You know what, being from NY/NJ you probably just want to ride, you don't need specific roads....just get on the road and see the deep south.....i would do back roads.....New Orleans -> Schreveport -> Little Rock -> Memphis -> Birmingham (or Jackson, Miss) -> New Orleans....let the road take you wherever it takes you .... enjoy the views and the ride....
Good luck....

 

I've done no map touring a number of times. The idea is we all know enough about in what directions different cities and places are located. Between that and road signs, not looking at a map makes for some nice rides. Especially if you also throw in a "No freeway" rule.

So I've been to New Orleans a few times and have a general idea of the area. If I were wanting to ride and explore the area, I would take a long look at the map before I left and then just head out of the city and see where I wind up. I'd probably start by following the river north a ways and then heading in one direction or the other. Maybe every day or so I'd take a look at the map to see where I am and in what general direction I might go the next day.

I've also done many rides where I had reservations at specific motels every night, so I can do it both ways. But just riding without a map and remembering where cities and states are located is a lot of fun.

 

I have not ridden this area but would like to.

http://www.creolenaturetrail.org/?so...NVP&camp_id=16

Another resource if you are not aware of it

http://motorcycleroads.us/states/la.html

Check out LA22 Sorrento, LA to Springfield. Very nice ride but not very long.

 

The WWII D-Day museum in N.O. is worth the time. It'll take a few hours (if you move quick) but it's worth it.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The trip is booked and we will arrive in New Orleans the last week of May and fly home on June 1.


To respond to some of the posts, we chose to fly into NO since there are direct, inexpensive flights. Also, New Orleans HD has enough bikes for my group (16 riders). Other places like Arkansas and Texas don't have enough rental bikes in their fleets. Also flights can be a problem. Also, with 16 guys, you can't just wing it and expect to find enough hotels. Planning (route, towns, etc) for a large group becomes important.


I'm pretty sure we are going to head west and ride the Three Sisters in Texas. That ride is generally on the Top 10 or 25 road lists. After that we will ride a circuit and return to New Orleans. We'll ride 5 1/2 days and probably cover around 1500 miles.


We may still decide to head east, ride the coast and head to Panama City, but personally I would prefer to ride the most twisty/fun roads we can find.


I'll post up some rough drafts of possible routes next week, and would welcome all comments.

 

I lived in Louisiana all my life, moved to Houston 5 yrs ago. If you coming to either in July Aug it's going to be hot in the afternoon. Real hot, upper 90's to 100, humidity real high too.


Around NO, ride the MS River roads (only thing with curves) (west or east side). Visit the Plantations and casino's everywhere. New Orleans French Quarters is fun also.


My suggestion is to fly into Houston, rent your bike here. More dealers to choose from. Then head to the Texas Hill Country around Bandera, TX west of San Antonio, River Walk Visit in San Antonio is nice too. Google "The Three Sisters". Lots to do and see. Then head down to Big Bend National Park. Good sites to see. Check out www.motorcycleroads.com


Just my thoughts, ride safe and have fun. My July ride is from Houston to HD factory & museum in Milwaukee, then to York PA to see the other HD factory and back to Houston.

 

if you gonna go that far... shoulda came up here. bigger hills.... more roads than you can ride in that much time... same distance.

happy trails!!!

 

That.

Also Springfield MO has a HD dealer as does St Louis (3).

I would check with them. You will find much better riding in the Ozarks than the swamps. Unless you just want to check out the Big Easy on 2 wheels. And that's ok too.