Why does everyone hate the interstates?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,944
Likes: 276
From: Central IL
Here in Central IL I can run an hour in any direction and never hit a curve in the road, boring as hell. To run in the country though there are so many cornfields you have to be careful that someone or something doesn't come at you on a crossroad. When we ride we do like to try and stay off the highway as much as possible just to be able to see the sites and find the out of the ordinary places to stop. No offense to Semis but they can give you some wicked wind turbulences especially at 75.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 17
From: Ontario Canada
I feel the same way. I take the slab only if I have to.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
80 mph? Tunes?? Eating up miles??? Not my form of travel; my bike is STRICTLY for pleasure. I work with a pickup, on gravel roads, from my house, so no bike "commuting". I have the most enjoyment poking along secondary highways and meeting real locals...perfect for the wife and I on our Dyna's ...each to their own, though...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I like highway riding a lot more than curvy roads. The only interstate roads I don't like, is when they go through a city...too many goofballs driving like they're on some kind of race track and you're in their way.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,322
From: Western South Dakota
The long straights are B O R I N G.
Every now and then is ok but all the time such as in Nebraska, fuh-get about it.
Might as well go take a sleeping pill and catch up on your rest.
Every now and then is ok but all the time such as in Nebraska, fuh-get about it.
Might as well go take a sleeping pill and catch up on your rest.
Last edited by lionsm13; Dec 12, 2013 at 09:37 AM.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
I don't mind interstates as far as riding goes. Interstates tend to be in fairly good condition, which makes for very smooth and pleasant riding; plus you can cruise at 70+ MPH, which eats up miles much faster than carving canyons does. If the goal is to go as far as you can in one day, you can't beat an interstate.
However, interstates are boring from a scenic perspective. While there are some stretches of enjoyable interstate, for the most part it's just one variation of the same theme from town to town: a couple of gas stations, a McDonald's, and a Motel 6. While I find the consistency nice in some cases, I really like getting off these beaten paths and away from the tourists to find genuine local flora and fauna.
Life is a lot slower off the interstates; fewer people, usually cleaner, and the people are nicer. I end up in a lot more conversations when I get off the interstate, there is some mystery about the food and where you are going to spend the night. These mini-adventures add spice to a ride that you basically can't get if you stay on an interstate.
However, interstates are boring from a scenic perspective. While there are some stretches of enjoyable interstate, for the most part it's just one variation of the same theme from town to town: a couple of gas stations, a McDonald's, and a Motel 6. While I find the consistency nice in some cases, I really like getting off these beaten paths and away from the tourists to find genuine local flora and fauna.
Life is a lot slower off the interstates; fewer people, usually cleaner, and the people are nicer. I end up in a lot more conversations when I get off the interstate, there is some mystery about the food and where you are going to spend the night. These mini-adventures add spice to a ride that you basically can't get if you stay on an interstate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Interstate 5 in Kali sucks bilgewater. Nothing but big rigs. 680/580 equally as bad. Get outside of the Bay Area and 101 isn't bad till you get to LA and then it takes a dump.
Think interstae roads and conditions are entirely dependent on where you live. Less population means less traffic means improved riding conditions
Think interstae roads and conditions are entirely dependent on where you live. Less population means less traffic means improved riding conditions
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 12
From: Haymarket, VA
Nothing against interstates per se, they're great for eating up the miles. Interstate 81 is about 40 miles from my house, nice sweepin turns, some hills on which some trucks will inevitably get in the passing lane, have to slow down, stay there & bring the following traffiic to a snails pace. I understand they need to pass slower traffic, but why the hell do they need to do it on a hill knowing they will have to slow down? Don't know whether this is a problem in other areas of the country or not.
