There is something uniquely thrilling and satisfying about touring by motorcycle.
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, then the tremendous sense of freedom when hitting the road with your ‘baby’ is not foreign to you.
You know the electrifying sensation you feel as your motorcycle roars and vibration cruises all over your veins. There no words that can capture the heightened adventure and awareness as you sweep through twisties and curves.
Riding a motorcycle gives you the best way to get close to nature’s beauty. To feel the wind on your face; feel it as it plays with your hair. This thrill is second to none.
However, to fully enjoy the thrill of touring by motorcycle, you need to know which routes are the best. You need to know which roads will intensify your adventure by sheer beauty or fascinating landscapes.
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Other motorcycle routes you need to try
Routes in the United States
There are millions of miles of roads in America. However, not all roads are the same. As a motorcycle enthusiast, it is important to note that there are roads, and there are motorcycle roads.
If you have a spectacular motorcycle road trip, then you should begin by finding out the best motorcycle roads and routes. This is because a great road will always lead to a great and fulfilling motorcycle ride.
With the numerous splendid motorcycle roads in the United States, choosing the top routes is always a hot button topic. It often provokes discussion with controversies and disagreement to present a top 5 or top ten roads in the United States.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific coast highway, also known as California State Route 1, stacks favorably as one of the best motorcycle routes in the US. In fact, some motorcycle enthusiasts have labeled it the undisputed motorcycle route due to the smorgasbord of treats it offers.
The Pacific coast highway offers a scenic roadway like no other. If you decide to ride on this laudable motorcycle route, be ready to be mesmerized by the towering redwood forest, crashing surf, and seal-punctuated beaches.
You will also be glad to know that the Pacific coast highway offers you enough curves to spice up your trip and keep you contented end to end. The highway can be said to be a cliff-hugging ribbon that stretches 120 miles. On it, you will find frequent turnouts that will provide you with a golden opportunity to enjoy panoramic and stellar views.
The kind of stellar views you will feast your eyes on when you are riding on the Pacific coast highway will certainly whet your appetite for more. And this should not be a problem because the pacific coast highway is pretty extensive. It stretches pretty much the entire California coast; from Malibu to the Oregon border and beyond.
If you are planning on enjoying a motorcycle ride on the Pacific coast highway, it is advisable that you avoid it during summer weekends because Big Sur is famously fogbound. Additionally, make sure that you visit the Hearst Castle.
Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee
The tail of the dragon, also known as the Deal’s Gap, is another motorcycle route widely considered as one of the best motorcycle roads in America. The route is a Hollywood favorite and has been featured in several movies and TV shows including The Fugitive and Top Gear. The road got its notable name due to its striking simulacrum of a dragon tails.
The route boasts over 300 curves, and the sharpest curve has been given several nicknames including Gravity Cavity and Copperhead Corner. The rail of the dragon
Due to its exhilarating curves, you are sure to find motorcycle enthusiasts and die-hard sport-bike riders making a beeline on this road in a bid to test their cornering skills. And you don’t have to worry about an oncoming truck because no trucks are allowed.
There is a shrine, known as the Tree of Shame, which has motorcycle parts attached to it y those who were unable to tame the dragon. It is hence important that you just enjoy the curves without proving your bravado.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
If you enjoy mountain route, then the Blue Ridge Parkway will definitely whet your interest. In fact, this iconic mountain route features almost on every serious motorcyclist must-do list.
The road snakes through the Virginia countryside featuring a fair share of local charms including the enthralling Civil War Battle sites. As you follow the route to the south, you will be ushered into the Great Smoky Mountains. Here, you will get to enjoy sweeping curves and eye-catching scenery.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has a compulsory 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, which is a good thing because it allows you to feast your eyes on all the view that reach a crescendo south of Ashville, North Carolina.
Although the parkway can be ridden in one day, it is recommended that you take two days. It is worth mentioning that there are no gas stations on the Blue Ridge parkway itself; you have to exist to fill up.
