Hey did anyone notice your new AMA magazine that came today? It has the 15 best motorcycle roads in the US? And there are plenty of them right here in California, my favorite is the stretch of Hwy 36, between Red Bluff and Fortuna near the coast. Also there's a nice pic of a Yellow 5th Gen right in the middle of the article. Is this anyone from here? Sorry I don't have a scanner to show the article. :fing02:
What's your favorite roads to ride and are they in the article? :bliss:
From the examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/motorcycle-travel-in-national/great-motorcycle-roads-according-to-ama-members
Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming (US-212); heading south out of Red Lodge, Montana, Beartooth Highway crosses into Wyoming at about 11,000 feet. [I was glad to see one of my favorite highways at the top of the list. Here is a link to an Examiner.com article.]
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina; unparalleled beauty at every turnout makes this a great road for everyone but the sweeps and switchbacks make it a joy for motorcyclists. [Another favorite of mine and a ‘must ride’ road again and again whenever I’m in that part of the country; the link to my Examiner.com article.]
The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina (US-129); a rite of passage for motorcycles is to ‘slay the Dragon’ with its 318 curves in eleven miles. [I wouldn’t necessarily call it scenic because the curves are so tight and continuous making it impossible to enjoy the scenery but it is impossible not to enjoy the mechanics of the ride; my take on the ride.]
The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado (US-550); named for the metals mined in the area but could also be named for the views. [The entire southwest is on my list of places to ride and this road will be on my planning map.]
Pacific Coast Highway in California (CA-1); as the name suggests, this highway runs up the coast from near Los Angeles to past San Francisco. [This is on my “Bucket List” of places to ride.]
Going to the Sun Road in Montana; the only road through Glacier National Park is often closed in the winter but summer rides will offer great scenery. [AMA says that major snow in the past few winters have taken a toll on this road.]
Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee and North Carolina; this unbelievably gorgeous highway is also called the “100 Million Dollar Highway” (because of its cost), the “Mile High Highway” (because of the elevation), and the “Little Blue Ridge” (because of its overlooks onto scenic Eastern Mountains). [One of the scenic roads of recent trips makes it high on the list but also because it is just so great – from overlooks to switchbacks to ascents and descents, this road has it all; my article at Examiner.com.]
Route 36 in California; running in the west near the Pacific Ocean eastwardly through the center of California and across mountains, AMA calls this a great road with little towns and scenic volcanic landscapes.
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway in Idaho and Montana (US12); so named because it follows roughly the same route as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, this road offers sweepers, high mountain passes, and great views.
Angeles Crest Highway in California (CA-2); heading out of Los Angeles towards Wrightwood, the road climbs to 7,000 feet and offers seclusion that seems impossible so close to a major city.
Natchez Trace in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi; following the old trade route of the Indians and early pioneers, the Trace winds slowly through the south from Natchez, Mississippi to near Nashville, Tennessee. [I have ridden the Trace but have not written about it because I personally don’t consider it a great motorcycle road. Except for a record-breaking rainstorm, there was no excitement for us and the mind-numbing sameness of the road is, frankly, boring. The small towns of the south just off the Trace were a delight and those I would revisit.]
U.S. Route 33 in Virginia and West Virginia; according to AMA this road mixes sweepers with tight switchbacks as it crosses the Eastern Continental Divide through the Monongahela National Forest.
California Route 58 in California; AMA describes this road with its technical mountain twisties and hairpins plus its high plains dips in addition to its panoramic vistas as one of the most beautiful rides in the state of California.
Ohio Route 170 in Ohio; running near the border with Pennsylvania, this highway in the northeastern part of the state is in the Appalachian Foothills and offers challenges one does not expect in the Midwest. [I used to live in this area and did not know about this road; I need to go back and check it out.]
Washington Route 129 and Oregon Route 3 in Washington and Oregon; following the Snake River, these two highways combine to offer views, switchbacks, and elevation changes.
Some other highways getting votes are listed in AMA’s honorable mentions:
Highway 12 in Colorado
Route 191, 180, and 78 in Arizona and New Mexico
U.S. 191 from Alpine to Morenci in Arizona
U.S. 16A in South Dakota’s Black Hills
U.S. 50 in Nevada
Farm to Market 336 in Texas
So, what is your favorite motorcycle road? Did AMA have it on the list? Comment and let us know.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Great motorcycle roads according to AMA members - National Motorcycle Travel | Examiner.com http://www.examiner....s#ixzz1G4K5GOUa
The are not many good riding roads where I live in middle Georgia. I've only been up in Appalachians a handful of times. But here are my favorites.
