Why does everyone hate the interstates?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,959
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
I'll get on the interstate if I need to eat some miles...But like has been said, when we are traveling to get away, I'll plan the trip for back roads and go see the country, relax, meet interesting people and take it easy. If time is short, I'll get on the slab, set the cruise to run with the fast traffic and eat miles in order to give us more time enjoying the destination.
But it does all depend on the traffic. Heavy, slow traffic sucks whether on the interstate or a back road.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh,Pa
As many people have previously stated; if I need to cover distance I'm on the interstate, if I'm just riding/sightseeing- back roads all day.
Nothing can compare to riding past farms/fields on a spring day, smelling the fresh cut and taking in the wind.
Nothing can compare to riding past farms/fields on a spring day, smelling the fresh cut and taking in the wind.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 106
From: -)
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
Back roads have a lot more charm, curves, sights to see, places to visit, etc. Interstates are for getting from one place to another quick, that's about it, and that's not why I ride my bike.
Also, here in So Cal, the interstates always have a lot of traffic, I can do without all the stupid people not paying attention. Sometimes, very early, some interstates are almost empty, and that's not so bad, but that's rare around here, but it certainly isn't my first choice on the bike, unless like I said, I need to get somewhere quick.
Also, here in So Cal, the interstates always have a lot of traffic, I can do without all the stupid people not paying attention. Sometimes, very early, some interstates are almost empty, and that's not so bad, but that's rare around here, but it certainly isn't my first choice on the bike, unless like I said, I need to get somewhere quick.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Absorb the sights? What sights can you absorb on an interstate at 80mph? I like the interaction of me, the bike and the road and my surroundings. On an interstate you might as well not have handle bars, a throttle or eyes cause you really dont need em.
I may be lucky though, on a bike road trip I rarely HAVE to be somewhere at a certain time. If I do I just leave earlier.
I may be lucky though, on a bike road trip I rarely HAVE to be somewhere at a certain time. If I do I just leave earlier.
Believe it or not, I can actually take in more when cruising on an open interstate than I can back roads because they demand I pay more attention to the road than my surroundings. Now if I'm in an area that requires me to slow down a lot, then yeah, it's easy to see things. But on two lane roads where there is some traffic and the speeds are in the 65 mph range, it's too dangerous. At least around here.
Sure, you won't find a lot of land marks on the slab, but if you just like being out in the wind, the trees and hills make some beautiful scenery to take in.
I do like to visit landmarks and strange things along the roads, and ride thru small towns and visit with people.