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35 Bucket List Motorcycle Rides

We all have a bucket list of motorcycle roads we’d like to ride before we highside off this mortal coil. Here are 35 recommended by Clement Salvadori, arranged alphabetically by state or country.

The longest stretch of genuine old U.S. Route 66 is in western Arizona, running 90 lonely miles from Seligman to Kingman alongside the tracks of the Burlington-Northern-Santa Fe. Railroads came in the late 19th century, and automotive roads followed in the early 20th. In Seligman lives Angel Delgadillo, who was born there 88 years ago and has been instrumental in preserving the legend of old 66.

2. Arkansas

The riding around the Buffalo National River in the Ozark Mountains provides endless amusement, and many chances to wash the dust off your wheels. The Newton County seat of Jasper, on State Route 7, provides a focal point, and little roads go off in every direction, including through the Ozark National Forest. A word to the wise: If you are faced with fording a river, best to walk the distance first, just so you don’t end up with a flooded bike.

3. California

The Big Sur Highway , carved out of the coast along the Santa Lucia Range for a hundred miles between Cambria and Carmel, is my own favorite road, being almost in my backyard. It’s an all-year ride, presuming that winter rains do not cause landslides. Two lanes with an uncountable number of curves, the mountains on one side, the surf frothing along the short on the other. Don’t try sightseeing from the moving motorcycle; stop and then look, it’s safer.

Go way, way east to Nova Scotia, and there at the tip of Cape Breton Island is Cape North, the farthest you can ride on the North American continent, 3,922 Mapquest miles from San Diego. The road looping around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is called the Cabot Trail (after the 15th-century explorer John Cabot), and in good weather the 135-mile loop is one of the more divine rides on the continent. Bad weather? Don’t go.

5. Colorado

Schofield Pass (10,707 feet) is not for the faint of heart, being one of the toughest rides in the Rocky Mountains. Back in the 1880s, when silver was king, the 5-mile Gothic Road was built between the mining sites in Marble and Crested Butte, much of it merely a shelf blasted out of the mountainside that just drops straight down into the Crystal River Canyon. It’s a dangerous ride, and only the really, really competent should try it (according to Wikipedia, the pass has claimed 12 lives).

Related Story: Riding 60 Paved Colorado Passes in Nine Days

The Chattahoochee National Forest is one of the great motorcycle playgrounds, and the Two Wheels of Suches Motorcycle Campground & Lodge is the place to stay. Founded in the early 1980s by Frank and Jeanie Cheek, the original Two Wheels Only (T.W.O.) Motorcycle Resort hosted well over half a million motorcyclists. T.W.O. closed down in 2011, and the property was later purchased by motorcycle enthusiast and local resident Bill Johnston, who expanded and renovated the facility. It re-opened as Two Wheels of Suches in 2014. There are hundreds of miles of two-lane roads to ride, including the Georgia Triangle : diabolically twisty Wolf Pen Gap Road (State Route 180), State Route 60 and U.S. Route 129, to name but a few.

For my money, the most fun and least populated island in the archipelago/state of Hawaii is Kauai—and motorcycle rentals are available. There are only about a hundred miles of paved road on the island, which covers some 550 square miles. However, the 20-mile run up Waimea Canyon Drive to the 4,000-foot Kalalau Lookout in the Kokee State Park makes at least one day’s rental essential. The ride is best done early in the morning, before the tourist get out.

Related Story: Moto Aloha: Motorcycle Touring on Oahu

The 160-mile Salmon River Scenic Byway runs along State Route 75 and U.S. Route 93 from the southern terminus of Stanley, in the Sawtooth Mountains, up the Continental Divide crossing at 7,014-foot Lost Trail Pass on the Idaho/Montana state line. The river is this great north-flowing cascade of water, paralleling much of the route, shared by fisherfolk and rafters. The forests are full of moose and elk and deer, so best be wary, especially at dawn and dusk.

Related Story: Riding the Alps of Idaho

The 9,045-foot Stelvio Pass may be the most famous pass in the Alps for motorcyclists, with 48 hairpin turns on the northeast side and a lot of curves and tunnels on the southwest slope. The road from Bormio to Prato alla Stelvio is about 30 miles, and was built back in the 1820s to enhance trade. Nowadays it caters mainly to motorcyclists and bicyclists (a hardy lot), with some cars and a few tour busses.

Related Story: The Ultimate Alps with Edelweiss Bike Travel

If you want to take a 1950s trip across the Great Plains, take U.S. Route 36 across Kansas, about 400 miles from the Missouri River to St. Francis as the eagle flies. Back 150 years ago, much of this road was a major route for wagon trains and even, briefly, the Pony Express. Nowadays it offers the best of small-town America, with friendly folk serving up eggs and homemade sausage in the cafés, and clean and inexpensive motels when you need to sleep.

Related Story: Solitude and Scenery: Riding West Kansas

U.S. Route 1/State Route 3 from Bath to Bar Harbor is only about 120 miles, but if you ride along all the little side roads the trip could take you a week. A dozen or more peninsulas reach south into the Atlantic Ocean from the main road, and they all have roads that are well worth exploration, whether it is to Boothbay or Port Clyde or Stonington. Good people will greet you, and the food is excellent—presuming you like fish and lobster.

Related Story: Riding Maine’s Rugged, Winding Coast

12. Massachusetts

The Mohawk Trail, otherwise known as State Route 2, runs 40 miles west from Greenfield across the Berkshire Mountains to Williamstown. This is a short ride, but the trail has dozens of little side routes to places like the 5-mile Hoosac railroad tunnel, an engineering marvel in the 1870s, or to the top of Mount Greylock, which at 3,491 feet is the highest point in the state, offering stunning views.

Related Story: Dead Reckoning | Touring Western Massachusetts

Copper Canyon figures large in the minds of those who want to take a trip to Mexico—and it should, as it is a lot larger than the Grand Canyon. The independent travelers can take a ride on their own down to the colonial mining town of Batopilas, or one can opt for a guided tour with a vehicle to carry the baggage. Most riders use Batopilas as a turnaround point, but the truly adventurous can leave the canyon by fording two big rivers on their way to Urique.

14. Mississippi

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs 450 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, and the most fun is down where it starts alongside the Mississippi River. There is gambling and drinking and all sorts of goings-on down on Silver Street, just like 150 years ago when the riverboat fellows would get paid off and go and have a good time before making the long walk home up the Trace.

15. Missouri

A hundred-mile portion of the Great River Road runs on the west side of the Mississippi River from St. Louis northwest to Hannibal, and it is a cheerfully slow road to ride. St. Louis is a big, bustling city, but as soon as you turn onto State Route 79 that is all left behind. You can ride out to see three of the river’s dams and locks, browse through some 50 antique stores and art galleries along the way, and end up in Tom Sawyer’s hometown.

16. Montana

The 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park is best tackled early in the morning before the motorhomers get up and clog the road. And the quasi-inevitable construction crews start their work, as they have a short season to keep the road in good repair. From Logan Pass and the Continental Divide, at 6,647 feet, are great views from 10,052-foot Mount Jackson in the south to 10,479-foot Mount Cleveland in the north.

Related Story: Motorcycle Tour of Glacier, Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

U.S. Route 6 through the Silver State is the true loneliest road—U.S. Route 50 has probably five times more traffic. U.S. 6 runs roughly 250 miles from Montgomery Pass near the California border to the town of Ely, over in the eastern part of Nevada. It’s all high desert, over 6,000 feet, as the road crosses the Great Basin, with hardly a curve to be found. Once you get to Ely you can continue on U.S. 6 all the way to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod.

Related Story: Nevada’s Loneliest Road…and it isn’t U.S. 50

18. New Hampshire

Every motorcycle rider should run up the Mount Washington Auto Road at least once—though one might have to try several times as the road is closed when the weather is acting up. Which it often does; it took me three tries to get to the top of the 6,288-foot mountain. The 7.6-mile road first opened in 1861, and the toll-ticket (in 2015) is $16 for a motorcycle and operator, plus another $8 for a passenger. In June, two “Ride to the Sky” days are offered—for motorcyclists only.

Related Story: Ridi ng the Best of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

19. New Mexico

Taking the back way from the town of Shiprock, New Mexico, to Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona along Indian Route 13 is a beautiful ride. Out there in the middle of the desert is Shiprock itself, named by the emigrants with the 8-mile-a-day Conestoga wagons because it looked, from a distance, like a ship at full sail, as it reaches nearly 1,600 feet above the desert floor.

Related Story: Riding Central New Mexico

20. New York

The run up Whiteface Mountain is an absolute must. State Route 431 is a short 8-mile road, off State Route 48, with a toll to get in, but the rewards are tremendous, especially if you make the effort to walk, or take the elevator (I kid you not), to the very top, giving you a view across hundreds of square miles of upstate New York, all the way to Lake Champlain. This is at the north end of the Adirondack Park, easily accessible from Lake Placid or Saranac Lake.

Related Story: History, Horses and Heavenly Roads: Touring Upstate New York

21. New Zealand

Two big islands make up this country, and I find that the South Island can provide me with endless motorcycling pleasure. There are few people, little traffic and great roads through great scenery—the New Zealand Alps, Milford Sound and the ever-entertaining resort town of Queenstown, where you can jetboat or bungee jump. Being on the same southerly latitudes as the United States is northerly, it’s a great place for a winter vacation.

Related Story: Motorcycle Travel in New Zealand with Edelweiss Bike Travel

22. North Carolina

Taking State Route 12 the 90 miles from Kitty Hawk to Ocracoke includes a couple of ferries, which is all to the good. Most of the real estate falls in the purview of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so habitations are few. Most tourists congregate around the northern towns, like Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright brothers flew their airplane in 1903, so I advise the motorcyclist to go south, where there are unimpeded roads and views.

Related Story: Riding ‘Shine Country: The Tail of the Dragon and North Carolina’s Moonshiner 28

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a class ride; this old road (and it is old, being built between 1913 and 1922) runs for 15 miles between Corbett and Dodson. It was built to attract all those folk who drove a Model T or rode an Indian PowerPlus, winding up to 700 feet at Crown Point. Today the trucks and motorhomes are all down on Interstate 84, whereas this original has been well-maintained as a scenic route.

Related Story: Riding the Cascades and the Coast in Oregon

24. Pennsylvania

The Millersburg Ferry is certainly an old-fashioned way to cross the Susquehanna River. Ferry service began operation in 1807, with the stern-wheel paddle ferryboat coming along about a hundred years later. This contraption conveys people and vehicles across the river from Millersburg to near Liverpool, with a motorcyclist paying $7 for himself and machine, an additional $3 if there is a passenger (in 2015). This is a fine piece of living history.

Related Story: The Pennsylvania Wilds

South America is a big place, and for my money Peru is the most interesting country to go to, with stupendous geography and fascinating history. To ride east from Pisco (home to the Pisco sour) on the coast through to Cusco high in the Andes and back down to Manu National Park in the Amazon basin is more than 700 rugged miles. Sorry, no road goes to the fabled Macchu Pichu; from Cusco, it’s a walk, take a train, or go by helicopter.

Related Story: Where the Road Ends: Alaska to Argentina Via the Darien Gap

26. Portugal

Following the Douro River the hundred miles from Peso de Regua to Porto, on the Atlantic Ocean, is to relish the past. Roads run along either side of the river, often high up, and little cafés offering tripe dishes are in every town—as is the famous port wine, a sweetish wine, both red and white, that the British made famous 200 years ago. Down at the mouth of the river the city of Porto has great history and even better tasting rooms.

Related Story: IMTBike’s Portugal & Southern Spain Tour

27. South Dakota

The Black Hills are definitely worth having a look at, covering some 5,000 square miles in the southwest corner of South Dakota. If you like to share the roads with 100,000 other bikes, go during the annual Sturgis rally in August. I recommend that all motorcyclists witness the event at least once. For a more leisurely approach to the history and beauty of the area, go some other time of year.

Related Story: Chasing Black Hills Gold: Great Roads in South Dakota

28. Switzerland

There are three ways to get from Airolo to Andermatt. One is to take the 10-mile road tunnel under the 6,900-foot St. Gotthard Pass, another the relatively new road over the pass, or better yet, take the old road. This was a footpath as long ago as the 13th century, became a road that a carriage could use in 1775, and was paved with cobblestones in the late 19th century. Today that old road is definitely the most interesting way for a motorcyclist to get over the pass.

Related Story: Edelweiss Bike Travel Touring Center Alps | Tour Review

The Big Texan Steak Ranch is in Amarillo, built 50 years ago to cater to the traffic going by on old U.S. Route 66. The Panhandle is the easiest way to cross the Lone Star State as it is only 180 miles wide, with Interstate 40 being the fast route, old U.S. 66 the slow. That free 72-ounce steak is a real deal—if you can eat it all in one hour. The restaurant says that more than 40,000 people have tried, and the success rate is about 1 in 6; I usually pay for the 8-ounce sirloin.

Related Story: Twisted Sisters: The Texas Hill Country’s Most Famous Trio

Riding the Friendship Highway 800 miles from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, is a very adventurous trip, being mostly a dirt road, often mud, going up over half-a-dozen very high passes, 16,000 feet or more. Several motorcycle tour companies have, in the past, run trips along this road, but much depends on the current state of political affairs between China and the Tibetan people.

Related Story: Himalayan Adventure: Touring the Upper Mustang on Royal Enfields

After the inevitable crowds at Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, it is nice to find a stunningly beautiful and under-visited Cedar Breaks National Monument just a few miles away. My favorite way to get there is taking State Route 14 (Markagaunt High Plateau Scenic Byway) east from Cedar City, and after cresting Midway Summit at 9,900 feet, take a left onto State Route 148 (Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway) which runs into the monument. Leaving, I take State Route 143 east toward Panguitch, a very hospitable town.

Related Story: (Mis)Adventures on the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR)

32. Vermont

State Route 100 runs the length of the state, but the best stretch is the 130 miles between Waterbury (home to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream) and Wilmington, a mostly two-lane road that runs along the east side of the Green Mountain National Forest, and half of the fun is taking the little side roads that run over places like Appalachian Gap and Lincoln Gap. The region offers lots of rustic beauty and the occasional general store that makes great deli sandwiches.

Related Story: Riding Vermont’s Route 100 From Massachusetts to Memphremagog

33. Virginia

More than 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through western Virginia, and it is a ride that every motorcyclist should do at least once. This 469-mile road along the crest of the southern Appalachian Mountains between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks was essentially a WPA project during the Great Depression, and proof that good things can come out of bad times.

Related Story: Riding Virginia’s Crooked Road and Blue Ridge

34. Washington

Crossing the Cascades on U.S. Route 2, from Snohomish to the pseudo-Bavarian ski-resort town of Leavenworth, is a delightful way to add 100 miles to your bike’s odometer. From sea level the road climbs up to 4,056 feet at Stevens Pass, then descends toward the Columbia River. Little side roads run into the Jackson Wilderness or Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with camping along well-named sites like Icicle Creek—yes, it is cold.

Related Story: Two Lanes of Western Washington—Sport Touring in the Evergreen State

35. Wyoming

Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet) provides some very stimulating riding. I like to stay in the town of Cody, Buffalo Bill’s old stomping grounds, and head out over Dead Indian Pass (8,071 feet) on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (State Routes 120/296). Is there a Dead White Man Pass somewhere? Then hang a right onto U.S. Route 212 and climb up over the Beartooth Mountains on a road that was opened in 1936—unforgettable!

Related Story: Beartooth Forever: a Father-Daughter Ride to Yellowstone

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Arizona route 66 motorcycle ride, alaska motorcycle ride: discovering america’s last frontier, get your kickstart on route 66, 70 comments.

I’m sure these are amazing rides and roads… But a bucket list must have the KKH on to do list.

The highest altitude paved International highway, on the Karakoram mountains

Thousands of twisties… Numerous lakes(dudiputsar lake, mahudand lake, saif-ul-muluk lake, lulusar lake, atabad lake, ansoo lake, shangrilla lake etc.)

Babusar pass(13700 feet).. Kalapani… Deosai… Burzil… Skardu…Hunza

These are just a few places en route… And by far the most breath taking places I have ever seen… People forget the Swiss alps on this mountain range.

Maybe these names are just new and unexplored by many but google and you will find abundant pictures.

PS. Not my intention to undermine the effort and thoughts put in by the writer/composer.

Hopefully the road up whiteface mnt in NY is better. 5 yrs ago the road moguls were so bad I joked I should have ridden my dirt bike rather than the cruiser!

Yes the road has been recently redone but the route is off 86 not 48 so no one gets lost.

Agreed. Went up it 5 years ago at Americade and almost wanted to get my toll money back.

Bikings best kept secret – Gran Canaria sushhhhh

We went there for a KTM press launch earlier this year. Yes, Gran Canaria (as well as Lanzarote and Tenerife) are fantastic motorcycling destinations!

Umm Nova Scotia is on the EAST coast of Canada…. if you go “way west” as you suggest, you will be in British Columbia, the opposite side of the country

Not sure how to get to Nova Scotia by heading “way, way West”—the last time I checked the sun rose in the East and that is where that wonderful province is—East from anywhere on the North American continent. Fog was invented there, so be prepared. But regardless of the weather, the people are motorcycle-friendly and the food is filling.

You are correct, that was a typo and it has now been fixed. Thanks!

I am only 61 and been riding for many years. Been to a lot of places on my bike. So was excited to see the 35 and how many I have been on. Disappointed it was only two! After having a hard down a few years back and losing my bike. I cant wait to recover financially to get that new bike and try to make the other 33 on this list!!

Farthest you can ride in North America? Anchor point, ak (west). Prudhoe Bay, also (north). Lodge bay, Labrador. I’m sure some of our readers/riders have been there

Disappointed that all I could see was one paragraph and a picture. No description of any of the journeys.

We’re not sure why you can’t see it Russ. It’s all there and we’ve received many other comments about the article, so we know others are seeing it. If you continue to have trouble, please email us at [email protected] and we can find another way to get the article to you. ~Heather

I’m not able to see the full story either. I’m using Google Chrome on an android device. Is the page “mobile friendly? “

The pre-sunrise colors at Meat Cove on the northern tip of Cape Breton Island were the most spectacular I have seen. Be sure to ride the Cabot Trail in both directions. The Pacific Coast Highway is incredible if you’re from the east .

Not sure why Alaska wouldn’t make your list? We have over a week’s worth of the most incredible, cool, scenic riding. 20 hours of rideable daylight in summer, very diverse landscapes from vast ocean views to the highest majestic peaks in North America. Not to mention abundant wildlife viewing. Except for occasional road construction, the highway conditions are great. You could do an entire article on riding in the Last Frontier!

Starting in British Columbia do not miss this circuit: Vancouver to Lilliouet then down to Merrit about 400k without a straight section then instead of taking the connector to Kewlona or the Coquihalla Highway south to Hope BC unless you want to do more going east along the lovely highway 3 you could go south by just taking twisting 5a to Princeton then head east to Penticton or Osoyoos and head north thru Kewlona to Vernon and on to Lumby BC, gas up and then head east over the Monashee Mountains to Nakusp and on to Nelson BC. Then south to the usa to meet highway 20 and head back west thru Republic and Winthrop Wash over the Cascade Mtns to the coast just a little south of Vancouver. This is a few day circuit, check your maps with no super highways, no boring stretches, just ocean, curves mountains, lakes, curves and forests, even a desert. And little traffic. Not to be missed check your travel guides and images. A couple of thousand kms.

Love that route! I do some variation of it every couple of years. Usually in early Oct. Fires have caused issues in recent years. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for this year.

Clement, Thanks for your most interesting and well-written articles. Especially enjoyed “Adventuring We Will Go: Part III”.

They say that the creator had lots of left over roads, so he crammed them into Tasmania.

Little traffic, good cambers and surfaces, no straight bits..

Sensational.

Nice suggestions. If I may I would add the Tail of the dragon at the end of the Blue ridge and the Kank in NH. Great bucket list.

I certainly agree. Not sure how it could be left off of any “best rides in America” list.

sea to sky highway vancouver canada to whistler canada. breathtaking. bass lake calif, through yosemite national park and out 120 to sonora calif in the winter.

What a list! I am 67 and got my license when I was 50. Rode Harleys, Ultra Classic and a Road King and one year Gold Wing. I have ridden more than 90K miles in the USA. I have checked off the bucket list, 16 places. Every state was more beautiful than I could have imagined. Rode Rt66 from Chicago to LA four times. Great Memories.

In Texas there are the 3 Twisted Sisters in the hill country (FM 335 336 and 337), and El Camino del Rio (FM170) between Lajitas and Presidio to mention the top 4 paved roads in the state. So, where do you pick to put for Texas in the 35 bucket list? An over rated touristy piece of highway kitsch, located on what is probably the most boring section of interstate in the country if not the straightest. That selection makes me doubt any other selection on the list that I’m not already familiar with.

Yep!!! I’ve done the sisters and river road. Way better than 40. The author just hasn’t been to Big Bend or the Hill Country yet.

This article is AWESOME! I’ve already tackled four of these excellent routes. Planning another expedition next Spring, a ride to Maggie Valley, NC over to Georgia. Thanks for publishing this!

Portugal was awesome. Since my mom was born there and her/my relatives still live there, I’ve visited all my life. But back in 2012 I flew over and rented a BMW GS650F from Lisbon and went out discovering the country alone for a week. I would occasionally stay with relatives or campgrounds. Man, lots of great twisty asphalt roads and way out there dirt roads. This is ADV heaven. Sierra Da Estrella is a moto playground.

If you are going to Eastern Canada, keep going to the most easterly part of North America, the beautiful province of Newfoundland. The people are wonderful and so is the scenery.

In Colorado one must ride The Million Dollar Highway. One must not forget about Pikes Peak and Mt Evans.

So many beautiful places in North America to ride!

I can’t believe that you left out Tennessee altogether. What with the TAIL OF THE DRAGON,DIAMOND BACK, THE RATLER, THE SNAKE, AND THE BACK OF THE DRAGON. Not to mention the Cheraholla Skyway. And several other roads that have no name that boarder Tennessee and North Carolina. Some of the most twisted and hairpin turns that I have ever encountered.

Your rides seem to be about the scenery, and if that’s why you ride, then that’s great, but what about the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee or the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. I know that everyone rides for different reasons, but for those of us who love the curvy roads, this article was such a disappointment.

You got it right! Several years back I wrote a ‘favorite ride’ piece for Rider on the Three Sisters so I know they know about it! And where is the Million Dollar Highway? Please, the steak place in Amarillo or the MDH? I’ll take the ‘dollar’ any day!

The Million Dollar Highway is part of the incredible Alpine Loop. I live in Durango and you can access it from here or Marcos a few miles west. Durango-Silverton-Ouray-Ridgeway- Telluride- Rico- Dolores-Mancos-Durango. Spectacular one day ride or two days with a stop at one of the hot springs in Ouray or Ridgeway. This is all paved and not just for off readers. Enjoy when you can!

Not to mention Stoner CO. lol

Great list. But the brief passage on New Zealand did little justice to the place that was made for riding. It’s a must to spend 2 or 3 months once in a riders life. Riders Heaven. Mostly ocean side, twisting, pothole free. I’d live there if I could!

Route 66 extends into southern Indiana and is a very beautiful road through the rolling hills of the state with many curves and vast forest to enjoy. If you ever get a chance to ride from Evansville to the Louisville metro are you will enjoy.

THE DRAGON NOT MENTIONED? I’ve ridden it, twice. Come on…..

The Tunnel of Trees is worth the ride up to Northern Michigan and runs from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. Lots and lots of some very tight twisties, unbelievable scenery, especially in the fall and great views of Lake Michigan.

Another must ride in the Alps is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria. It’s privately owned and there is a toll but worth every penny

The number one motorcycle destination in the country according to the Department of Transportation website is not even on the list. “The Tail of the Dragon” in Tennessee at the NC border. 318 curves in 11 miles with no intercepting roads.

I guess no one ever invited you to Ohio, Mr. Salvatore. Southern And southeastern Ohio are a rider’s paradise. One area in the Hocking Hills, north of Athens, is where Car & Driver magazine brings cars for a test drive, or a “thorough butt-whooping” if you ever drove or rode those twisty hilly roads. There are many beautiful (and technical) stretches of highway in the area, some long & some short, that offer challenging riding, light traffic, excellent surface conditions & beautiful Midwestern scenery. Consider this your personal invitation to come to Ohio and discover the wonderful riding available here. Feel free to contact me and I will personally guide you to some of my favorite places. (I too ride an ST1300 and am a little grey around the muzzle. ????)

Great list, I have completed all those rides and some several times with the exception of those out of the country. We can all ad more of our favorite, some of mine would be in the Yukon and Alsaka but all in all Clement very cool stuff.

Michael Farabaugh

All but 6 and though I haven’t ridden in Portugal I have driven there. Will have to do something about that going down the road???? BTW … The Isle of Man is a super nifty place to ride.

So, a Bucketlist of 35 destinations, and only 5 of them not in the USA? Not much of a Bucketlist. I’ve ridden most of Europe and the US, and many destinations in Africa and Asia, and I can tell you US roads are the most boring, and mostly for cool HD cruising in a lazy speed.

At best this Bucketlist lacks ambition.

Sheesh, will you whiner trolls just relax? Of COURSE there are many many more beautiful roads to ride than what can be put in a reasonable article. Don’t put Dago down for omitting your faves, just go ride the ones you haven’t seen yet and that will make you smile and stop complaining.

As much as I have traveled I still enjoy reading hints of other places, or things to see on the roads I have ridden that I may have passed.

I understand that the list is limited and there are endless great roads. But to include Rt 12 on the Outer Banks while missing so many great roads, is ludicrous. It’s a great place for a vacation, but it’s NOT a motorcycle destination.

Also, Stelvio Pass in Italy needs to go in favor of almost any other mountain road in the Dolomites that doesn’t break up the flow of a nice road with switch backs (speed bumps).

Here’s one that definitely should have made the list. It makes almost everyone’s list. Transfargaran highway in Romania. It does have a few switchbacks, but it’s also over 50 miles long.

Back in 1996 I strapped a tent and sleeping bag onto a rented BMW F650 in Sydney, Australia and rode a 6,000 mile loop around the eastern half of Aus. Some roads were great, some were boring, but it was really the best moto tour I’ve ever done. For 20 years, I’ve wanted to go back to Australia, and ride a loop around the western half. Maybe some day…

Some good rides there but you forgot Vietnam! Awesome riding on or off road. The Ma Pi Leng Pass is one the most popular for good reason. Have a look…. https://viettracks.com/ma-pi-leng-mountain-pass/ Apologies admin if the link is not allowed, please remove it if so.

