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Riding Route 66: Finding Myself on America’s Mother Road
'Every time I have ridden 66, within 10 miles of setting off, I never want that ride to end. I think it's because Route 66 encapsulates struggle, and, ultimately, triumphing over unimaginably difficult conditions. I think everyone can connect with that.'
RIDING ROUTE 66 follows Henry Cole as he travels along Route 66, on a journey of self-discovery.
Route 66, or the 'Mother Road', is one of the most famous roads in the USA. Crossing the width of the country, it is an immensely challenging road to travel. Henry has ridden it four times. This book is about the freedom that only the road and a motorcycle can give you, and the importance of embracing the highs and lows of life equally.
Henry is one of the most well-known figures in motorcycling, having presented over twenty series of many TV shows as well as being the founder of bespoke motorcycle manufacturer Gladstone Motorcycles.
RIDING ROUTE 66 follows Henry Cole as he travels along Route 66, on a journey of self-discovery.
Route 66, or the 'Mother Road', is one of the most famous roads in the USA. Crossing the width of the country, it is an immensely challenging road to travel. Henry has ridden it four times. This book is about the freedom that only the road and a motorcycle can give you, and the importance of embracing the highs and lows of life equally.
Henry is one of the most well-known figures in motorcycling, having presented over twenty series of many TV shows as well as being the founder of bespoke motorcycle manufacturer Gladstone Motorcycles.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2024
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Henry Cole
256 books169 followersHenry Cole was a celebrated science teacher for many years before turning his talents to children's books. He has worked on nearly one hundred and fifty books for children, including Nesting, Unspoken, Big Bug, A Nest for Celeste, Jack's Garden, and On Meadowview Street. Henry loves being outside where he can sketch and write.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 31, 2025
Having recently stood at the end of Santa Monica pier, which just happens to be the Western end of America's iconic Route 66, daydreams of one day biking 66 again rose to the surface. I am a biker and have ridden all over Europe for longer distances and periods than it takes to ride 66. So when I got this book for Christmas, I was looking forward to discovering whether it would persuade me that the extra cost and logistics of biking in the US would turn daydream to reality. I was disappointed.
The book is very, very repetitive of certain themes. I wasn't clear what the author was looking to achieve....an ode to the joys of motorcycling or travelogue of Route 66. Only bikers would really be interested in this book and they would understand the appeal of 2 wheels and the joys to be had. So that is one thing that doesn't bear repetition...and this book is very repetitive. The author has undertaken the route three times so clearly loves it. It is an iconic journey...allegedly...but why? He never really got under the skin of the route, the history, people, places and vibe. So much American 'history' and many tourist sights are Emperor's new clothes that I wanted to know whether this differed. For such a great adventure, undertaken three times, the author doesn't seem to have much to say, leaving a rather thin book...despite the repetition. Did I mention that?
The book is very, very repetitive of certain themes. I wasn't clear what the author was looking to achieve....an ode to the joys of motorcycling or travelogue of Route 66. Only bikers would really be interested in this book and they would understand the appeal of 2 wheels and the joys to be had. So that is one thing that doesn't bear repetition...and this book is very repetitive. The author has undertaken the route three times so clearly loves it. It is an iconic journey...allegedly...but why? He never really got under the skin of the route, the history, people, places and vibe. So much American 'history' and many tourist sights are Emperor's new clothes that I wanted to know whether this differed. For such a great adventure, undertaken three times, the author doesn't seem to have much to say, leaving a rather thin book...despite the repetition. Did I mention that?
May 24, 2025
2.5
I've read 1700-odd books in the last 12 years and the writing in this was probably the worst I've come across. Quercus and whoever edited it should be ashamed of themselves for publishing it in this state. I didn't hate it - Henry has some interesting stuff to say about middle age and he has some insights into the famed Route 66 trip. But what a mess.
I've read 1700-odd books in the last 12 years and the writing in this was probably the worst I've come across. Quercus and whoever edited it should be ashamed of themselves for publishing it in this state. I didn't hate it - Henry has some interesting stuff to say about middle age and he has some insights into the famed Route 66 trip. But what a mess.
