Spring is in the air, and the warm allure of summer is just over the horizon. That’s right; motorcycle-riding season is officially upon us. As such, millions of Americans are bringing their bikes out of winter storage and getting them ready for road trips to come. Bikers will be venturing across the country in search of interesting outings and ways to escape the stress and monotony of everyday life.

 

Traversing America via Motorcycle

 

America is home to a vast range of beautiful, breathtaking landscapes. Its beaches give people a chance to stroll along the ocean, sink their toes in the sand, and soak up some glorious sunshine. In the mountains, majestic forests and magnificent rivers offer a refreshing reprieve from the crowds and noise of the city. Numerous must-see sights lie between those two extremes.

 

Nestled in and around the incredible natural scenery, you’ll find countless noteworthy attractions. Obviously, some are branches of regional or national chains strategically placed to draw in crowds. Others, though, are true local treasures that warrant a little extra time and attention. In some cases, it’s hard to tell the difference.

 

Best Motorcycles for Road Trips

 

Having the right bike for upcoming road trips can make or break the entire experience. Various types of motorcycles lend themselves to different types of trips. Think about the adventures you’re interested in. Are you looking for day trips or weekend getaways? Do you prefer extended cross-country motorcycle rides? Maybe you’d like to go off-roading to see sights that are well off of the beaten path. Either way, you’ll need the perfect motorcycle to bring those visions to life.

 

• Cruisers - Cruisers have lower seats than other types of bikes. They’re also equipped with other features that provide added comfort. They’re perfect for day trips as well as weekend excursions. They can even work well for longer trips, but be sure to install saddlebags for extra storage if you’ll be traveling for a while.

 

• Touring Motorcycles - If longer trips are more your style, a touring bike may be a better option. These motorcycles are built for road trips, and they can take you across the country in ultimate comfort. They usually come with added storage, and their powerful engines can haul the extra gear you’ll need for the trip. If you’d like to take a passenger along for the ride, they can handle that, too.

 

• Sport Bikes - Sport bikes are designed for speed and agility. They’re not exactly the most comfortable models for longer trips, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for outings. Keep in mind, though, they’re often lacking where storage space is concerned, and adding extra baggage isn’t always an option with these motorcycles.

 

• Sport Touring Motorcycles - As the name indicates, sport touring bikes are hybrids that offer features of both sport bikes and touring motorcycles. They’re a little more comfortable than their sportier cousins, and they have more storage solutions for longer trips. Still, they don’t really sacrifice speed and performance to give riders those extra features.

 

• Adventure Bikes - Also known as dual-sport bikes, adventure motorcycles are made for highway and interstate travel as well as off-road rides. They easily get riders from one destination to the next, but when the time comes to branch out from those paved roads, they can handle that, too.

 

While people generally choose touring bikes for extended travel, cruisers can offer just as much freedom and versatility. Those who hope to spend some of their journeys on unpaved terrain will fare better with a dual-sport bike. As you can see, though, other options are certainly available.

 

Seeing the Best of America

 

Once you have the right motorcycle to foster your travel plans, it’s time to get out and see the country. Ample opportunities are at your disposal, all of which can make for amazing outings. Consider the following sights and attractions for your upcoming getaways. Though you may stumble upon small tourist traps along the way, they don’t have to detract from your experiences.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway

 

Those in the southeastern portion of the United States rave about the beauty and serenity of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you hail from elsewhere, you won’t regret traveling to the area to experience the amazing landscape. This stretch of road runs from Cherokee, North Carolina to Rockfish Gap, Virginia. All the while, its 469 miles of scenic wonder wind through the Smoky and Appalachian Mountains.

 

All the curves, dips, and inclines of the Blue Ridge Parkway are reason enough to travel this expanse of road. That said, the fall is a particularly great time to visit. Few experiences can compare to seeing the vibrant colors of the changing leaves from a bike. Furthermore, the weather is just about as perfect as it gets for riding.

 

Riders are advised to avoid this area in the winter months, though. It still has its own level of charm and peacefulness when many of the trees are bare and the temperatures are hovering around the freezing mark. However, ice and snow can make for a more treacherous journey than most people want to face on a bike.

 

The Tail of the Dragon

 

If you’re in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’d be remiss to leave before riding the Tail of the Dragon. It begins in Deals Gap, North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line. From there, it meanders to Chilhowee Lake in southeastern Tennessee. Although it’s only 11 miles long, the Tail of the Dragon packs in well over 300 gentle curves, flowing inclines and declines, and hairpin turns.

 

This is certainly an exhilarating ride. While passenger vehicles are welcome on this stretch of roadway, viewing the scenery and feeling the flow of the road behind glass can’t hold a candle to experiencing it on a motorcycle. Spring, summer, and fall are perfect times to ride the Tail of the Dragon as the trees and other foliage change with the seasons. Again, though, it’s not a great choice for wintertime riding.

 

The Ozello Trail

 

Further south, in the state of Florida, you’ll find the Ozello Trail. This particular scenic route stretches from the Crystal River Preserve to the small community of Ozello on the Gulf Coast. The Ozello Trail is a bit different than many other motorcycle rides. Locals point out that it’s not unheard of for a bear to wander across the road. You’ll also ride through marshlands where alligators and other wildlife are abundant.