This year my Wife and I completed a life long tour of North America. In Aug.2019 we crossed into the North West Territories. As we stood at the sign welcoming us, My wife started to cry. We now had ridden our Motorcycle to every Province, Territory and State in North America. All starting from the Kingston Ontario area and never trailered our bike anywhere. Took almost 30 years of two week vacations to complete all of North America. The trip to Alaska, Yukon and NWT. was a 4 week trip and the one to California was a 3 week trip. In 2016 I was told I would never ride again after a “distracted driver” went through a stop sign and I was badly hurt and my leg and arm almost ripped off.. Nine surgeries later I started to dream about riding again. Not only did I ride again, but rode the Top of the World highway and the Dempster highway on a 2017 goldwing with my wife. Which are Gravel!! LOL Doctor’s just don’t understand that “You can’t” doesn’t apply when you love riding more than even pain can stop! I have ridden almost all the North American roads mentioned here except the Millersburg Ferry… Well there is always next season to do it.. BTW I have no favorites they are all beautiful in there own way.. Although going through Toronto, LA, New York city and Chicago during rush hour kinda suck…. Take Care

I’ve been riding for over 60 years now, 5 years in the dirt, 55 years paved, dirt roads and four wheel drive roads all in the Western United States, I still haven’t been on all the roads and that was on my bucket list, I find it incredible and wonderful to see so many other places people have been able to experience, not to sure about riding Texas though, to far between the twisties😁

Nice article, but dude needs to go to South Africa, or broader horizons beyond North America. The western cape is stunningly beautiful, with roads for every appetite. I can’t wait to ride a 1200 GS there and be able to do both road and adventure riding. Beware – stopping frequently to take in the sights is the only safe way to drive! (And the food and wine are out of this world)

I was surprised to see I only ‘captured’ 12 of the 35. But I’ve ridden a number of those that were suggested by other readers so I consider my bucket list better than Salvador’s! Sorry bud!

Kinda sad the Big Texan steakhouse and I 40 were picked for Texas. The only reason to hit Amarillo is for the businesses on old RT66. (support them plz) Otherwise Texas riders avoid that area like the Plague…. er, the COVID 19 Virus!

It’s clear that any Bucket List (no matter how lengthy) will miss rides that are truly memorable. Western North Carolina contains several in this category that Rider has noted over the years, including The Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. Thanks for the new suggested rides that I will add to my personal Bucket list.

Great list…I’m curious how Clem kept his beret on during his bungee jump.

Reading all the comments about the roads not on the list tells me that after 60 years of riding , I would need another 60 to run out of great roads!

Talihina ok to Mena ark via the winding staircase is not on the list give me a break. Also twisted sisters in Texas. Plus Dragon Tail at Dragon city tennessee

Talamena deserves a mention, for sure!

The author not only describes the challenges and highlights of the trip, but also offers helpful tips for other would-be adventurers. This is an enjoyable and inspiring read for anyone who loves to travel or ride motorcycles.

Another great contribution Clement. Keep em coming! And thanks for your service to our country. Chaplain Bob American Legion Post 107

I just road the Pyrenees from Barcelona to Bairritz and back, crossing the Spanish/French border several times. Best riding I’ve ever done.

Leaving South Africa out is a big mistake. We have among the best biking rides in the world with beauty that is breath taking.

The ultimate guide to thrilling adventures on two wheels. From winding coastal roads to mountain passes, these rides offer the ride of a lifetime. Get ready to experience the freedom of the open road

Wow, these “35 Bucket List Motorcycle Rides” sound exhilarating! I can’t wait to embark on these thrilling adventures, from cruising the Pacific Coast Highway to conquering the Tail of the Dragon. Each ride promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable memories. Time to rev up those engines and check off these epic journeys! 🏍️

You post Tibet but not Tennessee?? Some of the best MC roads in the country!! ?

This is globetrotting Clement Salvadori’s eclectic list of bucket list motorcycle rides. You can find all of our Tennessee motorcycle travel features here: https://ridermagazine.com/tag/tennessee-motorcycle-rides/

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Top 10 Must-Visit Motorcycle Tourism Destinations in the USA

Jun 19, 2023

In a world filled with predictable itineraries and tourist hotspots, riding a motorcycle breaks the mold. It's an invitation to embark on an adventure where the journey becomes as important as the destination. The wind in your face, the rumble of the engine, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories—these are the ingredients that make motorcycle travel an unparalleled experience.

In this article, we're here to fuel your wanderlust and present you with a handpicked selection of the top 10 must-visit motorcycle tourism destinations in the USA. Whether you're a seasoned motorcyclist seeking new thrills or a two-wheeled wanderer ready to hit the road for the first time, these classic destinations will ignite your passion for exploration.

1. The Iconic U.S. Route 66

• Location: Spanning from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California
• Distance: 2,448 miles long, crossing eight states
• Founded: November 11, 1926
• Significance: One of the first roads in the U.S. highway system
• Nicknames: The Mother Road, The Main Street of America, or simply Route 66

In motorcycle culture, U.S. Route 66 holds a special place as an enduring symbol of freedom, adventure, and life on the open road. It has been immortalized in literature, music, and films, becoming a part of the fabric of American folklore. Riding along this legendary highway is like taking a step back in time, experiencing the nostalgia of a bygone era.

Time Travel on Two Wheels

As you traverse the heartland of America, you'll encounter charming small towns, retro diners, vintage motels, and roadside attractions that have stood the test of time. The road itself presents a mix of straight stretches and winding sections, offering an exhilarating riding experience.

And if you're looking for the perfect ride to conquer U.S. Route 66, we highly recommend considering the legendary Harley-Davidson . With its iconic style, powerful performance, and rich heritage, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle will elevate your journey along this historic highway.

2. California 1: A Coastal Adventure

• Location: Spanning the picturesque coastline of California 
• Distance: Approximately 656 miles long 
• Founded: Original construction started in the 1930s 
• Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal landscapes 
• Highlight: Known for its winding roads and scenic vistas

One big reason riders love California 1 is because of its killer scenery. Picture this: cruising along the highway with the Pacific Ocean on one side and epic cliffs on the other. The combination of crashing waves, golden sandy beaches, and expansive blue horizons will make you feel like you're riding through a painting.

Discover the Coastal Magic

Start your journey in vibrant San Francisco, where you can ride across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and explore the city's eclectic neighborhoods. As you venture south, you'll encounter the charming coastal town of Monterey, known for its picturesque coastline and renowned aquarium. 

As you embark on the thrilling coastal adventure of California 1, there's one motorcycle brand that perfectly complements this iconic ride: BMW Motorrad. With their reliable performance and exceptional handling, BMW motorcycles are well-suited to tackle the twists and turns of this picturesque route. 

3. Blue Ridge Parkway: A Motorcycle Playground

• Location: Spanning 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina
• Construction: Started in 1935 and completed in 1987
• Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian landscapes
• Speed Limit: Set at 45 mph, allowing for a leisurely and enjoyable ride
• Popular Seasons: Fall attracts visitors with vibrant foliage, while spring and summer showcase blooming wildflowers

The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned among motorcycle enthusiasts for its unmatched riding opportunities. This nice road traverses through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a true playground for bikers. With its well-maintained roads and gentle curves, it’s the perfect balance of exhilaration and relaxation.

Motorcycle Bliss on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway connects a wide variety of tourist hotspots and recreational areas. There is something for everyone, from breathtaking panoramas from picturesque vistas to little mountain towns that greet travelers with their hospitality. Don't miss the chance to visit iconic spots like the Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and Peaks of Otter.

For your Blue Ridge Parkway adventure, Ducati is an excellent choice. With their powerful engines, agile handling, and sleek design, Ducati motorcycles add an extra level of excitement to your journey. Whether you opt for a sporty Ducati Monster or a versatile Multistrada, you'll effortlessly navigate the twists and turns of this motorcycling paradise.

4. Ride Through the Mountains on Beartooth Highway

• Location: Connecting Montana and Wyoming, starting in Red Lodge and ending in Cooke City
• Elevation: Reaching heights of over 10,000 feet, offering breathtaking mountain views
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, showcasing pristine alpine landscapes
• Road Conditions: Known for its well-maintained and winding roads, providing an exciting and challenging ride
• Season: Typically open from late May to October, depending on the weather

Riding the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming is a unique experience that will leave you amazed by nature. As you make your way through the twists and turns of this mountain road, beautiful views will surround you at every turn. Nothing compares to the feeling of freedom and adventure that comes with riding through this rugged landscape.

Epic Views, Alpine Lakes, and Charming Towns Await!

Be sure to make a stop at the Beartooth Pass, the highest point on the highway, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Explore the stunning Beartooth Plateau and its alpine lakes, including the picturesque Island Lake. And don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming town of Cooke City, where you can refuel, relax, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

When choosing a motorcycle brand for your Beartooth Highway adventure, Triumph motorcycles are an excellent choice. Whether you opt for the classic Triumph Bonneville or the agile Triumph Tiger, you'll have a machine that combines power, reliability, and a touch of elegance.

5. Deals Gap: North Carolina

• Location: On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee
• Distance: Approximately 11 miles long
• Road Condition: Known for its challenging and twisty roads, including the famous Tail of the Dragon
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains
• Highlight: Features 318 curves in just 11 miles, offering an exhilarating and technical ride

Deals Gap in North Carolina is a mecca for riders seeking a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The diverse riding opportunities and landscapes in North Carolina make it a top choice for bike tourism. 

Taming 318 Curves

The main attraction of Deals Gap is the infamous Tail of the Dragon, a stretch of road that boasts 318 curves in just 11 miles. This challenging and technical road will put your riding skills to the test and leave you with an adrenaline rush like no other. As you navigate each twist and turn, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains.

With their powerful performance, sleek design, and innovative features, Victory motorcycles are built to conquer challenging roads like the Tail of the Dragon. Whether you opt for the Victory Octane or the Victory Cross Country, you'll experience the thrill and confidence that comes with riding a Victory on this iconic route.

6. Yellowstone National Park: Wildlife and Winding Roads

• Location: Located primarily in Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho
• Size: Covers an area of 2.2 million acres
• Established: Established as the first national park in 1872
• Wildlife: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison
• Scenic Roads: Offers scenic routes such as the Grand Loop Road and Beartooth Highway

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its hot springs and geysers, like the famous Old Faithful. Seeing this natural marvel is a sight to behold. But Yellowstone isn't just about geysers. It also has stunning waterfalls, vast meadows, and serene lakes, perfect for endless exploration and exciting adventures.

Navigate Yellowstone's Peak Season

The best time of year for a cross-country motorcycle trip to Yellowstone is during the summer months when the roads are open and the weather is nice. July is particularly recommended, as the park is in full bloom and the wildlife is active. However, it's worth noting that Yellowstone can be crowded during peak season, so planning your visit accordingly is a must.

With their exceptional handling, reliability, and versatility, Yamaha bikes are built to handle the diverse terrain and challenging roads within the park. Whether you opt for the nimble Yamaha MT-09 or the adventure-ready Yamaha Super Tenere, you'll have a reliable and exhilarating ride to complement your Yellowstone adventure.

7. Historic Journey Through the South With Natchez Trace Parkway

• Location: Extends from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee
• Distance: Approximately 444 miles long
• Historic Significance: Traces its roots back to ancient Native American trade and travel routes
• Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, forests, and meadows
• Speed Limit: Set at a leisurely 50 mph, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable ride

The Natchez Trace Parkway holds a special place in American history. Originally used as a trade and travel route by Native Americans, it later became a vital thoroughfare for early settlers and explorers. Today, it stands as a living testament to the past, offering riders the opportunity to trace the footsteps of those who came before.

Discover the Southern Charm

As you journey through the Natchez Trace Parkway, you'll have the chance to explore charming towns and experience the warmth of Southern hospitality. Make a stop in historic Natchez, Mississippi, known for its antebellum mansions and rich cultural heritage. In Tennessee, immerse yourself in the lively music scene of Nashville, also known as the "Music City." 

Honda bikes offer a perfect balance of performance, reliability, and comfort, making them ideal for long rides through scenic routes. Whether you opt for the sporty Honda CB500X or the versatile Honda Africa Twin, you'll have a fun and trustworthy ride to accompany you on your historic journey through the South.

8. Cherohala Skyway

• Location: Connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina
• Distance: Approximately 43 miles long
• Elevation: Reaches heights of over 5,400 feet, offering stunning panoramic views
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the lush forests of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests
• Road Conditions: Known for its well-maintained and smooth asphalt, providing an enjoyable ride

The name is a portmanteau of Cherokee and Nantahala, the two national forests through which it passes. Adventure motorcyclists are drawn to the Cherohala Skyway for its thrilling twists, turns, and elevation changes. The road presents a perfect balance of sweeping curves and challenging sections, allowing riders to fully engage with the ride and experience the thrill of motorcycling. 

A Serpentine Adventure Connecting Tennessee and North Carolina

Riders can stop at overlooks and pull-offs for breathtaking views and photo ops. Don't forget to stop by Bald River Falls, a beautiful waterfall near the end of the Skyway in Tennessee where you can enjoy the peace of nature.

Suzuki offers a range of bikes that combine performance, agility, and reliability, making them ideal for conquering the twists and turns of this scenic route. Whether you choose the Suzuki V-Strom for its versatility or the Suzuki GSX-S1000 for its sporty handling, you'll have a trusted companion for your Cherohala Skyway journey.

9. The Coastal Splendor of Big Sur

• Location: Stretching along the central coast of California
• Distance: Approximately 90 miles of scenic coastal highway
• Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves
• Road Conditions: Known for its winding and narrow sections, requiring caution and attention
• Attractions: Features iconic landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls

One reason Big Sur and Highway 1 are beloved by motorcycle enthusiasts is the sense of freedom and connection with nature that they offer. Feel the rush of the wind on your face, hear the crashing of the waves, and enjoy the thrill of taking on each new turn as you ride along the road. There's something about the open road and the breathtaking seaside scenery that really speaks to bikers.

Explore Coastal Thrills

Along the route, you'll encounter several iconic attractions and natural wonders. Make a stop at the famous Bixby Bridge, a magnificent architectural marvel that spans a deep canyon. Marvel at the beauty of McWay Falls, a picturesque waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach. Take the time to explore the charming coastal towns, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax on the pristine beaches that dot the coastline.

When selecting a motorcycle brand for your Big Sur adventure, Can-Am motorcycles offer a unique and exciting choice. With their three-wheel design, Can-Am motorcycles provide stability and maneuverability, allowing riders to fully embrace the twists and turns of the coastal highway. Whether you choose the Can-Am Spyder for its sporty performance or the Can-Am Ryker for its nimble handling, you'll have a thrilling and unforgettable ride along the splendors of Big Sur.

10. Going-to-the-Sun Road: A Glacier National Park Adventure

• Location: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
• Distance: Approximately 50 miles of scenic mountain road
• Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks
• Road Conditions: A challenging road with steep grades, tight curves, and narrow sections
• Attractions: Highlights include Logan Pass, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Saint Mary Lake

This remarkable road is best experienced during the summer months when it is open and free of snow. The official opening and closing dates of the road can vary depending on weather and traffic conditions, so it's essential to plan your trip accordingly. Keep in mind that safety should be a top priority on this challenging road. It's crucial to ride cautiously, obey speed limits, and be aware of wildlife that may cross your path.

Ride into the Wilderness

Glacier National Park is a true gem for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road allows you to immerse yourself in its natural wonders. From the iconic Logan Pass, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views, to the scenic overlooks of Jackson Glacier and the pristine beauty of Saint Mary Lake, every mile of this route offers a feast for the senses.

For your Going-to-the-Sun Road adventure, Polaris motorcycles , such as Indian Motorcycle and Victory Motorcycles, are excellent choices. Polaris offers a range of powerful and reliable motorcycles that can handle the challenges of this mountainous road with ease. Whether you choose an Indian Chief or a Victory Cross Country, you'll have a thrilling and memorable ride through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Glacier National Park.

Diverse Riding Opportunities for All Bikers

The United States has an abundance of amazing roads that make it a dream destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. Just picture the sweeping curves of the Pacific Coast Highway or the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. American motorcyclists are truly spoiled for choice—it's like having a motorcycle playground at your fingertips!

However, before embarking on your two-wheeled adventure, it's crucial to find the right bike that suits your preferences and needs. This is where Riders Share comes in. As a leading platform in the motorcycle community, we bridge the gap between riders and their dream machines. 

Whether you're seeking a nimble sport bike or a comfortable cruiser, Riders Share provides a seamless platform for motorcycle rentals, allowing you to explore your passion without the need for ownership.

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The ultimate guide to riding Route 66 on a motorcycle

There's arguably no more iconic American road trip than the Mother Road—here’s how to travel it on two wheels

By Roadtrippers

If your idea of a perfect motorcycle road trip involves scenic, winding roads far away from people, cities, and cars, Route 66 might not be for you. But if you’re a fan of American history, kitschy roadside attractions, classic neon signs, mid-century architecture, Indigenous heritage and culture, and talking to friendly locals, there is arguably no better road trip in the world than driving the Mother Road. 

And if you ask me, the best way to experience it is by motorcycle.

Last year, Roadtrippers published Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica , and I immediately jumped on the chance to take the book out for a proper test run. This past October, I spent 7 days riding Route 66 from Illinois to California. Here’s what I learned along the way.

Roadtrippers Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica

What is route 66 .

Stretching 2,448 miles (3,940 kilometers) from Chicago in the east to Santa Monica in the west, Route 66 crosses through eight states and offers a near-perfect snapshot of the U.S.—from bustling cities to crumbling ghost towns. The original road was established in 1926, and during its mid-century heyday, small towns went all in on capturing the tourism that came along with the highway’s rise in popularity. Roadside attractions, diners, and motels sprang up along the route, many of which are still standing today. But as more and more sections of the original route were bypassed by interstate, other towns and destinations weren’t so lucky, and fell into disrepair or disappeared entirely. 

Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985, but it has seen a revival in the last few decades. According to Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, a lot of the buzz can be attributed to Pixar’s 2006 movie Cars .   

“The figure that’s quoted is that the businesses along the route saw a 30 percent jump just from the movie,” he says. “And as those kids grow up and introduce their own kids to Cars , that’s getting them interested in the history and the story. And now, just from a greater cultural standpoint, you have people who are more interested in authentic experiences.” 

And despite the occasional tourist trap, you’d be hard pressed to find a more authentic road trip experience than Route 66. 

Related: The Roadtrippers guide to Route 66

What to ride on a route 66 motorcycle road trip.

When I first started planning my trip, I knew that I wanted to do it on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I’d conjured up images of cruising down the highway on a chromed-out machine that, in many people’s minds, occupies the same cultural space as the Mother Road itself: a bit dated, perhaps, but still undeniably American.  

Instead of a classic cruiser, I got the opportunity to ride Harley-Davidson’s new adventure motorcycle, the Pan America . Comfortable, fast, and able to go anywhere, it ended up being the perfect choice for the trip. And I couldn’t help but appreciate the juxtaposition between riding a new generation of Harley on the most classic American road.   

For those not bringing their own motorcycle, the easiest choice is to rent a bike. Motorcycle rental company EagleRider has locations in both Chicago and Los Angeles, and the option of a one-way rental is available for an additional fee. EagleRider also offers guided and self-guided Route 66 tours. The 15-day self-guided tour package starts at about $2,500—however, it is entirely possible to ride all of Route 66 in 7 to 10 days, as long as you’re comfortable riding a few hundred miles per day. 

If you’re able to pick up and drop off the bike in the same location, you’re going to have a lot more options. Peer-to-peer rental platforms such as Riders Share and Twisted Road generally offer a wider range of models at a lower price point than traditional rental companies. I’ve also heard of people purchasing a used motorcycle at the start of the route and selling it after they reach the end—but that involves a lot more risk, money, and paperwork than most people are going to be comfortable with.

What to pack for a Route 66 motorcycle road trip

No matter what bike you end up with, make sure it’s comfortable enough to ride long distances on, and that it has space to carry all your gear. Since Route 66 crosses through multiple states with widely varying climates, you’ll want to make sure you pack for all-weather travel.  

Traveling on a motorcycle means always being exposed to the elements, with very little protection beyond what you’re wearing. Depending on the time of year you travel Route 66, you may hit everything from scorching heat to snowstorms (in fact, you’re likely to encounter both some of the hottest and coldest days of your journey just within the state of Arizona). 

The best way to handle extreme weather on a motorcycle is to bring layers. Make sure you pack both warm and cool base layers, protective gear (built-in armor and abrasion-resistant fabrics are highly recommended), and rain gear. For next-level comfort in the cold, I recommend investing in heated gear.    

Route 66 runs through multiple large or mid-sized cities, and you’re never far from restaurants or gas stations. That said, it’s always a good idea to carry water and snacks on your bike in case of an emergency. A basic toolkit can also be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. A lot can happen in 2,400 miles—parts rattle loose, tires wear out, and oil may need to be refilled. Make sure you carry tools that fit your specific bike, and regularly check things like brakes, fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and bolts. 

Related: How to prepare for a motorcycle road trip 

State-by-state itinerary.

Original route mileage: 301 miles (484 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Start of Route 66 sign, Gemini Giant, Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Bunyon with a Hot Dog, Pink Elephant Antiques, World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago. Anyone who’s ridden a motorcycle here, or in any major metropolitan downtown area, knows it’s not necessarily the most enjoyable experience; navigating around traffic, pedestrians, and one-way streets is a far cry from the open road. But it’s definitely still worth kicking off the trip with a photo in front of one of the Historic Route 66 “Begin” signs located along East Adams Street. One is on the north side of the street near Michigan Avenue and another on the south side, in a small park near Wabash Avenue. I was able to easily find motorcycle parking just in front of the Wabash Avenue sign. 

If you’re already hungry, consider grabbing a donut hole from Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant & Bakery , or stop at Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket just outside of the city for one of the most classic Route 66 dining experiences. Just a heads up: You’ll likely be eating a lot of greasy American cuisine over the next few days, so pace yourself.

Continuing on the greasy food theme, a favorite stop for bikers is the Launching Pad diner, a Route 66 staple in Wilmington, Illinois. The parking lot is typically packed with motorcycles and vintage cars, and the Gemini Giant Muffler Man makes for a great photo op. There’s also a gas station conveniently located across the street. I ended up spending more than an hour here talking to other motorcyclists who wanted to hear about my bike—the Pan America is still so new that seeing one out in the wild is a novelty, and I was more than happy to sing its praises. It was a good reminder: Motorcyclists love to talk about motorcycles, so make sure to factor in extra time for chit chat during gas stops.  

About 100 miles southwest of Wilmington is Atlanta, another small town packed with Route 66 attractions. Don’t miss the Bunyon with a Hot Dog Muffler Man or the Route 66 Arcade Museum , both located on the same block of Arch Street in downtown. 

After a long first day on the road, I rolled into St. Louis, Missouri, just as the sun was starting to set. I took a slight detour on the way to my hotel to check out Gateway Arch National Park , which was beautiful at sunset.  

Related: A resurrected Route 66 diner serves up hot fudge sundaes with a side of grief counseling

Original route mileage: 317 miles (510 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Gateway Arch National Park, Murals of Cuba, World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair, Uranus Fudge Factory, Gary’s Gay Parita, Red Oak II

My first stop after leaving St. Louis was at the Route 66 State Park visitor center, located just off I-44 along the Meramec River in Eureka, Missouri. It started raining as I pulled into the parking lot, so I went inside to hide from the weather. The visitor center has a small museum documenting the road’s history in the state, and a helpful staffer gave me a printed map and pointed me in the direction of the route’s original alignment.

As with much of Route 66, the original road in Missouri largely runs parallel to the interstate, and it’s easy to get on and off. With my tight schedule, I ended up making a list of stops ahead of the trip and, in the interest of saving time, jumped on and off the freeway between stops. Those with more time to spend on the route will be able to meander along on its original parts. This is an excellent way to find small towns that may be less touristy, but still packed with history and hidden gems. “Generally speaking, if you find yourself on the interstate and you’re passing a lot of towns, you’ve missed something somewhere,” Martin says.

While the Missouri stretch of Route 66 is often beautiful—it crosses through the lush, green Ozarks—the weather was not in my favor. It was pouring rain for most of the day I spent riding through the state, but with proper rain gear and a quick switch to “rain mode” on the motorcycle, it wasn’t too bad. 

I stopped for lunch in Cuba, a town known for its murals depicting historical events. Since I don’t eat meat, I opted out of Missouri Hick ’s famous barbecue and instead found Little Shop of Comics & Audrey’s Eatery on Main Street, a cozy comic book shop with a cafe in the back. I ordered soup and waited out the rain. 

Back on the road, I made my way to the World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair (it used to be the largest, until 2015, when an even bigger rocking chair in Casey, Illinois, knocked it down to second place), the Devil’s Elbow Bridge , and the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store . The latter may be a classic tourist trap, but anyone who enjoys potty humor will have a good time in Uranus. 

One of my must-see stops was Gary’s Gay Parita , a replica of a 1930 Sinclair gas station. The property is packed with memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66, including vintage cars, gas pumps, signs, old glass bottles, and more. The current owner, George Bowick, has a wealth of Route 66 knowledge and is happy to share it with anyone who asks. As we were chatting, Lady Bird, his tame goose, nibbled on my boots. Bowick recommended I visit Red Oak II on my way into Carthage, so naturally I obliged. 

Red Oak II is a unique type of place. Created by artist Lowell Davis, it’s a replica of the real Red Oak, Missouri, where Davis grew up. After leaving for many years and returning to find that his hometown had turned into a ghost town, Davis started moving buildings from the old town and restoring them on his farm just outside Carthage. The result is a quaint but eerie town that feels completely frozen in time. I didn’t see a single person during my visit, but a very sweet dog showed up out of nowhere and escorted me around. 

Original route mileage: 13 miles (21 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Cars on the Route, Gearhead Curios, Rainbow Bridge

The Kansas section of Route 66 is short but sweet. In just about 13 miles, the state manages to pack in several can’t-miss stops. Entering into Kansas through Missouri’s Old 66 Boulevard puts you at the north end of Main Street in Galena (population: 3,000). Your first stop here should be Cars on the Route , a restored Kan-O-Tex service station. Grab some snacks or Cars memorabilia, and check out the old truck that inspired the movie’s Tow Mater character.     

As you ride down Main Street, you’ll come across the Galena City Jail, another vintage service station called Gearhead Curios, and a large “Galena on Historic Route 66” mural. I can never pass up a good bridge, so from Galena I continued onto the Rainbow Bridge, a beautiful Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge built in 1923 over Bush Creek.

If you have time for a detour, the Tri-State Marker just a few miles south of the route allows you to stand in three states at once: Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, a worthy photo op.

Original route mileage: 432 miles (695 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Blue Whale of Catoosa, Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66, Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, POPS Soda Ranch, Lucille’s Service Station, Sandhills Curiosity Shop

If you’ve ever traveled I-44 through Oklahoma, you’re already familiar with its most annoying feature: the frequent cash-only toll booth stops. From the Missouri state line and all the way to Oklahoma City, old Route 66 runs parallel to I-44, and if you have the time (and want to save a few dollars), it’s a much more pleasant way to travel. It’s also the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss any roadside attractions along the way.

The first must-see stop in Oklahoma on my list was the Blue Whale of Catoosa , one of the most recognizable stops along the route. I sat down at a picnic table for a snack while admiring this roadside attraction, originally built as an anniversary gift to a wife who loved whales. 

