Heard and saw a lot of beautiful roads, landscapes in US from you guys and my computer screen, and It 's the time for me to get the real experience of riding in US.
I will be flying in Houston TX end of this September for some biz and after that I will take about 7-8 days travelling around.
My first though for the travelling in US is not going by car, airplan, boats... but by the motorcycle.
Now, I really need your advices, comments and suggestions,....
- How is bike rental in TX? Is that doable for a visitor like me? And how is the cost?
- Should I buy a bike there rather than rental? I have my friend there (US citizen) who can help me to register the bike if I purchase. (Hmmm, for the bike around $2-3000 may be considered. I don't think of giving more than that to buy a bike for a week of riding).
- If having bike, where should I ride? I 'd love to ride on Tail of Dragon once. Anywhere else as I can ride for the whole week I have mentioned. If having some of VFRD riders can ride with me that will be the best!
- How about the Vietnamese driving/riding license? It has Vietnamese only on the license. Per Timmy, it is accepted. However, how about other states? I.e. Texas and Carolina... etc...
Well, there 're a lot of questions but just to start with those first.
I really appreciate your idea and comments.
Thank you.
Hey I'll be in college station, tx! About 1.5 hours north from Houston.
When I lived in france and from my out of country college friends living here most licenses (pakistan, south africa) are accepted.
Bike rental is generally not great in texas although it may be difficult to get a decent bike in that price range around Houston area. The best places to ride would be around the tail of the dragon, most of the midwest (kansas, missouri, ohio) and south (florida->texas) is pretty flat = no twisties.
Ideas -----
7 - 8 days is not a whole lot of time to make a tour of the US. Suggestion is to research bike rental locations. Then when you are finished with your Houston business, fly to the city that has the bike rental. That way, you are not spending 2 or 3 days droning to get where you want to go. So maybe fly to Atlanta or Knoxville depending on rental -in the middle of the Appalachions-- or since you are flying go to San Francisco and ride north into Oregon. (I hear there is a BMW rental there) --- Find the best way to avoid drone time. Then when your vacation is over, fly back to Vietnam from the bike rental city.
Tail of the Dragon is a long way from Houston, TX. with most of the travel being not that great for motorcycling.
If it were me, I would focus on Arkansas. There is some great riding there that can be reached in a day and you won't need to spend a good portion of your 7-8 days crossing long, flat, straight stretches.
Unless you absolutely have to do the Tail of the Dragon, I would forget that idea unless you are willing to hop on a plane from Houston to North Carolina.
You won't have any problems with the driver's license. My wife's uncle comes over here from Germany on a regular basis, drives way over the speed limit the whole time he is here and when he gets pulled over presents his passport, his german license and pretends he doesn't know a lick of english. It usually works out pretty well for him.
You won't have any problems with the driver's license. My wife's uncle comes over here from Germany on a regular basis, drives way over the speed limit the whole time he is here and when he gets pulled over presents his passport, his german license and pretends he doesn't know a lick of english. It usually works out pretty well for him.
OH! that is just terrible!!
Them foreigners coming over to the USA and showing utter disrespect to the posted speed limits and getting away with it.. :ph34r:
Second - the bike: Someone have any information of bike rental somewhere in TX or North Carolina area? Are they available? Estimated cost for rental? Can I rent the bike with foreign passport? Do I need to pay for the insurance or else and how much?
Third - the travelling route: yeah, I will be staying around Houston TX 77095, or Woodlands area. From the Google, it's about 950miles (~1500km) to Deals Gap Motorcycle resort. In Vietnam or Thailand, I can do around 600-700km/day without any issue. If levaraging that, the route from Houston to Deals Gap take me about two days plus. Hmmm.. It's not a show stopper anyway. I still can enjoy riding in that two days.
Lee, hopoing a plane to Carolina and heading Deals Gap by a rental motorcycle is really good option though. I will see what I can do with Arkansas. I still prefer the twisty like Dragon anyway. Btw, I will consider of not knowing any English when riding there, just like your German uncle.
I say when you are done in Texas you should fly to Birmingham, AL to first see the Barber Motorsports museum which is simply amazing. From that point you are only a few hours away from the mountains of North Carolina, Tennesee, and Georgia. I'm only a couple of hours from Birmingham and would be happy to meet you there and help you find a bike there or we could drive back to Atlanta where it might be easier to find a bike and you'd only be about 1.5 hours from the Dragon.