1. Cherohala Skyway (amazing road with spectacular views)
2. The Tail of the Dragon/US129 at Deals Gap (most challenging road I've ever been on and the only place I've ever crashed)
3. NC28 between Fontana Dam and Franklin, NC (especially the section that follows the river south of US19/US74, love all the waterfalls)
4. Some road around Lake Burton in the North Georgia mountains (my first ever really twisty mountain road, I was just riding with a group and I can't remember the name of it now)
5. GA190 between Pine Mountain and Warm Springs, GA (It goes all the way through FDR State Park and is the only decent road that's within 100 miles of where I live)
I intend to ride US129 over Blood Mountain in North Georgia sometime this year. I also intend to do a Mountain West National Parks tour soon, maybe this September. So I'm sure I'll be able to add more roads to this list soon.
Ohio? 555 north to south, bring big cajones.... nasty, nasty difficult. 11 out of 10.
Marieta area - SR 26 North to South
Marieta area SR 800
SR78
SR41 - Greenfield to the ohio river
Jeez the whole SE corner of the state is a riders playground
WV - SR16 out of St Marys south to SR39 to Marlinton, 55N to Elkins.
WV SR10 tasty twisty.
Lots of great roads in WV too.
All the great roads in Arkansas, and not even a mention....but that's why I like to go there, almost zero traffic on them all. And it looks like it will stay that way! :bliss:
[image: View Post]ki-speed, on 08 March 2011 - 11:53 PM, said:
My least fav of these is #3 Tail of the Dragon.
I agree....I've been through once, and that's good enough. Too many cars, trucks, bikes, motorhomes and slow-asses on Harleys :goofy:
Now if they closed it down for just me, sure I'd be there all day!! :wheel:
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 09 March 2011 - 12:10 AM, said:
All the great roads in Arkansas, and not even a mention....but that's why I like to go there, almost zero traffic on them all. And it looks like it will stay that way! :bliss:
I agree. I ride through Arkansas at least 3 or 4 times a year. Usually stay in Mountain Home or Mountain View on my ride back to Peoria (born in Decatur, went to High School in Peoria, graduated from WIU and started with GTE in 1979 in Bloomington). Sorry for the history lesson but I saw you are in Bloomington). It is amazing though how NW Arkansas is so different (rolling hills, forests, great roads, etc) from SE Arkansas (flat farming).
[image: View Post]VFRBulldawg, on 08 March 2011 - 10:37 PM, said:
I intend to ride US129 over Blood Mountain in North Georgia sometime this year. I also intend to do a Mountain West National Parks tour soon, maybe this September. So I'm sure I'll be able to add more roads to this list soon.
The North GA ride is fun, the loop is 129 to 180 to 60 back to 129, takes you right past T.W.O, that is where I really learned to ride!
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 08 March 2011 - 10:54 PM, said:
So many roads so little time......
I've run US Route 33 - Virgina and WV nice.
Ohio? 555 north to south, bring big cajones.... nasty, nasty difficult. 11 out of 10.
Marieta area - SR 26 North to South
Marieta area SR 800
SR78
SR41 - Greenfield to the ohio river
Jeez the whole SE corner of the state is a riders playground
WV - SR16 out of St Marys south to SR39 to Marlinton, 55N to Elkins.
WV SR10 tasty twisty.
Lots of great roads in WV too.
Ohio? I totally agree with you Mello! My wife and I spent four days in that area last summer riding most of the roads you mentioned. Incredibly beautiful scenery combined with fun twisty roads.
Sweet! Now all of those roads will be packed with vehicles of all number of wheels as the sheep go where they are herded and I can enjoy more of the unmentioned ones. :fing02:
I love doing ride reports but don't volunteer good roads for the masses given the chance. I prefer to share what I know with a select few who will make the experience more fun. Call me selfish but there are just too many damned idiots out there to ruin my riding time. Now if any of you guys are headed through this area.....well that's a different story. :biggrin:
[image: View Post]slo1, on 09 March 2011 - 08:53 AM, said:
I'm thinkin the hwy12 in Colorado was actually in Utah
Actually, no. Hwy 12, aka Highway of Legends, runs from Trinidad, CO to La Veta, CO. I'm planning a day trip down there this summer. I'll be sure to do a full ride report. :biggrin:
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 09 March 2011 - 12:10 AM, said:
All the great roads in Arkansas, and not even a mention....but that's why I like to go there, almost zero traffic on them all. And it looks like it will stay that way! :bliss:
[image: View Post]VFRBulldawg, on 08 March 2011 - 10:37 PM, said:
The are not many good riding roads where I live in middle Georgia. I've only been up in Appalachians a handful of times. But here are my favorites.