In Tulsa, I took a much-needed break from greasy diners with lunch at Chimera Cafe. I had originally planned to avoid bigger cities as much as possible on this trip, but Tulsa is a real Route 66 goldmine and I ended up spending more time here than I originally planned. One of the highlights was Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios and its Space Cowboy Muffler Man. Just as I was about to leave, a guy rode in on a dual-sport motorcycle to ask me about my bike. This turned out to be Chris Wollard, the local artist who designed and built the Space Cowboy’s shiny rocket ship ( Mark Cline fabricated the Muffler Man). 

A few hours later I stopped at the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum . While chatting with the guy at the front desk, I quickly realized we had friends in common. The museum is small but jam-packed with vintage motorcycles dating back to the early 1900s. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. 

I stayed the night in Elk City, home to the National Route 66 Museum. The next morning I was on the road by sunrise, heading toward my final stop in Oklahoma: Sandhills Curiosity Shop . Owned by “hillbilly hoarder” Harley Russell, it’s neither a store nor a museum—but it’s a classic Route 66 stop that makes for a great photo op. 

Related: Route 66’s most famous hillbilly hoarder, presides over a shop where nothing is for sale

Original route mileage: 186 miles (299 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Tower Conoco Station & U-Drop Inn, Slug Bug Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Cafe

The Texas Panhandle, with its flat plains and unrelenting stretch of I-40, isn’t necessarily known as the most scenic place to ride a motorcycle. However, this part of the Mother Road features some of its most iconic stops—and some of the best detours.

There are so many vintage service stations—restored or abandoned—along Route 66 that it’s impossible to visit them all. But if you only have time for one, the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock is a stunning art deco masterpiece that should not be missed. As a bonus, Ramone’s House of Body Art, the auto body shop in Cars , was heavily inspired by this building.    

One of the more famous Route 66 attractions in Texas is Cadillac Ranch . And while that’s absolutely worth a stop, I found Slug Bug Ranch to be a less crowded and equally enjoyable alternative. Located just 15 miles east of Cadillac Ranch, this whimsical tribute features a row of Volkswagen Beetles buried nose down and covered in graffiti. 

During my jaunt through Texas, I decided I’d had enough of riding straight, flat highways and needed a change of scenery. After grabbing lunch in Amarillo, I took a 30-mile detour south to Palo Duro Canyon State Park . Home to the second largest canyon system in the country, the gorgeous scenery and steep switchbacks of the park did not disappoint. If you go, remember to check the forecast beforehand—due to its microclimate, temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can be significantly higher than at the rim. 

As I continued my journey west, I made a final stop in Texas at the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian. This roadside diner and gift shop marks the official halfway point of Route 66—1,139 miles down, 1,139 miles to go.

Original route mileage: 487 miles (784 kilometers)  Must-see highlights: Russell’s Travel Center & Car Museum, Tee Pee Curios, Blue Swallow Motel, Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, Tinkertown, Old Town Albuquerque, Laguna Pueblo, Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave, El Rancho Hotel

While New Mexico has no shortage of mid-century kitsch, it’s also arguably the best state along the route to dive deep into Indigenous history and culture. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s pueblos and Native American villages were all closed to visitors during my trip. 

I spent the night at one of the most iconic accommodations along the route: the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, a classic 1940s motor court (each room comes with a private garage for your motorcycle) known for its spectacular neon signage. I rolled in right before sunset and was lucky enough to get the last available room, despite not having made a reservation in advance. This irked my neighbors in the room next door, who had made their reservations months earlier. But as several people I spoke to during the trip confirmed, the route was much less busy than normal because the pandemic had temporarily halted the influx of one of the most prevalent Route 66 travelers: the European tourist. 

Tucumcari is worth a visit whether you’re staying the night or not. Pick up a souvenir from Tee Pee Curios , grab a home-cooked meal from Del’s Restaurant, or get a photo in front of one of the town’s Route 66 murals. 

Heading west through the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque contains the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 within a single city. Here, you can stand at the intersection of two different historical alignments of the highway. Beyond its Mother Road legacy, the city is also home to mid-century modern architecture , a Historic Old Town area packed with museums, the famous Balloon Fiesta (which, coincidentally, took place during my visit), and tons of artsy Southwestern charm. On my way into town, I took a detour to ride some proper switchback roads to the top of the Sandia Crest ridge. 

Before heading into Arizona, I stopped in Gallup to admire the historic El Rancho Hotel and say “howdy” to the cowboy Muffler Man at John’s Used Cars. 

Original route mileage: 401 miles (645 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post, Petrified Forest National Park, Jackrabbit Trading Post, Standin’ on the Corner Park, La Posada Hotel, Two Guns, Twin Arrows Trading Post, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, Hackberry General Store, Cool Springs Gas Station

In just over 400 miles, the Arizona stretch of Route 66 packs in so many must-see stops—including ghost towns, a national park, vintage service stations, interesting architecture, and roadside attractions—that it might be worth budgeting in some extra time to make sure you don’t miss anything. If you can, add an additional day to your itinerary for a detour to the Grand Canyon as well.   

You’ll know you’ve entered Arizona when you see the big yellow signs for Yellowhorse , a Navajo-owned trading post set against a dramatic red rock backdrop. Both Yellowhorse and the neighboring Teepee Trading Post are perfect places to stop for souvenirs, photos, and snacks. 

My next stop was Petrified Forest National Park , the only national park to have a section of Old Route 66 preserved inside it. Exploring the entire park can easily take a full day or more—but for those only interested in the Mother Road marker, it’s located in the northern part of the park, a 20-minute ride from I-40 along a scenic road (note that you will need to pay the park entrance fee to access it).   

Arizona has several towns that have gone all in on their Route 66 legacy, including Holbrook, Winslow, Seligman, and Kingman. But one of the more intriguing stops along the entire Mother Road is located off I-40 right in between Holbrook and Winslow. Those who’ve been paying attention may have noticed a few bright yellow mileage signs at other locations along the route. These all point to the Jack Rabbit Trading Post , an unassuming roadside souvenir store, and you’ll know you’ve arrived by the massive “Here it is” billboard.  

Some other highlights in the Grand Canyon State include standing on the corner in Winslow, exploring the ruins of the Two Guns ghost town, grabbing a sundae at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap in Seligman, and riding the Oatman Highway—not for the faint of heart, it features 191 curves in 8 miles, a narrow roadway with no guardrails, and roaming burros that tend to be standing in the middle of the road as you’re coming around a tight turn.    

The Arizona section of Route 66 also contains what is probably the most drastic change in climate you’ll find in a single state during your trip. On one of the days I spent here, I woke up to 45-degree weather in Flagstaff. A few hours later, as I was crossing the Colorado River and making my way into California, the temperature was closer to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you’ve packed layers, or chances are you’ll be uncomfortable at some point.

Related: Lured by gold and ghosts, visitors just can’t quit the tiny mountain town of Oatman, Arizona

Original route mileage: 314 miles (505 kilometers) Must-see highlights: Roy’s Motel and Cafe, Amboy Crater, Calico Ghost Town, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, First Original McDonald’s Museum, Wigwam Village Motel No. 7, Aztec Hotel, Santa Monica Pier

The California section of Route 66 starts in Needles. As I was grabbing food at the local Wagon Wheel Restaurant, I noticed a hand-written sign inside, summing up the town: “Needles, California, hot spot known for absolutely nothing; 20 miles from water, 2 feet from hell.”  

Heading west through the California desert, the first can’t-miss stop on this part of the route is Roy’s Motel and Cafe in Amboy. This gas station and souvenir shop is a popular stop for photos thanks to its iconic—and recently restored—neon sign. Nearby you’ll also find Amboy Crater , a 250-foot-tall volcanic cinder cone, where you can hike by lava lakes, basalt flows, and collapsed lava tubes. 

Make a pit stop at Calico Ghost Town , walk through the glass forest at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch , and get nostalgic at the First Original McDonald’s Museum before it’s time to leave the more quiet and remote parts of this trip behind and enter the busy city streets of Los Angeles. 

As you get closer to the coast, you may experience something you haven’t seen since you left Chicago: traffic. Los Angeles has a lot of it—however, since lane filtering is legal in the state, you can easily bypass it on a motorcycle. Just go slow and stay alert. 

The western half of California’s Route 66 passes through several bustling cities and towns, where strip malls and chain restaurants greatly outnumber quirky roadside attractions. But keep your eyes peeled for mid-century architecture, neon signs, and vintage service stations along this stretch, including Cucamonga Service Station ; built in 1915, it actually predates the route. 

Unfortunately you can’t ride a motorcycle all the way to the finish line—but when you reach the Pacific Ocean, park your bike and walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier to get a photo in front of the iconic “End of the Trail” sign. Congratulations, you made it.

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10 Best Scenic Motorcycle Rides Near Phoenix, Arizona

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The state of Arizona is often showcased in films and photos for its aesthetic scenery, and for those who love to get outside and enjoy it for themselves, there are plenty of ways to do that. If you have a motorcycle and want to ride some of the most scenic and enjoyable rides in the state, we have a list of 10 scenic motorcycle rides in Arizona for for you to try next time you head out for the open road!

View the Best Spas Near Phoenix

Need some relaxation after your trip? View our list of the best spas near Phoenix.

Scenic Sedona

From Sedona to Flagstaff on the 89A

It’s no surprise to people familiar with Sedona that there are many gorgeous canyons and other desert features. With some of the most dramatic terrain changes in the state, the motorcycle ride to Flagstaff from Sedona in Arizona is unforgettable. We recommend traveling on the 89A highway to enjoy the best views of the surrounding landscape.

Apache Trail

From Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat

With more iconic desertland to enjoy, this ride on Apache Trail shows off mountains, high walled canyons, and even a view of Canyon Lake.

Read More: 4 Ways to Drive From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon

Globe Triangle Route

From Superior to Winkleman to Globe

This historic and scenic motorcycle route is full of scenery from a bygone era. A ride on this route in Arizona is chock-full of views that are meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace. It’s recommended you take your time as you head on the three very different roads on this trip.

Mesa Triangle Route

From Mesa to Globe to Punkin Center

This route has a lot to see, but you should keep moving! There’s no room to stop for pictures, but you’ll be getting a great view of Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake as you ride.

Read More: 10 Trending Memes That Every Person in Arizona Understands

Cottonwood Canyon Run

From Wickenburg to Cottonwood on the 89A

Another awesome drive from a desert aesthetic into “pine country”, this route has a number of towns to stop in for a bite. Prescott may even have their arts festivals going on certain days, which makes for a more interesting day trip before you continue through to Cottonwood!

Catalina Highway

From East Tucson to Mt. Lemmon Trailheads

This old highway heads out from Tucson to Summerville in Arizona, with dramatic scenery changes throughout. Start your scenic motorcycle ride at 2,800 feet to nearly 10,000 feet to see the most of the Catalina mountains!

Lake Mary Road

From Flagstaff to Payson

This road takes riders through the Coconino National Forest, a protected park that offers a bit of shade and cool for Arizonans riding through during the summer. Coming down from the mountains, there’s a few sharp turns — so ride carefully!

Read More: Best Things to Do in Phoenix This Weekend

Route 60 North

From Globe to Show Low

Starting in Globe, which houses incredible archaeological sites and ending in a town iconic of the Old West, this route takes you by Seneca Lake and the waterfalls there, along with a view of Salt River Canyon that can’t be beat!

Arivaca Sweepers

From Amado to the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Amazing ride with a panorama of desert and mountains, along with the occasional cow to look for. Keep an eye out, and you’ll surely enjoy the open road!

North Bush Highway

From the Loop-202 to Saguaro Lake

Although there are no gas stations along the way, this ride is still optimal for stopping and starting or riding all the way to Saguaro Lake, enjoying the cliffs, the rivers, and the local wildlife throughout!

Read More: Types of Christmas Lights & Decorations for Homes

About Author

David Young

As a professional story consultant for screenwriters across the country and a Film and Media Studies graduate from Arizona State University, David enjoys writing work of all kinds. Whether it’s writing for narrative podcasts or development as owner and staff screenwriter of an independent film studio, he's always taking another helping of "story business" onto his plate. David's fondness for science fiction and Lovecraftian short stories is rivaled only by his love for and knowledge in craft coffee. His own feature film, Wish You Were Here, has placed as a Semi-Finalist of the Best Director Award from BEST FILM AWARDS and premiered April 2021.

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Published on 17/02/2022 – Updated on: 15/08/2022

> Jump to the list <

If you want to find a new great restaurant or buy a new electronic gadget or explore the best motorcycle routes and itineraries anywhere in the world, you want to hear about real experiences.

When I decided to write this article, I wanted to do the same so I went on a few Facebook groups where motorcyclists from all over the globe hang around and asked:

“What are the routes that any motorcyclist should ride at least once in life? Anywhere in the world” 

The response was awesome! I didn’t expect so many replies.

Here is the list of Facebook groups that allowed me to collect the main information to write this article (If you haven’t done it yet, join them… there’s a lot of great content published every day!)

• Motorcycle Roads & Trips
• Motorcycle Touring
• Support Bikers
• ADV-Riders on Facebook
• Bikers United (UK)
• Motorcycle Camping and Touring
• Riders of the World

Here’s the thing though. When I started to take down notes and assign research tasks to our team, I realized that it would be simply impossible to offer enough information about all the suggested routes and itineraries within one single article.

I have gathered a list of over 60 routes within the first day and there is really a lot to say about each of them. 

So in this article, you will find the list of the “must ride” routes around the world, based on riders’ online community suggestions and some basic information about each.

Just enough to generate a spark of inspiration and start researching for your bucket list.

One last thing before we jump to the list…

Among all the suggestions there was a comment that I thought to be a real inspiration and I truly believe that it doesn’t apply only to motorcycle touring but to life in general, so I asked for the commentator’s permission to screenshot it and include it in this article:

Alright… let’s get started with the list of motorcycle touring “must ride” routes .

Ps. they are not in any particular order .

60+ Routes around the world for motorcycle touring

Click on the route names to jump straight to them if you don’t want to scroll

• Gillies Highway (Australia)
• Utah Highway 12 (USA)
• Stelvio Pass (Italy)
• Tail of the Dragon (USA)
• Coronado Trail (USA)
• Haines Highway (USA)
• Icefields Parkway (Canada)
• The Road to Pai (Thailand)
• Blue Ridge Parkway (USA)
• D400 (Turkey)
• Routes des Grand Alpes (France)
• Route 4036 (Thailand)
• Mae Hong Son Loop (Thailand)
• Route 1 (Israel)
• Pacific Coast Highway (USA)
• Moki Dugway (USA)
• Idaho Discovery Route (USA)
• Lolo Pass (USA)
• California SR 299 (USA)
• California SR 36 (USA)
• Cabot Trail (Canada)
• Scenic Route 6 (USA)
• North Cascade Highway (USA)
• Route 66 (USA)
• Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway (USA)
• The Cat & The Fiddle Road (UK)
• Snake Pass (UK)
• Coromandel Loop (New Zealand)
• Beartooth Pass (USA)
• North Coast 500 (Scotland)
• Hardknott Pass (UK)
• Transalpina (Romania)
• Transfagarasan (Romania)
• Shipka Pass (Bulgaria)
• Baros Pass (Greece)
• Pacific Highway 101 (USA)
• Beklemeto Pass (Bulgaria)
• Route 198 (Bulgaria)
• N621 Picos de Europa (Spain)
• SP50 Nivolet Pass (Italy)
• Cañón del Pato (Peru)
• Orange River Canyon (Namibia)
• Swartberg Pass (South Africa)
• Sani Pass (South Africa)
• Estrada Nacional 2 (Portugal)
• Naude’s Neck Pass (South Africa)
• R711 (South Africa)
• Chapman’s Peak (South Africa)
• Dalton Highway (USA)
• Carretera Austral (Chile)
• E69 to North Cape (Norway)
• Trollstigen (Norway)
• Shkoder to Theth (Albania)
• Karakoram Highway (Pakistan)
• Eastern Sierra Mountains (USA)
• Smoky Mountains (USA)
• Columbia River Gorge (USA)
• Great Ocean Road (Australia)
• Espinazo del Diablo (Mexico)
• Highway 16, British Columbia (Canada)
• Cortez to Mesa Verde National Park (USA)
• “The Pig Trail” Highway 23, Arizona (USA)

Gillies Highway, Australia

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dan&Annie | Vanlife Australia (@doingdownunder)

Photo courtesy of Dan & Annie

The highway makes its way in the Gillies Range (800mt.). Famous for its 263 corners in just 19km and connects Goldsborough Valley to the Atherton Tableland. Top things to see around? The Volcanic Crater Lake Barrine, Gadgarra forest reserve, Lake Eacham.

Back to the motorcycle routes list

Utah Highway 12 aka Scenic Byway 12, USA

Officially one of the All American Roads for “intrinsic qualities” (archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic), the Scenic Byway 12 runs mostly through the Dixie National Forest.

Expect deep canyons, forests, lakes. Definitely, a must if you like camping too.

Stelvio pass, Italy

The highest mountain pass in Italy, loved by both motorcyclists and cyclists. At 2.758 m, Stelvio Pass offers a breathtaking landscape. Just don’t get too much distracted and keep your eyes on the road: there are 48 hairpin turns in 49 Km.

There are several national parks in the surrounding areas and the small town of Bormio, famous for its ski slopes and 9 natural thermal springs.

Tail of the Dragon, USA

The Tail of the Dragon – or Deals Gap – on US 129 is considered America’s number one road for motorcycles and sports cars.

The scenic route winds through 318 curves in just 11 minutes – including hairpins and switchbacks – twisting and turning through the mountains on the Tennessee and North Carolina border.

The route is open all year round but best enjoyed between April and October and is especially scenic during the fall months – note, snow is likely in the winter months.

Coronado Trail – Highway 191, USA

Nicknamed The Devil’s Highway, The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway on Route 191 is the 6th spur off of Route 66 – or Route 666. The road rivals The Tail of The Dragon as one of the most scenic routes in the country.

Boasting 1200 hairpins, 600 curves and switchbacks, and climbing over 6000 feet in elevation throughout the ride, the route offers a diverse and ever-changing landscape. Fall is often the best time to visit, with fewer tourists than the summer months but without the cold of winter.

Haines Highway, USA

Haines Highway is a 244 km route connecting Haines, Alaska with Yukon, Canada. The route passes through the coastal rain forests, the St Elias Mountain range and is a great place to spot grizzlies, glacier bears and bald eagles.

The National Scenic Byway (since 2009) is one of the most remote roads in the USA, and there are very few amenities and gas stations – so planning is key! The route is usually “snow free” between May and October.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

Considered one of the most spectacular rides in the world, the 232km Icefields Parkway route connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park, with Jasper in Jasper National Park through the Canadian Rockies.

The route takes around three hours – but there are plenty of unmissable stops on the way, including the icefields, waterfalls, and ancient glaciers. The ride is best enjoyed in the warmer weather – preferably between June and September.

Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but the winter weather conditions are far from ideal for bikers!

The Road to Pai, Thailand

The infamous 762-turn Chiang Mai to Pai ride , with switchbacks, hairpins, and a steep ascent, is not for the faint-hearted. Route 1095 cuts through the Mae Hong Son Mountain region.

As the road climbs, riders are treated to unbeatable views over the rolling hills, deep valleys, and dense forest canopies. For an unforgettable experience, the Mork Fa Waterfall is a great place to cool off during your ride!

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway attracts thousands of motorcyclists every year to its 400+ miles of stop-free roadway with a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The 469-mile route links the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and is considered one of “America’s Favourite Drives”. Take the route in fall to see the famous fall colours, when the road is most scenic.

D400 – Datça to Esendere, Turkey

The D400 stretches 2032 kilometres between Datça and Esendere in Turkey, hugging the Mediterranean coastline on the hillsides between the sea and the forests. The curvy route has very few straights and remains at 20m above sea level for almost the entire stretch.

Turkey can reach temperatures of 40C+ (105F+) in the summer months, so it’s best to avoid July and August – unless you do mind stopping every hour or so for a dip in the med!

Check out the full article on D 400 Highway

Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Traveling 710 kilometres through the Alps, the Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the world’s most legendary roads for motorcycle touring.

Beginning in Thonon-Les-Bains the route takes you through the mountains, past Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, through the mountains and forests, alpine meadows and a handful of ski-resorts from Menton to Cote d’Azur.

The road takes you from the mountains to the Mediterranean through 18 Alpine Mountain passes with plenty of hairpins and switchbacks to keep you on your toes.

Route 4036 – Chanthaburi Coast, Thailand

Stretching from Chak Makrut Junction to Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit Junction in Eastern Thailand and covering 100km, the famous coastal road has appeared in a handful of films and advertisements.

The scenic route hugs the Thai coast, offering spectacular views of local beaches, numerous temples, and lush, tropical jungle.

Temperatures can reach over 30c in the summer months and the rainy season takes place between May and October so it’s best to visit in the dry season – when it’s also much cooler – from December to February.

Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand

Deep in the lush valleys of northern Thailand is the Mae Hong Son Loop: a winding adventure best traveled by motorbike. This mist-covered jungle route is famous for its 1860 curves and 373-mile-long road.

While it’s possible to complete the loop in just 4 days, the more time you spend here, the better. A treasure of sites – dubbed the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son Loop attractions – are waiting to be explored.

Masada to Jerusalem – Route 1, Israel

A historical path along the beautiful blue Dead Sea coast, Route 1 from Masada to Jerusalem is an easy drive. It’s one of Israel’s most scenic locations, and the open highway stretches out to about 64 miles.

There are stunning mountain views along the well-traveled route. You can reach the Holy City in about 2 hours but leave early enough to enjoy the landscape and gentle descent. There are a few places to stop along the way.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Movies, TV shows, songs – and video games – celebrate the famous Pacific Coast Highway. About an 8 hour drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Highway 1 is an exhilarating road trip through the stunning California coast.

The route is approximately 450 miles long, with breathtaking ocean views. You’ll also pass through lush forests and rugged cliffsides. Visit San Jose, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur along the way. Motorcyclists will enjoy this ultimate US West Coast experience.

Moki Dugway / Utah Highway 261, USA

Literally carved through a cliffside, this rugged route is one for the adventurers. Utah Highway 261 switches dramatically between paved and dirt road – with over 3 miles of steeply graded paths at a whopping 11%.

Brave bikers can expect a descent of about 1100 feet during the 32-mile route. More than just a thrill ride, the dugway offers the most stunning views in Utah – including the sprawling Valley of the Gods and San Juan River Canyon.

Idaho Discovery Route, USA

The Idaho Discovery Route is a motorcycle experience with a difference – and it’s not for the fainthearted. Covering 1250 miles of back-to-back winding roads, throw corners and switch backs – miles from civilisation and cell phone reception, the route is one of a kind.

It’s the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization and is mostly non-paved, allowing for maximum adventure! The route will take 5 to 8 days, with between 100 and 150 miles per day and is best left for the experienced riders.

Lolo pass (US 12), USA

Starting at Lewiston, Idaho and finishing at Missoula, Montana through the Rocky Mountains, the Lola Pass, or US12, covers 175 and the entire width of Idaho. Enjoy 67 miles of constant sweeping and tight curves – perfect for thrill-seekers.

The road has very little traffic, even in the summer months, and the road surfaces are well maintained. In the Lolo Forest don’t miss the white-water rapids, hot springs and – of course – the beautiful forest itself.

California State Route 299, USA

Also known as the Trinity Scenic Byway, this 142-mile route is a California favourite. Starting at Highway 101 in Arcata, the route takes you to Redding – from the coast, through the out-of-this-world Redwood Groves and along the Trinity River.

The Redwoods are some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees – and something everyone should see in person at least once in their lives, and there’s no better way to experience the giants than two wheels!

California State Route 36, USA

If you’re looking for a twisty road, Route 36 boasts 140 miles of them, through some of the state’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Starting in Redbluff and finishing in Fortuna, the road starts with a warning for curves – and despite passing through the world’s tallest trees (the Redwoods) and great views from the higher elevations, the twisty corners will have your attention fixed 100% on the road.

The road surface is well-maintained – however the rapid and extreme range in elevation and added difficulty of the “roller-coaster” curves, this road is for the experienced rider.

Roswell to Carrizozo – US380, USA

A leisurely and scenic drive through the Roswell desert, the US 380 route has tons of small attractions along the way. It will take you about 1 hour and 46 minutes to Carrizozo, but it would be best to stop to see the sights.

The areas around the 90-mile highway have a few unusual charms. Visit the small communities of Capitan, Tinnie, Hondo, Picacho, and Lincoln. Be sure to check out these quaint towns and significant historical markers.

Cabot Trail – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Cabot Trail offers riders spectacular views, weaving along the gorgeous coast of the Cape Breton Highland National Park.

A trip will take about 5 hours, but with so much natural beauty on this 186-mile highway, you may want to spend more time exploring the area. Hiking, camping – and even a round of golf – are just some of the adventures you can find here. Kayaking & whale watching are popular, with skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months.

Scenic Route 6 – Pennsylvania, USA

National Geographic calls Route 6 one of America’s “most scenic drives.” This peaceful highway stretch lives up to its title. Deep in the heart of nature, the route winds over 400 miles through sprawling forests and mountains.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic, it’s an ideal cross-country road trip for riders. Plan several days of travel to soak in the breathtaking natural attractions: the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the Tioga-Hammond Lakes, and the Kinzua Sky Walk, to name a few.

North Cascade Highway – SR 20 WA, USA

A winding stretch in the Pacific Northwest, the North Cascades Highway takes you on a journey into the outdoors. With an elevation of 5477 feet, the drive is about 3 hours – but majestic, rugged mountains and dense green forests will keep you in awe on the 120-mile route.

Rest and recharge by making stops at Diablo Dam, Methow Valley & the North Cascades National Park – where you will find gorgeous views of riverbanks and valleys.

Route 66, USA

Affectionately called “The Mother Road”, Route 66 is more than just a historic highway. Many travelers have this on their bucket lists because the 2400 mile road crosses over 8 states and 3 time zones.

It takes approximately 3 weeks to get through. It’s an adventure into the length and breadth of America, and it spans east to west from Chicago to Los Angeles. It’s the ultimate road trip with a map of small-town and big-city attractions to explore.

Highway 75 along the Missouri River, USA

Also known as the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway, this pass offers the most stunning views of Nebraska. The route runs parallel to the beautiful Missouri River and is over 1700 miles long.

Expect some curves along the winding road. It’s an otherwise easy drive surrounded by heavy woods. This area has a long history of Native American culture, with a few attractions and peaceful natural landscapes. It’s a popular route for motorcyclists.

The Cat and Fiddle road, UK

From Macclesfield, Cheshire to Buxton, Derbyshire this road of 520m altitude rises sharply through frequent and severe bends to a straight run across moorland to the summit to descend with more hairpins, some blind corners, to 7.5 mile completion.

The famous Cat and Fiddle Inn is a great place to peace out along this infamously dangerous stretch of road; the weather can get wild up here, and pictures taken of the snowy moorland in winter often grace the news outlets. The road closes in any event of snow and ice.