On the license. Even if it is legal to drive, check with the motorcycle rental and make sure that they will accept it. I have found that rentals of Harleys and BMWs are pretty easy to find. Sport bikes less so. Keep me posted us posted on your travel plans. I travel to Austin on business frequently.
I will see what I can do with Arkansas. I still prefer the twisty like Dragon anyway.
I'll let other members who have ridden both places more than I have chime in. But I don't think you would be the least bit disappointed with Arkansas, there is some amazing riding there.
Mabye we can get some other people who have been both places to post up.... slammer, dutchinterceptor, panamawing.
The Dragon is 1500 KM away from Houston, 2 and a half days ride, 2 days there, 2 and a half back and you have a vacation, riding through some boring stuff. Most people from small countries dont really get the scope of just how big the USA really is, Texas for example is about 2.5 times bigger then vietnam, and still your 3 states away from North Carolina!
You could possibly be able to buy a cheap vfr 5th or 4th gen for the trip then sell it on consignment, or convince a local owner to rent one for you if you can arrange for insurance? I have seen some funny things and some honorable things here on vfrd!@ Shoot who would even think to buy a guy like me a vfr1200!!!!
Arkansas is the home of the Ozarks, the riding is very challenging, and tight twisty roads, not as crowded as the smokies, and much more remote. People are friendly in both places, and you will have a good time. Its just you will have MORE time to have a good time if you head to Arkansas and do the Ozarks then if you go to North Carolina, much shorter trip to get to the good stuff
Shoot if you can time it right there is a small get together in Harrison AR in September, that you can attend and get personal guides to show you the best riding! I personally love the Ozarks, some of my favorite roads are in Arkansas! The smokies are certainly great, very good riding there, more of it and it will take you weeks to explore it, but in 6-8 days a ride in the Ozarks will not disappoint you!
It's really great for me to see a lot of value comments and suggestion from all you guys. Thank you very much for those.
I say when you are done in Texas you should fly to Birmingham, AL to first see the Barber Motorsports museum which is simply amazing. From that point you are only a few hours away from the mountains of North Carolina, Tennesee, and Georgia. I'm only a couple of hours from Birmingham and would be happy to meet you there and help you find a bike there or we could drive back to Atlanta where it might be easier to find a bike and you'd only be about 1.5 hours from the Dragon.
Rollin
Just did a search for the Museum. Yeah, it must be really interesting place, with large museum and race track. It's about 702 miles from my friend's house in Houston. - Opt.1: Get a bike in Houston and ride there - cost me 02 days. Spend 1 day there with the museum and track. 4th day ride to Dragon. - Opt.2: Fly to Birmingham, enjoy the museum, find a bike there, ride to Dragon, total about 2-3 days.
The opt.2 seems more reasonable and better in term of timing. However, finding a bike in Birmingham would not be easy for me anyway, Need your big help. For example this one seems okay: http://bham.craigsli...3115315548.html
On the license. Even if it is legal to drive, check with the motorcycle rental and make sure that they will accept it. I have found that rentals of Harleys and BMWs are pretty easy to find. Sport bikes less so. Keep me posted us posted on your travel plans. I travel to Austin on business frequently.
Yes, will do that if I go for rental option. Of course, if rental price is reasonable. Sorry to say but I won't rent or buy a Harley. BMW may be. I'd love the sport touring bike or the big touring bike i.e. ST1300, K1200LT, etc... Will keep you be updated on my plan. Austin is about 130miles from where I will stay during my bizz time. Really hope I can met with you or any VFRD people around.
I'll let other members who have ridden both places more than I have chime in. But I don't think you would be the least bit disappointed with Arkansas, there is some amazing riding there.
Mabye we can get some other people who have been both places to post up.... slammer, dutchinterceptor, panamawing.
