Captain America and Billy didn't screw around. (click picture for more Info)
I’ve had quite a few questions via email about the route that Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda rode in the 1969 Movie Easy Rider, and for the last couple of years I’ve ridden and researched it. The movie cemented me as a rider for life at a young age. Anyway, here it is. Since it’s a movie, it hops around a bit, but here’s the route:
If you do this trip, do it right. A couple of tips: First off, Don’t sell coke to finance your trip. If you do, don’t tell anyone. Definitely don’t put coke money in your gas tank, because It’ll lower your gas mileage. If you want to go to Mexico and pretend to buy coke in an old truck, knock yourself out. Put it in 2 motorcycle batteries and go sell it to Someone who looks like Phil Spector in front of the runway at LAX. Phil would probably still buy it from you, but he’s busy now with his murder trial. Don’t be offended if he fails to calls you back. That’s how Phil rolls.
LAX then. The deal is done, count the cash and head out of town...
LAX from Easy Rider Today
This is looking west toward runway 25L.
Runway 25L today.
(Special thanks to Wild Bill Carr for taking time to take the “today” shots and info)
Technically, you could start at LAX, but the real riding started in Death Valley. They we’re caging it in LAX. If you know the whole story of Billy and Wyatt they we’re headliners, baby. They had a stunt riding side show and decided to bust out, make a run for the big cash and go looking for America.
Start out in Ballarat. Ditch the watch
Start out by going to Death Valley. Ballarat, Specifically. Ballarat is a pretty cool place, with it’s own bit of history like the gravestone of Seldom Seen Slim, and the Barker Ranch where Charles Manson family laid low after the nights they made the history books. Tex Watson’s truck is still there. Supposedly there’s hippie graffiti still inside, but I didn’t look that close. There’s a house in Ballarat where Captain America put the dollar bills in a tube in the tank, and where you can ditch your watch.
Chuck Manson's Ride. He was a dick. A Serious Dick.
Be sure to take your watch and chuck it by the side of the road because if you’re going on this ride, You need to disregard time. It’s Easy Rider man, don’t screw this up. Find the house, and you’ll know what to do.
Ok, Watch this. It’s gonna set the tone for this whole run you’re gonna make:
Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space brother. Lets go.
Ride on out of Ballarat and head down through Boron California (Home of 20 Mule Team Borax and the Movie Erin Brockovich). Be sure and stop at the museum there in Boron, it’s actually pretty cool. Then head to Barstow. From Barstow, head east on 1-40, staying on as much of Route 66 as possible, because that would be the route they took since 1-40 wasn’t officially designated until 1984. In 1969, it was all route 66 baby! It’s pretty well marked and If you need more mappage of what the road was like in the route 66 heyday, there’s quite a bit here. I ride it at least 3 to 5 times a year, and it’s pretty well documented on this site. Kick the tires and look around.
Anyway, head toward Amboy. Stop at Roy’s and get gas, because you know they stopped there with 2 gallon Peanut gas tanks. Roy’s is one of the coolest places on the mother road. Take some pictures of the 50′s retro sign and head on down the road. Roy’s is a route 66 original and is in the process of getting resurrected to it’s former glory. Roy’s is the Shit.
My FLHX in Amboy. Roy's is a Route 66 Classic. Captain America And Billy would have surely gotten gas here.
Keep riding through Route 66, stay to your right and get back on Interstate 40. head up through downtown needles and back onto 40.
If you want to check out a cool scene from the movie get off past needles at Park Moabi. All the buildings are gone now, but you’ll recognize this scene: Ride it.
Park Moabi Exit after Needles you'll recognize this Scene
Get back on 1-40 (Route 66 from 1966 to 1974) and cross the Mighty Colorado river at the state line. You’ll notice the bridges there even though theyve changed a bit since 1969. If you don’t, rewatch the credits of the movie again. You should recognize it immediately if you’re paying attention. This was the part of the movie that I knew I was an Easy Rider fan for life. Bust out your Steppenwolf, and dig where you are going. You’re an Easy Rider.
Keep going on 1-40. At Kingman, get off the freeway and follow the signs to ride the longest un-interrupted stretch of Route 66 that still remains today. It ran from the 1920′s untill 1979. It’s well marked, just follow the signs.
Take Route 66 Through Kingman. You can't hardly miss it.
The place where Billy and Wyatt fixed their bike tire and had lunch was supposedly in Valentine Arizona. I’ve found no evidence of this, but it makes sense, since Valentine is an Indian Reservation (“my wife’s a catholic, ya know” – Remember that scene?) Granted, this was on Day two of the movie, and you still haven’t gotten through the movie credit part of the ride, but that’s how movies go. Valentine is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and is on route 66. The terrain also looks the same.
Head through Valentine, stop at the Grand Canyon Caverns (its cool), then go into Seligman. Stop at the Snow Cap at the edge of town and eat the best hamburger with the best service you’ve ever had. The Snow Cap has been there since the 50′s. It’s another route 66 icon. Don’t get on the freeway yet at Seligman, ask any local where Crookton road is and head down that instead to stay on what was route 66 until 1979. It’s what Captain America and Billy would have done.
Get off the freeway and ride through Williams Arizona when you see the signs. Williams is the last town to be officially bypassed in 1984 by interstate 40, so you gotta see it. It’s still got the flavor of how it was in 1969. You’ll dig it. Get back on Interstate 40 East when you’re done, and head on down the highway…
"hey man, you got a room?"
Pine Breeze Inn Today. Click Picture for more info
By the time you hit Bellemont, pull off. Get some free coffee at the Harley dealership, stop at the bar and grille next door and see the original No Vacancy Sign hanging as you walk into the bar. Since I’m giving you this information completely free of charge, I think it would be a nice touch for you to order a Guinness in the name of Mr Zip, flirt with the bartender and head a quarter mile up the road to the Pine Breeze Motel to see where billy and Wyatt we’re denied a room their first night. The bartender gal there is a sweetheart, and I’m fairly short and reasonably ugly. You’ll do better than I did.
The Pine Breeze Inn - You may be able to sleep where Billy and Wyatt Couldn't
Ask the bartender if you can pull out a sleeping bag at the Pine Breeze, or ask the current proprietor at the Pine Breeze if he’s there. If you want to be hardcore you’ll sleep a few miles up the road by a campfire; If you want to stay where Dennis and Peter stayed, get back on the freeway and head the 10 miles into flagstaff and stay at the Americana Inn. You have a choice: Stay where Billy and Wyatt camped in the movie, or stay where actors and crew in real life slept. Either way, I don’t care. If you’ve come this far, you’re obviously a biker I’d love to ride with. It’s ALL good. You’re goin’ down to Mardi Gras to get you a Mardi Gras Queen. Start yourself a fire and kick back.
The Easy Rider film crew stayed at the Americana Inn
500 biker points if you sleep by the side of the road. If you’re a rich urban biker in your new Harley leathers, playing easy rider for the weekend, stay at the Americana Inn. This is an easy Rider Journey, man up and sleep under the stars. When you get to New Orleans you can get a real room and bust out some of that cash and get a groovy dinner. Right now, you gotta start this out right.
Funny story. Peter Fonda told the story of staying the night at the Americana Inn and his arms we’re so stiff from ape hanging on a hard tail all day, that he couldn’t pull his beer up to his mouth. He’d also put his leathers in the bathtub and soaked them down to give them a more weathered look, so at the end of the day his legs we’re black from the dye.
Route 66 ends where Interstate 40 cuts it off not far past the Pine Breeze inn, so double back and head East on 1-40 towards Flagstaff. Get off at Deer Farm exit and road and ride up through Parks Arizona to get back on old 66 and ride down the main street in Flagstaff a few miles later if you really want to stay true to route. Turn North on highway 89 at Flag. When you see the sign for Sunset Crater, head east there and Ride up through Waputki National Monument, Pick up a hippie (there may be one, I don’t know for sure). Queue “I wasn’t born to follow” on your ipod for the full effect.
Camp at Wupatki National Monument, start a fire, climb on ruins, and bring bail money. Hopefully the hippie is an attorney.
You’ll need to ride clear through Waputki, double back and get back on 89 and head south to stop at the Sacred Mountain Gas Station. It used to be a gas station, but now it’s the home of someone. He’s a nice guy. He will more than likely tell you some good stories. He may not. Either way, you’re on an adventure. Tell the hippie he owes you a tank of gas.
Sacred Mountain Gas Station from Easy Rider
Sacred Mountain Gas Station Today.
From Sacred Mountain, head north. Hit “the weight” by the band and listen to it as you ride. Its a great song. Turn at hwy 16o and ride through Monument valley at dusk if you time it right. In the movie, that road ends up at Wupatki, but in real life it’s doesn’t. You’re probably not riding a hard tail chopper, so keep going until you hit Farmington New Mexico and crash for the night. Drink beer, laugh, do whatever. At this point you’re well into your easy rider trip.
If you want to be hardcore and drop off the hippie, you’ll have to swing a bit wide and head into the Malibu hills in California and look for a commune. Mulholland to be exact. Good luck finding one. Dennis Hopper wanted to film at the New Buffalo Commune, but Wavy Gravy and his people weren’t into it, so the recreated the commune in Malibu. Look for Dan Haggerty. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you haven’t watched the movie Easy rider and you’re a pussy. Put your Mike’s Hard lemonade down, Turn your bike around, and head back to LA. Go eat sushi and buy yourself a Vespa.
You knew this guy smoked alot of weed. Way Too much Weed...
Grizzly Adams can ride. Flat out. He was also one of the guys on the crew that watched and took care of the 2 Easy Rider bikes.
Head into Taos. There’s several scenes in Taos, including the scene where they head into the commune, as well as the location where they shot the inside jail scenes. I’m not sure of the jail location. The opening scene where they bought the drugs in the truck at the cantina was shot here as well (not in Mexico). Lots of Easy Rider in Taos.
From Taos, head into Las Vegas New Mexico. Parade without a license here, because thats where that scene was shot. The outside of the jail, and the spot where Jack Nicholson (George) took his first drink of the day was here as well.
The Jail in Easy Rider from the Movie
The Jail in Las Vegas NM from Easy Rider Today
Take some Jim Beam With you, for obvious reasons. Toast to ol’ D.H. Lawrence (the crew supposedly slept on his grave the night before in Taos) NIC NIC NIC FUT FUT FUT!…… INDIANS! That’s right, you know what I’m talking about. Dream of the finest whorehouse in the south at Madam Tinkertoys House of Blue Lights. These are no porkchops, these are Grade A Prime…
The “If you wanna be a bird” sequence by the Holy Modal Rounders was filmed through Coyote New Mexico.
Remember, stop somewhere while listening to “don’t bogart that Joint” and pee on the side of the road. Anyplace will work. Also: You better not be wearing fingerless gloves and assless chaps man, not on this trip.
The rest of the route is a bit Hazy until you hit Morganza Louisiana. In 1969, the film crew was advised against being a long hair in the South, but Dennis Hopper was determined to do whatever he wanted film wise, so they went anyway. Not much is filmed in Texas as far as I can see, so head toward Morganza. If you can find the Cafe in Morganza where the young girls and the sheriff and rednecks we’re, you’re a better man than me, because the locals who knew the place said it got torn down a couple of years ago. There’s a couple of buildings that look really close to it, but the bones don’t quite match up. Either way, it’s pretty easy to get a feel of 1969 Morganza.
Did anyone else think this kid was a 100% pud in the movie? Yeah, he's a pud.
The rednecks in Morganza were the real locals. Dennis told the crew to tell them that he, Jack and Peter had raped a girl outside of town before they started filming to get a real reaction of hate from them. One thing to remember, is other that a loose premise, Easy Rider wasn’t scripted. They made it up as they went, and most of the cast would tell you that Dennis Hopper was generally insane in those days. Dennis later said when they rode off from the Cafe scene that was the one time they were scared and wondered if they pushed it too far. They’d heard stories of long hairs getting whacked in Texas and Louisiana. You shouldn’t have the same problem, unless you get way out of line. Head south.
Head south out of Morganza, Hit the 190 and then west till you hit Opelousas, then south. If you’re ready, you’ll have Jimi Hendrix Queued as you hit Franklin Louisiana. Remember the song? Thats right old-schoolers, if a six became a nine. Find the bridge, stop, and queue that puppy for proper listening.
I want to thank my Cajun Friend Johnny for the modern day pictures of Franklin. You sir, are the man. I owe you a round of beers Man.
Our Hero's riding down the streets of Franklin
Franklin LA Today. Looks about the same...
Old Theater, then Ben Franklin Store from the Movie. Remember Ben Franklin?
Old Theater and Ben Franklin Today. Do you see it?
Downtown Franklin Then...
Downtown Franklin Now...
One more Shot.
Old Courthouse, Franklin Louisiana Then... (notice the building being built behind the old courthouse)
Old Courthouse is gone. This is the old building that was being built in 1969
Then head on into New Orleans. Go to where Mardi Gras is. Now its time for Madam Tinkertoy and Groovy Dinners. Its Mecca man! You’ve reached the Glory Hole. Party like a rockstar, do whatever you do, because tomorrow you’re going to get shot by a short redneck with a Goiter on his neck. I’m not trying to be a downer, I’m just sayin’. It could happen. You’re almost there.
The scenes in Mardis Gras we’re filmed a month after Mardis Gras had ended. The parade scenes they shot with friends and some stock footage. Watch the movie again and you’ll notice. They also shot these scenes first. You may have better luck with Mardi Gras then they did if you time it right.
While you’re in Nawlins, pull out your 80′s CD of Tony Basil singing “mickey”. C’mon, you know you have one. In 1969 she played a prostitute in Easy Rider. In the 80′s, she was a one hit wonder with fat cheerleaders. Hey Mickey!
Easy Rider Ended in Krotz Springs Louisiana.
Once you had your fill of New Orleans, Double back and head towards Krotz Springs Louisiana. You’ll notice the Levees on LA 105. That’s where this great movie ends, only you’ll survive. Now’s the time to bust out a cigar if you have one, because you made it to the end of the movie. Call a loved one and tell em you’re coming home. Queue the ballad of easy rider and head on out of town. You’re gonna retire in Florida Mister! If a man with a goiter shows, get the hell out of there.
This thread is over. Im going to end it all of a sudden, just like my favorite Movie, Easy Rider. Don’t blow it.
Adios, Amoebas
What a blog! What a great bit of research!!!! You are in a seriously good groove, man!
I’m sure just about everyone who rides, regardless of brand, wants to ride the route taken in that movie. I like the riding scenes. But, I think the story line was kind of simplistic. Two hippies riding across the country, and getting shot to death at the end.
But, I’m a tea-totaler. It’ll be hard for me to REALLY recreate the movie that way. Oh well.
I Love this. Living in AZ and riding across the us many times, I can recognize lots of the places. We live for two lane road. Thanks, for the time and effort you put into this.
Wow!!!! Great work on this man.I’ve always wondered what thier actual route was and now I can see it laid out on the map you put up.Excellent!! One day my brother and i will take this trip on our bikes,we’ve been wanting to since we were kids.Take care and always feel the wind in your face….Thanx.Ian
Thank you for the research time you put into this! What a great ride that would be. Now I have to watch the movie again!
The redneck diner scene was actually shot in Houma, La and I’ve been in that “restaurant.” That was 40 yrs ago and I’m ashamed I forgot the name of it. We traveled south to the shrimping village of Dulac, which is nearly identical to Forrest Gump’s trawler’s “harbor.” Great story here! You’ve done a fantastic job and you’ve a great sense of humor. Have you seen Hopper in Blue Velvet? Enjoy!
Thanks Roadhog. Both Hopper and Fonda said in interviews it was in Morganza, so thats where I got the info. If that restaurant is still there, I’d love to get a picture of it. You may be right.
Route 66 goes through Amarillo TX!!
Excellent job. Made me wanna go ride, so i did! I hope you don’t mind, but i linked this over to the XLForum. They loved it!
Excellent! Wish I lived closer, I’d ride those roads often.
I’m leaving today see you at tinkertoys!