1. Cherohala Skyway (amazing road with spectacular views)
2. The Tail of the Dragon/US129 at Deals Gap (most challenging road I've ever been on and the only place I've ever crashed)
3. NC28 between Fontana Dam and Franklin, NC (especially the section that follows the river south of US19/US74, love all the waterfalls)
4. Some road around Lake Burton in the North Georgia mountains (my first ever really twisty mountain road, I was just riding with a group and I can't remember the name of it now)
5. GA190 between Pine Mountain and Warm Springs, GA (It goes all the way through FDR State Park and is the only decent road that's within 100 miles of where I live)
I intend to ride US129 over Blood Mountain in North Georgia sometime this year. I also intend to do a Mountain West National Parks tour soon, maybe this September. So I'm sure I'll be able to add more roads to this list soon.
Blood mountain is a good one, tar snakes all over but I enjoy 348 more - the Richard B Russell Scenic Highway, been on that 3 times now it is just east of Blood Mountain. The two make a great loop.
They left out Hwy. 35, Skyline Blvd that goes up and by Alice's in the mountains just south of SF and the connecting run to the Hwy 1, the ocean.
Funny thing though, I see less and less VFR riders on this road every year. Used to be at least 4 or 5 VFRs parked at the little grocery parking lot across from Alice's every time I go up there, Now it's just me with my VFR up there almost 100% of the time. Where did all the VFR riders go?..........touring on the interstates??
They are such a rare sight now that riders that go up there don't even seem to remember what the VFR is all about anymore. An ST rider asked me last weekend if my 4th gen has a 1000cc engine in it!
[image: View Post]Beck, on 09 March 2011 - 04:30 PM, said:
They left out Hwy. 35, Skyline Blvd that goes up and by Alice's in the mountains just south of SF and the connecting run to the Hwy 1, the ocean.
Funny thing though, I see less and less VFR riders on this road every year. Used to be at least 4 or 5 VFRs parked at the little grocery parking lot across from Alice's every time I go up there, Now it's just me with me and VFR up there almost 100% of the time. Where did all the VFR riders go?..........touring on the interstates??
They are such a rare sight now that riders that go up there don't even seem to remember what the VFR is all about anymore. An ST rider asked me last weekend if my 4th gen has a 1000cc engine in it!
Beck
95 VFR
I used to ride up there alot, my Brother-in-law lives in Boulder Creek. Since we now have a 3 1/2 year old... Not much time to get away. Most of my rides are local around Lake berryessa and to work. I think we might take a trip soon, when the weather gets a little warmer :fing02:
In 1997 I rode Mulholland HWY to PCH. I then took PCH all the way to Monterey Bay. It took around 12 hours. The next day I took it all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. PCH is a must do if you have never done it. Awesome Ride!
[image: View Post]2thdr, on 09 March 2011 - 02:47 PM, said:
What about the North Cascades highway? WA 20 I think...haven't done it yet, but I heard it's great.
It's one of my favorites. Also, New Denver to Kaslo in the West Kootenays British Columbia and Jasper to Lake Louise to Banff for pure scenic splendor unrivalled anywhere.
[image: View Post]ki-speed, on 09 March 2011 - 12:29 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 09 March 2011 - 12:10 AM, said:
All the great roads in Arkansas, and not even a mention....but that's why I like to go there, almost zero traffic on them all. And it looks like it will stay that way! :bliss:
I agree. I ride through Arkansas at least 3 or 4 times a year. Usually stay in Mountain Home or Mountain View on my ride back to Peoria (born in Decatur, went to High School in Peoria, graduated from WIU and started with GTE in 1979 in Bloomington). Sorry for the history lesson but I saw you are in Bloomington). It is amazing though how NW Arkansas is so different (rolling hills, forests, great roads, etc) from SE Arkansas (flat farming).
Ride safe back in Central Illinois.
Mark
Hey Mark, well thanks for the history... :laughing6-hehe: My g/f actually has worked for GTE/Verizon/ Frontier for the last 24 years....and I am starting with Frontier Monday! Extra job=new bike!! I can't wait to throw my leg over a new BMW s1000rr!! :fing02:
If you ever make it back this way, look me up! :beer:
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 09 March 2011 - 07:39 PM, said:
[image: View Post]ki-speed, on 09 March 2011 - 12:29 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 09 March 2011 - 12:10 AM, said:
All the great roads in Arkansas, and not even a mention....but that's why I like to go there, almost zero traffic on them all. And it looks like it will stay that way! :bliss:
I agree. I ride through Arkansas at least 3 or 4 times a year. Usually stay in Mountain Home or Mountain View on my ride back to Peoria (born in Decatur, went to High School in Peoria, graduated from WIU and started with GTE in 1979 in Bloomington). Sorry for the history lesson but I saw you are in Bloomington). It is amazing though how NW Arkansas is so different (rolling hills, forests, great roads, etc) from SE Arkansas (flat farming).