Arkansas is the home of the Ozarks, the riding is very challenging, and tight twisty roads, not as crowded as the smokies, and much more remote. People are friendly in both places, and you will have a good time. Its just you will have MORE time to have a good time if you head to Arkansas and do the Ozarks then if you go to North Carolina, much shorter trip to get to the good stuff
Shoot if you can time it right there is a small get together in Harrison AR in September, that you can attend and get personal guides to show you the best riding! I personally love the Ozarks, some of my favorite roads are in Arkansas! The smokies are certainly great, very good riding there, more of it and it will take you weeks to explore it, but in 6-8 days a ride in the Ozarks will not disappoint you!
Great info about Arkansas. It's may be too ambitious, but what do you think if I can make a loop for total 08 days:
Houston - Birmingham - Deals Gap - Arkansas - Houston: Total about 2000miles (3200km).
The Dragon is 1500 KM away from Houston, 2 and a half days ride, 2 days there, 2 and a half back and you have a vacation, riding through some boring stuff. Most people from small countries dont really get the scope of just how big the USA really is, Texas for example is about 2.5 times bigger then vietnam, and still your 3 states away from North Carolina!
You could possibly be able to buy a cheap vfr 5th or 4th gen for the trip then sell it on consignment, or convince a local owner to rent one for you if you can arrange for insurance? I have seen some funny things and some honorable things here on vfrd!@ Shoot who would even think to buy a guy like me a vfr1200!!!!
Thank for your reminder HS. Just to compare the millage with what we have been done.
How about flying into Atlanta and renting a bike here? That puts you 2 hours from both Barber Museum and the Dragon so you can easily do both. I'd be happy to be your guide for a day or two if you can arrange it for the weekend.
Lots of members in the TN/GA/NC area who would love to show you around including me(I'm in Nashville, TN).
I would think flying into and renting in the Atlanta area might be your best use of time and provide huge amounts of excellent roads vs your 2000 mile loop that would only hit the Dragon, there's hundreds and hundreds of miles of better roads that the Dragon all around it. You could spend days in this area alone.
Nice roads in the Ozarks and The Hills of TX are suppose to be nice also.
I'm sure there are dozens of members who would be willing to show you around no matter where you came over here, hell we let Dutchy come over! :laughing6-hehe:
Check out this place. They even have a VFR 1200. They are based in Dallas, which could get you to the Ozarks in Arkansas in a day. Given your limited time I also have to recommend the Ozarks. Everything from fast sweepers to first gear hairpins. The Peels Ferry and Push Mountain routes from Dutchy's brochure are great rides. Push Mountain is fast and challenging. Check the ride planning, as Yokel is organizing a weekend get together in September. There will be several of us from Oklahoma going. Good luck whatever you decide.
Ozarks..... courtesy of Rescue13 who mailed me a huge enveloppe with maps and info of the "wider" TMAC area... :fing02: Clearly these guys donot ride sports bikes, useing a 30 miles per hour average for their rides..... :-)
Looks like all great roads Dutchy. Let them do the cruiser bike and we do the others.
How about flying into Atlanta and renting a bike here? That puts you 2 hours from both Barber Museum and the Dragon so you can easily do both. I'd be happy to be your guide for a day or two if you can arrange it for the weekend.
Rollin
How about flying into Atlanta and renting a bike here? That puts you 2 hours from both Barber Museum and the Dragon so you can easily do both. I'd be happy to be your guide for a day or two if you can arrange it for the weekend. Rollin
Lots of members in the TN/GA/NC area who would love to show you around including me(I'm in Nashville, TN). I would think flying into and renting in the Atlanta area might be your best use of time and provide huge amounts of excellent roads vs your 2000 mile loop that would only hit the Dragon, there's hundreds and hundreds of miles of better roads that the Dragon all around it. You could spend days in this area alone. Nice roads in the Ozarks and The Hills of TX are suppose to be nice also. I'm sure there are dozens of members who would be willing to show you around no matter where you came over here, hell we let Dutchy come over! :laughing6-hehe: BR
Wow... Really great! Nothing compares with having you guys riding with me there! It's my honor. However, why I should fly to Atlanta rather than direct to Birmingham and don't have to ride much to the Motorcycle Museum? Is that because of renting a bike in Atlanta easier than in Birmingham? Or in Atlanta we have more buddies?
According to those sites, the rental rate for a week roughly about less than $1000. That's acceptable for me. But I don't know if they require some more things as I am not US Citizen.