Very Kool
This is a really great site and your research is appreciated. As for the Easy Rider bikes, the Captain America especially the history is that it was actually a black guy that designed and built it but was never given credit for it except on American Thunder. They movie had two one was stolen and never was found again, probably parts scattered to the wind??? The other one was crashed and latter given to Dan Haggerty to restore, he began to reassemble it but never finished. Later it was restored by Dave Ohrt, and has been authenticated by both Haggerty and Fonda, and now lives at the National Motorcycle museum, in Iowa. Thanks to John Parham, Mr. J&P Cycles.
Thanks for posting this for all of us who the movie inspired to ride so many years ago. Hopefully some one out there will be able to fill in the empty spots.
I was only 9 when Easy Rider came out, but I bet I ‘ve watched it a hundred times. One of my all time favorites. It’s the reason I started riding Harleys. Thanks for all the work on this blog.
[...] Click Here to See the entire route from the 1969 Movie Easy Rider Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Dang, BruhI’M ON VACATION!Who is Still Netflixing ’Crash’?Houses to skip when trick-or-treating [...]
A lot of time, effort, and teamwork. My bro and me are ridin out in 1 week, (May 15th), over 40 and lookin forward to some recovery after 16 days on the road. Learnin to be an Easy Rider.
Great description and pictures of route. A friend and I are going to take the route with are panhead and knuckle when completed. Need a shot in the ass! Thx!!
[...] years of research, he managed to figure out the route the characters took in the 1969 film “Easy [...]
Great stuff, man. I don’t ride, but respect what it must take. Good luck to all of the folks out there who take the trip.
The article is ver good. Write please more
Great blog, thank you for posting it. I am a historian working on an article about Easy Rider that compares how the film shows people reacting to Billy and Wyatt as opposed to how the locals actually treated the cast and crew. For example in Las Vegas New Mexico Billy and Wyatt were arrested. How did the locals actually respond to the actors? Can anyone provide any insight?
I have watched the making of documentary “Shake the Cage” and while it was great I am looking for more information. Anything anyone can provide is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
I finally made it to Morganza yesterday, Sunday, June 14th, and ran into some old timers who remember the cafe well. One of them told me his mother was working there when they filmed. Sorry to say, but it was torn down 2 years ago. I wish I could have seen it. I also rode LA 105 from Simmsport all the way back to Krotzsprings. There were too many turns along the old highway to distinguish which area the last scene was shot at. Between Krotzsprings and Opelousas, I picked up a nail in the rear tire and had to call my wife to pick me up with the trailer. Sure am glad it didn’t happen on 105. There are some places that go for miles without civilization and my cell didn’t have service.
Take a look at youtube…. easy rider revisited born to be wild … we are filming the locations then and now ,thought it might be of some interest.
Also …easy rider revisited outtakes….I also have photos folks may be interested in if you would like them .
Thank You for your time.
Jim
well done…… well done!!!
this is bitchen!!!!
I was 19 when I saw Easy Rider…and for the time and place that movie
spoke to me and everytime I ride these days I wear a US flag handkerchief
in memory of that movie, sounds corny, but Billy, and Captain American rule.
What a Great Blog…WOW…thanks man!
This is the spot where Easy Rider ended in a shocking flaming murderous crash in Krotz Springs, LA
Paste the link into your web browser
http://maps.google.com/maps?source=earth&layer=c&cbll=30.503283,-91.761075&cbp=13,20.99,,0,4.87&ie=UTF8&ll=30.503358,-91.761031&spn=0,359.985141&t=h&z=17&panoid=eDZiELKUJKl7ccR0xZJD5A
If you are looking for that “stranger” on the highway, there’s a chance these days that you will see him shopping at his neighborhood food cooperative in the northwest neighborhood of Portland, Or.
Luke Askew is still alive and well and still has an active acting career. You can see him in the HBO series Big Love playing a mormon godfather type character.
He’s one of my favorite coop “celebrity” members. The other is science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin.
Anyone else notice the upside down American flag in front of the Ben Franklin? A little bit of anti-war message during the Vietnam War era. Great Website….really enjoyed it. This movie also inspired me to ride….it took over 30 years before I got around to it, but this is where it started.
What about the Paul Bunyun In Tucson Az? That statue is still there on Stone and Glenn http://www.roadsideamerica.com/muffler/images/easyrider.jpg
The paul Bunyan was actually in flagstaff. It was vandalized and cut down in 2004.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/az/AZFLAmuffler_royholt.jpg
that was neat,I have the movie,one of my all time favorite biker shows.
probably never get down there to actually ride the route, so watching this was great.
Have you read the book “Don’t Tell Dad” by Peter Fonda. He gives a lot of insights about this film and his dealings with Dennis Hopper.
[...] Easy Riders Route I saw this on another site and thought it was pretty interesting and at least entertaining if not totally accurate. Here is a link to the route that Fonda and Hopper may have taken. Route from the 1969 Movie Easy Rider Mrzip66 [...]
Where is the steel bridge that Fonda & Hopper are riding across? It is in a lot of the posters that come out in ’69. I halfheartedly tried to find the bridge in ’03,when I come to U.S from Oz, but my bike broke down! Was it the Colorado river? Be cool to find out.
From Mr Zip: It was at the colorado River by Topock at the UT/CA border.
That was the best read I have had for a while and you have done well. Often I have a Saturday where I watch a double Bill Movie, Easy Rider and the Wild One, with some booze and lay back. That movie changed my life at the age of 16 and a lot of others , back here in England most people rode bikes with clip-ons (small low bars) and the bikers were called Rockers , then this film came along and changed it all. How many times in your life have you said NIC NIC NIC FUT FUT FUT!…… INDIANS! Or Swamp!