January 23, 2025
I really like Henry Cole and a massive fan of all his various TV series. I enjoyed the book but not quite what I expected. It’s a concoction of travel tales, guide book, autobiography, HC philosophy, self-help advice and Harley advert. Henry gets a bit repetitive about what he believes the mindset and spiritual awareness you need to get the most out of the journey and towards the end of the book I’m saying to myself - yeah Man , I get it.
His shared experiences and descriptions of the places en route are evocative and some places I’d definitely like to visit and I take my cap off to him but after reading this the prospect of following in his footsteps are about as likely as me going on a cruise (my idea of a living hell).
I respect that Henry opened up about his mental health issues in recent times and it was surprising but proof you never know what people are going through no matter how they appear on the surface. However, it annoyed me as someone who has been seriously ill with depression that Henry fell into the trap of alluding to being diagnosed with depression means you are depressed. Although, I strongly agree the NHS are woeful in treating MH and I too have been very fortunate indeed to be able to afford private care.
Depression is a catch all for many mental health related conditions including anxiety, stress and other such disorders and it’s an unhelpful trope to say I can’t have depression because I’m not depressed.
That said for all sufferers of mental health conditions the fact it is called depression is seriously unhelpful and friends part like The Red Sea for fear it’s catching and they don’t want to be with someone who is depressed when in fact they are not but struggling with stress, anxiety and coping with whatever life is throwing at you and are diagnosed with ‘Depression’ - pity it can’t be called something like cognitive disease.
Anyway , I badly digress as Henry does occasionally in this book but overall it was an enjoyable, easy read and his voice and personality came through and someone who’d I enjoy sharing stories over a burger and coke. 3stars is probably a bit harsh but not quite a 4.
His shared experiences and descriptions of the places en route are evocative and some places I’d definitely like to visit and I take my cap off to him but after reading this the prospect of following in his footsteps are about as likely as me going on a cruise (my idea of a living hell).
I respect that Henry opened up about his mental health issues in recent times and it was surprising but proof you never know what people are going through no matter how they appear on the surface. However, it annoyed me as someone who has been seriously ill with depression that Henry fell into the trap of alluding to being diagnosed with depression means you are depressed. Although, I strongly agree the NHS are woeful in treating MH and I too have been very fortunate indeed to be able to afford private care.
Depression is a catch all for many mental health related conditions including anxiety, stress and other such disorders and it’s an unhelpful trope to say I can’t have depression because I’m not depressed.
That said for all sufferers of mental health conditions the fact it is called depression is seriously unhelpful and friends part like The Red Sea for fear it’s catching and they don’t want to be with someone who is depressed when in fact they are not but struggling with stress, anxiety and coping with whatever life is throwing at you and are diagnosed with ‘Depression’ - pity it can’t be called something like cognitive disease.
Anyway , I badly digress as Henry does occasionally in this book but overall it was an enjoyable, easy read and his voice and personality came through and someone who’d I enjoy sharing stories over a burger and coke. 3stars is probably a bit harsh but not quite a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
A book of two halves, second a bit better than the first 🤷♂️
August 24, 2025
I don't know why I didn't review this book when I finished reading it but here's a short apprais'
Henry takes you with him on this long motorbike ride from east to west along the famous route 66 in his usual, lovely fashion.
Henry writes from the heart and you feel that in his words. He talks about himself and the route with all its stops along the way much like his TV series; World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides.
There's a lot about spirituality and as a motorcycle rider myself, I completely understand what he means. Also, "cathartic" is an expression well used in this book and you feel you are with him as he takes you into his thoughts and confidence more and more as you make your way with him to California.
I recommend this book to anyone but definitely to the kindred sprits on 2 wheels.
Henry takes you with him on this long motorbike ride from east to west along the famous route 66 in his usual, lovely fashion.
Henry writes from the heart and you feel that in his words. He talks about himself and the route with all its stops along the way much like his TV series; World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides.
There's a lot about spirituality and as a motorcycle rider myself, I completely understand what he means. Also, "cathartic" is an expression well used in this book and you feel you are with him as he takes you into his thoughts and confidence more and more as you make your way with him to California.
I recommend this book to anyone but definitely to the kindred sprits on 2 wheels.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews