Hairy Bikers Route 66

Hairy Bikers Route 66 is a captivating travel and cooking television series that aired on BBC2, featuring the dynamic British duo Dave Myers and Si King, famously known as the Hairy Bikers. This engaging six-part series takes viewers on a glorious adventure along one of America's most iconic highways: the legendary Route 66. Spanning approximately 2,448 miles and crossing eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, the route is a cultural symbol of America's history, pioneering spirit, and love for the open road.

Dave and Si are no strangers to combining their love for motorbikes, travel, and food, and this show is no exception. They embark on this epic road trip with an unquenchable thirst for discovery, aiming to explore the heart and soul of American cuisine along this historic pathway. The series promises a delectable mix of adventure, camaraderie, and culinary discovery as the duo immerses themselves in the diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped American cuisine along Route 66.

Throughout the journey, the Hairy Bikers meet with local chefs, food artisans, and passionate locals, each sharing their unique story and connection to this fabled highway. The show emphasizes the importance of regional dishes and how food can serve as a gateway to understanding the social fabric of each stop along the way. Dave and Si don't just sample the local flavors; they roll up their sleeves and cook alongside their hosts, creating sumptuous dishes that pay homage to the local fare.

In Hairy Bikers Route 66, the personalities of the two hosts shine through as they bring humor, sincerity, and genuine interest in the people they meet, making the series not just about food but also about capturing the human stories that define Route 66. The genuine interactions the bikers have with the ordinary Americans they encounter is a thread that runs throughout the series, creating heartwarming moments that balance perfectly with their lighthearted banter.

The series begins in Chicago, acknowledged as the eastern terminus of the historic Route 66, and captures the urban landscape's dynamic food scene, before moving through the small towns that dot the midwestern states. As they venture through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California, each episode reveals the changing landscapes and the diverse communities that have thrived along this road.

The variety of cuisines covered in the series is astounding, from the Chicago classics like deep-dish pizza and jibarito sandwiches to the BBQ pits of Oklahoma, with their mouth-watering smokey meats. The journey unfolds to reveal the nuances of Southwestern cooking in New Mexico and the fresh flavors of the Pacific Coast. Alongside the well-known American staples, Dave and Si also uncover hidden gems and surprising culinary fusions that reflect the waves of immigration that have enriched the American palate.

Moreover, the program doesn't shy away from exploring the challenges of maintaining such a vast and varied culinary tradition. The Hairy Bikers encounter both thriving establishments and those striving to survive, side by side with new foodie hotspots that reinterpret traditional dishes for the modern palate. These stories are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the American dream at its most delicious.

Cinematography plays a significant role in Hairy Bikers Route 66, with stunning shots of America's changing terrain juxtaposed with close-ups of bubbling sauces, sizzling grills, and decadent desserts. Viewers are treated to sweeping vistas of the Great Plains, the enchanting deserts of the Southwest, and finally the sun-kissed beaches of California. The series makes you feel like you're riding pillion with the bikers, experiencing the wind in your hair and the aromas of the roadside diners beckoning you to stop and sample their wares.

The Hairy Bikers, true to form, bring their personal touch to the dishes they encounter. They reinterpret classic recipes with their unique flair, often adding a twist or two while remaining respectful to the traditions from which these recipes originated. The food is not merely cooked; it is celebrated, with each meal serving as an embodiment of the place and its history. Their camaraderie, love of good fare, and easygoing nature make Hairy Bikers Route 66 a delightful series for both foodies and travel enthusiasts alike.

From the bustling cities to the sleepy towns, the vast farmlands to the desert oases, Hairy Bikers Route 66 serves as a guidebook, a recipe collection, and a portrait of America as told through its most beloved highway. It's a culinary road trip that delivers on taste, personal tales, and the magnetic pull of the open road, with Dave and Si proving themselves to be the perfect companions on this once-in-a-lifetime journey across the heartland of America.