Snake Pass – A57, UK

Snake Pass does indeed snake its way across the Pennines starting at Glossop and finishing with 42km on the clock, at the Ladybower Reservoir at Ashopton. However, it was named, from its opening in 1821, after a serpent emblem on a William Cavendish coat of arms that embellished the inn at the 510m summit.

The paved road replete with cambers and dangerous bends yields magnificent views of Manchester and is part of the shortest route between Sheffield and Manchester despite being less frequented than its cousin the Woodhead Pass.

Coromandel Loop, New Zealand

The Coromandel Loop has rolling green countryside, bush-clad hillsides, sandy white beaches and is in good proximity to Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga.

It is divided into North(187.8km) and South(229.7km) Loops and in recent times the road has been made safer for riders with barriers, signage and rescue helicopter pads. Coromandel town is an exciting creative place to check out or rest at.

Beartooth Pass, USA

Beartooth Pass is where the scenic Beartooth Highway tops out at an elevation of almost 11000 feet above sea level and combined the length is 67 miles of twists, drops hairpins and ecstatically beautiful scenery. It climbs forgivingly with stunning views down into the valley as you ascend multiple switchbacks.

Snowstorms can occur even in the middle of the summer at this altitude and the pass is no stranger to strong winds and severe thunderstorms. A minor well-maintained road at the summit leads to a rest stop at Beartooth Pass Vista Point. The pass is generally open from mid-May through mid-October.

North Coast 500, Scotland

North Coast 500 starts and ends in Inverness, following the main roads of the coastal Northern Highlands through Applecross, Ullapool, Dornoch and John O’Groats to name a handful of the places of interest, for 516 miles.

The highest elevation is at 2000 feet, Bealach na Bà: an historic pass through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. It is dubbed Scotland’s answer to Route 66.

Hardknott Pass, UK

A 13 mile stretch of road between the towns of Boot and Ambleside: wild, challenging, narrow and full of switchbacks and hairpins, set beguilingly in a region of tourist tearooms. At the top of the pass (400m above sea level) is the ruins of a fortress built by the Romans.

Many of the gradients exceed what you might find on an Alpine route and the highest is an eye-watering 33%. In the winter months the single-track road can be treacherous and in the summer full of tourists, so its important to get your planning right for a clean run.

Transalpina, Romania

Transalpina runs through the Southern Carpathian Mountains and is the highest road in Romania. It follows a path built by the Roman legions during the wars with the Dacians and was built in 1938 only to be stalled by more war: the Germans rebuilt it for military purposes in World War Two.

Finally it was revamped and ready to go in 2012, totally paved, made of asphalt and 92 miles long. It runs from Novaci in the south, a town in Gorj County, to northern Sebes in Alba County and the summit is 7037 feet at the Urdele Pass. There are hundreds of turns, and breathtaking views.

Transfagarasan, Romania

The Transfagarasan is 94 miles of winding road with hairpin bends aplenty and serpentine curves. It crosses the Fagaras mountains, hence the name, and the highest point is at the meeting of two of Romania’s very highest peaks, so sometimes clouds may roll into immediate vision, or snow fall in June when you least expect it.

At Balea Lake the road passes through Balea Tunnel the longest road tunnel in Romania at 884m. It is the second highest mountain pass after Transalpina in the country and riding at night between 9pm and 7am is prohibited.

Shipka pass, Bulgaria

Twisting and winding over the Balkan Mountains through forests to an altitude of 1190, emerging from the tree line on this central Bulgarian road is like having a curtain dramatically swept before your eyes to reveal magnificent views.

The pass marks the border between Stara Zagora province and Gabrovo province and it’s part of the Bulgarka Nature Park. The Monument of Freedom is a slight but worthwhile detour before the descent with its amazing corners and new asphalt.

Baros pass, Greece

The highest paved road in Greece, 45km long and reaching heights of 200m above sea level, this beauty swerves and curves in the southern Pindus Mountain range, flanked by rivers, canyons and deep forest.

The steep ascent has twists and hairpin bends, challenging narrow parts and turns. During the coldest winter months it is closed and snow can fall even in late spring. Until 1912 and the Wars for Independence, it marked the border between Greece and Turkey.

McKinleyville to Coos Bay – Pacific Highway 101, USA

A breezy trip along the blue Oregon coast in the US, Highway 101 is as scenic as a postcard. An easygoing drive, the route is about 327 miles and 4 hours long. You do not even have to leave your vehicle to enjoy the spectacular sea views.

The Pacific Ocean hugs the highway, with plenty of beautiful stops on the way. Head out to Bandon’s Beach, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and the Cape Arago Highway for even more breathtaking sights.

Beklemeto pass, Bulgaria

The Beklemeto Pass in Bulgaria is a connecting route – and a thrilling drive into the Balkan Mountains. Also called the Troyan Pass, you can expect more than a few winding curves here.

At an elevation of just under 5000 feet, this steep road has a spectacular view from the top. Lush green forests and open mountain air surrounds this pass. You can find a ski resort on the summit and visit an astonishing monument on the main ridge.

Route 198 – Gotse Delchev to Chuchuligovo, Bulgaria

A ride through the Bulgarian countryside, Route 198 is a pleasant trip with a few hilly surprises. The pass goes straight through open plains and rugged mountains to the village of Chuchuligovo, about an hour and a half away from Gotse Delchev.

Ride over 330 miles and look out for steep curves and winding roads along the way. There are numerous small towns and monuments to see, with scenic natural landscapes to keep the drive attractive.

Picos de Europa N-621, Spain

Adventurers who make it to the top of the Picos de Europa in Spain are in for a beautiful sight: gorgeous mountain valley views. At an elevation of 5278 feet, prepare for a steep drive up to the summit.

There are 2 routes to get to the top, with an average grade of 4.3% The mountainous pass zigzags up to a breathtaking Spanish landscape. Visit Picos de Europa National Park to discover more of the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.

SP50 Nivolet Pass, Italy

Featured in the 1969 movie The Italian Job, the Nivolet Pass in Italy is one of the most thrilling drives in Europe. Steep valleys and mountains surround this route at an elevation of 8665 feet.

The 19km paved road gets narrower the higher you go. There are no safety barriers, so beware of the many blind corners on this road. There are 2 beautiful lakes just below the pass, making this drive daring, exciting – and totally worth it.

Cañón del Pato, Peru

The Cañón del Pato (translation: Duck Canyon) in Peru is infamous and anything but cute.

One of the most dangerous driving roads, the route cuts right through the mountainside with countless twists and turns. There are approximately 50 tunnels along the very narrow 45km pass. An adventure for the brave, motorcyclists may enjoy this tricky drive. 

At an elevation of over 5900 feet, the views are stunning, with dramatic canyon formations the higher you go.

Cañón del Colca, Peru

Vast green valleys stretch into the horizon: this is the highlight of the Cañón del Colca in Peru. A drive from Arequipa is about 96-miles with a sharp elevation and descent. Drivers will climb up to about 16000 feet and dip down to about 12000 feet. Winding through the mountains, expect remarkable views of the landscape.

The Colca is one of the world’s deepest canyons. There is plenty of wildlife around and ancient sites to explore.

Orange river canyon, Namibia

One of Southern Africa’s spectacular sights, the Orange River Canyon, is a welcome mirage in the hot desert. The well-known Fish River Canyon is nearby, and many travelers trek over to the historic site from there.

You will need a few days to enjoy this golden desert landscape. The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, stretching out for miles. Enjoy plenty of water sports and camping activities at the River site.

Swartberg Pass, South Africa

A route that leads to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Swartberg pass in South Africa has some of the country’s most scenic views. A completely unpaved road, this pass is about 16 miles long. The summit has an elevation of over 5000 feet. The route zigzags up the mountain with steep hairpin bends along the way.

The trip will take about 2 hours, with 4 picnic sites in the area. The higher you go, the more breathtaking the views get.

Sani Pass, South Africa

The Sani Pass in South Africa is a snake-like path up the mountains. The graveled road was mostly tarred in recent years and reaches an altitude of about 9000 feet. This 5-mile route is steep with rough terrain – a nice challenge for bold drivers. South African law currently only permits 4×4 vehicles on the road.

Surrounded by gorgeous mountains and valleys, Sani Pass has many campsites, lodges, and outdoor activities. A span of natural scenery will captivate your senses.

N2 “The Portuguese Route 66”, Portugal

Often referred to as the Portuguese Route 66, the N2 is an ultimate road trip across gorgeous, open countryside. The winding road is notorious for its curves and is about 458-miles long.

Dedicate 10-15 days of travel to this journey since there’s so much to see and experience. Start at either end: Chaves in the north or Faro in the south and prep for an unforgettable adventure. Explore quaint villages and beaches, open river valleys, and local vineyards.

Naude’s Neck pass to Rhodes, South Africa

Take a high-altitude trip into the South African highlands through the Naude’s Neck Pass. As thrilling as it sounds, this is a challenging route for drivers. At an elevation of about 8500ft (2,587 m), the mountain pass is tricky – even for 4×4 vehicles.

Tripping to the town of Rhodes will take about 7 hours of skillful driving. Long and slow, this route zig-zags through the mountains, giving you spectacular views of the breathtaking scenery.

Clarens to Fourieburg – R711, South Africa

A perfect early morning road trip, travel through the R711 pass from Clarens to Fouriesburg in South Africa for a short & scenic adventure. About 22 miles long, this route passes through sweeping green plains via an open road.

Overlooking the Lesotho mountains, it’s a relaxing drive with lots to see. The route has a host of natural and rural sites scattered around. Explore the areas of St Fort, the Caledon River, Arpa Dam, and the Maluti Mountains.

Chapman’s Peak – Camps Bay to Hout Bay, South Africa

Affectionately called “Chappies”, Chapman’s Peak Drive in South Africa offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic Coast. The road is notorious for its curves – there are 114 along 5.5 miles of paved road.

The trip from Camps Bay to Hout Bay is about 12 miles long. Expect panoramic views of the beautiful Cape Peninsula as you drive next to rocky cliffs. Stop at picnic spots and viewpoints along this route – where you can even do some whale watching.

Route 11 – Dalton Highway, USA

An infamous road, the Dalton Highway in Alaska, featured on the BBC show World’s Most Dangerous Roads. If you’re brave enough, the 414-mile pass could be an adventure you’ll never forget.

There are steep gradients and shoulders to navigate on this trucker’s route. Take as much time as you need to travel and be wary of other drivers on the isolated pass. The landscape is home to wild animals and stunning views of the frozen Alaskan wilderness.

Carretera Austral – Route 7, Chile

The Carretera Austral Highway in Chile feels like a passage into paradise. It’s a well-known route from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, and you can cross the border into Argentina. Give this trip 2 or more weeks, as you need time for the 770-mile route.

Stop at small towns or camping sites and visit the national parks surrounded by forests and mountains. Try water sports in the crystal clear lakes and rivers while soaking in the untouched natural beauty.

E69 to North Cape, Norway

To get to the awe-inspiring North Cape in Norway, you would have to take the E69 from Olderfjord – said to be the world’s northernmost highway. About 80 miles long, the route has 5 tunnels – with one of them running 696 feet below sea level.

It’s a thrill ride for drivers with plenty of twists and turns. The sea views are simply stunning on this road trip, and the 1000-foot high North Cape cliff makes this a rewarding drive.

Trollstigen, Norway

Translated to “The Troll Path”, this mountain pass in Norway is a popular tourist attraction. With 11 sharp hairpin bends, the route has a steep incline of 10% and an elevation of about 2700 feet.

Up at the top, you will find a 2300 feet plateau, a viewpoint to stop and enjoy the tranquil scenery. The Stigfossen waterfall is the area’s highlight, and hiking is open in summer and spring. Expect some postcard-perfect views of the Nordic mountains.

Shkoder to Theth, Albania

In the remote mountains, a road trip from Shkodër to Theth makes for a beautiful Albanian adventure. The 47-mile drive is just about 2 hours long, and the roads switch from paved to gravel.

The views of the valleys are gorgeous – lush green forests surrounded by snow-capped mountains. There’s plenty of unspoiled nature to enjoy with gushing waterfalls and clear blue rivers.

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

From Pakistan to China, the Karakoram Highway is for the brave. It is considered one of the most dangerous driving roads in the world. Travelers drive through the Khunjerab Pass, climbing over 15,000 feet high.

You can also expect plenty of hairpin curves and deadly drop-offs along this route. The highway is a tourist attraction despite the danger. Visitors are awe-struck by stunning views of the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain range.

Eastern Sierra Mountains – Highway 395, USA

The Sierra Mountain range – or America’s backbone – is taller than the Rockies and the huge cluster of peaks is an impressive 400 miles long! The route winds through pine forests, desert landscapes, numerous lakes, and is a rare chance to experience fall colors in California.

There is no specific route through the Eastern Sierras, but take the famous highway 395, and don’t be afraid to turn off the main road to experience some of California’s best-hidden gems and get to know the mountains better.

US 441 – Smoky Mountains, USA

There is only one major road through the Smoky Mountains – US441. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the world, and the US441 gives you great views of all of it – without having to turn off.

The road was recently resurfaced, offering switchbacks and a full corkscrew – but traffic can get heavy in the summer months when tourists visit from all over. Visit in fall to avoid the summer crowds and the winter bad weather and make the most of your ride through the Smoky Mountains.

SR 14 – Columbia River Gorge, USA

This Oregon ride is world-class, riding through some of the USA’s – if not the world’s – best scenery. Beginning just outside of Portland, riders enjoy views of Mount Hood, the Columbia River, and the Mount Hood National Forest. The road has been listed as one of the 25 “all-American” roads – the perfect place for a ride you won’t forget.

Look out for bears, mountain lions, and salmon, in the right season, swimming back upstream. The route is a nature-lovers paradise offering a range of accents, descents, and twists and turns – a great all-rounder with easier and more challenging options along the route.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Enjoy the rugged beauty of Australia’s southern coast with a smooth drive along the Great Ocean Road. Striking vistas and mountains make this scenic coastal road trip fun for the whole family.

From Melbourne, travel along this route for three days and visit the many stops and lookouts along the way. Wildlife, hiking, and surfing are the highlights of this region. Be sure to check out the famous 12 Apostles – a natural wonder standing in the middle of the sea.

Espinazo del Diablo, Mexico

Espinazo del Diablo, or “The Devil’s Backbone” is an infamous mountain road in Mexico. Sitting at over 2000 meters (approx. 6500 feet) above sea level, this dangerous road is surprisingly well-maintained, likely due to all the tourist interest.

Expect hairpins and zigzags along the 140-mile highway. The entire route is about 200 miles long, with tight corners and sharp bends. Despite the danger, the views from this route are stunning, with beautiful glimpses of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain range.

Highway 16, British Columbia, Canada

Highway 16 is a 450-mile road between Prince George and Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada. A literal drive through the wilderness, this route is a true outdoor adventure.

Driving is fairly smooth, with plenty of trucks to keep you company. Spend a couple of days exploring the nearby Lakes District, where you can hike into the pristine wilderness or fish on the peaceful water. Enjoy views of unspoiled nature, while learning about the area’s pioneer

Cortez to Mesa Verde National Park, USA

Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, USA, is a World Heritage Site with a rich sacred history. This stunning area is easily accessible from the town of Cortez, which is just a 10-mile drive away. Many visitors stay here because of the numerous accommodation options.

The drive to the park is a mesmerizing lead-up to beautiful landscapes, where hiking is a must. Camping in the canyon and stargazing are also top highlights of this breathtaking area.

“The Pig Trail” AR23, USA

“The Pig Trail” is a popular motorcycle route that stretches along Highway 23 in Arkansas, USA. Bold riders will enjoy the many hairpin curves and switchbacks on this 24-mile road.

There are plenty of thrills along this twisty paved road, and riders should expect some changes in elevation while driving. The view of the Ozarks is unmatched on this byway, which takes you through breezy foliage tunnels and snaking roads.

Lanark Highlands Loop, Canada

In Ontario, Canada, Lanark Highlands Loop is about 66.3 miles long. It’s a popular cycling route, even though 60% of the trail is gravel.

Parts of the loop are unmaintained, so expect a mix of paved and dirt roads. The drive takes you through beautiful woods and gorgeous foliage so take your time along this path. Motorcyclists will find this twisty route challenging to manage, but the scenic natural views are well worth the trip.

More routes to be added:

• Highway 36 – Red Bluff to Fortuna, USA
• 31 A – Kaslo to New Denver, Canada
• Khardung La, India
• Passo della Futa, Italy
• Baralacha pass, India
• Mustang Valley, Nepal

Do you have any suggestions? Leave a comment below!

More Stories

Take it from me, riding from Shkoder to Theth in Albania on either the SH21 or SH36 is practically impossible to traverse on two wheels. The track is badly rutted (90 cms deep in places) and full of big boulders and even bigger drops. Do yourself a favour, and get a 4×4 taxi from Shkoder to Theth and back, and save crashing your bike with 100 metres of the track.

Thanks for this Jerzy. It’s certainly helpful to know about the road conditions. When did you do this route? Any chance that the roads have been improved now? We’ll do some research about it as we prepare the article for this route but it’s always good to get insights from those who have been there. Cheers.

I’m sorry to to say this so called “world’s greatest” is lots of things but not that. It more accurately should be called the “USA’s greatest and a smattering of some of the rest of the world’s”. To suggest that out of the top 60 that over a third are in the US!? Sorry that’s total BS. I have ridden for over 50 years in many parts of the world and while the US has some unquestionably great riding experiences to offer, not only does it not have the the best riding, it doesn’t represent or rank the way you have done this list. A very typical ‘ merican assessment of it’s place in the world. Repeat after me “we’re no. 1, we’re no. 1…”

I created this list by asking on Facebook groups what are their favorite routes and these are the ones that were suggested by over 200 responses.

There are 24 US routes out of 72 so far and we are about to add more from different countries. There is no ranking nor claim that these are the top in the world. Simply a list of great routes that a part of riders’ online community recommend. It’s clearly explained in the intro.

Feel free to suggest your favorites and we’ll add them too. Or if you would like to elaborate on why these routes are not good, it will definitely add value to this page.

Looking forward to read more of your comments.

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30 Essential Motorcycle Touring Road Trip Tips

Posted On: Oct 17, 2018

Start a Reservation

You arrive to a new destination, the motorcycle is waiting for you with a welcome card that has your name on it, and you’re barely containing the excitement before the adventure begins. Some of us enjoy the trip planning process as much as the ride itself.

Thinking through the details, making the perfect route, and packing for the trip are all essential. There is no doubt that every trip needs a personal touch, so there will be a variety of opinions and advice you’ll get as you tell more people about the trip you want to do.

Years of experience and thousands of happy customers can tell you that when it comes to motorcycle travel, EagleRider is the top choice. We put together a list of our top 30 tips for motorcycle touring and riding a motorcycle across the country. We hope this list helps you plan you ride, whether you do it with EagleRider or on your own. This list of touring tips will get you started on some key things you need to arrange for your upcoming adventure.

TRAVEL TIPS

1. set the date – commit to the trip.

Someday can be today. Thousands of riders dream of getting on a bike and doing a trip, whether it’s 3 days or 30. But mostly the dream ends there. Family commitments, work, finances, and so many other things get in the way that dreaming is what most riders surrender to. It doesn’t have to be this way. Plan ahead and set the date. Commitment is the first step.

Having flexible dates won’t help you secure travel, visas, motorcycle rental, or anything else. It won’t help you get a buy-in from your family to do the trip. Firm travel time is necessary because you’ll be able to plan everything else around it.

2. Ride your own bike/rent/tour – how to know which one

There are three main options for riding anywhere:

• Do it on your own bike
• Rent/borrow one
• Do a self-drive or a guided tour

Which one works for you ultimately is a personal preference. GUIDED TOURS are more expensive, but also take care of most of the logistics and travel arrangements. You trust that you’re with an experienced guide who knows the local areas and you are also looking forward to exploring the new land with like-minded motorcycle riders.

Renting a motorcycle is becoming easier as we and other motorcycle rental companies offer a variety of makes and model at numerous riding destinations. Rental gives you the freedom to keep a pretty open daily riding schedule and riding your own bike is the cheapest option.

You can absolutely ship your bike across the ocean if you live overseas, but it’s not going to pencil out financially in most cases.

Creating your own custom route can take a lot of time and is also a fun experience. You get to learn about new places, get insights from other riders, and pick the pace of travel that works for you. At EagleRider, we have a team of tour architects that can assist with route planning for your rental or custom tour.

3. Best time to ride – early summer, early fall

We get asked every day about the best time to ride a certain route, such as ROUTE 66 and our WILD WEST tours. Your trip can be anywhere in the world and most likely you will face a variety of weather and riding conditions. But for riding in America, there are definitely several windows of perfect weather: early summer and early fall.

In winter you can enjoy Florida and the Southwest, or even do a tour down to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico . Our guide to winter riding offers all the best routes and trip suggestions. Summer offers a must consistent level of temperatures and in the desert areas, you’re very likely to face extreme heat. Not everyone is ready for that, so some riders opt-in to ride in months that are a bit cooler.

There is no single answer to this, especially if your trip is 3-6 months long across multiple continents. But for most 2-week trips, early summer and early fall offer a really nice mix of temperatures. If you want to save a buck, Shawn offers some great tips for this in his Q&A Q&A about navigating EagleRider products . 

4. Motorcycle with ample storage that fits your riding experience and preference

How to pick a motorcycle is one of those questions that we can spend hours contemplating. It’s very difficult to recommend something because we all have different riding preferences and levels of experience. Some bikes are great for touring but can be too heavy especially with a passenger and full touring packs with clothes.

The best suggestion you can get is to look at motorcycles that fit your riding experience and have enough storage for the trip you are planning. We put together a detailed guide on choosing the right bike for your trips, which will be a great reference point for your upcoming adventures. On a guided tour our van carries all the luggage, but on a camping trip, you’ll need to carry everything in your saddlebags and attached to a sissy bar.

In general, most riders prefer bigger touring bikes for 7+ day trips, but you should only ride a bike that you are comfortable handling. For off-road riding, there is a completely different set of features you’ll be considering compared to perfectly maintained roads and highways of the USA.

You can always contact us and explain what trip you want to do and your preferences for a motorcycle and our team of seasoned riders will assist with recommending a few models that we think will work well for you.

5. Route 66 is not the only way to cross the country

There are thousands of ways you can cross America, from Route 66 to Pacific Coast Highway

We offer 100+ pre-defined routes, all of which can be further adjusted based on your wishes. Some of our most popular routes besides the best selling Route 66 full tour , include:

• Triple B – Blues, Bourbon, BBQ (New Orleans to Washington DC)
• Coast 2 Coast Motorcycle Tour (Los Angeles to Orlando)
• Western  Coast - P acific Coast Highway (Seattle to Los Angeles)

Many of our riders extend their trips to Sturgis and begin riding on either coast to then spend a week in South Dakota and after continue riding across the country. If the time allows, adding a few days at one of the iconic motorcycle rallies is a great way to spice up your trip and celebrate the life on two wheels with fellow riders.

6. Share your ride with others - take photos and videos along the way

Did you know that the most watched motorcycle videos on YouTube often are of the long cross country and cross-continent rides?

Following someone’s adventure through the lens of the camera or smartphone is better than not seeing it at all. Let your family and friends enjoy the road with you, share your ride on social media and your site if you have one.

There is a variety of apps and websites that allow for route sharing and you can also post images and videos along your favorite stops and moments on the road. The main thing is to share what you see with others. During or after the trip - your choice, but capturing moments on the road will make for a nice souvenir many years later.

Don't forget to tag #eaglerider when you share your photos and videos on social media. Every month we pick a random lucky winner and award $300 gift card towards future reservations on eaglerider.com.

CLOTHING/GEAR TIPS

7. pack small.

We can be very different in how much packing we want to do for a trip. Some of us carry suitcases with three sets of clothes for every day. Some of us pack the side case bags that fit inside Electra Glides that what’s all the clothing for 2-3 weeks.

Mostly everyone always recommends packing small. Everything you may want on the road can be purchased with cash or credit card. In many cases, too many things to carry become a burden. Even if you’re packing for a month-long camping trip, you need to pack down to the minimum essentials to have room for everything. See our packing checklist and guide for more info.

Generally, bring twice as much cash and half the clothes you think you’ll need. Riding cross-country will take you through dramatic shifts in elevation and temperature. Mountain passes can have freezing temps and snow, even in summer. If you come from an area where there are no significant changes in elevation, it’s hard to wrap your head around entire climate zones existing at certain elevations. It’s simple—be prepared for everything.

8. In desert areas, keep long sleeves on

It’s a common misconception that you can ride through a desert in just short sleeves. We always recommend keeping long sleeves on, for a few important reasons:

• You don’t want to have your body having direct contact with the sun
• If you do, you get dehydrated quickly and can compromise your ability to control and balance the motorcycle safely
• Common symptoms after that (aside from sunburn) can include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness and cramping, and many others leading up to a heat stroke
• Protect your body from the sun, don’t open yourself up to harmful UV rays

It’s something we see very often, especially in our Southwestern locations. The riders drop off the bike with the happy sunburned faces tell us all about their adventures. Even though the effects of the extensive sun exposure seem to disappear fast enough, it’s the long-term effects that you should also consider.

9. Weatherproof bags and rain gear will save you in most unexpected situations

If you have a support vehicle following you (e.g on our guided tours), you can skip this one. But if not, chances are you’ll be carrying some kind of a bag on a sissy bar. The best way to protect your packed gear is to have weatherproof bags. Weather changes, sometimes within hours. When you get to your overnight stay, the worst thing is to have not only yourself soaking wet, but also all your fresh clothing for the trip as well. It may seem like an exaggeration right now, but one piece of advice we always have for riders is to pack a quality set of rain gear and think through the carry options ahead of time.

10. Wear Coolmax or other moisture wicking materials instead of cotton shirts

There are mixed opinions about whether cotton is a proper way to dress is in the extreme heat conditions. Mostly coming from hikers and adventure travel enthusiasts, there is a popular belief (with scientific reasoning) that cotton traps the heat close to your body while moisture-wicking materials don’t stop the heat from releasing helping you to keep the body temperatures at an optimum level.

Polyester holds on to only about 0.4% of moisture while cotton holds around 7%. That’s a big difference. Newer technologies, what’s commonly called base layers, force the moisture out of the garments through the special weaves of the fabric. Your body stays dry and maintains its temperature balance while your clothes protect from the elements and release the heat and sweat.

A variety of brands make motorcycle-specific base layers, you can shop for these options online ahead of your ride.

11. Layering is the best way to dress/pack

The secret to packing and surviving any weather is layering. Not only this is the easiest way to adjust in rapid temperature changes, but also to save space when packing. For most motorcycle trips, you really need a few sets of warmer sweatshirts and base layers. One jacket, especially with multiple air flow zippers and vents will be sufficient for most rides.

12. Don’t bring expensive glasses

Eye protection is essential for any motorcycle ride. Shatterproof glasses or a helmet with a built-in sun visor are the two best ways to stay protected and ride comfortably in all hours of the day. Expensive glasses will be a shame to lose or scratch. They’re also not the safest option as rider’s head/helmet is often the first area of impact in accidents.

