The 6 Best Motorcycle Road Trips in the USA
Your motorcycle has been sitting in the garage all winter, and now that spring has finally arrived, you’re itching to take it out on the open road. As enjoyable as it may be to ride in your local area, nothing compares to the open road of America. To help you narrow down your choices, here are six amazing motorcycle road trips that are sure to make your bucket list!
Besides the needed gear like helmet, gloves, protective boots, jacket, and suitable riding clothes, you should always be ready for any situation. If you are going to a hot climate, it is good to carry sunscreen lotion so that your skin does not get damaged by direct sunlight exposure.
Carry a first aid kit as accidents can happen anytime and at any place. And a motorcycle injury attorney would be useful if you are injured and need legal advice regarding your legal rights, personal injury compensation, etc. Several accidents lead to the inability to claim insurance a failed report; therefore, it is always better to know a motorcycle injury attorney just in case.
Also, prepare an extra jacket or raincoat for changing weather conditions, just in case it rains or gets too cold if you are camping for many days during your trip. It is advisable to carry some camping gear like a tent and sleeping bag to have a comfortable stay during your trip.
Route 66
The famous highway is packed with iconic Route 66 road trip experiences. You can follow it from Chicago to Los Angeles or break up your drive with several entertaining stops along the route. One of our favorite stops on Route 66 is in Oklahoma at The World’s Largest Buffalo statue outside Ponca City. Just one mile off of U.S. Highway 77, you’ll find an amazing place that makes for a fantastic snapshot or two—literally! Not only will you find thousands of bison on display, but there are plenty of other things to do. Examples are visiting historical sites and exploring ancient Native American caves and artifacts nearby.
The Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon—or The Dragon, as it’s often called—is one of America’s most thrilling motorcycle roads. There are stretches where you can ride faster than 100 miles per hour and a dizzying number of sharp curves that test even skilled riders. This famous piece of the road offers some amazing views, making it an unforgettable experience. It’s located in Tennessee on Highway 129, with four additional routes for a total distance of just over 84 miles (the Tail of Five Dragons). Roadside parking is available at many pull-offs; several hotels nearby if you want to stay overnight.
Pacific Coast Highway
This is a long road trip, but if you have time to ride coast-to-coast on your bike, it’s worth it. Start in Los Angeles and drive north along Highway 1 to San Francisco. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of America’s most scenic roads, twisting and turning through California’s natural beauty—mountains, cliffs, and sandy beaches.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a leisurely meander, passing through five states and two national parks. The 2,438-miles parkway begins at Mount Mitchell in North Carolina and ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. There are plenty of places to stop as you travel, including Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls. There’s also plenty of breathtaking views, like those from Overlook Park and Sam’s Gap.
Great River Road
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway stretches 3,000 miles along America’s Mississippi River banks. The route is marked by a series of red and yellow signs on trees and buildings that show a giant paddle wheeler near an outline of Illinois to help you keep your bearings. This beautiful coast-to-coast drive provides breathtaking views of some of America’s most beautiful river land. It offers stops in major cities like St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dubuque, La Crosse, St. Paul, and many small towns such as Prairie du Chien, Prescott, Winona, and McGregor — home of the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
San Juan Mountain Skyway
The San Juan Mountain Skyway is a scenic motorcycle ride for bikers of all skill levels. Starting in Durango, Colorado, riders have many options from which to choose—the roads are twisty and windswept. The road will take you along ranches and over scenic mountaintops that offer 360-degree views of southwestern Colorado’s high desert landscape. You’ll also pass through farmland, historical mining communities, pine forests, and aspen groves before reaching your destination. This looping tour is perfect for those who want to slow down and enjoy gorgeous scenery without sacrificing speed or covering a lot of ground; it makes an excellent weekend ride!
The U.S. is full of motorcycle-friendly roads. It’s easy to find an amazing route, but hard to pick just one. The good news is that there are many great rides and even more ways to enjoy them. The bad news is you won’t be able to do all of them—but there’s always next year. Now get out there and ride!