Bob Preston
the cafe scene was in morganza if you zoom on the patch on the MAN’S shirt it says morganza (I have one of those patches)it was given to me by a friend who lives there,and yes the cafe has been torn down.
thanks for the info I am planning to do the trip east to west starting on my birthday may 15 2010.
[...] anyone is looking for the route they took in the movie, I posted it a few months ago here: http://mrzip66.com/2009/04/20/route-from-the-movie-easy-rider-map/ Share this [...]
Only one word…… this web site is beautifull
I write from Turin,Italy,i’ve a hd panhead of’56 chopper
,like Captain America,my best movie is Easy Raider…….
Next year I RIDE to the route of the movie with my Bike……Soure…
Congratulation for this site and…..sorry for my bad English language
Fantastic research and detailed info about the movie and locations. Very entertaining. Just as a note, the mesas and pinnacles of Monument Valley as shown in the movie are only visible from Hwy 163 heading north off of Hwy 160 at Kayenta, AZ. The mesas visible in the movie just as the it was getting dark is right at the border of AZ and UT. Thanks for putting this together. kudos!
nice work been a long sence i watched the movie guess i need to go back and watch but you say they put the coke in the gas tank i thought they put the money form sell the coke in the gas tank
Very nice job “Dude”. I’m thinking about going and smoking a J and then head out across America. LOL
Far fuckin out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
live by easy rider man! kim
Well wow I’m from long island ny if any body out ther would like to meet at the starting point and do this journey call me and we will do it females or males don’t matter as long as you can stay on your slead for 12 hrs at a time lol lol 516 428-5315. Its SPANKY from ny
I've studied the film for years and this is the best reconstruction of the locations I have seen by far.
One question: the LAX then & now photos. The film was shot on an airport access road just east of runway 25L, not on Aviation blvd., correct?? This is a private road but in 1969 it was public. You gotta know somebody to get to the exact spot….Great Job…outstanding!!!
I grew up in Franklin, Louisiana.. it was interesting when the movie came out how they seemed to be riding away from New Orleans when in the state.. I don't suppose Hopper did that on purpose? Probably because he wanted a different view..
Wonderful job on this site!!
I was at the site of the Old Melancon’s Cafe last week as I live in the area. I can verify that it was torn down with just a few brick steps left at its base. We are having a commemorative event in New Roads, LA (just outside Morganza) if anyone’s in the area. We are raising funds for a state historical marker honoring the movie in Morganza. Email me if you want more info – the event is Nov 14th & 15th – dustingardner@gmail.com
This weekend (November 14-15 2009) my cousin is filming a 40 year tribute to Easy Rider in Morganza, La. at the site of old cafe. Anyone around should show up!
I don't know if it was mentioned earlier, but they drove through Albuquerque, NM as well.
Great work man! You did not blow it!
Wow! This really was awsome, It brings back lots of memories riding with my bros the LPMG out of Pomona,Ca. Thanks
When yah gonna do one for Vanishing Point…
Go Kowalski Go…
I've studied the film for years, and love to see some pictoral evidence or otherwise of how they went through Albuqurque. If you have some, lay it on me brother.
[...] and locations to a generation. A Harley Davidson fanatic over at Mr Zip 66 has put together a guide to following the route Billy and Wyatt took from California to Louisiana. He kindly provides a few [...]
What an awesome post. I was 18 and on my second bike when this first came out. Have tried to live the dream ever since, but this has inspired me to ride the ride before it is too late for me.
Cooooool
THX
This article is the cat's ass. Great work, man. Very groovy.
AW Man !!!!!! They get shot at the end of the movie! Thanks for ruining for me.!!!!
Great trip report! And I didn't remember that Billy knew the Adventure Rider salute back in 1969! LOL (Of course, it got him show)
I was 16 when the movie came out and I saw it with friends at an old theater in downtown Beaumont, Texas (about 50 miles west of the Texas/Louisiana border). I've seen some of the Louisiana route and some of the northern Arizona stuff, too. (Hiked the Havasupai Falls trail a few years ago, which is just north of Rt. 66 on the reservation). Great scenery!
And Luther, I don't think you complain when someone "ruins" the end of a 40-yeear old movie! LOL
Hey…I just bumped into your website…kool! "Easyrider" definitely got me interested in bikes. Always was a car/m-c guy. I watched the movie last year after not seeing it for a decade or two. It's definitely dated and pretty weird in places. Just like "Two Lane Blacktop." Kool but weird! Thanks for the map.
Thank you for doing this. We came over from London last year and drove some of Route 66 (in a mustang, I'm afraid) and I watched the film again last week, so it was great being able to check out some of the places. Fantastic scenery and country – we love you!
Wow! What a great discovery on a cold winter night with snow on the ground. I am truly impressed. Got to plan this one out somehow from the east coast.
very nice site! greetings from Munich, Germany!
[...] Alan Dunn, aka Mr. Zip66, saw his blog post about tracing the path taken in the classic 1969 motorcycle movie “Easy Rider” touted by About.com. Dunn deserves prominence for his post; his research was exemplary. The path [...]
Great website! "Easy Rider" was the first flick I saw after coming home from Vietnam. Talk about culture shock! Hehehehehe! I memorized every lyric to every song in this great movie, didn't cut my hair for 5 years and worked at a bar on Route 66 in Albuquerque for most of the 1970s. Thanks loads for all the work you put into this, Mr Zip66.
Awesome work! Thank you! I feel the need to ride this route!
