nostalgia, the joy of being truly “in the scene”, and the deep presence that comes from long days in the saddle. Ken reflects on moments of solitude, roadside oddities, gear lessons, and the unexpected gifts of riding through history, windstorms, and wild donkey crossings in Oatman, Arizona.

If you’re curious about riding Route 66, camping off the bike, or just dreaming about your own cross-country adventure—this one’s for you.

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⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Riding Route 66 and the Trans-Canada Highway
02:55 How Ken Planned His Epic Motorcycle Trip (Gear, Weather, Timing)
05:51 Highlights from the Route: Towns, Landmarks, and Hidden Surprises
08:43 Riding Through Route 66 History (1926 to Now)
11:42 Weathering the Elements: Heat, Rain, and Wind
14:24 Hidden Gems & Roadside Attractions on Route 66
17:30 Personal Moments from the Road
20:13 The Return Journey: Trans-Canada Highway Adventures
32:38 Exploring International Falls and Remote Camping
35:14 Challenges on the Road: Wind, Fatigue, and Forgetting to Eat
40:34 Planning the Ride: Navigation, Miles, and Stops
45:01 Essential Motorcycle Camping Gear & Routines
48:21 Recommended Resources for Route 66 Riders
52:51 What the Ride Taught Me (and What’s Next)

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🔗 Links & Resources
• Ken’s full blog and route maps:
https://gandalfddi.z19.web.core.windo...
• Ken’s Motorcycle Trip Preparation page:
https://gandalfddi.z19.web.core.windo...
• Donkeys in the streets of Oatman, Arizona:
   • Route 66 Slow TV Apple Valley California t...  
• Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Drumheller, Alberta):
https://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/
• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (Santa Fe, NM):
https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/
• Roadside America – Find roadside attractions along your route:
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/
• National Historic Route 66 Federation:
https://national66.org/
• EZ66 Guide For Travelers by Jerry McClanahan:
https://national66.org/products/ez66-...

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#motorcycletravel #Route66 #motovlog #transcanadahighway #milesshared