13. Rolled up clothes take less space

We all probably have this one friend who’s always packing with compression cubes, individual pouches for shoes, and everything in very neatly rolled tubes. Most of us are not line this. But… it’s been proven over and over that rolled up clothing takes less space and has very few wrinkles when unpacked. From military duffle bags to modern hikers and motorcycle riders, everyone finds this way of packing to be very efficient. Give it a try.

14. Small camera or phone are better that a DSLR

Everyone is a photographer these days. The trap that most people fall into is buying big bulky camera (“best on the market”) and then struggling to take photos with it during moto adventures. In general, mirrorless cameras are much more compact and offer amazing image quality for half-the-size.

The best camera for motorcycle touring, just as it is for any other activity, is the one that you have quickly available. That can be your phone or a small camera on a sling hanging across your body as you ride your motorcycle through the mountain twisty roads or the vast deserts.

If you’re opting to shoot on your phone, make sure you have ample storage available in your phone. It will be very unfortunate to run out of space just as you approach the edge of Grand Canyon for the sunset after a full day of riding.

TO BUY/PACK/PLAN BEFORE THE TRIP

15. ride planner – tour guide, gps, printed map, mobile app.

The purest adventure possible is to take off with no plans and no definite direction in mind. Most people, however, can’t manage that degree of spontaneity. For everyone else, you’ll want to pick a destination or two and get an idea of the things you want to see and do.

Planning the route and having your notes handy as you ride each day is one of the best things you can do ahead and during the trip. Some riders prefer to carry printed maps, which have been the main go-to way of navigation for many years before digital devices started to take over.

When it comes to points of interest, historical sites, local attractions, gas, food, lodging, events and activities along the way and even road conditions, closures, and construction, research is your friend. Not very long ago, calls to your motor club and each state’s tourism bureaus were a must for any chance at practical planning. Published city and state guides and sometimes travel agencies could also be helpful, especially if you wanted to do a lot of sightseeing.

Mobile apps that allow you to plan and navigate the route, such as Rever or Harley-Davidson Ride Planner, are a great tool to have. Apps that let you import GPX files are another solution. Having rest stops, gas stations, overnight stays, and points of interest in your map files will save you a lot of time and mental energy, especially during the longer touring trips.

Having a personal tour guide , someone who knows the route and the locals, can take your trip to a whole another level. Our EagleRider guided tours, we have bi-lingual guides who have years of experience guiding our tour guests through all corners of the country. Often it is the guide who can make your trip absolutely unforgettable. We get this feedback from tour guests every season.

Whichever ride planning tool you pick, leave some room for spontaneous decisions. Buffer enough time to enjoy the local scenery, add stops, and deal with emergencies. Most of us ride motorcycles to break free from the daily routine and this can easily be the only time where we don’t have to be boxed in. Explore, plan, but don’t feel the pressure to stick to the route 100% of the way.

16. Find overnight stay with walking distance to good food and drinks

Meandering across the country, riding mostly blue highways and stopping at mom and pop motels/hotels and eateries will provide a more intimate look at America. Once you’re done riding for the day, a cold beer and a good steak will be on top of your mind. Find hotels with walking distance to local bars and restaurants. Your motorcycle will be safely parked for the night and you can relax and enjoy the evening.

17. Location sharing apps / I.C.E. / share the route with at least a few people

Safety on the road is essential. You want to make sure both you and your motorcycle are road ready. On top of that, your loved ones should have a way of locating you throughout your trip, even if just for safety reasons. For solo cross-country trips a location sharing app is an absolute must-have. Share the route with at least a few people.

Code your I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) number into your phone book. Both Android and Apple have this option in the settings as well. Emergency staff can access this information quickly and communicate with your family about any situations that require their immediate assistance.

18. Have a kit with a few small essentials

Pack a small pouch with a few items that always come handy. Some of these take up much space but can be very needed during the ride, for you or for other riders in your group.

• Bungee cords – so you can securely strap additional items or bags to your motorcycle
• Duct tape – can have a variety of uses and there are travel size duck tapes that take very little space
• Kickstand puck – when parking on the uneven or hot surfaces, this little accessory can save you from finding your motorcycle laying on its side
• Multitool/knife – a well-built multitool that always travels with you is handy for most days on the road
• Flash light – handy for dusk hours and when you need to inspect your motorcycle
• USB power pack / charger – available in a variety of power capacities, USB juice packs or portable chargers are helpful if your motorcycle doesn’t have a power plug. Motorcycles that are equipped with a power outlet, a USB charger is all you’ll need for most rides
• First Aid kit – always carry a small first aid kit. On our guided tours, we always have these in the support van

For more information on packing, take a look at our packing checklist .

19. Communication systems and group riding signals

With so many options on the market for communication devices inside helmets, it’s extremely easy to stay connected with your passenger, a friend on another bike, or simply enjoy the music as you ride through the country. We recommend bringing your own helmets with mounted Bluetooth headsets for your trips if you wish to stay connected through your ride.

If you don’t have much experience riding in large groups of 15+ motorcycles, always do a quick refresh on hand signals for group riding. Your visibility on the road is one of the most fundamental aspects of safe riding.

20. Make sure your bike is road ready

If you’re planning to ride your own bike , always make sure the mechanical condition of your ride is optimal and all essential scheduled service items are taken care of. Consider how long your ride is and plan ahead.

Follow the usual safety inspections—tire tread and pressure, lights, signals, brakes, horn. For a cross-country ride of some 3,000 miles, give or take, it’s a good idea to start with fresh oil. Change the fluids and filters. If your bike is anywhere near due for a tune-up or valve adjustment, get it done before you need it done. There is plenty of challenges that may come up on the road; worrying about your bike’s performance should not be one of them.

If your tire tread looks a little iffy, or the tread wear looks uneven, err on the side of sanity and get new rubber. It hurts to plunk down $200-$300 or more per end for fresh rubber, but not as much if you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, or worse. The bike will handle better with new tires and you’ll feel more confident in your ride. Some shops have sales on tires and/or labor and, of course, there is plenty online or warehouse outlets, but check with your shop first; some won’t install customer supplied parts, including tires.

Join an auto club. If you don’t have motorcycle roadside assistance that provides towing and other services there are a few to choose from, including Harley-Davidson, Geico, AAA, and Allstate Motor Club. The peace of mind is well worth the annual fee. Some roadside assistance program, if given some notice, will plan a route based on your preferences, including roadside stops.

If you’re planning to travel on an EagleRider bike , our technicians make sure each bike is road ready. Scheduled maintenance and inspections before and after each ride is complete are essential for us to ensure you have a great time on the road. We offer several levels of insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance. All of the extras you can add to the reservation before you complete the checkout process.

21. Buy a motorcycle seat cushion

For any trips that’s longer than 5-7 days, some riders find it very useful to buy a seat cushion. Putting 250-300 miles daily on any motorcycle is not the same as riding to a local coffee shop for a breakfast meetup with your friends. Sure, you need to be in good health and physical shape to prepare yourself for longer motorcycle tours and rides. A seat cushion can be a welcome addition if you’re not used to multi-day touring adventures.

22. Plan your music playlists ahead of time,bring earplugs if no music

Good tunes for the road will not only set the mood for your ride, but also provide the variety or entertainment for those longer stretches of the road that may not be as exciting and fun as mountain curves. Build several playlists and download them to your device so you don’t burn through your mobile data usage limits.

DURING THE RIDE:

23. daily check of the motorcycle to be road ready.

For most riders this goes without saying – having a well maintained and inspected motorcycle can prevent many situations that can be avoided by this simple 5-minute route process. Make sure you’re road ready and your motorcycle is too.

24. Drink enough water

Whether it’s a day ride or a cross-country motorcycle trip, how you feel physically and mentally impacts every aspect of the trip. The freedom of being out on the road on a motorcycle is beyond compare. The incredible scenery is all around you, not just in that little rectangle of your windshield. You smell the smells and feel the warmth or the coolness of the countryside you’re passing through. It’s very easy to get distracted and forget to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Dehydration affects reaction time, balance, and can lead to heat strokes and other serious injuries. Drinking lots of coffee during the day and alcohol at night can affect how well you’re hydrated. Stop often, carry water, wear moisture-absorbing clothing (see tip #10), and keep yourself in check.

25. Keep your passenger happy, check in with other riders

You’ve come this far! Your partner agreed to do this trip you’ve been planning for months. You pack your bags, arrive to pick up your motorcycle, and the ride is about to start. You may think that the hard part is done but keeping your passenger happy throughout the duration of the ride is a sure way to guarantee a good time on the road.

You’re the one who will be having fun riding the motorcycle while your passenger won’t have much to do. Most riders choose the bikes with the primary concern being the comfort of the passenger. See our guide to choosing the right motorcycle for your trip for more details.

Thorough pre-trip discussions of where you want to go, how fast you want to get there and how much time you want to spend on stops are important if you want a pleasant ride where everyone feels included.

26. Keep your days under 300 miles, avoid riding in the dark

We’re often get asked how far should a motorcyclist ride in one day. The answer varies greatly by the rider’s skill, experience, and endurance, road conditions if they are appropriately dressed, and of course, their bike. Machines with full fairings or windshields can make more miles because the rider is not getting as fatigued fighting the wind.

Then there is that ever-present intangible: desire. How many miles do you want to ride per day? There is no right answer. In fact, the whole spirit of motorcycling is to get away from rules.

Know your limits and don’t be a tough guy. If you haven’t done any long-haul rides before, don’t plan on pushing 500 or more miles per day. Give yourself adequate time to complete your trip without attempting dangerous days of extreme miles. It’s no fun and can be costly.

Every rider finds his or her level—whether that’s 150 miles per day or 400—after which point riding becomes work. Like fuel, leave a little energy in reserve when planning your day’s ride. There may be times you’ll need to push out a few more miles to get to the next bed.

On our guided tours, we keep most days between 200 and 260 miles. With plenty of rest breaks, this allows everyone to get enough rest at the end of the day and start early the following morning.

Think about avoiding night riding, when less visibility and fatigue are more of a factor, and because deer have become the most dangerous animal in the world. Wildlife gets more active at dawn and you’d want to have no encounters with large animals on any of your motorcycle trips.

27. Take a 20-minute break for every 1.5 hours of riding, know your limit

Veteran distance riders suggest getting into a rhythm. For example, some stop for rest and refreshment every tank of gas, depending on mpg and fuel capacity. Some studies have shown you will actually get their faster (and safer) with regular break intervals. Eat light, stay hydrated, and it should go without saying don’t drink alcohol. We recommend stopping for a break every 60-90 minutes. Pace yourself on longer multi-day rides. How you feel today will affect how you ride tomorrow. A fatigued rider is not as alert and doesn’t react as fast as a rested rider.

28. Take a day off for every 7 days of riding

On EagleRider’s 16-day guided tours, we always buffer a day for rest. On Route 66 tours, it’s in Santa Fe where you can spend the day bargaining with local jewelry shops, horseback riding, or enjoying the day at the hotel spa. On Wild West tours, we take a break in Las Vegas, which leaves plenty of room for ideas on local things to do, from Cirque du Soleil to Bellagio Fountains, Freemont Street experience, and much more.

Set yourself up for success by buffering a longer rest stop or a day off. Of course, all of us love spending time on the bike, but local attractions can be just as fun to explore.

29. Keep your eye on how much fuel you have left, find a mobile app for this

It’s a big country, with occasional long, empty gaps between anything resembling a town or the sweet oases of gasoline and coffee we have grown to take for granted. Don’t run it dry, obviously, but start looking for gas stations some 20 or 25 miles before you’re running on fumes.

No one wants to see the dreaded signpost up ahead that reads, “No Services Next 100 Miles.” You need to be prepared for stretches like this, which may involve packing non-perishable foods, water, and bungeeing a full gas can to your bike. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

Find an app that can track your mileage on each full gas tank and can alert you ahead of time if you’re running low with no gas stations ahead.

30. Don’t lose your keys, always lock your bike

We saved the best for last! The two of the most unpleasant scenarios on the road are lost keys and lost motorcycle. Nobody wants to be in either situation and both are preventable if you follow a few simple guidelines:

• Keep your bike keys/fob on a lanyard, either hanging on your chest or attached to your pocket
• Have a quality disk lock (we provide one with all our bikes)
• Make sure to lock your bike with both steering/fork and disk locks
• Consider adding an alarm system to your bike
• Build good habits by placing bike keys in the same spot each time you ride or stop for overnight stays

Harley-Davidson touring models have key fobs that you don’t need to insert into the ignition. If it’s your first time on a Harley, keep an eye on the fob. There is a fee for lost keys for our motorcycles.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that you have all this information in front of you, picking the riding destination or route is the next step. Here are a few helpful resources to get you started:

Map of EagleRider locations – With over 200 rental locations, it’s easier than ever to conveniently ride out of major cities and nearest hubs to amazing motorcycle roads. Get familiar with our locations and that’ll get your mind thinking about places you’ve always wanted to ride to.

EagleRider routes and tour itineraries – we have 100+ itineraries on our website for both guided and self-drive tours. Browse them to find the destinations you want to visit. We share daily stops for each tour. This can be a great starting point from which you can build on your custom trip if you wish. Or simply book a tour and follow the exact route we suggest.

Rally schedule – planning longer trips around rallies (Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, Laconia, etc.) is a great way extend your rides and add interesting routes. Many riders love riding into Sturgis from all corners of the country. If you have the time, find a rental location where you want to start and build your route to the rally. We offer one-way rentals, so you can easily drop off the bikes in another city and simply fly home.

Local rides for top travel destinations (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, etc.) -   (Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, etc.) - if all you have is a day or two, we made a list of local rides near our locations.

We hope you found this guide helpful. A lot was covered here and surely you may need to come back and reference some tips and suggestions as you continue to plan your trips.

The Best Motorcycle Trips in the U.S.

By Mara Balagtas

Sure, you’ve felt the wind in your hair on a convertible road trip, but nothing gets you closer to the road than a motorcycle. We asked some of our favorite motorcyclists—like Gard Hollinger of Arch Motorcycles and Chris McIntyre of EagleRider—to share their favorite routes. Below, you'll find their picks, edited for clarity, that'll take you through winding city curves in Los Angeles, up mountainous passes on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and through the desolate Death Valley. Take their advice and make your next road trip on two wheels instead of four.

Death Valley, California

Itinerary suggested by Andria Yu, director of communications at motorcycles.org and coach at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation , where she teaches new riders the fundamentals of getting on two wheels.

Where to Ride Enter Death Valley National Park from Beatty, Nevada on NV-374 and stop for photos 30 minutes down the road at Hell's Gate, where you can see the entire valley. Head south on Highway 190 to Artist Palette, a rock face of the Black Mountains where the colors of the rainbow naturally occur, thanks to oxidation of different metals in the rock. Get back on 190 and ride to Dante's View. It's over 5,000 feet above sea level and you can see far out into Death Valley.

If you want an off-road experience, head to Titus Canyon Road from Beatty. Titus is 27 miles of off-road driving, which is why it’s the perfect route for any dual-sport motorcycle. Something like the Kawasaki KLX250S is ideal since you'll be on some paved roads and then some off-road trails. There are beautiful, scenic outlooks along the way, and it's amazing to be in the canyon. Continue on to Teakettle Junction, a funny spot where people bring old tea kettles to hang on the sign. It's kind of like Paris' Pont des Artes Bridge, but for tea kettles. Be sure to pack your own!

Where to Stay Lodging options are pretty stark in Death Valley. If you don’t want to stay at a Motel 6, check into the newly opened Oasis at Death Valley . The property has a natural spring which feeds their pool, the perfect place to take a dip after hours riding out in the sun.

Where to Eat My favorite place to eat is this family-run Mexican diner in Beatty called Gema's Wagon Wheel Cafe . Everything is homemade—their tamales are my favorite. Bonus: they serve espresso.

What You Can’t Miss Badwater Basin is a salt flat that 279 feet below sea level and is the lowest point in North America. It's very desolate and makes you feel like you're on the moon.

Baja California, Mexico

Itinerary suggested by Chris McIntyre, CEO of EagleRider , a 25-year-old motorcycle rental company that also offers guided tours.

Where to Ride Grab a bike from EagleRider's Los Angeles store and follow the coast on Highway 1 to Dana Point and then switch to Interstate 5 heading towards Torrey Pines and stop there for the night. Continue on to Ensenada, passing through Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo. Stop for a whale watching excursion and then take a short ride to Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico’s Napa Valley) for a day of wine tastings. From Guadalupe, ride the great twisty roads through the Laguna Mountains and the Otay County Open Space Preserve back to San Diego .

Where to Stay The Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the best places to kick off a tour—it’s luxurious, warm, and inviting. The stunning beachside location doesn’t hurt. Hotel Boutique Valle de Guadalupe is one of my favorite hotels, too, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madres and lush vineyards. The views are just gorgeous.

Where to Eat La Cocina de Doña Esthela in Valle de Guadalupe serves the most amazing traditional Mexican breakfast in the entire country. It’s one of those unforgettable meals that makes you feel like you’ve been eating flavorless saltines your whole life. Hussong’s Cantina is the oldest bar in Baja and is a must-visit if you’re in the area. As the rumored creator of the margarita, it’s an important stop for every cocktail enthusiast.

What You Can’t Miss With a few dozen regional and international wineries in the region, Valle de Guadalupe is fast becoming a destination for the sommelier and culinary set. The scenery is simply beautiful and the people are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet. I’m definitely more of a beer guy so I always look forward to touring the legendary Tecate Brewery. It was closed to tours for quite some time because of renovations, so I’ve been eager to get back and see what they’ve changed.

Lower Catskills, New York

Itinerary suggested by Ashmore Ellis, co-founder of Babes Ride Out , an all-women’s motorcycle group that hosts road trips around the world, bringing together over 250 female riders at each event.

Where to Ride Our latest ride took our female riders throughout the lower Catskills of Upstate New York, and we took a few different routes. " Mountain Mamas " is a 194-mile trip. Being the longest route on this excursion, the route takes you into the Northern Catskills to see the local ski towns that are covered in lush greens during the warmer months. Leave early for this one, and spend some time exploring the small towns of Roscoe, Windham, Hunter, Phoenicia , and Bethel. " Peace-Love-Motorcycles " is a 184-mile trip. A historical tour of the Catskills, marking the site of Woodstock ’69, and heading north all the way up to the famed Kaaterskill Falls. This route cuts through ravines with twists and turns that we could ride for days.

Where to Stay We set up camp at Landers Narrowsburg Campground as our home base. It's located right on the New York/Pennsylvania border on the banks of the Delaware River and was a central point for all of our routes.

Where to Eat The Heron in Narrowsburg has the best spicy grits. They are a must-have and absolutely nuts! But you can't head upstate without stopping for a bite to eat at Roscoe's Diner in Sullivan County.

What You Can’t Miss There's a really cool bar at the Narrowsburg Inn that's worth checking out. It was built in the 1840's and was a speakeasy and brothel during the prohibition. The Inn was initially built to serve coach travelers on the Mount Hope and Lumberland Turnpike and later served raftsman bringing wood down the Delaware during the early building stages of Philadelphia. Make sure to walk over for a cold beer after the bikes are parked and ask the owner, Alison Brown about who walks the halls at night. It’s supposedly haunted. If you're lucky, she will show you the brothel rooms in the attic.

Mulholland Highway, California

Itinerary suggested by Gard Hollinger, bike designer and co-founder of Arch Motorcycles , alongside founding partner Keanu Reeves.

Where to Ride By far my favorite day ride keeps you near the coast in the Santa Monica Mountains. Head north on the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica towards Malibu. Turn right heading north on Las Flores Canyon Road and stay on course as it turns into Rambla Pacifico Street and then to Piuma Road. This route takes you on a beautiful ride along the mountain’s ridge tops with views of the Pacific Ocean that mimics what a soaring bird of prey must see. Hop on Malibu Canyon Road for a couple miles until you find Mulholland Highway, turn left and it will take you past Malibu Lake. Continuing up Mulholland Highway brings you thru the Snake, an equally famous stretch of tight twisting road that gives its nickname and keeps both ambulance and law enforcement busy each weekend.

Where to Eat Take Mulholland Highway to the end and you’ll find Neptune’s Net at the corner of the PCH, a casual seafood joint across the street from County Line Beach. The restaurant was opened by a retired NASA astronaut in 1956 and attracts beach goers, surfers, and bikers alike. For me, the happy ending is to continue south on the PCH to the south end of Zuma Beach. The Sunset Restaurant, a casual but classy place in what was a historic beach house, has a great bar, oysters, and a prime spot to view an amazing Southern California sunset.

What You Can’t Miss If you take Mulholland Drive, you’ll head through world class vineyards and wineries in what’s now known as the Malibu Wine Country. The area only received its AVA in 2014, designating it an official wine grape growing area, but its wine history dates all the way back to the 1800s. Some cool spots in the area include Malibu Wines, a family-owned affair of about one hundred acres of vines, multiple wineries, avocado groves, and even a wild animal park.

Jackie Sheckler Finch

Liz Humphreys

Maresa Manara

Skyline Drive, Virginia Route

Itinerary suggested by Andria Yu.

Where to Ride Skyline Drive is 105 miles long, takes about three hours to drive, and runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. You don't have to ride the entire length as there are four different entrances to Skyline (Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap Entrance Station). The speed limit is mostly 35 mph and it's a great place for an easy-paced ride, making it a great route anyone who has just started riding. It’s great in the fall when the leaves are a medley of gold, orange, and red, but there's plenty of wildflowers year-round.

Where to Stay There are five campgrounds along the way and they only cost about $15 to enter. Big Meadows Campground (Mile 51 on Skyline Drive) is nice because group sites are available, if you're traveling with friends. It's also in a great location near hiking trails and three waterfalls are within walking distance. For a non-camping alternative, check into Skyland Resort , located on the route's highest elevation at 3,680 feet.

Where to Eat I like to stop at Elkwallow Wayside (Mile 24) if I need a quick bite, a shake or some ice cream, which also offers some camping supplies. Blackberries are a local favorite (they have a festival every July) and you should definitely try the blackberry shake at Elkwallow. Most of the restaurants on the route will also have blackberry ice cream pie, which I highly recommend.

What You Can’t Miss There are 75 scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive—my favorite is the Range View Overlook at Mile 17. The drive is also a great place to see wildlife like black bear, deer, and wild turkey. Keep your eyes peeled for any animals while you're riding. We've come across small families of black bear crossing the road.

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7 Exhilarating Motorcycle Road Trips Around the U.S.

Whether you're seeking fabulous scenery or fun-filled sweepers and twisties, these road trips guarantee the ultimate in two-wheel rides.

Cruising around the U.S. on a motorcycle makes for the perfect pandemic outing. After all, motorcycle touring offers the ultimate in social distancing. It's also tremendous fun , turning a road trip into a dopamine-charged adventure as you open the throttle and sweep through the curves. Plus, you'll never feel such a sense of freedom and heightened awareness, nor so close to nature, from inside a car.

All that's required is a great set of wheels, the correct protective road gear, and a bit of planning. To get you started, we've chosen some of America's most magnificent motorcycle road trips — from one-day outings to multi-day adventures — from sea to shining sea. Most routes combine fabulous scenery with some roller-coaster twists, turns, and dips. Others offer journeys through American history, with plenty of smooth hardtop where you can enjoy a lazy pace or even crank open the throttle.

Coast Highway 1, Maine

Connecting Portland with the Canadian border town of Calais, this 260-mile, forest-fringed, two-lane coastal highway unfurls through classic New England countryside. Views of the low-lying coast are infrequent, but the joy of this ride comes from reveling in dozens of short scenic loops off U.S. Route 1. Each one curls around slender peninsulas pinned by historic lighthouses and lined with quaint seaside hamlets. Lobster shacks stud the sandy shores, emanating tantalizing smells of crustaceans, while stops for whale watching and boating adventures are equal temptations. In Acadia National Park, Cadillac Summit Road spirals up to the highest point on the U.S. eastern seaboard, combining thrilling curves and twisties with sensational views from the summit. When city-dwellers escape the urban heat on summer weekends, the coast highway can be bumper to bumper with cars and RVs, so spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Just the thought of cruising this iconic ride will induce grins of anticipation, although not necessarily for adrenalin junkies. Snaking southwest almost 500 miles along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains (from Afton, VA, to Cherokee, NC), the nearly flawless, narrow two-laner has a 45 mile-per-hour speed limit. So slow down, submit to the leisurely pace, and savor the kaleidoscopic Kodak moments as you soak in awe-inspiring vistas. More than 200 pull-offs and overlooks on the BRP provide plenty of opportunities to safely "ooh" and "ahh." Motorcyclists will also love sweeping bends, although care is needed for the many decreasing radius curves. And be ever-cautious of deer and other wild animals, plus slippery wet leaves in autumn. Connecting the gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (south) and Shenandoah National Park (north), and the Civil War battlefields of Virginia, your ride begs to be extended into a multi-day trip.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi

A serene and leisurely ride, the 444-mile-long Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road for good reason. Gliding through a cypress swamp, rolling farmland, and a national forest, the "Old Natchez Trace" also saunters through history as it winds from Nashville, TN, to the Mississippi River in Natchez, MS. The sinuous two-laner completed in 2005 (and part of the National Park Service) roughly follows an old travel corridor. Riders follow segments of the original Natchez Trace Indian Trail once used by the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez Native Americans and by American traders until the advent of Mississippi steamboats. Some 90 marked stops tempt you to marvel at gorgeous waterfalls, Civil War sites, and Indigenous archeological sites on an unhurried, bucolic trip through time. Best yet, there are no trucks, nor even a single stop sign its entire length. Set your cruise control at 50 miles per hour (the speed limit) and revel in the Zen experience.

Going to the Sun Road, Montana

Short, sweet, and smooth as silk, this stellar solely-in-summer ride kicks it up a notch, drawing serious adventurers seeking the Holy Grail of mountain roads. One of America's epic alpine routes, the 50-mile two-lane causeway transcends Glacier National Park east-west as it writhes up and over the Continental Divide via the 6,646-foot summit at Logan Pass, then augers down 3,000 feet to Lake McDonald. Along the way, it delivers more twists, turns, and thrills than a James Bond movie. But take it easy; the speed limit is 45 miles per hour at lower elevations and 25 miles per hour higher up. That's just slow enough to let you soak in the jaw-dropping views of glaciers and craggy mountain ranges. Scenic pullouts line the road, which tops out amid windswept alpine tundra. The road is typically fully open from late June through late October, depending on weather conditions. Check the weather (which is highly variable) before setting out. To double your fun, ride the road in both directions.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

In a region where virtually any route is a no-brainer, Utah's Scenic Byway 12 outclasses all others for sheer geological overload. Some 130 miles of pure driving bliss, this All-American Road worms through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — a 1.9-million-acre desert wonderland of multi-hued pinnacles, arches, and cliffs, book-ended by Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. The road climbs from 5,223 feet to 9,636 feet between Panguitch (on U.S. 89) and Torrey (at Utah 24), with tight, thrilling twisties and hairpins especially numerous along the vertiginous "Hogsback" section around Boulder. Be sure to take the Bryce Canyon and short Escalante Petrified Forest side trips. Dual-sport riders can even find some unpaved areas for off-road fun, such as Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The road is open year-round, but winter storms can briefly close it until the heavy snow is plowed.