Lo felicito, la recopilación de imágenes y su comparación en el tiempo hace a uno revivir no solo la película, sino toda una época; la película la ví en 1971 y me gustó. Aunque en 1969 yo tenía solo 11 años de edad empezando la adolescencia a uno le quedan muchas cosas grabadas en la memoria. Le escribo desde Lima Perú, Sudamérica y sí, soy aficionado a las 2 ruedas, y aun guardo una mini Honda de 1975.
I saw Easy Rider at the Drive In when I ws 16 years old. You have done a great job with the pics and research.
Ride Safe!
FANTASTIC………………….GREAT JOB ON THE RESEARCH……………………IM FROM LOUISIANA SO I KNOW ALOT OF THESE PLACES……………………….MAKES ME WANT TO TAKE OFF FROM WORK AND DO THIS RIDE MAN THANKS A BUNCH
Very cool website, thanks for getting my riding season going in good order!
Very enjoyable!
Has to be the best moveie of all time –well done , love the before and after shots and the classic Dennis Harper wave or was that sign language for see ya next time?? dad-again@hotmail.com
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! One of my favorite movies, and now this website! Thank you Mr Zip66.
FUCKIN RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!
Really great job on this Bro, Been ridin since 67 so know what this means, Have lived my life to enjoy this GREAT COUNTRY and travel around just this way, Thanks for what you did.
Good job man from Italy.
Great Stuff – When the movie 1st came out.. I watched it three times in a row. I still watch it a couple of times a year.. Fonda said, whenever they were filming in the desert – the movie crew was shooting out of the back of a stationwagon…
They were running so slow, they had a hard time keeping their Harley's from melting.. On occasion they would have to zip around the stationwagon just to cool them off.. Man, you did good with the tracking the movie…. Makes me want to do it.. Excellent presentation!!! THX..
Well done…I love Easy Rider. I turn my nose up to other reruns, but never to Easy Rider!
This is great.. what a wonderful job you did with this article.. the pics are great too!!!
Cool Blog. Ride on!!
I was 10 years old when this movie came out, went and seen it, the next day I cut some old forks off of an other old bicycle i had and turned the one I rode into a chopper. And from that day on about all I studied was motorcycles, now I am 51 and ride an Ultra Classic.
Unreal Dude.. This movie changed my life as well. I cant tell you how many times I have watched it.. Over and Over.. Made me the Biker I am that is for sure.. Im hip about time.. This could be the right place but your running out of time..
I might have figured that they made that movie up as they went along. For me it's actually a very boring movie. The song segments are the only parts worthy watching.
Your photos from the various movie scene locations were interesting to look at.
ROGER KOUNDAKJIAN . IT'S NOT HOW YOU LIVE AND HOW YOU DIE . IT'S WHAT YOU LIVE FOR AND WHAT YOU DIE FOR . RIDE TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDE .
wow, right on man, great job,any one who rides should love the classic movie,i do ride hard
I met you around the Google thing for pictures. I am the one posting the RT66 of Missouri. Great job on this site and Easy Rider happens to be one of my favorite pics. Ride on…. have a great day whatever you're doing.
That was the movie that started me on my mission for the freedom. Like i say the ole lady may leave but the bike will always stay.And the freedom and the sprit live's on.The only thing the goverment won't take from me.Don't get me going on them.Cause the boys in the black suburban's might knock on my front door.Ride free and ride safe.Or drive em like you stolem them.
I ride today because of the movie Easy Rider,it was and still is a great movie.
[...] sure if this has been posted….. Easy Rider Route from the Movie | if so……suffer!!!!!!! lol lol still a good read……… __________________ LORD, HAVE MERCY [...]
Excellent bit of work. I started out on my first bike when I was twelve and I am now 61. Pretty soon I will have 50 years of riding behind me. FWIW, I rode "Route 66" way back in 1966 on a 66 FLH. Sometimes I wish I still had it. I now ride an '05 Ultra Classic whenever I get the urge for a bit of freedom again.
Great site man! I've been a fan of Easy Rider from the beginning, saw it when it was re-released in the early 90's at the Cinerama Dome! I moved to Flagstaff from SoCal/Whittier about 5 years ago and have loved it ever since.My riding buddies,which include my brother Rick, and I have ridden that route as far east as Holbrook,Az several times, and it never gets tiring! I have some information I'd like to add if you don't mind? The ranch where they fixed the flat on Wyatt's bike was located about a mile east of Valentine. As you're heading east the road drops down into a small valley and to the right there is a side road that drops down into a ravine between Route 66 and the train tracks.This road goes under the tracks then veers to the east on the other side,if you look S/E from that spot you will see the ranch.The farmhouse was torn down about 4 years ago, but the barn where they fixed the flat is still out back. That scene in the movie was very poignant, modern cowboy "re-shoeing" his steed while the old one cowboy took care of his!
Thank you Art! I’m gonna find that in Valentine this month, take some pictures and throw em on the site and give you credit. Just gotta check em out. Ride safe my friend, hope to see you o the road sometime.
Thanks for the ride and the time ans good eats. I ride a Ultra Classic plan to take the mother road sometime late this year. This route was a great start.
Earl
This movie was my absolute favorite movie growing up on an old farm in Western Pennsylvania. My 2 sons both ride Harleys and each has a wonderful woman by their side to share life. Also I have a grandson that will someday be a Harley rider and his own man. I unfortunately not as of yet have a bike BUT my Big 50 birthday is coming up this year and it is time to get my rearend on the road. One of the first places I will return to is Route 66. I haven't been there since I sold my Honda Rebel. Go ahead and laugh, I didn't have a dime in it. lmao. Sold it to take my boy's out to the Grand Canyon back in 1994. There will never be another movie made as well as "Easy Rider". This is one hell of site you all put together for us out here to share with those we know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart because this movie has alot of very special memories for me personally as a young girl with 2 brothers that were in Viet Nam. Ride on and Ride Free my Sisters and Brothers.. Birdie xo
Your behinds are going to hurt real bad.. Have fun though..
