Joe,
Welcome to Australia. Having grown up in Sydney I often travelled the Putty Rd (but on 4 wheels) you would have enjoyed it on 2.
Three years ago as part of a group (12 HDs and me on a Victory) I did route 66 from Chicago to Amboy and last year I returned to complete R66 and did Amboy to LA. As stated above Australia is a lot like America but with only about 10% of the population. My wife is American and she has a sister who lives in Charlotte so we are often over your way. Look forward to saying hello at the AGM. If you do get over this way be sure to say hello to those of us in the west. Enjoy Australia.