Owens Valley, Mono Lake to Owens Lake, California

California is replete with popular scenic highways, yet few — if any — can compete with the uninterrupted beauty of Highway 395, unspooling dramatically through the flat, straight Owens Valley at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevadas. This is world-class touring for the sheer pleasure of relaxed riding. The rift valley is framed along its entire 130-mile length by snow-capped peaks soaring to 14,000 feet to each side. Fab side trips offer steep, serpentine climbs up to the sparkling lakes and volcanic marvels of Mammoth Lakes, Whitney Portal, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, which each offer breathtaking vistas. Stitching together a chain of laid-back Old Western towns, U.S. 395 also leads past such fascinating historic sites as the WWII Manzanar War Relocation Center and the 'Movie Flat' area of the Alabama Hills, where hundreds of Western movies were filmed.

Pacific Coast Highway, Morro Bay to Monterey, California

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

California's signature road trip, Pacific Coast Highway — or simply "the 1," or "the PCH" — tops the list of many a motorcyclist's dream rides. Hugging the shore the entire way, this cliff-hanger combines unsurpassed scenery with more curves than Kim Kardashian. PCH snakes all the way from Southern California to the Oregon border, but the 123-mile Big Sur section between Morro Bay and Monterey is considered the ultima thule. You'll salsa past seal-strewn beaches, pounding surf, and giant redwoods soaring above plunging cliffs. Fill up on gas before you start as you quickly leave civilization behind to weave and dance along the remote mountain-backed shoreline. Avoid summer weekends, and check road and weather conditions before setting out: long sections of the PCH are often famously shrouded in fog (especially in summer) or closed due to landslides. Once you reach Monterey, keep going as the fun continues beyond San Francisco to Oregon.

The Best Adventure Motorcycle Destinations

Welcome to the Best Adventure Motorcycle Destinations of 2024. This guide lists our top selection of countries to go on a motorcycle adventure this year. You’ll find a bunch of awesome routes based on our personal travels, why they’re so good and what you need to know about riding there…

Adventure Bike Destinations 2024

What is an adventure motorcycle trip.

This guide is aimed at riders who like a mix of both on and off-road on adventure bikes. The routes, roads, and countries may be more hazardous than a road-only trip. If you would prefer an asphalt only tour, check out our top touring destinations instead.

READ MORE:  Best Motorcycle Touring Destinations  

How to get to these destinations?

The countries we’ve picked can be accessed via flying in and renting a bike, joining an organised or self-guided tour, or taking your own bike there. We’ll cover your options in each country section below.

How and why did we pick these destinations?

We chose the following countries for 2024 based on our personal experiences riding there and ease of access this year. You’ll find a bunch of online articles listing places to go where the author has just grabbed a bunch of random countries and used pics from search engines with no prior experience or knowledge. This isn’t that. We’ve ridden motorcycles in each of the countries listed, love the places and reckon you will too.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive and there are hundreds of places, roads, routes and countries that could and should be added. But we’d be here forever if we did that, and so have listed a few of our top picks. This article will be regularly and yearly updated.

For more information on riding in other countries, take a look at our  Destinations section.  

The Best Countries for an Adventure Motorcycle Trip 2024

Best route:  Pamir Mountain road, Wakhan Corridor

Route plan:  The route starts in the capital (Dushanbe) and heads straight for the border with Afghanistan, hugging it all the way until it eventually swings north. You can then hook back on yourself and ride the Pamir Highway back to Dushanbe and take a detour to the Seven Lakes before heading back to Uzbekistan.

How to get there:  Fly to Osh, Kyrgyzstan and rent a motorcycle or join an organised tour. Alternatively, ride your own bike in from Uzbekistan.

Rentals and tours:  To rent a bike in Tajikistan is tricky. There aren’t many tour operators. Instead, it’s far easier to rent a motorcycle or join a tour from Osh, Kyrgyzstan. However, the land border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has been closed for the last year because of a conflict. But, you can still get from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan via Uzbekistan. Rental bikes from Kyrgyzstan will come with paperwork that will allow you to cross borders.

Taking your own bike:  If you are on your own motorcycle, you will want to travel via Uzbekistan. Border crossings here are easy and the Tajik visa can be done online.

Why it’s so good:  Tajikistan is one of our absolute favourite countries in the world to ride a motorcycle. The Pamir Mountains will make your jaw drop. Riding along the Wakhan Corridor with Afghanistan just over the river is a special experience. The roads are long stretches of gravel through stunning backdrops. Overlanders bottleneck here as there’s only one main road and you’ll end up meeting and riding with fellow travellers, which makes this route even more fun.

As the land border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is currently closed, your ride will start in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and go through Uzbekistan. These are two incredible countries as well. Uzbekistan was once the jewel of the Silk Road and its buildings and architecture are a must see while Kyrgyzstan is one of the most nomadic countries in the world and a quick ride up to the high pastures of Lake Song Kol is another must.

More info:  You will find loads more info on the above countries in our Destination guides including paperwork, great routes, things to do and more.  

• Tajikistan Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Kyrgyzstan Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Uzbekistan Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Kyrgyzstan Rental and Tour Companies

Best route: Mae Hong Son Loop

The route: The route will take you from Chiang Mai to Wat Chan, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang, Mae Chaem and then back to Chiang Mai. You’ll be riding decent tarmac through forests and mountain roads. The riding can be fast or slow paced but is all on road. You can take a lot of off-road routes if you fancy it though. 

How to get there: Fly to Chiang Mai in the north, rent a bike or join a tour and head west towards Myanmar.  

Rentals and tours: To rent a bike in Thailand is incredibly easy. And so is joining an organised motorcycle tour. Whether you rent or join a tour is dependent on how comfortable you feel on a bike in a foreign country. Thailand’s roads can be dangerous and so you will need to keep your wits about you, but the route can be easily completed solo.

Taking your own bike: Getting to Southeast Asia with your own motorcycle is increasingly difficult because of the shut borders with Myanmar and Thailand’s entry requirements. But it can be done. You’ll find more info in our Thailand guides. 

Why it’s so good: Thailand is an amazing place to ride a motorcycle. It’s so easy to ride there, the country is well setup for tourism, renting is simple, the tours are superb and the riding is amongst the best in Southeast Asia. If you fancy an adventure bike tour with minimal fuss, Thailand is your go to.

But, that doesn’t mean the Mae Hong Son Loop is easy. You’ve got 400 miles of twists, turns and bends to cover through Thailand’s rural north. What makes it extra special are the places, sights, attractions, villages and towns you’ll stop off at along the way.

More info: You will find loads more info on riding the Mae Hong Son Loop and Thailand in general in our Destination guides including paperwork, great routes, things to do and more.  

• The Mae Hong Son Loop Guide
• Thailand Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Thailand Rental and Tour Companies

Best route: The Ha Giang Loop

The route: The loop goes from Ha Giang to Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Du Gia and back to Ha Giang. It’s roughly 300kms and typically takes three to five days.  

How to get there: Fly to Hanoi and either rent a motorcycle from there and ride up to Ha Giang (if you want to take on a bigger tour) or get yourself to Hanoi and jump on a bus to Ha Giang and rent / join a tour there.

Rentals and tours: You can easily rent a motorcycle or semi-automatic in Vietnam – especially in Ha Giang or Hanoi. The HGL is well set up for motorcycle rentals and tours because it’s such a popular route for bikers. 

Taking your own bike: It’s near impossible to take a foreign registered motorcycle or vehicle into Vietnam (by all means, try, but it’s not worth the money, time and hassle). You can buy a motorcycle in Vietnam if you don’t want to rent one or will be there for a long time. You can then take this bike into Laos and Cambodia for a longer trip. 

Why it’s so good: The Ha Giang Loop is renowned for being one of the best motorcycle rides in Southeast Asia (if not the world). The loop takes in Vietnam’s extreme north bordering China. It’s an epic mountainous region with incredibly beautiful raw landscapes and roads that climb through the clouds before plunging into valleys. Vistas of green, misty mountains, jagged karst and insane roads… you’ll love it.

It’s not just the crazy riding though. Staying with and meeting the local people in Ha Giang adds another element to this trip. Homestays are a big part of the travel up there, eating dinner with a local family and immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture makes this ride even more special.

More info: You’ll find lots of extra info and how to guides on riding the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam in our below guides.  

• How to Motorcycle the Ha Giang Loop
• Happy New Year from Ha Giang
• Vietnam Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Vietnam Rental and Tour Companies

Best route: Lo Manthang.

The route: From Pokhara north to mythical Lo Manthang.

How to get there: Get yourself to Pokhara and make your way north to Lower and then Upper Mustang. There’s one way up and down. 

Rentals and tours: The best way to visit Lo Manthang on a motorcycle is by joining an organised tour. Getting there any other way is exceptionally difficult because it’s a restricted area, you need multiple permits, you’re not allowed to go alone and must be accompanied by a licenced guide. A tour company will handle all of this for you.

Taking your own bike:  If you really want to travel with your own bike, you can but will still need to join a tour or have a licenced guide accompany you. It’s far easier and more cost effective to join a tour where the bike is provided for you as there will be a backup vehicle carrying your luggage (you don’t want to be weighed down on this ride) and they will have all the necessary spares and parts for your rental bike, plus a mechanic on hand. It’s not the sort of place you want to break down.  

Why it’s so good: Lo Manthang is a place whispered amongst hardy travellers and explorers. Extremely hard to get to, heavily restricted. Controlled and expensive – but it is like stepping into another world. It’s an unexplored region and one of the world’s last true frontiers and that makes it gold dust for motorcycle travellers and trekkers alike. The old kingdom is nestled high in the Himalayas and the ride to get there is out of this world. It’s exceptionally remote and rugged with tough routes to get there and back. But it’s worth it just to visit this time warp.

But not for long… It only opened up to the outside world in the early ‘90s and back then it was only a small handful of trekkers who made the journey. Post Covid, motorcycle tour groups have started to go up there, soon it will be far more visited. So, if you want to go, now is the time.

More info: The below guides have all the information you need to ride to Lo Manthang as well as our experiences riding there. 

• How to Motorcycle to Lo Manthang
• The Forbidden Kingdom
• Nepal Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Nepal Rental and Tour Companies

Best route: Porto and the Douro River.

The route: We recommend starting in Porto, head for the Douro River and chase it along the legendary National 222. You’ll find a huge mix of gravel and off-road routes of varying difficulties with tarmac routes connecting them.          

How to get there: Either ride your own bike to Portugal or fly to Porto and rent or join a tour.

Rentals and tours: Portugal makes it easy to rent a bike, join an organised tour or a self-guided one. It completely depends on how long you’ve got, what you want to see and how you like to ride. If you’re strapped for time and want everything pre-arranged, we’d opt for a self-guided tour. A company will book all your hotels in advance and give you a loaded GPS with daily routes to each hotel already plotted out. All you have to do is turn up and ride. 

Taking your own bike:  Taking your own bike into Portugal is also very easy. If you’re from the UK or Europe, then it’s worthwhile. Otherwise, it may be easier to fly in and rent or join a tour.

Why it’s so good:  Portugal is a slice of motorcycling paradise. It’s got everything an adventure rider wants and needs. Endless off-road tracks from easy to proper enduro, sweeping tarmac routes, tight switchbacks, mountain and forest roads, coastline, delicious food and wine, wonderful people and gorgeous towns. You’ve got to be careful here, it’s easy to stay way too long.

We headed to Porto for our honeymoon, rented a KTM 790 Adventure as part of a self-guided tour and headed off to explore one of the most romantic spots in Europe – the gorgeous wine vineyards of the Douro River. Off-road routes and gravel tracks climb into mountains and through vineyards, flowing alongside rivers and through sun drenched forests. The riding here is as beautiful as the country.

More info:  These guides are packed with info on how to join a tour in Portugal, our riding experience there, the best rental companies as well as more detailed info on riding through this brilliant biking country. 

• How to Rent a Motorcycle in Portugal
• Minimoon in Porto
• Portugal Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Portugal Rental and Tour Companies

Best route: The Gobi Desert

The route: Get to the Gobi Desert on the border with China and lose yourself. There is no route here.

How to get there: The easiest way to ride in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert is to join an organised tour. Fly to the capital, Ulaanbaatar and your tour company will collect you and drive you south to the Gobi to start your tour.

Rentals and tours: Tours are far easier and more common than rentals in Mongolia. With a rental, you’re likely looking at a pretty rough low-capacity machine that’s not suitable for the long ride south or the sand. Tour companies are far better equipped, but the bikes and riding tends to be enduro based.   

Taking your own bike: You can ride in Mongolia with your own motorcycle. Entry is difficult now due to Russian visas and it’s unlikely you’ll be coming up from China. So, unless you’re on a round the world trip and heading that way anyway, joining a tour or renting is the way to go.  

Why it’s so good: Endless sand dunes, nomads, eagle hunters, yurts and horses. Mongolia is the wild west of Asia and one of the most incredible places on earth to ride a motorcycle. It’s a vast and rugged wonderland.

More info: Detailed guides on riding in Mongolia as well as our recommended rental and tour companies if you’d prefer to join an organised tour.

• How to Get to the Gobi Desert
• Mongolia Motorcycle Travel Guides
• Mongolia Rental and Tour Companies

Read more on adventure motorcycle travel

Thanks for checking out The Best Adventure Motorcycle Destinations of 2024. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on adventure motorcycle travel that we recommend you read next. 

• Destination Guides
• The Best Motorcycle Roads in the World
• Recommended Rental and Tour Companies
• How to Go on a Motorcycle Adventure
• Guided Motorcycle Tours Explained
• Riding Gear Guides

Try these next…

The Best Adventure Motorcycles

How to Motorcycle Round the World

The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List

6 Best Soft Panniers for Adventure Bikes

The 10 Best Adventure Motorcycle Helmets

How to Choose Your Adventure Bike Riding Gear

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Florida roads for great motorcycling, ocean views, sugar-cane fields, wildlife and year-round access make for the ideal florida motorcycle trip.  .

By Gary McKechnie

Florida roads for motocyclists aren't known for death-defying twists and turns, and we prefer to keep things at sea level. Yet there's a reason Motoryclist magazine ranked the trip from the Everglades to the Keys as one of the 10 best in the country: From beautiful ocean views to sugar cane fields and alligators, Florida's roads for motocyclists are spectacular sceneries best seen from the seat of a cruiser. "People like Florida, because it's year-round riding," said Bill Belei, founder and editor of Motorcycle Roads , a site that ranks and reviews open roads around the country. "Bikers are like Canadian geese: They head south. Certainly in the winter, people love to head south and ride through the winter." Florida's roads also are in good condition and usually offer riders plenty of places to stop and relax. There are enough side roads to avoid the dreaded interstate, and a number of hidden gems are tucked in state parks. Whether you're the rider who wants a smooth road to take you from lunch spot to tavern – or looking to avoid humanity all together – Florida has the right ride and plenty of shoreline. "From our perspective, you ride in Florida primarily for the scenery," said Frank Strouse, "Riders live to avoid the interstate, which we kindly refer to as 'super slab.' It's just a boring ride. "The thing about riding a motorcycle that you don't get riding in a car is, you're out in the open. You get all the smells and all the sounds you don't get in the car. That adds to the beauty, particularly when there is plenty of ocean." Motorcycle Roads lists 135 places to ride a motorcycle in Florida, from short rides just a few miles long to the 125-plus mile journey through the Florida Keys Panoramic Highway . His site ranks the Overseas Highway route to Key West as No. 1 in the state. The two-lane highway has stunning hues of water on both sides for much of the ride. "You feel like a seagull," said Bill Andrews, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and former photographer for the American Motorcyclist Association. "It's just a gorgeous ride. There's emerald water and blue skies, plus you can island-hop. You stop at small town fishing shacks along the way and find something new every time. I never tire of it." To avoid the highway doldrums on the way to the Keys, take Card Sound Road and stop at Alabama Jack's for lunch. You won't see much water in Key Largo , but the joy begins in Indian Key Fill and continues for miles. Head south and don't stop till you hit the water. Andrews also suggests the ride from Naples along Tamiami Trail from East to West . Look out for gators and turtles along the way. He also likes A1A heading south from St. Augustine to Ormond Beach , an oceanfront ride that's largely condo-free along the shore. "What this road lacks in 'back road' appeal and twists and curves, it makes up for in ocean scenery taking you past many great Florida beaches," said Erik Barthel, "Ride it north through Guana River ( Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve ) to get the best that this road has to offer. This is by far one of the favorite roads of our members." Rich Proia, owner of American V Twin gear shop in Orlando, likes Route 27 to Miami through Central Florida . "It's nice riding – sugar cane fields and lots of lakes," Proia said. "There's nobody out there except you and the alligators."

Where to Ride a Motorcycle in Florida

The Ozello Trail Ride : "A short but sweet nine-mile motorcycle road on the Gulf Coast of central Florida, and riders love it for the curves," Belei said. The trail, also known as County Road 494, snakes west from U.S. 19 and bends north. Mullet jump in the salt marshes; deer and turkey thrive in the oak hammocks. The dozens of curves makes this a biker favorite, but look out for the 35 mph speed limit. Route 98 from Pensacola to Crystal River : This nearly 400-mile ride offers sweeping vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the "Forgotten Coast," the Apalachicola Bay is one of the highlights. Some of the developed areas have stop signs, so hit those areas at lunchtime – when you're looking to slow down for a bite to eat. The Sugarloaf Mountain Ride (Belei's site describes this as a favorite among central Florida Motorcyclists): "With its hilly inclines and tight corners, Sugarloaf Mountain offers a dramatic change of landscape from the normally flat terrain of Florida." He says the scenery becomes more wooded and sparsely populated at the northern side of Lake Apopka, but "the real ride begins on Old Country Road 561, which is situated on the western side of the lake. This road and Old Country Road 455 make a nice loop around Sugarloaf Mountain, complete with winding curves and rather steep inclines for Florida. Atop the mountain you can look to the east and see Lake Apopka, as well as the Orlando skyline on the distant horizon." Scenic Route 13 near Jacksonville : This 38-mile ride goes along the St. Johns River from Fruit Cove to Spuds. Route 441 : Bikers recommend Holopaw to Belle Glade, a 112-mile ride past Lake Okeechobee. This makes a great scenic alternative to the Florida Turnpike. The Green Swamp Tour : Routes 33 and 50 northeast of Tampa circle the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, an official Florida protected area. County Route 42, Summerfield to De Land : This ride skirts the Ocala National Forest. North of Land O' Lakes, using 41 as a base point : The final road is really a couple of roads pieced together for a nice day ride. Great scenery, back roads appeal and some nice curves to lean the bike through a bit." Next up is Lake Lindsey Road off US 41 to S. Istachatte Rd and County Rd 39, which Barthel describes as "another great little back road offering good scenery and that off-the-beaten-path feel." The first exit to take is Ehren Cut-off – a good old fashioned back road with some nice sweeping curves to lean that bike through a bit. "Expect to see a lot of horses and cows," he said. "Why are these the best? There are three things that make any road better than average for a motorcyclists: scenery, twisties, and back roads appeal," he added. "The first two are pretty obvious, the third is the reason you ride – to get away from it all and escape to something that's not cookie cutter or McDonalds like. You can't find that on a highway. "If you find a road that hits all three, you've got nirvana."

To see what's happening in biking when you head to Florida, check out the Florida Motorcycle Events Calendar .

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Life Is a Byway: 4 Scenic Motorcycle Rides in Idaho

Table of contents, motorcycle adventures in northern idaho, go with the (river) flow.

• Tour Through Caribbean-like Escapes & Wondrous Waterfalls on Your Idaho Motorcycle Trip
• Take a Scenic Motorcycle Ride Through Fantastic Forests & Lunar Landscapes

Exploring Idaho’s 31 scenic byways from the seat of a motorcycle allows you to become a part of these roads that weave through mountains, plains, rivers and valleys. Answer the call of adventure and experience these four scenic Idaho motorcycle rides of discovery.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

South Fork of the Clearwater Corridor, near Elk City. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Stop #1: International Selkirk Loop

The International Selkirk Loop ranks among the Northern Rockies’ top motorcycle rides. The 280-mile route runs from northern Idaho and into British Columbia before sweeping back through Washington state into Idaho. Unlike other trips with dramatic vistas and demanding S-curves, the 90+ miles in Idaho are smooth and easy, while delivering a pleasing succession of small towns, broad lakes and glacial valleys.

Stop #2: Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage

Starting on the southern leg of the Selkirk Loop in Oldtown, Idaho, the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage places you on the north bank of the Pend Oreille River. Between Oldtown and Sandpoint, the land along U.S. Highway 2 is low, flat and sprinkled with serene views of local farms and surrounding forests. The river itself can be accessed from side roads as well as convenient recreational areas at Priest River and Riley Creek, each of which offer camping, swimming, hiking, fishing and picnic areas.

Stop #3: Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

Nestled between three mountain ranges, the town of Sandpoint is anchored by picturesque Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. From here, head east via State Highway 200, otherwise known as the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. This motorcycle-friendly, two-lane road boasts water views and landscapes so stunning, you might find yourself in Montana before you know it. To stay on your Idaho route, stick with the Selkirk Loop from the northwest shore of the lake via the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway.

Stop #4: Kaniksu National Forest

The byway leads straight to Bonners Ferry along the western edge of the Kaniksu National Forest. Crossing the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry, you may get the feeling you’ve entered a new stage of your scenic motorcycle ride as the landscape subtly transforms into backcountry. Enjoy the 15 miles of free-range riding before State Highway 1 splits left from U.S. Highway 95 for the final stretch to the Canadian border.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Selway River, near Syringa. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Stop #1: Northwest Passage Scenic Byway

At 202 miles, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is the longest of Idaho’s designated routes and roughly mirrors the path taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805. Follow in the explorers’ footsteps by taking U.S. Highway 12 west from the Montana border at Lolo Pass, through the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forest and into Lewiston.

The road dives straight into the majestic countryside, following the twists and turns of the Lochsa, Middle Fork of the Clearwater and Selway rivers. The pavement tracks the rolling and winding current all the way to Kooskia—an essential pit stop, where the road switches to the opposite side of the Clearwater River.

Stop #2: Nez Perce National Historical Park

If you’re ready for some European-style riding—highlighted by a seven-mile series of twists, turns, sweeps and switchbacks—head farther north and hang a right onto State Highway 11 near Greer. To get back to the byway, make a U-turn at Fraser.

Continuing on Highway 12, the road is bordered by shimmering waterways and accented by pine trees and low hills. You’ll find the absence of billboards, strip malls and traffic refreshing—and an undeniable affirmation of your decision to own a motorcycle. It’s a tranquil 30 miles to Orofino, which continues unimpeded to Ahsaka, Lenore, Myrtle and Spalding—home of the Nez Perce National Historical Park Site Visitor Center—before the final flow of the Clearwater slips into the Snake River at Lewiston.

Tour Through Caribbean-like Escapes & Wondrous Waterfalls on Your Idaho Motorcycle Trip

Upper Mesa Falls Overlook, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Stop #1: Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway

The Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 89) begins at Bear Lake—known as “the Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters—and extends 110 miles to McCammon. Along the way, stop and explore the National California–Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier before merging onto U.S. Highway 30, where you’ll come across weathered barns, a historic mercantile, the majestic Minnetonka Cave and the ornate Paris Tabernacle built in 1874.

At the junction of U.S. Highway 30 and State Highway 34 in Soda Springs, you’ll find the world’s only captive geyser, which shoots a plume of water 100 feet into the sky every hour. The town also directs you north on the Pioneer Historic Byway , a route once favored by settlers.

Stop #2: Teton Scenic Byway

The road continues into Wyoming before swinging back through Swan Valley along the Teton Scenic Byway (State Highway 31), which is filled with stretches of solitude. As you approach the town of Victor on State Highway 33, your spirits will rise like the Grand Teton Mountains ascending to the east.

Stop #3: Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Farmland fills the horizons on the linear roads (State Highway 32 and State Highway 33) that take you past Driggs and Tetonia before introducing you to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway at the junction of U.S. Highway 20 and State Highway 47. This is where the low-mileage, highly scenic half loop launches into a meandering path that peaks with the inspiring sight of Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. While you’re here, stop by the interpretive center to learn about the region’s geology and history.

Stop #4: Fort Henry Scenic Byway

Where State Highway 47 reconnects with U.S. Highway 20, it’s a 10-minute ride to access the northernmost segment of the Fort Henry Scenic Byway. The Kilgore–Yale Road is narrow and remote, providing a heightened level of serenity for your Idaho motorcycle road trip. Although you won’t be riding the entire length of the byway on this journey, your consolation prize is a quick jog to Idmon Road, where you’ll find the entrance to the Lost Gold Trails Loop—a route once used by miners heading to Montana.

Take a Scenic Motorcycle Ride Through Fantastic Forests & Lunar Landscapes

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

 Stop #1: Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (State Highway 21) is a curiously twisting and challenging road that will lift you to 7,056 feet at Banner Summit before descending into Stanley. Planted at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley neighbors the Salmon–Challis National Forest, which is the gateway to the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness Area.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stop #2: Sawtooth Scenic Byway

This is where the baton is passed to the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, which descends one of the most majestic roads (State Highway 75) you’ll ride on your Idaho motorcycle road trip. Surrounded by the spruce, aspen and ponderosa pines of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the road through the Sawtooth Valley rises to the level of the landscape with steep ascents, jigsaw ridges and twisted corners that reach their peak at 8,701-foot Galena Pass. Take a minute, or an hour, to appreciate the views around you.

Stop #3: Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

South of Hailey comes Bellevue, where Gannet Road provides a shortcut to U.S. Highway 20 and the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway. True to its name, the highlight of this road is Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve near Arco, where you can pretend your steed is a lunar rover. Over the course of several thousand years, a parallel line of fissures erupted through volcanic buttes and cones to spread a flow of lava over the land. This unique, moonlike landscape offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, including an underground world of lava tubes, hiking trails and more.

With Idaho being home to the most scenic byways in the country, these are just a few of the routes awaiting your next scenic motorcycle ride.

Ready to ride? Find additional details on Idaho’s scenic byways at visitidaho.org/things-to-do/road-trips , or preview these amazing routes on Visit Idaho’s YouTube channel.

Gary McKechnie is a two-time National Geographic author, two-time winner of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award and author of America’s best-selling motorcycle guidebook— Great American Motorcycle Tours. He’s written hundreds of travel features on two-wheel travel and, as a public speaker, based his presentation “Shifting Gears” on his experiences as a moto journalist. Learn more at garymckechnie.com.

A version of this story originally appeared in the 2023 Official Idaho Travel Guide

Published on December 27, 2022

Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip: U.S.A: Coast to Coast!