I see me riding this route! Thanks for the map!!!
[...] The Easy Rider Route In case curious, in case the movie struck a chord, a link to a map and report describing the ride… Easy Rider Route from the Movie | [...]
Let me know when you'll be out this way, maybe we could meet up at the ranch? I ride a 2001 NightTrain, mildly customized and I have a '79 Shovelhead – fully chopped(rigid frame,long springer,etc,etc).
email me at mrzip66@gmail.com. I tried to email you earlier and it bounced. Love to check out that ranch. I could be out there in 2 weeks.
Dig it man. It’s my favorite cycle flick. Always wanted to do that journey.SOME DAY! Thanks for the ride bro, later.
Hey man this is a real tribute to life altering movie. Gonna lift a few to Dennis tonight as he appears to be in rough shape with the big C. Here's to you Billy. Ride free bro.
For thirty years I wanted to take "the ride". You did it and now before I turn 60 I'm gonna get another bike and do it. Thanks, man.
Thank You.
i was 16 when this movie came out , the music, the bikes, it was a great haunting tale, you did a fantastic job with this!!!!!!!!!!!
"Too freakin' cool…Thanks for the memories, Man…
I had never seen Easy Rider before, but had always wanted to see it. After reading your blog and the comments I dialed it up on Vuze. Other than all of the drug use, it looks like to me a movie about freedom and tolerance. Back in '69, those commodities were in short supply so the movie I'm sure found a resonance in society or at least in certain groups therein. I would like to ride the stretch simply to experience the countryside and see if the people are still the same as the way that they are depicted in the movie.
A great bit of research! Thanks again!
Very cool, great memories. I may go and watch it again tonight. Thanks for the work you put into this man.
Very Cool thanx man
I was in 9th grade, a friend and I slipped into the drive in to see it.
I was hooked then, I had to have Harley !
Great job researching, thanks.
Wow Trevor Hilton! You really missed the whole point of the film didn't you, lol. Is that all you got from it, really? It never occured to you that is it exposing "The Land of the Free" as completely the opposite, exposing all of it's rigid morals and prejudices of the time? My my, you really have got a lot to learn haven't you, lol.
Hi Mr Zip66,
From the UK, what can i say but right up my street. Me and my missus have just watched the Easy Rider trip i thank you for your time and effort, i have been given the green light to Ride route66 subject to planning time of work ect.
Would you have any information on Bike hire and advice on this subject also how long on average it take to travel the route.
Thanks for your time and help
Les Carroll
Truely amazing man!!!
Your hardwork is worth a beer anytime.
I rode that same route with my then new wife backin the 70's its something to see.
Even if we didn't know at the time it was the sameroute as easyrider.
Fantastic!! Youv'e done a really great job with researching and setting up your web site. I saw the film in 69 and it 's fair to say it changed my attitude to life and began a lifelong love of old Harley's. Here in the UK they are pretty rare and expensive, though I've managed to own a few. My latest project is a Billybike replica, well in the vein of Billybike because I can't afford a panhead engine and am using a 45 sidevalve. Thanks again for a great site.
Bill Oyston
Just like easy rider, Trevor does his own thing in his own time. Maybe its you who has some shit to learn.
Great tribute to a classic and lots of good added tidbits Mr. Zip. Enjoy the hell out of it. I've been riding on two wheels (motorized) since I was 8, circa 1962. I paid to see this movie, I was 15 and on my fourth bike by then.
Surely brings back some memories…….. of course I have the DVD, but your site adds a lot of flavor.
I really appreciate your effort !
……..and maybe it's you :O)
good comeback. Be silent.
[...] The MeanStreet Riders wanted to share the route that Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda rode in the 1969 movie “Easy Rider”. Fellow rider Alan Dunn aka as Mr. Zip 66 has taken years of research with details and even found the original “ No Vacancy” sign from the movie. Alan’s Route 66 blog on the mother road is an incredible journey back to a time when Captain America and Billy were hitting the culturally diverse highway and headlining. The more things change the more they remain the same.You will not be forgotten Dennis. http://www.mrzip66.com/2009/04/20/route-from-the-movie-easy-rider-map/ [...]
Awesome job on the many hours of research and the effort to provide us with so much detail on a classic that lives in the hearts of many. Most of all thank you for sharing with everyone the fruits of your labor. Very well done!
Peace & Blessings,
~ Keith
Sitting here looking at 8" of snow in my yard plotting my "trip of a lifetime" down the west coast across the south and up the east coast, with the climax seeing Johnny Winter play at the Dutch Mason Blues Festival in Nova Scotia. Although I can't travel this entire route I have marked the places where the film and my route cross paths. Thanks for the excellent job! Will make my trip even better! Depature date of May 8……weather permitting. If anyone else has some "must see places" in their neck of the woods I would love to hear about them. Bonita headpumpkin_1@hotmail.com
[...] Click Here to See the entire route from the 1969 Movie Easy Rider [...]
Came home in 1970, and my first bike was was a 68 Triumph, chopped up, with apes to emulate Caption America. Have ridden many a two lane highway over the years, but this route you have laid out is most definately on my "to do list"! Awesome job, and your way with words takes me back a few years, to when life was simpler. Thank you my friend,..Great work!
i want to do it next year…. Route 66… The mother!