Ride safe back in Central Illinois.
Mark
Hey Mark, well thanks for the history... :laughing6-hehe: My g/f actually has worked for GTE/Verizon/ Frontier for the last 24 years....and I am starting with Frontier Monday! Extra job=new bike!! I can't wait to throw my leg over a new BMW s1000rr!! :fing02:
If you ever make it back this way, look me up! :beer:
Congats on the new job. I left Verizon in November 2009 after 30 years. I was in Bloomington from 1979-1984, then Ft. Wayne, IN from 1985-1994, then GTE HQ / NOC in Irving, TX from 1995-2009. Have a great time on the new bike.
But maybe Sonora Pass or RT 108 tops the list.
Now that is an awesome road. Did a big loop through there a couple years ago on a Yosemite trip. :beer:
From the AMA list I'm familiar with CA1 and CA2. Both great roads, but may be busy weekends, so watch out for squid and LEO. :cool:
Hwy 33 north of Ojai CA is also most excellent, not much traffic, but watch out for road surface hazards etc.
Two of my friends have low sided on nearly invisible crap on the road up there in the last month or so.
Best to take it a little easy, especially since tow trucks and ambulances can be slow to arrive in the outback.
[image: View Post]VFR4Lee, on 09 March 2011 - 09:55 PM, said:
Quote
But maybe Sonora Pass or RT 108 tops the list.
Now that is an awesome road. Did a big loop through there a couple years ago on a Yosemite trip. :beer:
From the AMA list I'm familiar with CA1 and CA2. Both great roads, but may be busy weekends, so watch out for squid and LEO. :cool:
Hwy 33 north of Ojai CA is also most excellent, not much traffic, but watch out for road surface hazards etc.
Two of my friends have low sided on nearly invisible crap on the road up there in the last month or so.
Best to take it a little easy, especially since tow trucks and ambulances can be slow to arrive in the outback.
Tioga on the east side is sensatonal but too many cars. That portion has VFR all over it. [image: Posted Image]
The California coast and the LA mountains have tremendous roads but again the traffic is an issue.
For some reason I have not done the Ojai routine. I was going to ride it one year on the way to the MotoGP but 115+ temps meant that I steered a course right for the coast. That same day I saw a FJR couple coming off of RT 58 (also mentioned in THE List) and the girl looked like a cadaver as it was so hot.
Looks like I am doing another West Coast swing on my VFR this summer....border to border! May have to grab a few of these roads again.
3.The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee and North Carolina (US-129); a rite of passage for motorcycles is to �slay the Dragon� with its 318 curves in eleven miles. [I wouldn�t necessarily call it scenic because the curves are so tight and continuous making it impossible to enjoy the scenery but it is impossible not to enjoy the mechanics of the ride; my take on the ride.]
we over here in australia have a road like this its called the bonang hwy view here
It has very few if any speed advisory signs used by logging trucks and frequented by a shite load of bikers
Going back to the original list surely there would be 15 great roads in each US State let alone the entire country.
[image: View Post]crazybrother, on 08 March 2011 - 10:02 PM, said:
Hey did anyone notice your new AMA magazine that came today? It has the 15 best motorcycle roads in the US? And there are plenty of them right here in California, my favorite is the stretch of Hwy 36, between Red Bluff and Fortuna near the coast. Also there's a nice pic of a Yellow 5th Gen right in the middle of the article. Is this anyone from here? Sorry I don't have a scanner to show the article. :fing02:
What's your favorite roads to ride and are they in the article? :bliss:
This is a great list, but no matter how you see it, there are lots of great roads left off the list. MotorcycleRoads.US has these roads listed along with thousands more in all 50 states. These roads, both twisty and scenic, are submitted by riders. Enjoy and ride safe!
[image: View Post]blakem, on 09 March 2011 - 09:31 AM, said:
I'm really surprised there aren't any Iowa roads on there......
:laughing6-hehe:
Actually there are some really nice roads in Iowa. have you ever been into the Loess Hills? The Easton Trail (Co. Rd. F20) between Little Soux and Woodbine, IA is a sweet little run.
Or Co.Hwy L16 from Woodbine to Hwy 37. Good stuff!
[image: View Post]WERA910, on 09 March 2011 - 11:31 PM, said:
[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 09 March 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:
What's the story with the Ohio 555? Everyone says it's awesome and I may be riding through that area this summer...
