WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 "MUST SEE DESTINATIONS" IN A MOTO-TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES?

[Mtbjay]

What do you think are the Top 10 "MUST SEE" destinations, in a ~solo-moto~ tour, of the United States of America?



This is why I dreamed of owning a bike like the Yamaha Super Tenere in the first place; 50 states before I'm 50!

At last count, I had traveled through 14 States - primarily all West of the Rocky Mountains. Everything else ~sans NYC, and Washington D.C.~ are unexplored territory for me.

I would be starting in Oregon, where I live, and planning to average 500 mile days. I would allot 3-4 weeks for the entire, coast-to-coast/round trip; allowing a half-days, here & there, to get to know the locals... as well as a few days off the bike for recovery. It seems logical to align the trip with the Summer Solstice for it's long daylight hours. I have not given serious thought to which "line of latitude" to venture Out vs. Back, as I am not familiar enough with the weather patterns of the Mid-West/South/East Coast to say what would be most comfortable (please advise). I can see myself camping when ever practical. 8)

Though I am the type to spend more time in a National Park than a metropolis, I would try and balance the trip between scenic wonders and historical sights- as well as our country's major cities. Additionally, I could not forgive myself if I did not explore a better part of the Eastern Seaboard. A first draft on Google Maps net me 10,000 miles before the program cracked and I could no longer calculate my route. (I had almost made it home!)


This has all been a pipe dream of mine over the last year, but I hope to realize the trip soon.


::012::So what's your version of a "Must See" list of the wonders of our great country? ::012::

 

[Checkswrecks]

How the heck do you stop at 10?


Start with a ride down the full west coast.
Redwoods.
Golden Gate Bridge.
Yosemite.
Sunset dinner on Half Moon Bay.


Damn, 5 and I'm not even out of California.

 

[MeefZah]

I don't know about "destinations" per se, but some incredible roads:

Going to the Sun Road
Beartooth Pass
Smokies / US 441 / Cherohala Skyway / Deals Gap region (I can do without Deals Gap but if you're in the area, why not)
Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive
Million Dollar Highway
Needles Highway

Gravel passes in CO - like Cinnamon and Engineer Pass

I did a lighter version of your trip in 2010, going the other way (E to W), 18 days and 8100 miles, mostly camping. Maybe you could glean some ideas from it?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=619034

Have fun, good luck; and I bet if you spec out a rough route and post it here or on ADV quite a few guys would offer you lodging or at least more localized advice. As it is you are welcome to stay with us for an evening; we are south of Akron, Ohio about 45 miles.

 

[justbob]

Because of the time of year that you have chosen I will exclude the far south and the southwest.
Its hard to pick just 10 and these choices include the areas surrounding them. For example Yellowstone would be #1 but if you dont explore the eastside over to Cody and the southside down to Jackson Hole you will miss some beautiful scenery and history. But also keep in mind that you'll be in the middle of the tourist season, so expect crowds and in-season motel prices. Dont wait until late in the day to find a room or you may find yourself pitching your tent in the dark in the rain.
Yellowstone
Glacier NP
Black Hills
Pacific Coast Hwy
Million Dollar Hwy (Hwy 550) Colorado
Acadia NP
Ozark Mtns
Great Smoky Mtns
New River Gorge W Va.
Mackinaw Bridge and the Great Lakes Region

 

[Siseneg]

Gee, tough call ... there are 10 first rate wineries within 20 miles of me ... Smithsonian museums, Gettysburg , Monticello and Mount Vernon are always great tourist stops. Chesapeake bay area has some good back roads, Philadelphia, New York City for great sightseeing or upstate for some great riding. Lemme know when you're planning mid-atlantic and I'll take a day or two off and scout around with you.

 

[bloodline]

That's a really good list!

Because of the time of year that you have chosen I will exclude the far south and the southwest.
Its hard to pick just 10 and these choices include the areas surrounding them. For example Yellowstone would be #1 but if you dont explore the eastside over to Cody and the southside down to Jackson Hole you will miss some beautiful scenery and history. But also keep in mind that you'll be in the middle of the tourist season, so expect crowds and in-season motel prices. Dont wait until late in the day to find a room or you may find yourself pitching your tent in the dark in the rain.
Yellowstone
Glacier NP
Black Hills
Pacific Coast Hwy
Million Dollar Hwy (Hwy 550) Colorado
Acadia NP
Ozark Mtns
Great Smoky Mtns
New River Gorge W Va.
Mackinaw Bridge and the Great Lakes Region

 

[greg the pole]

How the heck do you stop at 10?