Bike Routes in South America
South America is a continent surrounded by Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern side and Pacific Ocean on the western side. It is possible to cycle across the continent, though they are not designated bike routes. You use the normal roads together with other road users. Cycling is in South America can be adventurous and fun, depending on the time of the year which determines the prevailing weather conditions. The South America circuit gives a visual outlook and appreciates the environment and all its surroundings. It takes less than 10 months to complete the cycling circuit from the South to the North.
Southern route
You can begin your route from the South at Marica Riohancha, Santa Marte; the coastal city in the Pacific Ocean. You then move to Peninsular, Venezuela to experience the sand beaches and great weather. The road takes you to Tierra-del Fuegro in the Caribbean Sea. It is 1,200 km stretch from the Southern City of Ushuaia. In Argentina, you will enjoy the wild animals from the parks and glaciers mountain of Perito Moreno and Mount Fitz Roy. From Tierra-del Fuego you move North road to Ruta 40 as you pass through Paratoginia; at this point you enjoy the woodlands of Chile and a green landscape of the grasslands.
Argentina route
Take Carrelera- Austria Road that has a gravel surface. Along the route you will encounter snow-capped mountains, rivers and their resultant features for an awesome visual look. This area lacks any facilities, when leaving the coastal city carry enough food and drinks. It is sparsely populated with lots of fishing activities and sight of Salmon and Trout fish species.
The road ends at the city of Puerto Mont, then go through Argentina to the sandy beaches of Andes. Rota 40 road still meets Mendoza to enjoy sea food and recreational facilities. You can ride north to Argentina to Salta town which is 400 km from Bolivia- a border town. The area is characterized by mountains and has a rough terrain making riding a difficult challenge. It has low temperatures of below -250C and high altitudes. The area is remote with no recreational facilities though the people are friendly. At this point there are two routes:
Chile Route
It heads towards Chile in the Pacific coastline along Andes to Peru, Ecuador and Columbia.
Bolivia route
You can cross Bolivia towards the North then to Amazon- Brazil through the adventurous mountains. The area has friendly people with rich diversified culture and social welfare.
Southern Chile
All these routes lead you to Southern Chile and Peru in the North. In Andes the temperatures are average, it allows you to enjoy riding while site seeing the spectacular landscapes and geographical features. Finally, you cycle on Road BR319 with Jaguars and gorillas. They pose a threat but no need to raise alarm.
Remember to take your toolkit on a road trip!
Cross Country Motorcycle Trip Packing List
Heading for a cross country trip, but want to make sure you are fully prepared? Preparation is key, as forgetting some important supplies could put a serious damper on your otherwise great trip.
To help you prepare for your journey, we have provided a packing list for you, listing all the things you simply must take during your trip. So, be sure to use our list before you head off!
Category 1: Your Toolkit
To ensure you do not get stranded in the middle of nowhere, you will need a toolkit containing tools for possible bike repairs or maintenance. Contrary to popular belief, these tools do not have to be heavy or cumbersome, since tools such as wrenches and grips are usually the ones necessary to execute emergency repairs.
When creating your toolkit be sure to include the following: wrenches (size 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, and 174 mm), vise grips, screwdrivers (flathead and Philips head), pliers, zip ties, battery O-rings, GPS fuses, and Allen keys.
Before you head off on your trip, always make sure you know how to use your tools. If you are not familiar with the tools or the emergency repairs you could be executing on the road, there is little point in taking a toolkit with you. So, do not only be prepared with tools, make sure you are prepared with knowledge too.
Category 2: Your Riding Gear
Riding gear is also an important part of your packing list. You want to make sure you are protected on the road, because no matter how good of a rider you are, you cannot account for everyone’s safety on the road.
When packing your riding gear, you must make sure the following is included in your kit: Roadcrafter (one-piece suit), a helmet, boots, boot laces, gloves (preferable two pairs, one for colder and one for warmer weather conditions), earplugs, and sunglasses.
Anyone who goes on a cross country motorcycle trip for the first time should pay extra attention to their riding gear. It is vital that your gear fits you perfectly, since an ill-fitting helmet or suit could do you more damage than good. If you are unsure about your riding gear, head to the nearest specialist store and ask for some assistance.
Category 3: Chain Maintenance Kit
When you go on a cross country trip, it is important to keep the motorcycle chain in excellent condition. While the supplies to maintain your chain could be considered as a part of your basic toolkit, we found it important to mention this as a separate category.