Felipe Bernal.
Best dam movie and theme song( The Pusher) ever done!!
Man the memories flowed. You did one Hell of a job. Easy Rider is another one of those cult classics. It either becomes a part of you and the road or your lost and confused and just don't get it. I'm proud to say you are a friend and brother. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!
Man the memories flowed. You did one Hell of a job. Easy Rider is another one of those cult classics. It either becomes a part of you and the road or your lost and confused and just don't get it. I'm proud to say you are a friend and brother. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!
Great job of getting the route matched w/movie. I had the coke 36 years b-4 my first bike. Finally got the priorties right.Thanks again, knuckleheader
make sure you don't just do I-40 to Kingman…turn off I 40 toward Bullhead City and go through OATMAN, AZ on route 66..it will rejoin south of Kingman. Ride free, free not to be hassled by the man!
I love that road. Probably a top favorite, but the oatman road was bypassed in 1957 to the current 1-40 alignment basically. I remember when a lot of that road was gravel.
Being about 10 years older than you, this is WAY COOL, Man…my buddy and I are going to do this.
Hey
I’m traveling Route 66, The Pacific Coast Highway and then going to Sturgis on a Captain America replica (made by Paugcho).
I’m going to trade in the Captain for my Buell at the end of the summer and traveling the rest of the country.
I have set aside 18 to 24 months for this trip.
I am working on a website, but have not uploaded anything yet.
Bob
Thank you, Thank you, reminds me of the times I've been to Sturgis with friends and family. Those days will never be replaced or forgotten. Ride on man, Ride on. Stretch
[...] you want to follow where Dennis and Peter rode, here is the route: http://www.mrzip66.com/2009/04/20/route-from-the-movie-easy-rider-map/ Ride it, and live it for yourself. Life is short, even at 74 [...]
[...] posted a link to the actual road trip, complete with map and photos. It’s simply titled Route from the 1969 movie Easy Rider, and is a post on a blog titled Mr. Zip66: Road Blogging Route 66 and Life on a Harley [...]
[...] its sketchy is between Coyote NM and Morganza Louisiana, since no filming was done there . On his website you´ll find a decription of the route and a few pictures from the movie compared to pics from the [...]
[...] Rider,” which took place on parts of Route 66 in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Mr. Zip66 traces the path that Peter Fonda and Hopper took on motorcycles in the film so you can do it yourself. The film [...]
I finally saw "Easy Rider" for the first time this evening, on TV. Edited for TV, of course. Since I have a B.A. in Geography, I was wondering where all the locations were, aside from the no-brainers like Monument Valley & Sunset Crater. I could swear I saw a glimpse of Chimney Rock of Nebraska off in the distance in a Deep South context, but can't figure it out. Didn't make sense. What did I see and where was it really? R.S.V.P.
[...] suo ultimo viaggio, qui sotto il percorso originale su cui fu girato il film Easy Rider Tratto da Easy Rider route [...]
if this blog did not exist it would be necessary to invent it…it's a humdinger!
Lol, Nice reference! Best comment yet. Thanks my friend.
Hi.
great fantastic but were his the junk yard location were they get the stuff.were they arrive on trail bikes..
and were was that lake at back ground when they lean over were his that..
terry
They bought the stuff in Taos New Mexico.
I wish I'd read this before i did route 66 – I went to Las Vegas in New Mexico but didn't know that parade scene had been taken there – I'll have to go back!
[...] “Mr Zip66″ certainly has, with this unbelievably well-researched homage to the entire route taken in the film. It turns out you can re-trace most of it and stay in the [...]
Hi.
can you tell me what was the bridge that at the end of movie the music was american flag flick frames on and off then cuts to they at campfire scene saying we blew it.
terry
sorry my english is poor
The shot where they are riding and then pick up the hitch hiker is on the Sunset Crater National Monument loop just north of Flagstaff off highway 89 that leads to Wupatki National Monument. Look at the movie and you can see the vulcanic rock as they ride before they pick up the hitch hiker. If taken from Flagstaff heading north you loop back to the Wupatki Monument and then back on highway 89. You will have to turn back left on 89 and go a couple of miles back towards Flagstaff to get to the Sacred Mountain gas station. Went there from North Carolina a couple of weeks ago on my Harley. The scenes of picking up the hitch hiker, camping at the indian ruins and the Sacred Mountain gas statipn scenes were all shot within 25 miles of each other.
You have a great website.
Great Site Well Done, and Easy Rider what can I say Just a Classic Film, got me into Bikes will be doing the Mother Road 66 in Sept of this year with 100 of my friends from Ireland
What a great idea to recreate the hippie journey! To tell you the truth, reading this original research made me fly again, at high altitude of memories.
Thanks for such a pleasant recovery of the old days.
This is amazing! This movie has made such a difference in my life. Thanks so much man. Ride hard, Ride free
TOO FUCKIN' COOL, MUDDERFUKKER!!!
Thank you.
What a long strange trip it's been..
Don'tcha agree?
Later.
Steve
This is great re-creation of route of the Easy Rider dudes. I will be going to Ballarat en Bellemont to check the details with my own eyes the next three weeks (from Netherlands with rental car, wife and daughter, but no Easy Rider bike, I am afraid).
Pine Breeze Inn on the 11th of August 2010 (it is for sale):
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/5861/img2195x…. http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2898/img2196v…. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7204/img2197o…. http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7663/img2198r…. http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1989/img2199w.jp... http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/9144/img2200j….