Start with a ride down the full west coast.
Redwoods.
Golden Gate Bridge.
Yosemite.
Sunset dinner on Half Moon Bay.



Damn, 5 and I'm not even out of California.

Might hit those five next week! can't wait

 

[HoebSTer]

To answer your question I think it depends on what your style is. Are you a museum or history seeing type person? For me, my preference is to ride the most scenic twisty curvy roads, and now with the Tenere the same but off road away from people and cars as much as possible. I don't do museums or history places.
If i went to Europe, i want to ride my ass off in the alps, but only stop for fuel, and eating sleeping. I do want to see a factory tour of Lamborghini and Ferrari in Italy though. I like to get on bike early already having eaten and gassed on road by 7am, ride till 1-2pm eat a good meal, then ride till 6-7pm if not later. Most people don't like this style, and would rather stop and take tons of pics. Many of my trips in past have been slab balls to wall to make miles usually consisting of 15-18 hour days for time sake.

These are some things to consider on what you want out of the trip. For me, i forget to take pics because I am too driven in daytime to stop and enjoy the flowers.

Of my items, they are mostly the roads:

Blue Ridge Parkway (midweek only) Stopping at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground for bikes only (They have cabin Rentals)
Vermont / New Hamshire / Maine Back roads
Rt 12 in Idaho Lolo Pass (175 miles of curves along a beautiful river)
Glacier National Park MOntana
Zion Natn'l Park Utah
Side Roads near Ashville, NC off BlueRidge Pkwy (Deals Gap Rt 129 is too congested) Rt 128 north of Franklin, TN is great
Poudre Canyon Rd heads West just north out of Ft. Collins, CO over to Walden
Any of the Continental Divide Passes in Colorado
Southern Oregon Coast HWy 1 although can be very congested weekends
Mt St. Helens Volcanic MOnument and side roads getting there through and around Mt Rainier

 

[barkingllizard]

Beartooth Pass MT
Lewiston ID #129 to Enterprise OR #3
Going to the Sun Road MT
Grangeville ID #96 to New Meadows ID
Lolo Pass MT and ID
Teton Pass Jackson WY to Idaho Falls ID

 

[Mtbjay]

That's it boys, keep 'em comin'!

This is what I'm looking for, more tobacco for my pipe! The dream is still forming, and good input like this will make it a stellar trip.



Now for a little clarification:

500 mile days (and time constraints) will have me riding more than stopping for sure. I LOVE challenging, twisting, canyon roads as much as the next guy and would certainly string them throughout my journey... even though I get a lot of that here in the West. Redundant recommendations will undoubtedly make my top picks list, as well as, roads of stunning scenic value.

However, I want this to be a trip of discovery for me . I am a West Coast native and really don't know much about the "other side" of the country; scenic sights, historical places or the culture. I am a people person AND an outdoors lover. To me, getting a feel for a place is: sampling it's geography, the food, talking to the people who live there, and admiring architecture and industry. Culture and the landscape are key for me; I want to better understand our nation and what makes it tick.

When I was very young, my family lived abroad. I had the unique experience of life as a U.S. Citizen living in foreign countries for most of my early youth. The topography of the land, it's people and the well-preserved architecture all had their impact on me. Without actually living there, I want to try and get a feel the places I don't already know: the mid-west, the South and deep South, and the whole East coast.

I recognize it's a tall order to sample enough of this huge country I claim as "home" in the limited time that I have - especially in just one trip. But, I would like to try! If I ride "coast-to-coast," and check that off my list, I know I would have to be on the throttle often. Consequently, my choice of roads -and sights to see- would have to be concise and well thought-out. If I can connect amazing road to amazing road, dotted with sights of historical significance, I would consider it a victory! ::008::

By taking minor roads whenever practical, I hope to create opportunity to converse with the locals and gain insight on our nation's population and way of thinking. I want to understand better who is America.

Big cities are draining to me. I would limit my time there, stopping only to admire the architecture and primary historical sights, then jet out of town. Freeways would be avoided whenever possible, unless I find I need to make-up (or gain) time. Off-road adventures would be limited to an occasional stretch of dirt road that shouldn't be avoided. ::001::

Dancing around congestion will prove tricky, I'm sure and getting stalled in too much population density would ruin the flow. So, strong road recommendations will be duly noted!

 

[markjenn]

Good suggestions in this thread. Mine is to shorten your daily mileage target.