Fun road, but scary... many unmarked turns over, or just after, hills. Done it a lot!
When I was riding those roads down there I got in the habit of giving my GPS a quick glance to tip me off as to which way the road might break just before cresting a hill. Man that was some fun riding!
That list is like a lot of lists - only places in the MidWest and West Coast mostly. Is it because of scenery?? There are no roads from Ct or Pa or NJ listed (another reason I do not support AMA at all). I am in NYC and do go down south to Va, S. Carolina, N. Carolina mostly. I like riding down there, but have a lot of places up here that are geat for riding. There are also some great places to ride in upstate NY. I perfer populated areas so I can meet women, other riders and some fine dining. just my two cents
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 10 March 2011 - 01:47 PM, said:
And how about Florida?
Yes Yes very nice in Florida. A few years ago I was down in Port St Lucie and did some runs to MIami (went on a really neat boat ride and checked Haulover beach Whoa!!!!). Nice riding and great curves but it gets real dark at night lol. Florida got some really great places to ride and some nice places to eat and play. Wassup with AMA, they do a really biased and lousy job IMHO. Not mad just too finished with the AMA idiots, even though I do understand that AMA needs to exist. Just want to mention Pa. again beacuse, I have met some really nice riders there (lot of lady riders), and found places there I love to ride. PA also has quite a few popular MC Rallies and gatherings, so AMA may need to recognize ya hear!! I am a New Yorker and not a big fan of NJ, but I respect NJ and love riding there - lots of good places to ride and eat (Andover, Netcong are just a few places that are nice and MC friendly). Also, NJ has Raceway Park and NJ Motorsports for trackdays - how can you hate on NJ???? The Tail of the Dragon is sooo played out, overpopulated with squids and no talent novice riders alll over causing accidents, and now cops because of all the accidents!!! Sorry for ranting, but the AMA list is not very good, and I do not agree with them, but respect the fact they have an opinion - it is hard to pick just 15 places, but they can do better.
Tioga Pass is one of my favorite places! Just be sure to check the weather! I miss that part of California and I plan on returning to Tioga pass when I get some free time!
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 09 March 2011 - 10:14 PM, said:
[image: View Post]VFR4Lee, on 09 March 2011 - 09:55 PM, said:
Quote
But maybe Sonora Pass or RT 108 tops the list.
Now that is an awesome road. Did a big loop through there a couple years ago on a Yosemite trip. :beer:
From the AMA list I'm familiar with CA1 and CA2. Both great roads, but may be busy weekends, so watch out for squid and LEO. :cool:
Hwy 33 north of Ojai CA is also most excellent, not much traffic, but watch out for road surface hazards etc.
Two of my friends have low sided on nearly invisible crap on the road up there in the last month or so.
Best to take it a little easy, especially since tow trucks and ambulances can be slow to arrive in the outback.
Tioga on the east side is sensatonal but too many cars. That portion has VFR all over it. [image: Posted Image]
The California coast and the LA mountains have tremendous roads but again the traffic is an issue.
For some reason I have not done the Ojai routine. I was going to ride it one year on the way to the MotoGP but 115+ temps meant that I steered a course right for the coast. That same day I saw a FJR couple coming off of RT 58 (also mentioned in THE List) and the girl looked like a cadaver as it was so hot.
Looks like I am doing another West Coast swing on my VFR this summer....border to border! May have to grab a few of these roads again.
[image: View Post]Knute, on 10 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:
[image: View Post]WERA910, on 09 March 2011 - 11:31 PM, said:
[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 09 March 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:
What's the story with the Ohio 555? Everyone says it's awesome and I may be riding through that area this summer...
Fun road, but scary... many unmarked turns over, or just after, hills. Done it a lot!
When I was riding those roads down there I got in the habit of giving my GPS a quick glance to tip me off as to which way the road might break just before cresting a hill. Man that was some fun riding!
[image: View Post]mello dude, on 30 April 2011 - 05:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Knute, on 10 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:
[image: View Post]WERA910, on 09 March 2011 - 11:31 PM, said:
[image: View Post]danmurphymn, on 09 March 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:
What's the story with the Ohio 555? Everyone says it's awesome and I may be riding through that area this summer...
Fun road, but scary... many unmarked turns over, or just after, hills. Done it a lot!
When I was riding those roads down there I got in the habit of giving my GPS a quick glance to tip me off as to which way the road might break just before cresting a hill. Man that was some fun riding!
Aw - you cheated. :biggrin:
...and it still landed me (dummy) in the ditch. Posted Image
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