Renting a bike will definitely be easier in Atlanta and you'd have many more choices of flights coming into and out of Atlanta. We have lots of Atlanta area members and many of us would help you with logistics and getting you to and from the airport. We will also make sure you are fed the best BBQ the SouthEast has to offer. It's pretty hard to beat the Great Smokie Mountain Park and surrounding area when on two wheels. There are also plenty of places to rent in North Georgia / NC. Another option is for me to trailer my bike up to NC and you can ride with me and then pick up a bike closer to the mountains.
Really appreciate that, Rollin'.
Can someone tell me the bad of the Atlanta option? :tongue:
Look like I already park my first stop for traveling at Atlanta. Things to think now is to rent, or looking for a bike to buy there.
If rental there, then I ride far away from Atlanta, how could I return the bike.... Something like that.
The only other bad thing about Atlanta is that you would have to put up with me. I recommend renting a bike for anything less than 2 weeks since you'll be able to get a newer and more dependable bike and won't have to deal with registering, reselling or exporting it. Like I said before Atlanta is less than 2 hours from some of the best roads and there are plenty of them. You will have to return the bike to the same location you rented from so your best option is to rent in Atlanta and then return it back to Atlanta before you fly back out.
If timing works out and I'm around I might even have an extra VFR in late Sept. early Oct. I know I'll have a 5th gen and should have a extra 6th gen pretty soon also. Never know it might work out, all it would cost would be a set of tires or two! :rolleyes:
I do have a trip mid Sept.
There should also be a VFRD Fall Ride in the dragon area in the same time period.
I personally know the owner of this company: http://www.sportbikes4hire.com/ The guy who takes care of the bikes and runs the business is a totally upstanding person.
They keep some of their bikes at the Microtel in Robbinsville.
As for ATL. Best airport in the world! I am sure there are people on here who can get you from ATL to the Smokey's. If my schedule is open, I could help you out...
I would almost bet money if you contact http://www.sportbikes4hire.com/ They would go to the Knoxville Airport and take you to Robbinsville... They are good people.
From that schedule, I can be hanging around with my Houston friend in 30 Oct. Still looking for some options for the 5-7 Oct window. 11 Oct (or even 10 Oct night time) fly to Atlanta. Getting bike, meeting you guys, and riding to recommended routes and places until 18 Oct evening or even 19 Oct day time. 19 Oct - Fly back to Houston. 20 Oct - Farewell US.
@Rollin': My Atlanta plan is now stick with you. :rolleyes: . Really appreciate your help. @BR: I do love your plan with one or two pairs of tires. :tongue: . I don't see a thread of VFRD Fall Ride to Dragon?
They said that an international license would be fine. They are located about 20 miles Northwest of Atlanta and their website says they have VFR1200. I could only hang for a couple of night and the only weekend that would work for me would be the weekend of the Oct 12,13,14.
Unfortunately , anywhwere within 300 miles of Houston, is fairly poor riding area, there's only a small pocket of Texas that runs 50 miles west of San Antonio to 50 mile North of austin that offers anything. Everything else is pretty flat as a pancake. Houston will be a lousy introduction to the U.S. for good riding roads.
I assume all Atlanta options are off, as that would be a pain in the A$$ to arrive in Houston and ride east to Atlanta, which Im not sure which sucks worse Atlanta or Houston.
I dont know How Hot Vietnam is, But Texas is Hot Hot Hot, Houston also comes with super High Humidity, but your time frames should be cooler by then. If you really wanted to rent a bike, Houston would be a good place, but I dont know how much road time you want to spend Getting away from Houston, but its the only way to find any decent road, Basically Head west of interstate 35.
You good probably find some Light backroads North of Houston, not worth riding, but if thats all you got to ride , thats where I'd go.
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn317/viethorse/Misc/Route%20and%20Map/UStripplanning1.png){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/a8ad38ee.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/70f87b8a.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/dc13e5f1.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/da446dac.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/b487b1de.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/a0a5d6e2.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n206/Dutchy_748/1tmac/c900bf59.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://66.165.115.9/sportblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sv650s.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: 56935_10151263185783140_1049452049_o.jpg]](http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/56935_10151263185783140_1049452049_o.jpg){kind=link}