 

If you choose to enjoy this interesting ride, consider stopping beforehand to pick up some picnic supplies. Picnicking at Ozello Community Park is a terrific way to take a break before heading back to more crowded ground. Though this park is open to the public, it’s located in a community of only about 600 residents, and tourists don’t often venture that far out.

 

Making your picnic a late-in-the-day event is recommended. That’ll give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking sunset there on the gulf. Even long-time residents say they never get tired of watching the sun drift down over the water, and the sight is never quite the same two nights in a row.

 

Those who prefer a meal that’s prepared for them can enjoy great fresh seafood at a few small restaurants in the area. While fishing opportunities are available, transporting fishing rods, tackle, and freshly caught fish on a motorcycle isn’t an ideal situation. It’s really better to just take in the exceptional scenery and enjoy the unusually quiet, laid-back atmosphere of the area.

 

Maine’s Coastal Highway

 

Much further north than the previously mentioned rides lies Maine’s Coastal Highway. Also known as U.S. Route 1, this roadway takes you along 230 miles of gorgeous Maine coastline. Along the way, you’ll see some of the most wonderful scenery in New England. That includes natural beauties like the ocean, rocky cliffs, and lovely beaches. It also consists of man-made sites, like lighthouses and overlooks for stopping to appreciate the view. 

 

Be advised that Maine’s Coastal Highway isn’t necessarily a day or weekend trip. It’s more than 300 miles long with numerous sites to see along the way. Fully enjoying all the expanse has to offer takes a few days even if you avoid tourist traps, so come prepared for an extended stay. That’s not exactly an unpleasant concept, though, is it?

 

Pacific Coast Highway

 

On the opposite side of the country, California’s Pacific Coast Highway offers a lovely view and miles of open road for bikers to take advantage of. For the more dedicated riders among us, it’s possible to ride the entire coastline of California on this route, a stretch of more than 600 miles.

 

This trip covers an array of natural scenery, from jagged cliffs and oceanic overlooks to gently rolling hills and towering redwoods. Some portions of the route aren’t for everyone, though. In certain areas, you’ll find yourself clinging to sharp dropoffs or traveling bridges that seem to float over solid ground far below. On the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll travel through wine country, Monterey, Pfeiffer State Beach, and over the Golden Gate Bridge to name a few.

 

You can certainly pick out only a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway to see as opposed to committing to the long haul. Even a short stretch of this route will expose you to breathtaking sights and ample photo opportunities. If you want to make your trip a true getaway, though, you won’t regret it.

 

The Badlands

 

Some people may raise an eyebrow at the thought of traveling through an area called the Badlands, especially on a motorcycle without a protective cage of metal and glass. Rest assured, a name can be misleading. The Badlands got their name long ago from the native Lakota tribe because of its harsh temperatures and terrain. Today, it’s the perfect place for a long scenic ride.

 

While riding along this expanse of South Dakota roadway, you’ll take in a range of sights few areas have to offer. Some of the most impressive are the magnificent rock formations rising majestically from the flat desert terrain. Diverse wildlife can also be seen along this route, including mule deer, buffalo, and pronghorn antelope. Plenty of overlooks have been added to the mix for visitors to stop, rest, and enjoy the sights.

 

Authorities have issued a few warnings for those who travel through the Badlands. While many people want to get as close as possible to the local wildlife for photos and firsthand views, it’s best to stay at least 100 feet away. Larger animals can stampede at any moment, and motorcycles offer little protection against a galloping group of 1,000-pound buffalo or mule deer armed with sharp antlers. Be sure to take along bottled water and snacks for the trip as well.

 

Texas Hill Country

 

Yet another highly acclaimed motorcycle ride takes visitors through Texas Hill country. Much of Texas is known for being flat and monotonous, but Hill Country breaks from the norm. You’ll see the pleasant, heavily forested portions of Texas and its rocky, tree-lined rock cliffs by way of the Three Sisters. These connected roads, 335, 336, and 337, draw riders through exciting twists and turns while keeping them away from some of the more populated portions of the state.

 

If you have plenty of time after relishing Texas Hill country, why not head on over to the coast? There’s a 220-mile stretch of wildlife preserve where you may see alligators, bobcats, and other impressive creatures. At the same time, you can see part of the Texas coast and stop to enjoy the beach.

 

Getting the Most Out of a Ride by Staying Away from Tourist Traps

 

America is home to countless sights and attractions. A person could walk away from work and spend years traveling the country and still not see everything there is to experience. Though that’s an appealing notion, day trips and occasional vacations are a more practical option for most of us.

 

While many locales throughout the nation have gained national and global fame, they’re often riddled with thick crowds of tourists and chintzy gift shops. Those places are fine vacation destinations for some people. Those of us who are looking for incredible motorcycle getaways to unwind and boost morale often want to forgo the tourist traps, though.

 

If you fall into that category, think about making the places mentioned here part of your itinerary. During your travels, keep in mind that the destination isn’t what really matters on a motorcycle adventure. It’s the ride itself that’s truly important.