Have you done a 500-mile/day trip for 3-4 weeks? Unless you're on the interstates, you're talking about 10+ hrs in the saddle each and every day, and 12-14 hour days adding in breaks, meals, and a little sight-seeing. Most riders can do a day or three of this, but doing 25 days like this wears you down to a frazzle to where the trip becomes "Am I making good time?" and "Watch the clock" chore. If you're camping, it gets even tougher. And keep in mind that traffic goes up exponentially once you cross over the Mississippi and population densities go up. East coast summer travel has a ton of traffic and a ton of construction. This can drive your average speeds down into the mid-30's and a 500-mile day is now 15 hours in the saddle.

And June/July in many areas of the country you'd be in are going to be blistering hot. Riding in 3PM-6PM time period each day is unpleasant. And it's almost impossible, no matter how much you drink, to keep from getting dehydrated. For hot summer riding, I'm rolling at first light and shut down and drinking by the pool at 4PM. And I generally aim for 300-350 miles in a day, but keep things flexible for roads, weather, mechanicals, or just to take it easy for a day or two. One guy I travel with likes to golf, so we hit the links every fifth or sixth day - great change of pace.

- Mark

 

[Checkswrecks]

Mark's right on this one. While the 49 continental States can be done in 10 days like this:

Actually riding repeated 500 mile days is absolutely gruelling.
btdt

Good suggestions in this thread. Mine is to shorten your daily mileage target.

Have you done a 500-mile/day trip for 3-4 weeks? Unless you're on the interstates, you're talking about 10+ hrs in the saddle each and every day, and 12-14 hour days adding in breaks, meals, and a little sight-seeing. Most riders can do a day or three of this, but doing 25 days like this wears you down to a frazzle to where the trip becomes "Am I making good time?" and "Watch the clock" chore. If you're camping, it gets even tougher. And keep in mind that traffic goes up exponentially once you cross over the Mississippi and population densities go up. East coast summer travel has a ton of traffic and a ton of construction. This can drive your average speeds down into the mid-30's and a 500-mile day is now 15 hours in the saddle.

And June/July in many areas of the country you'd be in are going to be blistering hot. Riding in 3PM-6PM time period each day is unpleasant. And it's almost impossible, no matter how much you drink, to keep from getting dehydrated. For hot summer riding, I'm rolling at first light and shut down and drinking by the pool at 4PM. And I generally aim for 300-350 miles in a day, but keep things flexible for roads, weather, mechanicals, or just to take it easy for a day or two. One guy I travel with likes to golf, so we hit the links every fifth or sixth day - great change of pace.

- Mark

 

[Mtbjay]

I have ridden 400 mile days on a Ducati Monster and loved it. Here in the wide-open West, it's more manageable. For sure 500 mile days would be hard work, even on the Tenere. But I know I could handle 3-5 days at a time of 8+ hours of riding. Also, I might have the advantage of riding solo which, by my estimation, could prove to be faster as I a stopping half as often.

I was an endurance athlete and know how to pace myself, manage nutrition, and fatigue. But there is nothing to be done about heavy traffic and backroads, except avoid them.

Perhaps I need to reconsider the whole picture and concentrate on "just what's fun from a motorcycle" perspective.

"Taking it all in" takes time and I would not want to sacrifice too much fun in the pursuit of too many destinations... Hence the list!


Keep 'em comin'!

 

[justbob]

I did a trip of just over 11,000 miles in 23 days on a V-strom, that averaged out to 483 miles per day. There were a couple of 800 and 900 mile days and a couple of days that we didnt cover much ground at all. Best trip of my life and never felt like the miles or hours in the seat were too much. I'll only have 2 weeks for a trip out west this year but the daily mileage will probably average about the same, can't wait.

 

[Twisties]

500 mile days out west are not the same as 500 mile days in the east. I don't think 500 mile days in rural east coast riding are going to be very realistic. As well, camping drastically reduces mileage, and out east camping will be in a formal campground. Camping is great when you will be somewhere for a few days. It is no way to make major miles. As well, given your stated goals, while I am sure you are perfectly capable of 500 mile days, they aren't going to get you into tune with the people and culture and architecture, etc. You will be on the bike way too much.