Hit the road on the ultimate motorcycle road trip across the USA, coast to coast. Tips, routes, and experiences for an unforgettable ride for potential travelers.

So you want to take an epic  Motorcycle road trip?  Your not alone Motorcycle Road trips, are a growing trend. At Town and Tourist, we have received many requests from people asking about the  most epic Motorcycle road trips across the U.S.A .

I myself am an avid Motorcycle rider and have crossed the U.S  6 times  using a variety of different routes. Believe me each time I’ve ridden across the U.S, I have had a completely different experience.

As there are so many way you can "cut it” with a Motorcycle road trip,  Coast to Coast, North to South . Many riders tend to take short trips on weekends and hit 1 or 2 good roads in that time, this is fine and I enjoy that myself.

However, if you wan’t a  real epic challenge  and wan’t to take on 5-10 or even  20 of the best roads in the U.S.A. Then the best motorcycle roadtrip you can do is  Coast to Coast! Expect scene routes, exhilarating roads and a truly epic adventure!

However, the romance is not without it’s challenges, a long marathon style road trip of around  4000 Miles  of Motorcycle riding can be physically and Mentally challenging. From my many Motorcycle tours, I recommended the more time you can give yourself to accomplish a coast to coast the better.

ROAD-TRIP-USA. We all can't look so good after 4000 miles!

Don’t over estimate how many miles you think you can do in a day because it may cause you to strain and won’t be as enjoyable as a result.

The truth is, I discovered that you need a realistic schedule when doing a long motorcycle road trip. Penciling in Rest days, places to see sights and spend time of the bike is a must!  A schedule for a full coast to coast trip giving you a  minimum of three weeks, I found is a nice amount of time,  to really get the most out of the trip and explore many sights along the way!

However, that’s just me, I have friends who have toured coast to coast rapidly without a problem, so it all depends upon you and how much you wish to see along the way.

The first time, I decided to take a long Motorcycle roadtrip or tour it was from the  South to the North, leaving on my Harley from the west of Mississippi . I took the  I-40  and it was really fascinating ride as you head to New Mexico, Santa Fe and Los Alamos, they are all great places steeped with history.

Afterwards you pass  Petrified Forest  and  Meteor Crater  before reaching  Flagstaff and onto Grand Canyon National Park. While at the Grand Canyon I took a hot air balloon ride over it, which was a nice break from the Motorbike. Check out this great article to learn more  5 Golden Reasons why taking a Balloon Ride over the Grand Canyon should be on your Bucket list .

However, that trip was a vacation compared to the Coast to Coast Motorcycle road trip. It is challenging...but is it worth it? Absolutely! You will learn so much about the U.S, yourself and your Motorcycle!

You will experience some great thrills, see some scenic sights and have stories and memories, which you can tell the Grandkids about. Most of it’s an adventure of Epic Proportions!

So hop on your Motorcycle, rev that engine and let me show you the plan, for your ultimate Motorcycle road trip.

Riding Coast to Coast in the most Epic way!

We believe riding coast to coast on a Motorcycle road trip is a best achieved by linking together as many of the most epic, thrilling and scenic roads across the U.S. states. In addition, to linking in your favourite places to stop off!

However, depending on your starting point and timeline only some of these may be achievable.

After my Motorcycle road trip across the U.S, I have put together a series of  questions you should ask yourself to help you plan it effectively and get the most out of your road trip!

Planning your Perfect Motorcycle Road Trip

15 questions to help you plan a road trip.

• Time of Year? (Summer or Winter)
• Riding Experience?
• Your Motorcycle, Quality, Reliability, tires etc.
• Own Motorcycle or Rental? For Bike hire check out these great guys.  BikesBooking.com
• How many people will be going? Solo ride or group tour.
• How much time can you have on the road?
• Do you have any commitments, which may restrict your time?
• Which accommodation would you like to stay in motels, hotels?
• How many scenic detours would you like?
• Which places would you love to stop off at?
• How many Stop of’s can you have?
• Which type of roads do you wan’t to include?  Thrilling high speed roads with lots of twists, long straights or more relaxing scenic roads.
• Starting and Ending Point. (Coast to Coast), (North to south)
• Are you physically prepared for a Motorcycle Road Trip?
• Are you Mentally Prepared for the Challenge? (If taking a Coast to Coast Route)

Which coast should I start my road trip?

Generally, with a Motorcycle Road trip I have found that America opens up as you head from East to West, and its nicer to end your trip on Pacific Coast highway. In the sunshine with plenty of places to relax on the beach and good transport links home from LA or San Francisco.

If you head from East to West it can feel a little more congested as you carry on your Motorcycle road trip.

Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip - Coast to Coast

Virginia to california.

This great Motorcycle road trip is a coast to coast masterpiece as it includes a mix of the most highly regarded motorcycle routes out there!

Ultimate Coast to Coast Road Motorcycle Road Trip in the U.S.A, By  TownandTourist.com

Leg 1: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia - Deals Gap, North Carolina -

Leg 1 length - 770 miles..

We start your epic Motorcycle road trip by heading from  Front Royal, Virginia to Deal’s Gap, North Carolina , via the  Appalachian Mountains!

This is four scenic mountain rides, combined together to start your Motorcycle Road trip in style!

A. Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway

Start with  Skyline Drive  in Virginia, a  105-mile run  along the edge of the  Shenandoah National Park.

Then head onto  Blue Ridge Parkway which is  the longest linear park in the U.S around  469-miles  in length through  29 Virginia  and  North Carolina counties.

Expect smooth roads, sweeping curves and exquisite natural beauty as a backdrop!

It is advised to spend at  least two days  to enjoy every part of this ride, and truly get the most out of your Ultimate Motorcycle Road trip.

Top Tip:  There are no gas stations on the actual parkway, but just outside you can find some.

B. Deals Gap and the thrilling Tail of the Dragon.

Ride eastward to  Tellico Plains  along the Cherohala Skyway  (Hwy 28)  heading into  Tennessee  backcountry.

Then Loop back via  Hwys 360  and 72 to  Deal’s Gap,  and tackle the infamous and thrilling  Tail of the Dragon, which is 11 Miles of 318 curves!

The hairpin turns at Tail of the dragon make it a thrilling part of your motorcycle road trip. Tail of the Dragon is internationally renowned as one of America’s No1 Motorcycle Roads!

With a stunning backdrop of the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smokey Mountains this is surely one epic place to ride no matter what season!

Related Read:   25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A: Road Trip Ideas!

Drew Williman | Wikimedia Commons

Located at the intersection of US 129 and NC 28.

Blue Ridge Parkway - Deals Gap, Map.

Map of Ultimate Coast to Coast Motorcycle Road Trip, Leg 1 - Blue Ridge Parkway and Tail of the Dragon, Map by TownandTourist.com

Leg 1 Ultimate Motorcycle Road trip, Route - Town and Tourist.

Leg 2: Natchez Trace Parkway - [ Tennessee - Alabama - Mississippi]

Natchez Trace Parkway is a legendary route and stretches 444 miles between  Natchez, Mississippi  and  Nashville, Tennessee.

On this section of your ultimate motorcycle road trip, expect breathtaking quaint scenery of rural farmland and an abundance of wildlife!

This is great for motorcyclists as commercial traffic is prohibited so generally the traffic is quiet apart from as you head towards Tupelo and Jackson.

Natchez Trace Parkway - Map:

Map of Ultimate Coast to Coast Motorcycle road trip ,  Leg 2 - Nantchez Ride  by TownandTourist.com

Leg 2 - Detail. By TownandTourist.com. Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip leg 2

Leg 3:  Pig Trail Scenic Byway -  Arkansas to Missouri

According to USA today, in their readers poll for best Motorcycle route  Pig Trail Scenic Byway  was voted No1. I can understand why, with the gorgeous natural beauty of overhanging trees as you sweep through this is truly a majestic stretch.

Try to plan your motorcycle road trip to end up here during the spring or fall, where it’s a prime spot to see flowers blooming and foliage fall.

While the entire length of AR 23 is often referred to as the Pig Trail, it’s actually the 24-mile stretch from  I-40 to Brashears  , at the junction of  AR 16,  where the route is formed. From the Arkansas-Missouri border to  US 71.

AWPhotos | Wikimedia Commons

Fun Fact: How did Pig Trail Scenic Byway get its name?

There are multiple competing theories on this, one is that the road twists as much as the tail of a wild hog. The other is that this part of AR 23 was a popular back-road route into Fayetteville for University of Arkansas Razorback football games, thus Pig Trail.

The other explanation is simply that the road is as twisty as the tail of a wild hog...either way it's a great addition to your motorcycle road trip.

Pig trail Scenic Byway - Road Trip Map.

Map of the Coast to Coast Motorcycle Road Trip (Leg3) - TownandTourist.com

Leg 3 of the coast to coast road trip. TownandTourist.com

Leg 4a : San Juan Skyway - [Arkansas to Colorado]

Shorter route..

The rocky mountains are a terrific place to ride as you ascend the views get sweeter and the air gets crisper! My favourite spots are San Juan Skyway and Peak to Peak Highway. This rocky mountains  are the perfect place for leg 4 of your motorcycle road trip.

San Juan Skyway – Colorado

The San Juan Skyway is a  236 mile loop  through the  San Juan Mountains  in southwest Colorado. One of the sweetest and most breath taking routes in the Colorado Mountains you won’t be disappointed!

However, be careful when riding due regularly gradient changes and shear drop offs as the guard rails disappear at some points! The “Million Dollar Highway” , a 12 mile section and well regarded as the most scenic part of this road between Ouray & Silverton.

Popular towns along the route include Cortez, Telluride, Durango, Silverton, Ouray. With great scenic spots such as Mesa Verde National Park, Anasazi Heritage Center and a variety of special wilderness areas! Fall, is the best time to travel hear when the aspens are at their peak! Check road conditions and weather before hand if traveling in the winter.

Unknown | Wikimedia Commons

Fun Fact:  The average driving time without stopping is 7 Hours (At the speed limit) ;)

Related Read:   21 BEST Car Shows/Auto Shows USA: Sickest!

Map of San Juan Skyway:

Ultimate Motorcycle Road trip, Leg 4. Road Map of San Juan Skyway.

Option to Head further up and check out the Peak to Peak Highway:

Peak to peak highway – colorado.

This is Colorado's first scenic byway, established in  1918  it is a truly exceptional  55 mile route  and a priority if your wising to head to the  Rocky Mountain National Park  and the Front Range.

Front range includes some great mountain towns including the charming Estes Park, quaint Nederland, Black Hawk and Central City (previous mining towns revamped into casino destinations, an old nickname for this area was "the richest square mile on earth”).

The peak to peak highway starts as Colo. 7 in Estes Park brings you past the small town of Allenspark on Colo. 72, then heads to  Nederland .

There, it goes south on  Colo. 119  through Blackhawk, into Clear Creek Canyon and ends at  Interstate 70 . Other Popular sights to see along the way are the  Golden Gate Canyon State Park ,  Indian Peaks Wilderness Area ,  Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Top Tip: Around two hours is a pretty good amount of drive time for this route.

Top Tip: Try to plan your motorcycle road trip so you can take a ride here in the Fall, when leaves turn golden on the aspen trees.

Ultimate Motorcycle road trip - Leg4a (Pikes Peak Highway)

Leg4a - Map of Ultimate Motorcycle Road trip, Coast to coast. ( Arkansas to Colorado)

Leg 4b: Arkansas to Texas (Three Sisters) - Longer Route.

River road, (fm 170) - 120 miles from terlingua to candelaria, big bend, texas.

Farm to Market road 170  or sometimes called  “The River Road” because it follows the  Rio Grande.  This is a 120 smooth stretch which starts in  the town of  Candelaria , (a ghost town!) and heads along the Texas border.

The highlight is the Motorcycle ride through Big Bend’s Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem equip mountains, canyons, badlands, and stunted forests.

This is will be one of the most memorable and theatrical parts of your ultimate motorcycle road trip.

Top Tip: The Contraband Movie Set is an interesting sight to see at Closed Canyon as is another ghost town called Terlingua.

The Three Sisters (aka The Twisted Sisters), Texas

The  Texas Hill Country Ranch Roads 335, 336, and 337 , widely known throughout Texas as the Twisted Sisters or The Three Sisters. This  100-mile loop  is one of the most fantastic and challenging motorcycle roads in Texas, with many tight twisting curves, making it a thrilling experience.

The first Twisted Girl is on Ranch Road 337, which starts at the north edge of  Medina . Following it west, you will see many gorgeous ranches, and even one with its own landing strip!

As you enter the first twisting turns, the first reminder of the dangerousness of this route is clear to see with a highway signs stating, “ WARNING Next 12 Miles, Since Jan. 2006, 10 Killed in Motorcycle Related Crashes. ”…this sharpens you up and is a helpful reminder on your Motorcycle Road trip.

RichardCF | Wikimedia Commons

Around 20 miles in, you will come to a T section at the town of  Vanderpoole . Right on  Highway 187  for a mile brings us back to  337  again, and we turn left and then head for  Leakey  and the next  Sister, which lies on Ranch Road 336 .

Sister 337 twists alot more on this leg, heading over a hill, with lots of fast swerves, before descending into the  Little Dry Frio Creek Valley .

Continuing straight through Leakey on 337 for around half a mile. Then you will arrive at the  Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop and the Bent Rim Grill, a nice place to stop, grab a some lunch and pat yourself on the back for accomplishing the deadly threesome of sisters!

This is a heart racing section of your motorcycle road trip and a nice part to really let loose on your thrilling twists.

Top Tip: Want some education on your Motorcycle Road Trip? Visit Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. To get there, you would have had to keep going straight on highway 187 for around three miles.

Location of Three Sisters Texas:

Ranch Rd 335, Rocksprings, TX 78880, USA

The Texas Twisted Sisters NW Corner

Map of Twisted Sisters Route, Texas.  (Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip) Map by TownandToursit.com

Leg 5: Colorado to Utah - [Grand Staircase Escalante Road]

Head to the grand staircase escalante route..

The Grand Staircase-Escalante is another motorcycle route which is considered one of the best in the U.S.A. With absolutely stunning views of Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

The actual Staircase is a  multicolored  masterpiece of cliffs, plateaus and canyons! A few miles of straights on either side of Escalante leave the rest of the road to sweep and twist over the landscape.

To get there start in  Panguitch, Utah  and head south on  US-89, then in  10 miles take the turn towards  Bryce Canyon on Rte 12 . Then  head east on Rte 12 all the way  Torrey, UT  which is over  100 miles .

Red canyon, Bryce canyon, Hell's Backbone, Calf Creek and Boulder Mountain are just some highlights which give you a flavour of every type of scenery Utah has to offer, from red rock to slick rock to pine and aspen covered mountains.

While driving these roads on the Ultimate motorcycle road trip, I felt like mad max!

The Stairway to Heaven...on your Motorcycle road trip

Top Tip: If your an avid photographer then this is your perfect spot, to whip out the tripods and lenses.

To capture the colorful cliffs and other highlights such as Dixie National Forrest.

Overall, The 124-miles stretch on highway 12,  provides breath taking scenery and gorgeous roads especially around Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks and the Petrified Forest State Park!

There are a few small towns enrolee to fill up the tank and Ruby's Inn is a popular lunch spot, around red canyon.

This is a surreal place to ride through at White Rim Road, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

Road Trip Map from Sky Juan Highway, Colorado.

Leg 5 - Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip (Coast to Coast). TownandTourist.

Map Breakdown. Ultimate Coast to Coast Motorcycle Road Trip. By Townandtourist.com

Leg 6: Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Head to North California and then hop on the  Pacific Coast Highway ! We have possibly saved the best till last, and believe me it was worth the  4000 miles , to finally get to this spectacular  west coast route!

Californias State 1 route or pacific coast highway is a  655 mile  long masterpiece of  scenic beauty  and wonder!

The route starts from Dana Point in Orange County, through San Diego, past LA, Malibu, Montery Bay and up to Mendocino County in the north San Francisco.

This is a gigantic stretch of  heaven for bikers and has the most amazing places to stop of enroute! With that crisp sea air and sun shining this is a magical route like no other.

Pacific Coast Highway is an exceptional place to ride on your Epic Motorcycle Road Trip.

Related Read:   New York to Dallas: Epic Road Trip Itinerary

Pacific Coast Highway - Stops and Cities.

1. san diego.

Head up to the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma and you’ll get  stunning view of San Diego and the Bay.

San Diego is an Exceptional Place, to enjoy the Pacific Coastal Highway.

2. Long Beach

As you head from San Diego ride over the snaking  Coronado Bridge for a couple of miles. Then make your way to  Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, the coast around the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a thrilling ride!

3. Los Angeles

Head into the city if you'd like for a stop of before making the epic route up the pacific coast highway.

Bikini clad Malibu is 15 miles of stunning beaches and the open road heading toward Ventura. Follow the signs to Point Dume and you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach, headlands, cliffs and rocky coves.

Heading around Malibu you will be sure to spot many gorgeous homes of Hollywood stars, especially around Topanga Canyons.

Keep on Route 27 and you’ll come across cool stores, diners along the roadside. Park up the bike at the top for an awesome view over the San Fernando Valley at the top of Topanga Overlook.

If you would like to stop and do some surfing head down to Ventura Beach, or check out the historic downtown Ventura, full of many vintage shops and stores. Great to by a souvenir, from your trip other than tire marks!

6. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is another cool stop to check out. Ride along the coast line of the Pacific Coast Highway and you’ll seeEast Beach and Stearns Wharf .  Santa Barbara Zoo and  Botanic Garden are also nice spots to check out.

Big Sur is an artistic town with great sights from Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Point Sur State Historic Park, Ragged Point. It is so gorgeous you will wan’t to stop of at every point! But hey you deserve it after such a long ride!

Hot Spring baths are popular here for there healing property so if you do fancy spending a night or two to relax this is the place.

As you head out you will get a chance to travel along Bixby Bridge which is one of the tallest  single span concrete bridges  in the world it's  714 feet long and 280 feet high. This is a great photography opportunity on your Motorcycle road trip, to really wow everyone back home!

8. Monterey

A  relaxed downhill drive takes you to Monterey from Big Sur. This aquatic little place has a scenic “17 mile drive” , seaside shops, restaurants. If you have energy after all that Motorcycle riding why not try some sailing or kayaking as a break! This makes a nice little place to stop of on your Motorcycle road trip.

Pink sky of Monterey, can be a real delight as your heading along the coast.

9. Santa Cruz

If your a 60s child head to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a flavour of that old-school Americana vibe. Pacific avenue is great spot to pick up some vintage jewels.

If your feeling hungry, head down the Wharf for great restaurant and activities such whale watching! As you head towards San Francisco along the Pacific coast highway you will pass the jaw dropping  half moon bay !

Definitely a place to pull up the bike and take a theatrical picture from the cliff.

10. San Jose

This is a great stop along the pacific coast highway, check out the famous and intriguing,  Winchester Mystery House  which is packed with many wacky features including dead end hallways, staircases that run up to the ceiling and 165 rooms.

The late Sarah Winchester built the place at a cost of over  $20m , as her Medium instructed.If your a techie, head down to the iconic Silicon Valley, home of giants such as Facebook, Google, and the famous Hewlett Packard Garage from where it all began.

Other highlights here include the largest open air market in the USA and downtown San Jose in evening.

11. San Francisco

The  Golden Gate bridge  is truly iconic way to end your Epic Motorcycle Road trip from coast to coast! Other highlights while in San Francisco include,  Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island and plenty of other attractions!

The perfect way to end your Epic Motorcycle road trip is by heading across the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Coast to Coast Motorcycle Road trip - Other Starting Places?

A. michigan (tunnel of trees road), tunnel of trees road – michigan. (north east to south west).

M-119’s Tunnel of Trees is a 16-mile forest route in Michigan that begins in Harbor Springs and ends in Cross Village.

As the name suggest, the road is surrounded by theatrical foliage. A stunning ride in the fall, as the golden colors look magnetising as your sweep through!

The Haunted Tunnel of trees Michigan, is a ghostly drive.

B. Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica

Length of road: 2400 miles.

An Iconic classic and piece of American History, so we had to include it on our Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip.

Route 66 began in Chicago, IL, and ended in Los Angeles, California. Its original length was about  2,400 miles (3,862 kilometers ).

The highway snaked through eight states , Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California. Since the highway was decommissioned,  Route 66 no longer exists on modern maps .

In some places, in fact, the physical road is unpaved and virtually impassable. According to the  National Scenic Byways  Route 66 today goes through four states Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona.

At around 1 ,410 miles (2,269 kilometers) in length , it takes about five or six days to drive Historic Route 66 from one end to the other.

Route 66 is an iconic American road and historic legend.

Route 66 is showcase of True Americana. With the longest drivable section of Route 66 is in Arizona, where you can lay your eyes on the wondrous Grand Canyon and Sedona's red rocks.

If you really wan’t to tackle the Historic Route 66, your best bet is to purchase the special maps which shows you the safest route and cool sights along the way. As unfortunately, the Iconic "Route66” signs dotted along the way are not always reliable.

C. Boston to San Francisco Road Trip

Start in Boston. Head down through New York State, over to Chicago, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Salt Lake City, finish in San Francisco

D. Minnesota to Florida Road Trip (North to South)

Leg 1: the great river road (hwy 61) from minnesota - louisiana.

The Great River Road (HWY 61) stretches for over 2600 miles from  Itasca State Park, Minnesota  to  Jackson, Louisiana.  GRR 61 is a single route created in 1938 to highlight the 10 states bordering the great Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its termination in Louisiana’s Cajun Country.

Avid Riders flock from all states to “their” section of the road. Here you will be sure find everything from lush Forrests to mighty limestone cliffs. A scenic favourite for your Ultimate Motorcycle road trip.

Great river road is stunning spot. This Photo was taken by an aerial drone in the summer.

Leg 2: Louisiana to Florida - (HWY 1)

Head down to Overseas Highway (Hwy 1), in Florida for a narrow route of 100 miles stretching from  Key Largo  to  Key West. This is a tropical  bikers paradise as your head up across this gorgeous route build a top of sections of living reef and the turquoise Straits of Florida.

The  Seven Mile Bridge  is an iconic bridge in the Florida Keys, in Monroe County.  It connects  Knight’s Key  (part of the city of Marathon) in the Middle Keys to  Little Duck Key  in the  Lower Keys .

Among the longest bridges in existence when it was built. This a a truely unique and dreamy drive, which is a great addition to your motorcycle road trip. If your have a friend with you, bring a drone with a camera attached to capture some epic shots like we did below!

The awe-inspring seven mile bridge in Florida. A memorising place to ride. Photo taken by T&T Aerial Drone.

E. Los Angeles to Orlando, Florida Road Trip.

If you start your Ultimate Motorcycle road trip in Los Angeles, follow Route 66 in reverse to Texas, then head to the Gulf Coast, visit New Orleans, and end your trip in Orlando Florida.

F. Starting from Montana (North West) - Road Trip.

Leg 1: glacier national park (montana, sun road).

Going-to-the-Sun is a sensational 50 mile stretch of mountain road which cuts through Montana’s Glacier National Park.

Expect to see remarkable waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers, impressive glaciers and a host of wildlife.

From Big horn sheep to mountain goats, watch out for these as you head up to the Jackson Glacier Overlook, for dazzling view.

M01229 | Wikimedia Commons

Top Tip:  Start early in the Morning, check the weather and plan ahead.

Leg 2: Montana to Wyoming Road Trip - Beartooth Highway (US 212) , Yellowstone National Park

Beartooth Highway is an exciting 68 mile stretch involving a variety of deep curves, zig zags and switchbacks.

As you zig zag your way up for a few hours you will find yourself at the highest highway in the northern Rockies, Beartooth pass at a whopping  10,947 feet!  Here pull up the bike and lay your eyes magical scenery from cascading waterfalls, lush greeny, alpine glaciers and crystal lakes.

Custer National Forest and Shoshone National Forest are definitely major highlights as the road twists through these beauties. A gorgeous route on any Motorcycle Road trip.

Rock Creek Canyon in the Beartooth Mountains of the Custer National Forest in Montana. Education Images / UIG via Getty Images

Tip: The pass is only open from mid-May to mid-October due to snow.

G. Maine Road Trip (East Coast) - Coastal Highway 1

The Coastal part of Maines  US Route 1  is  170 miles  of striking scneary and one of the most fantastic Motorcycle road trip routes in the U.S.A, stretching from Brunswick to Machias.

Maine a landmark in itself with over 3478 miles of coastline, quaint seaside villages, National Parks, historic lighthouses and great food from lobsters to fresh blueberries. The highway connects with many other scenic routes, including a ferry ride to Nova Scotia.

H. South to North from West of Mississippi (Road Trip)

If you take I-90, Minneapolis is pretty great, and I think it's actually illegal not to stop at Mount Rushmore and Wall Drug .

You can cut straight across on US-16 into Yellowstone, then pop back out the other side and take I-15 north to rejoin I-90 in Montana. (Don't miss Glacier National Park while you're up there.).

Oak Alley is definitely a great place to ride through! Along the Mississippi River outside New Orleans, Louisiana.

Northern Motorcycle Road Trip? - Try Cabot Trail, Canada!

When I say North, I mean all the way to  Nova Scotia, Canada! It’s worth it, for the Cabot Trail.

A 185 miles stretch of river of a road which follows the curvature of the land and makes for some of the most brilliant Ocean views in the world.

The actual route traverses the northern most part of Cape Breton Island and twists through Cape Breton National Highlands Park. This is like Blue ridge Parkways Canadian Sister.

Read More below to find out...How much would the Motorcycle Road trip cost?

How much would the Motorcycle Road trip cost??

Based on my two week trip it  cost me around $1.12/mile.  My main expenses, are as follows; the motorcycle rental at  $1680  (approx. $120 per day), that’s the full rental, covering everything Bluetooth headsets, cameras, and my helmet, gloves, etc.)

Accommodation at $980 (approx. $70 per night), food at $350 round $25 per day, with some days higher and others lower), and fuel at $350.

You can do this cheaper if you use your own bike, beware of shipping or driving back and the extra mileage on your bike.

Following a google maps route on a Motorcycle road trip?

