• Cyclist who rode the entire length of Route 66 is set to finish his journey in Santa Monica on Wednesday

2026 marks the centennial for Route 66 — and what better way to celebrate the iconic road than to ride the whole thing on a bicycle?

That might not be the first way you think to celebrate, but for Ryo Murata, also known as the “Human Revo,” that’s exactly what he did.

The Japanese cyclist has gone viral on social media for his epic quest, where he rode down Route 66 and interacted with strangers along the way, many of whom provided him with water, a meal, repairs or simply some company. He was originally attempting to ride from New York to Los Angeles but ended up having to stop in Chicago because his visa ran out.

He returned this past September to complete the journey, and he’s finishing right as Route 66 turns 100 on Wednesday. What’s more? Wednesday also happens to be Veteran’s Day and Ryo’s 27th birthday — the perfect end to a long but rewarding journey that captured the hearts of millions.

Ryo spoke to KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos on Wednesday morning as he departed on the last leg of his trip from Little Tokyo — underneath the mural of his “idol” Shohei Ohtani — to the Santa Monica Pier, which is where Route 66 officially ends.

“I had the spirit of happiness through my journey, so I can do this!” he said. “So amazing … America is so amazing!”

Community members gathered as Ryo began riding on Wednesday morning — some even rode with him.

“I’m here for the ride today and to finish with Ryo,” one cyclist said. “I’m so proud of him.”

Another woman who came to see Ryo off described him as someone who is inspiring and able to bring people together.

“Who would ever have thought this strange young man would come into our lives? None of us knew each other,” she said, motioning to the group who came to support Ryo.

Even members of the Los Angeles Police Department took notice, as did the Los Angeles Dodgers, who presented Ryo with a custom jersey on Tuesday.

“I’ve been following him on TikTok,” an LAPD officer said of Ryo. “His progress and his journey are amazing. You’re bringing everyone together … that’s L.A. for you! We bring everybody together.”

Ryo is expected to arrive at the Santa Monica Pier early Wednesday afternoon.

Source: Will Conybeare and Annie Rose Ramos, KTLA (ktla.com/news/cyclist-who-rode-the-entire-length-of-route-66-is-set-to-finish-his-journey-in-santa-monica-on-wednesday/)