As I read your posts what I see is an interest in the east side if the country, a limit of 3-4 weeks, and a desire to see a lot, but also have time to interact with folk of different regions, see some seminal sights, and explore our history... riding is your means of getting around, but it is secondary to your other goals, not the prime end in itself. If that is a fair, if concise, restatement of your priorities then let me make some suggestions:

1. The west is your backyard, forget it entirely for this trip. The plains have a certain charm, but for motorcycling, for the most part, most riders see them as an obstacle to be crossed. Therefore, focus on your priority, the east. To that end, either ship your bike or do a fly and ride. In other words, spend your time and money out east. Trailering might also be an option, but you'll still lose 6-10 days to the west and plains. If you ride you will be losing at least 10 days to the plains and west. Don't forget, it really doesn't cost any more to ship or fly and ride than to take a bike round trip across country. Do the math.

2. Consider 100-200 mile days and some multi-day stays.

3. Some places in the east that I would recommend: Savannah, GA. Plan to walk around for at least a day. At the very least, Google Savannah.

Acadia NP... again, spend a day, maybe more, or one of the other areas on the ME coast. If you can, spend a day on a lake in the ME interior. Swim.

Snorkel in The Keys, and maybe try a sea kayak. Take a boat tour of the upper St. John's River in FL. Castillo de San Marcos in FL is certainly worth a stop.

Ok, you are going to Shenandoah and going to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, right? Spend some time here. Consider the area around Gettysburg, PA and eat at Antrim 1844, check out Falling Waters, raft the Youghiogheny. Do some Googling for places along the Blue Ridge.

Spend some time in small town Vermont for the architecture, history, and such... google is your friend. Consider The White Mountains area. I haven't been to Ft. Ticonderoga in NY since I was little, but I still remember it.. Consider perhaps Cape Cod, or one of the Virginia coastal islands. Consider The Smokies. Maggie Valley has a nice moto museum.

In Michigan take a canoe trip on the Au Sable, or one of the other rivers with commercial canoeing. Consider the sleeping bear sand dunes and eat some smoked whitefish still warm from the smokehouse in Frankfort, on the coast of Lake Michigan. Stop in at Tahquemenon Falls and Pictured rocks Lakeshore in the UP. Eat a pastie... they're awful... but that's the historical food.

In rural NJ or near PA, eat a cheese steak. Hang in a small local deli for a few... seriously... that's where the culture is. Maybe check out the pine barrens... find out about bog iron.

 

[jaderider]

Death Valley - Ryolite
Arches National Monument
Canyonlands
Tetons
Enchanted circle scenic byway
Monument Valley


___________________
help end slavery. ride for freedom. www.2endslavery.org

 

[la-motor]

Let me add Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy) North from Santa Monica to San Francisco through Big Sur, San Simion, Morro Bay, Monterrey Bay...Etc

 

[coastie]

Re: Re: WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 "MUST SEE DESTINATIONS" IN A MOTO-TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES?

Let me add Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy) North from Santa Monica to San Francisco through Big Sur, San Simion, Morro Bay, Monterrey Bay...Etc

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

I did this back in 97 on an FZR600. Went from Newport Beach to Petaluma. What a ride!

 

[snakebasket]

I have toured the US as a visitor from England and spent time riding the great roads that you guys have mentioned mixed with personal interest museums. I usually average 450 miles a day (including a few multi day stops) but I generally camp and have very early starts. The US has the great roads trips you have stated that i have ridden in the plus 40 states i have visited but a few of the museum and cultural sites I would recommend: (but there are just so many!)

New Orleans
New York City, so much to see and admire
USAF air museum (and the assocoiated Wright Bros stuff) Dayton Ohio
Ford Museum Dearborn
KittyHawk
Nashville
Evergreen Aviation Museum (Spruce Goose)
NASA Cape Canaveral
Seattle Boeing factory and air museum
Smithsonian DC and Dulles
Gracelands
Sun Studios
Mt Rushmore (evenn though they try and make you pay for parking!! on a trail bike!!)
Birmingham Barber Museum
The Alamo

These are just a few of the many great museums etc, but one place that is the best anywhere I have been is just Alaska, see as much of it as you can......

 

[Augie_Dogie]

Lotsa good advice from folks who have lotsa miles under there butts.


My $0.02:

• In the east 300 mi/day is par. Out west 500 mi/day is par.
• Find a central location you can use as a hub to see multiple feature.
• See (or steal) a tag or two from the Tag-o-rama threads in ADVrider
• From personal experience the ADV Tentspace is Awesome.
• Destinations: Most great ones are covered - Adders I'd included Kentucky (Bourbon Trail); West Virginia (Smoke Hole Road; Dolly Sodds; Seneca Rocks);Central New York State (Finger Lakes; Watkins Glen) ; MS/AL: Natchez Trace

YMMV


A_D