Although, I suggest using a separate Sat Nav for GPS, Check out this great article if you really wan’t to use your phone or as a backup at least. Check out for a full guide how.  BeginnerBiker

For a high quality bluetooth motorcycle helmet see:  Helmet

23 Top Tips for your Motorcycle Road Trip

• Best months to cross the USA  on a motorcycle are anytime between  May and October.
• Take at least  two-three weeks  for your entire trip. Depending upon number of stops, available time etc.
• Interstates are not as fun . But do save time…if your on a tight schedule.
• Make sure your bike has had a  full service  and at least 5000 miles left on the tires.
• Larger bikes may be better for the touring part but may not be as fun on the tight twists and turns.
• Pack light -  Bring some rain gear or heated clothing just in case. Ear plugs are great if you value your hearing and Breathable cooling vests are also a great asset like these:   [add amazon link]
• Eat a light breakfast , light lunch with healthy snacks as needed until dinner.
• Save the heavier meals for the late evening.
• Go to bed early  (by around 10pm) and be up on the road no later than 7:00am.
• Think about riding for a charity  or cause and get sponsored by friends, family, work colleagues.
• Bring your smartphone and a google quality Powerbank.
• Use your smartphone to Geotag Photos for social media in when you pull over at nice spots.
• Bring a separate GPS , don’t use your smartphone!
• Bring a Map  as a backup in case technology fails.
• In certain rural parts of the country, cell reception will be not be available.
• Be mindful of the  closest gas stations , for example there are  none on Blue ridge parkway …you have to travel outside.
• Do you ride a Triumph Bonneville?  If so expect lots of old guys to come up to you and tell you about their old Triumphs every time you stop.
• Have a great music playlist downloaded  - Here are some examples:  Radar Love  By White Lion , Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, Bob Dylan, “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2, “Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Truckin'” by Grateful Dead., “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads, “Graceland” by Paul Simon, “Take It Easy” by the Eagles, Sympathy For the Devil. by the Rolling Stones. For a full playlist check out this link on  Planetd
• Use Weather band radio  for updates, especially during tornado season in the midwest
• Bring some interesting books  to read along the way especially if your riding solo. Anything by Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux’s “The Great Railway Bazaar”, “Bonneville Go Or Bust” by Zoe Cano, Ted Simon’s “Jupiter’s Travels”, “One Man Caravan” by Robert Edison Fulton Junior.
• Be ready for everyone wanting a load of stories  when you get back and even record a video blog, or write a normal blog.  We will include your media online here, to showcase your achievement to the world!
• Book the first few hotels in advance, with free cancellation and flexible check in. Use the Comparison engine below to get the best deals.

Tip 23 - Hire a bike for your Motorcycle road trip?

When thinking about taking a Motorcycle road trip or long tour you have to way up the advantages and disadvantages of using your own bike.

If you use your own bike be aware that shipping can be expensive and take several weeks to get your bike back.

Renting can be a better option and saves you increasing your mileage on your bike! If your interested in renting check out these great guys they offer a great selection, compare all prices and even offer one way trips...so no expensive shipping.

BikesBooking.com - online booking service for motorcycles all over the world

If you found this article of value, spread the love by sharing with a friend on facebook and comment below with your thoughts on the most epic U.S Motorcycle roads!

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Who are we?

MoTourista Pilipinas Inc. is dedicated to promoting motorcycle tourism, advocating for road safety, and fostering a vibrant community of responsible riders who share a love for the Philippines and its diverse attractions. Through its programs and values, the organization continues to contribute positively to the local tourism industry while ensuring that motorcycle travel remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Our primary goal is to promote the unmatched beauty of the Philippines through motorcycle tourism while advocating for road safety and disciplined travel. We aim to redefine motorcycle travel as a transformative experience—one that combines the thrill of exploration with the responsibility of being stewards of our environment and the communities we encounter.

Our Mission

At MoTourista Pilipinas Inc., our mission is to promote the unparalleled beauty of the Philippines through responsible and sustainable motorcycle tourism. We are a community of passionate riders and advocates dedicated to fostering road safety, camaraderie, and adventure. Through our organized tours, events, and outreach programs, we aim to showcase the diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and local cuisines of our beloved country, while ensuring a positive impact on the environment and the communities we touch.

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Pennsylvania Motorcycle Rides

A wealth of sunshine and scenic motorways, including 21 byways and countless meandering mountain roads, make Pennsylvania a haven for motorcyclists. Pack up those saddlebags and consider one of these motorcycle-riding routes in Pennsylvania. 

Experience local history along Clearfield County’s  Heritage Road Trip , with stops at historic markers, restored homes from the 1900s, and the county’s first jail. Attractions along the way include the Quehanna Wild Area – home to deer, elk, and several kinds of birds – and Bilger’s Rocks , a 300-million-year-old geological wonder surrounded by enchanting woodlands.

The  Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau enlisted the help of fellow bikers to put together four rides that guide motorcyclists through the best of the PA Wilds : Allegheny Adventure, Ride the Elk Range, Ground “Hog” Heaven, and Cook Forest Cruisin’.

You might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle while riding the  Raystown Tour . But if not, the beauty of glistening Raystown Lake , the state’s largest inbound lake, is worth the trip alone.

Pennsylvania’s rural beauty shines on the Barns of Butler County Driving Tour , which features 16 barns nestled amid farmland dotted with alpacas, cows, and horses. Bed-and-breakfasts along the way facilitate memorable overnight trips.

Possible stops on Cumberland Valley ’s 113-mile Town and Country Motorcycle Ramble include Pine Grove Furnace State Park , the Appalachian Trail Museum , and Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch, where riders can enjoy a 180-degree view of the valley.

Crawford County is home to more than 60 miles of historic Route 6, which is part of the Crawford Lakeland Scenic Byway . Hop on the byway to see Pymatuning State Park and Conneaut Lake, the state’s largest natural glacial lake. 

Rolling hillsides, rushing waterfalls, and peaceful farmland abound on the 68-mile Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway . Pull off to explore a reconstructed French and Indian War fort in Ligonier , birdwatch in Ohiopyle State Park , and tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

Cruise through York County in southeastern Pennsylvania to the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company to see where the iconic motorcycles are fabricated, painted, and assembled. Sit on current-production motorcycles and view exhibits highlighting the factory’s manufacturing and assembly processes.

Route 660 in Tioga County leads to Pine Creek Gorge , known as Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, and the Pine Creek Rail Trail , a 62-mile gravel trail ideal for hiking and biking. Meanwhile, Route 287 offers gorgeous panoramas of Tioga-Hammond Lakes .

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau presents three convenient driving or riding itineraries . Noteworthy stops in Upstate PA include the Tunkhannock Viaduct , Marie Antoinette Lookout , and several charming communities, including Factoryville, Montrose, Eagles Mere, and Le Raysville.

To discover more motorcycle-touring routes in PA, check out our scenic byways listings and road trip itineraries .

To learn more about motorcycle safety in Pennsylvania, visit Live Free Ride Alive . 

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Bike Week , Biker Rally , Motorcycle Event , Motorcycle Festival - July 5, 2023

21 BEST BIKE WEEKS, EVENTS, & RALLIES IN AMERICA [2023 Update]

It is that time of the season when you can put your motorcycle to action in the bike festival in America . Passionate riders look forward to riding together on the highway and get the opportunity to share thoughts. What could have been nicer than participating in the best bike week across America?

In the past, people believed that a cluster of bikers riding across the street is there to make trouble. It's quite much different in recent times, as top-notch organizations now seize the opportunity to run marketing campaigns. Bike fest comes with a lot of flat-out fun for every participant.

But how do you identify Motorcycle events that promise awesome experience? Things you should keep in mind include picturesque routes, onsite activities that offer a lot of entertainment, and a location that offers excellent riding. There are countless factors to determine the best bike rally across the country.

We engage in thorough research to save you the stress of searching for the best bike event that gives a memorable experience. Below are the best bike rallies you can't afford to miss in America in the coming season.

1. DAYTONA BIKE WEEK

Daytona Bike Week is a 10-day bike rally that started as the Daytona 200 race as far back as 1937. It usually comes up at the beginning of March every year and stays up to 10 days. This isn't just a motorcycle event – it is entertainment-filled with a lot of signature events. 

Daytona Bike week hold in Daytona Beach, Florida, where not less than 500,000 bikers converge at the bike rally location. The activities include motorcycle tourney, parties, concerts, festivals, and other street events. This is an awesome bike event you don't want to end because others are lots of fun to catch.

Has your bike been on a long break since winter ended? Daytona Bike Week offers you the opportunity to celebrate sunny climates. This will be happening in the presence of nearby tourist attractions like the Silver Springs State Park, including many Disney stuff to get over the winter break.

• Date: March 3 to March 12, 2023
• Venue: Daytona Beach, FL

2. AZBIKEWEEK

Azbikeweek is one of the best bike weeks that holds in Scottsdale, Arizona. At this amazing bike fest , attendees get the chance to participate in the motorcycle rally and music festival. Arizona Bike Week offers scenic terrain coupled with startling spring weather. Bikers can choose to be part of organized events or create something special for themselves.

Arizona Bike Week has two famous events – the Poweryard and the Rockyard events.  

Celebration of all wheeled machinery is the major theme of the PowerYard, including off-road and camping activities soon. This arose from the participant's interest in those activities. The PowerYard will be getting additional features, where more vendors will be onboard to cater to outdoor adventurer's needs.

Attendees should be expecting expansion of the Poweryard event to cover, daily stunt shows, plenty of food, exhibition, live music, games, parties, and a lot of fun-filled contests.

The new introduction that attendees will be getting in the Arizona Bike Week 2021 is the Rockyard's massive headliner concerts. This is a big transformation to what it used to be in the past. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are meant concerts. It's a big step forward to take Rockyard across to North Hall at Westworld.

Concerts and headliners start at 7 pm and 9 pm respectively, with all concerts beginning with an opening band. Are you a music enthusiast? You don't want to miss the Rockyard ultimate music. 

• Date: March 29 - April 2
• Venue: Scottsdale, AZ

3. LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK

Although Laconia doesn't get close to Daytona in terms of attendance, it is one of the oldest bike rallies in America with a famous location (Lake Winnipesaukee). Not inspired, right? Laconia motorcycle week offers thrilling and fun activities that wipe away your worries. One of the never-to-miss activities is its biggest Beer Belly contest.

The Laconia motorcycle week has been delivering the best bike fest for 96 years. Participants can partake in different races available on the menu, including hill climbs and flat track. The New Hampshire Motor Speedway racing, claimed to be the longest-running race, is Laconia's exciting event you should be anticipating.

The Laconia motorcycle weeks prioritize participants' health and safety. Hence, the introduction of additional restrictions to ensure improved protection for every attendee that grace the event. New Hampshire, the best bike rally , usually holds the Laconia motorcycle week towards August's last week. 

The scenic route of New Hampshire coupled with the fresh air associated is what you need to derive utmost pleasure from your passion.

• Date: June 10 – June 18, 2023
• Venue: Lake Winnipesaukee

4. STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

The Sturgis motorcycle rally grew to be a 10-day event filled with exciting activities for every participant from an hourly event. It holds annually in South Dakota with a total population of about 700,000 attendees. It offers activities across motorcycling, music, and racing. Participants will be engaging in hill-climbing, track events, and a lot of field activities.

The Sturgis motorcycle event started with stunts and racing activities before expanding to include motocross races and hill climb. With much anticipation for the Sturgis motorcycle rally, Bikers and other attendees contribute to increased traffic across South Dakota. 

Apart from the excitement during the bike rally, some bikes take a Black Hills trip and beyond. While on this trip, they encounter attractions like Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Badlands National Park. You can't afford to miss the unique experience of the growling engine's sound, exhaust smell, and many more thrilling moments of the motorcycle rally.

• Date: August 4 - 13, 2023
• Venue: Sturgis, SD

5. BIKETOBERFEST

Just like the Daytona Bike Week, Biketoberfest is another exciting bike event that holds in Florida. Florida's scenic route and beautiful climates significantly impact the collection activities and events that Biketoberfest offers attendees. Biketoberfest occurs in the fall, and it's like a second version of Daytona Beach Bike Week.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be enjoying historic Florida roadways, a hearty nightlife scene, foods, and drinks, including entertainment and giveaways. Biketoberfest began 25 years ago when the Visitors Bureau and the Daytona Beach Area Convention came up with the innovative idea. Attendees can partake in motorcycle races or watch as the racing activities unfold across the scenic state and county highways in Volusia County. 

Training sessions come up for amateurs and professionals passionate about motorcycle events – teaching theories and practices to become faster while riding. Join the 29th Annual Biketoberfest to experience the accommodating October weather, scenic rides, parks, and beaches when autumn comes by.

• Date: October 19-22, 2023

6. GETTYSBURG BIKE WEEK

It is entertainment galore at the Eastern Pennyslvania's motorcycle rally. Gettysburg bike week is more than just a bike fest , as attendees will be catching a lot of fun from countless exciting activities. The hospitality and the national music acts the motorcycle event offers are incomparable to what you would be getting from other cities.

One famous event of the Gettysburg bike week you don't want to miss is Chrome's parade. Hundreds of bikes will be participating in a police-escorted parade. It generates a lot of excitement for participants and onlookers. Everyone is free to join in the bike games, but you must be with an appropriate riding kit.

Other activities that will be held include concerts, minibike racing, outdoor bike show, swap meet/antique bike show, and drinks and the gin gypsies. The Gettysburg bike week takes place at the Allstar Family Fun & Events Complex.

• Date: July 6 to 9, 2023
• Venue: Gettysburg Pennsylvania

7. LAS VEGAS BIKE FEST

When it comes to the best party destination, Las Vegas is known to be an ideal location. Therefore, to think of a motorcycle festival site in America , Las Vegas offers nothing but a full slate of exciting activities. The uniqueness of the bike fest in Las Vegas comes in showcasing the latest choppers, speed bikes, and controls.

Las Vegas Bike Fest is a 4-day event with a showy and resolute Vegas-style bike rally. Indeed, it is one of the best bike weeks; you should always look forward to participating. With lots of engaging activities, such as stunt shows, poker runs, and bikini contests, you can't help but crave an extension of the Vegas bike fest.

Hogs & Heifers Saloon is an event you should be looking out for when you attend the Las Vegas bike fest . It promises a lot of attraction for attendees. Watch hot bartenders dance on the bar. It is one of the most famous motorcycle festivals in America. I t requires no fee to be a participant. Also, the parking of motorcycles doesn't attract any charges.

• Date: 29 September – 13 October 2023
• Venue: Las Vegas

8. THE ONE MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Are you passionate about art, sport, and culture? The One Motorcycle Show is for you. As part of the plan to enhance the celebration, the One Motorcycle show will be reforming its program to accommodate more participants. This is the bike event, where passionate riders display an unparalleled collection of custom-built bikes.

At this motorcycle bike festival , there will be an exhibition of creativity by visual artists. Whether you are a bike enthusiast or party lover, young or old, or whatever may be your likes, One Motorcycle Show is a celebration for everyone. One of the exciting bike events that will be coming up is the flat-track racing in Oregon.

The One Motorcycle Show doesn't follow any particular rule to build a bike. It allows for a different design of bikes.  The One Show offers to connect builders and bikers to tell a story with their bike designs. It's a free exhibition show that anyone can attend.

• Date: May 5 - 7, 2023
• Venue: Austin, TX

9. REPUBLIC OF TEXAS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

The Republic of Texas Motorcycle rally is a 4-day event that started in 1955. The bike parade is one of the famous events that attracts passionate bikers across the country to the lovely city of Austin, Texas. The bike parade sees 54 city blocks closed to ensure free passage for riders through the Texas State Capitol on Congress Avenue.

The Republic of Texas motorcycle rally offers prominent entertainers to get the attendees entertained throughout the events. Friday's street party downtown usually witness the gathering of about 200,000 viewers, which makes it one of the largest motorcycle festivals in America . 

The Republic of Texas motorcycle rally doesn't fall short of expectation – rest assured of an awesome experience when you attend this bike fest. You shouldn't miss the bike parade on the 400 acres occupied by bike enthusiasts, vendors, and celebrities. 

10. BAMA BIKE FEST

This is an Alabama motorcycle rally that comes up three times in a year. The bike fest is a 4-day bike event that features an awesome contest and a pretty good rally. It is an ideal way to wrap up the season with bike games and a poker run. Bama bike fest is an adult event with action-packed contests under a stage.

Unlike other bike weeks , participants at the Bama bike fest need to get an armband for $30 for the entire weekend. What differentiates this bike fest includes the onsite electrical/water hookups, onsite free showers, and onsite BYOB salon that attendees can benefit from at the event.

For any of the offers available, participants are expected to pay in advance to lay a claim for it. The Bama Bike Fest has different summer and fall (autumn) festivals for every party lover.

• Date: March 16-19, June 22-25, and October 26-29, 2023
• Venue: Forkland, Alabama

11. HOGROCK BIKE RALLY

If you think of where to enjoy non-stop fun for three days, the Hogrock bike rally in Southern Illinois might be ideal for you. This bike rally occurs on a private property on the beautiful Ohio River. Hogrock Bike rally is an Adult only bike party with many thrilling activities, including bands, wild contests, vendors, field events, and food & soft drinks.

Hogrock bike rally offers the famous Cooldown contest at the beach stage in the summer to get over the hot summer. This bike fest ranks among the best bike rally in Mid-West that offer an adults-only party. Would you like to experience some crazy and wild contests and games? Get yourself ready for the upcoming Hogrock bike rally to celebrate the summer.

• Date: June 8-11, 2023
• Venue: Cave In Rock, ILLINOIS

12. BIKES BLUES AND BBQ

This is the greatest motorcycle rally in the world that is beneficial to substantial members of society. It holds every year towards the end of September in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The 4-day bike event unfolds at a moderate momentum with exceptional riding activities on the twisty road. 

What participants look forward to at the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ is the lovely music and the Pecos barbecue. People below the age of 18 cannot participate, as most activities are relatively for adults. As a bike lover, you can't help but admire the scenic road designed for two-wheeled enthusiasts.

Bars, restaurants, and vendors are available in abundance to entertain riders and spectators. The vendors will be present with anything you could think about motorcycles. There are a lot of events all through the weekends with live music sounds echoing across the city.

• Date: September 20-23, 2023
• Venue: Dickson Street Fayetteville, Arkansas

13. ROSCOE CHILI CHALLENGE

The Roscoe Chili Challenge brings the memory of Roscoe to those who knew her. Attendees at the Chili challenge will be enjoying chili cook and body painting, adult games, out-house drag races, and a t-shirt contest. Accordingly, there will be a wrestling competition, field events, and bands entertaining the participants throughout the Show.

Onsite preparation of Chili, which starts at 8 am on Saturday. Every participant needs a fee of $10 to join the Chili in Roscoe's challenge. Rules guiding Roscoe's rally, including taking pictures, but videos are not allowed. Attendees will be paying for motorcycle parks and tent camp.

Without a valid ID showing that you are above 20 years, you are not eligible to participate in the Roscoe Chili Challenge. Anticipate for exciting adult's rally, games, and other attractive activities.

• Date: November 2 & 3, 2023
• Venue: Lakeland, FL

14. THE RACE OF GENTLEMEN (TROG)

The Race of Gentlemen (TROG) is an exceptional vintage hot road and motorcycle week that started based on the ideas of motorcycle lovers who like speed. Bikers and audiences will experience an atmosphere of a complete gentle scene and stage activities.

TROG doesn't permit participants to bring coolers to the beach. There will be a sale of beverages for attendees who need them. An exhibition-style beach race will come up featuring over more than 150 vintage auto and motorcycles. 

• Date: April 15 - 16, 2023
• Venue: Wildwood, New Jersey

15. AMERICADE

Americade is another top-notch motorcycle festival held in America. There is no dulling moment when you attend this amazing bike fest . It comes up in the first full week of June, with more than tens of thousands of motorcycle lovers registering to be participants. 

Lale George will be hosting the world's largest multi-brand motorcycle rally featuring great events and exhibitions. Vendors will be available with everything you can imagine about motorcycles. Americade offers you an adventurous riding experience across Adirondacks on the East Coast.

Since the inception of Americade in 1983, it has delivered unrivaled enjoyment to attendees with a wide range of thrilling activities. Trust us; you don't want the bike week to end anytime soon.

• Date: May 30 - June 4, 2023
• Venue: Lake George NY

16. MOTO BEACH CLASSIC

Attention all motorcycle enthusiasts who love the beach! The Moto Beach Classic is a fresh addition to the scene with only two previous editions, organized by Roland Sands , a former AMA road racer turned bike builder.

Situated in the vibrant Huntington Beach, California, this event blends the excitement of a surf competition, the thrill of a dirt track race, the speed of a sprint shoot-out, and the artistry of a custom show, all accompanied by an invigorating punk rock soundtrack.

Inspired by the renowned Wheels and Waves event in Biarritz, the Moto Beach Classic traditionally takes place during the final week of October.

• Date: October 23, 2023
• Venue: Huntington Beach, California

17. BEARTOOTH RALLY

The Beartooth Rally is a unique gathering that traverses the magnificent Beartooth Pass in Red Lodge, MT. With a proud 20-year tradition, this annual rally features breathtaking bike tours through the beautiful Red Lodge area and Yellowstone National Park. Campgrounds at the fairgrounds offer convenient accommodation options, and a shuttle service will be available between the campgrounds and downtown.

During the weekend festivities, you can indulge in live music performances, explore a variety of vendors, join campground parties, participate in poker runs, and witness thrilling motorcycle rodeo events. The rally kicks off on Thursday with the Main Street Saloon Poker Walk.

• Date: July 13 – 16, 2023
• Venue: Red Lodge, Montana.

18. KENTUCKY BIKE RALLY

Gear up for the highly anticipated Kentucky Bike Rally. Designed exclusively for adults, this three-day rally promises an unforgettable experience packed with outstanding entertainment and non-stop fun!

Your ticket includes access to live bands performing throughout the weekend, fascinating country and rock artists, exciting drag races, engaging indoor bike games, a bike show, lively wet t-shirt contests, an array of vendors, thrilling burnout contests, exciting poker runs, vibrant campground parties, and opportunities to meet industry celebrities.

• Date: July 12 – 16, 2023
• Venue: Sturgis, Kentucky.

19. MUSKEGON BIKE TIME

As an annual four-day motorcycle festival, Muskegon Bike Time attracts approximately 120,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and features around 75,000 bikes.

Immerse yourself in the festivities with free live concerts by local bands, the thrilling Miss Bike Time Bikini Contest, the entertaining Dad Bod Contest, an engaging Cornhole Tournament, the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck, a wide variety of food and alcohol vendors, merchandise vendors, and the option for onsite camping.

• Date: July 20 – 23, 2023
• Venue: Muskegon, Michigan.

20. TRAIL OF TEARS MOTORCYCLE RIDE

For a quarter of a century, the Trail of Tears Remembrance Ride out of Chattanooga has united individuals to honor the memory of ancestors who were forcibly displaced from their homelands by aggressors.

Not only does this event serve as a commemoration, but it has also raised substantial funds in the form of scholarships for Native American children, installed historical landmarks along the Trail and in Oklahoma, created new trails, and generously contributed to educational projects.

This extraordinary ride covers multiple trails, including the Drane/Hood Route, the Bell Route, the Benge Route, and the Northern Route, cutting through eight different states. No other ride has accomplished this feat, making it a unique tribute to the diverse tribes of Native American Peoples.

• Date: September 16th, 2023
• Venue: Riverfront Parkway, Alabama

21. STREET VIBRATIONS FALL RALLY

The Street Vibrations Fall Rally is a grand event that extends its festivities across various regional locations, including Reno, historic Virginia City, and Chester's Reno Harley-Davidson dealership.

This festival is an extraordinary celebration of music and motorcycles. With scenic rides, captivating custom bike builder competitions, over 300 vendors, and a diverse range of events, such as a tattoo expo and a Jimmie Van Zant concert, attendees will experience unforgettable moments.

The activities include ride-in shows, live entertainment, a flag-raising ceremony, parties at go-go bars in Sparks, Hog Town Bar & Grill in Reno, and thrilling motorcycle stunt shows. The event welcomes all makes, and models of motorcycles, and a portion of the proceeds directly supports the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

• Date: September 21 – 24, 2023
• Venue: Reno, Nevada.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Elektrostal

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

• Statue of Lenin
• Electrostal History and Art Museum
• Park of Culture and Leisure
• Museum and Exhibition Center
• Museum of Labor Glory

THE BEST Dzerzhinsky Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & parks in dzerzhinsky.

• Bodies of Water
• Motorcycle Trails
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dzerzhinskiye Lakes

2. Animal Farm

3. Victory Square

4. Pitbike Enduro Club

• Dzerzhinskiye Lakes
• Animal Farm
• Victory Square

Legoland will toy with ‘surge pricing’ this summer to hike ticket rates—but only on sunny days

Among the many things getting more expensive this summer is the entry to Legoland. More specifically, it’ll cost you more on sunny days than on rainy ones to visit the theme park. 

Merlin Entertainments, which runs the likes of Legoland, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye, plans to introduce surge pricing this summer—just like you see with cab fares or hotel prices. In Legoland’s case, that’ll mean cheaper tickets on rainy weekdays compared to summer weekends. 

“This also makes sure that the peak period experience is optimised by avoiding overcrowding,” a Merlin spokesperson told Fortune . “Seven million more visitors last year says that our attractions continue to offer great value for money, and these changes enable greater flexibility for guests booking online to choose discounted prices for select dates and times.”

The Lego-themed attraction has seen weak visitor numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Merlin’s attractions collectively received 67 million visitors—in 2023, those numbers had hit 62 million , pointing to a slow recovery but not a complete bounce-back just yet. 

Visitors’ spending patterns have also shifted in recent times. Merlin CEO Scott O’Neil thinks guests are choosing to go to fewer attractions, but they spend more at the ones that they do visit, so dynamic pricing could prove more lucrative for the company.   

“If [an attraction] is in the U.K., it’s August peak holiday season, sunny and a Saturday, you would expect to pay more than if it was a rainy Tuesday in March,” O’Neil told the Financial Times , describing the move as “very intuitive.” 

A mix of humans and machine learning will help determine what the demand on specific days is like, and will set a price accordingly. 

Dynamic pricing to the rescue

In the U.K., where Merlin is headquartered, there are other barriers to luring visitors. The scrapping of a VAT refund scheme in 2021, dubbed the “tourist tax,” has meant that international visitors to the U.K. can no longer shop tax free. That has cost the British economy an estimated £10.7 billion ($13.5 billion) in lost GDP and two million in potential visitors, the Centre for Economics and Business Research found. Merlin’s O’Neil sees this having an impact on the inflow of investments in the country.

But things are looking up—on Monday, Merlin reported record revenue of £2.1 billion ($2.65 billion) in 2023, up 8% from a year earlier. One in four visitors in the U.K. went to a Merlin attraction, pointing to strong interest in the likes of London Eye and Madame Tussauds. Revenue linked to Legoland specifically was up 1% year-over-year, thanks to tourist traffic in Asia and Europe. 

The company did, however, incur a pre-tax loss of £214 million ($270 million), owing to write down in the value of its more recent Legolands in New York and South Korea, that opened during the pandemic and haven’t seen strong performance just yet.

It’s unclear when dynamic pricing at Legoland would kick in and whether that’ll apply to all of the park’s locations world over, but it won’t be the first theme park to turn to pricing for help. Disneyland hiked prices last year across different “tiers” of visitors to cope with soaring costs and the cadence of crowds. 

The service industry, particularly airlines and hotels, have long resorted to dynamic pricing models as a way to manage demand and earn more during periods of high traffic.  

More recently, surge pricing has also come to the food and beverage industry. For instance, the British company behind pub chains Slug and Lettuce and Craft Union introduced a similar model wherein drinks would cost more over weekends and evenings, compared to other times. 

While Legoland’s sunny days may be on the horizon, its visitors this summer will have to pick their days wisely between the rainy and the pricey ones.    

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