There are some places that become more than themselves, that last beyond their own lifetime as they enter the realm of mythology. If such a place exists in the United States of America, then surely it must be the nation's most famous road - Route 66.

Although it hasn’t officially existed in almost 30 years, Route 66 remains one of the world’s most famous roads - a symbol of freedom and a mythologised landmark calling out to adventurous spirits the world over. The original Route 66 was closed in 1985 but since then the call of the road from Chicago to California hasn’t dimmed – and over the next two weeks a group of Irish men and women will traverse the continental United States, tracing the route of the old road in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital, and we’ll be tracking their progress here on Newstalk.

The Route 66 Motorcycle Challenge will see a team of riders take to the road – including Irish comedians Eric Lalor and PJ Gallagher – to continue the bi-annual tradition that has seen the Route 66 Motorcycle Challenge cover 750,000 miles and raise €2.5 million euro for Temple Street since 2002.

On Monday, September 21, 60 bikers will depart Chicago and hit the open road for 12 days, before they ride up Sunset Boulevard in California to compete their journey.

They will take in nine states and four time zones, travelling from Illinois through Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and finally California.

Each rider has raised €8,300 to take part in the trip and to date the challenge has helped the hospital fund critical ward redevelopments and purchase life-saving equipment.

Tune in to Newstalk over the coming fortnight as we check in with riders to bring you their stories from the road.

Click here to donate to Temple Street Children’s Hospital and help in the development of new treatments, the building of ‘state of the art’ facilities and support for the hospital’s remarkable young patients and their families.