To be fully prepared on the road, you will need the following supplies to keep your chain in mint condition: several rags, a Teflon tube, WD40, specialist torque wrench and a 24 mm socket.
Please note that it is often recommended to keep your chain maintenance supplies separately from your toolkit. A lot of riders need these tools more often than the actual toolkit, so it may be a good idea to reserve a special place for these tools during your trip.
Category 4: Heated Riding Gear
Depending on where you are going on your cross-country trip, you may need some heated gear. With heated gear, you are more prepared for cold weather conditions, so ensure you include them. It is also advised to keep heated gear separately from your regular riding gear; this makes it easier to find while on the road.
As a part of your heated gear kit, make sure you include a warm jacket that will also provide you with ample protection in case of a crash, socks, wire for heated socks, warm gloves, and a HeatTroller.
Please note that not all riders will require heated gear during their trip, but it is recommended, nonetheless. The weather can be very fickle, so even when there is little doubt you will encounter severe weather conditions, it is always better to be prepared.
Category 5: Tire Maintenance
Much like the chain of your motorcycle, your tires will require maintenance somewhere along the way. Fortunately, there are some basic supplies you can keep on you to ensure you can keep going. Essential tire maintenance supply for your packing list include a tire gauge, cycle pump, gator clips for the pump, and a tire plug kit.
Category 5: Electrical Supplies
In this day and age of technology, most riders will have some gadgets with them. While there are some riders who do not take any, most riders enjoy having some technological conveniences along the way.
Most riders will add the following electricals to their supply kit: GPS, USB cable, cell phone and accompanying charger, digital camera and charging cable, laptop and adapter. Please note that you are not required to take all these supplies. Some take photographs with their smartphone, and other like to leave bulky items such as a laptop at home. Electricals are a more personal choice, although we do recommend taking a good GPS just in case.
Category 6: Legal Documents
When you are on the road, there is a chance you will be asked to display insurance or your driving license. Therefore, these documents must be easily accessible during your cross-country trip and must be included on this list.
Essential documents you will require on your trip include: your driver’s license, registration, insurance documents, passport or identification cards, paper, and a pen.
Category 7: Miscellaneous
There are other essential supplies to be taken on your trip, but they often do not have their own category. That being said, you cannot forget to bring these items, as they are bound to prove essential during your trip.
One of the essentials you cannot forget on your trip is a first aid kit. While you may not be in an accident, it is not uncommon to get a cut or a graze. To ensure you can remain comfortable, ensure you have essentials such as plasters, bandages, and antiseptic in case of a medical emergency.
In addition to your first aid kit, you must also consider any medications you should be taking with you. For example, if you are an asthmatic, you should be keeping your inhalers in an easy to reach place. It is also advised to take supplies such as painkillers, which could prove rather useful if you get a rather annoying headache somewhere on the road.
Toiletries is another thing to consider for your trip, in addition to your regular clothing of course. Essentials to include are a towel, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, sun lotion, bug repellant, a razor (if you need one), soap, lenses and glasses if you wear them (it can also be useful to bring a spare pair).
When packing your miscellaneous bag, make sure you consider the clothing you are going to take. You will need several pairs of pants, socks, shirts, underwear, and other essential clothing you will need on the road. Also make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions.
Finally, always take a spare bike key with you. When on the road, it is certainly not uncommon for things to get lost or stolen. The last thing you need is getting stranded with no way to start your bike, so make sure you have a second set of keys in your miscellaneous bag.
Category 8 (Optional): Camping Supplies
Please note that this category is optional, since not all riders decide to camp during their cross-country ride. Some prefer to stay in hotels or motels along the way, so this category is only useful f or those who want to experience the beauty of outdoor camping along the way.
Camping materials can be cumbersome and heavy. Since you are already taking a bunch of supplies with you on your trip, it is essential to pack smart, but not leave behind any essentials to remain comfortable.
When you decide on camping along the way, please ensure to include the following supplies in your camping bag: a tent, durable sleeping bag, tarp (which can shield you or your bike from the weather elements if required), headlamp, and a pillow.
