Hi folks,

I'm a new rider and now that I have my own bike, my hubby and I want to plan some road trips. is there any website or publication that focuses on small roads and tells about the quality of the road etc. I would like to avoid interstates and be able to just mosey along seeing the country and stopping when the mood strikes. thanks!

 

There are many sites out there, just search "motorcycle roads", I use this one. Seems to work well. http://www.motorcycleroads.com

 

Try freetrip.com.
Also most map sites have an option to avoid highways when you plan a trip.

 

Seems like Google maps might tell you about interstate construction. I've planned non-interstate routes, and never had a problem with the quality of the road. I've posted here, and asked people if there's something along the route that I should stop & see, but usually, just plan the route & go. You should be fine.

 

I can help you pick just about any type of road around here that you would like. PM me and we'll chat. In the meantime you can look at these websites:

http://conditions.drivetexas.org/current/

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/Texas_119.html

 

Try This....
http://www.roadtripusa.com

This....
http://www.discoveramerica.com/usa/road-trips.aspx

This....
http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.c...road-trip.html

Good Luck and remember all roads can lead you to happiness if you travel them without to high expectations and just go with the flow.....
Happy Trails...

 

I always map out our road trips not only because I like to know where I'm going but I like to leave behind our route for our kids in the event something happens and they need to find us. (sometimes we don't have cell service).

We try to stay off the interstate just because we're believe that getting somewhere is important but just as important is how you get there and what you see on your way.

One of the things I always do is run the route using Google Earth.
More than on a few trips I've seen that my prospective route takes me on a dirt road so I alter the route accordingly. However sometimes I decide to take the dirt road if it's short, but it's important to know it's coming.

We do at times alter our route somewhat but generally we stay on course.

 

Look into joining the Harley Owners Group (HOG). Every year they publish a Touring Handbook with a North American Atlas organized by Country, State/Province, and City. Each map contains detailed road information and they even highlight scenic routes recommended for motorcycle riders. It also includes a section of motorcycle laws in each US State and Canadian Province.

A GPS can also be handy but I would not totally rely on it. You can configure a GPS to avoid interstates but it will then try to take you down motorcycle unfriendly roads and through the bad parts of town.

 

Finding good motorcycle roads is why God invented winter. I go over my atlas and maps all winter long searching out the twistiest roads I can find that sort of go where I want.


For any given trip I would have half a dozen routes highlighted. Then depending on whim or weather, I would go this way or that. This method has led to the best trips I've taken. It's called serendipity.


Planning out a route with daily mileage and motel stops is boring. Nothing more than a road trip. Make it an adventure.


BTW, the Rand McNally atlas sucks and the HOG tour book in worst. Get yourself a National Geographic Adventure Road Atlas. Much more detailed with really weird places to see. How about the Coon dog grave yard? Ever hear of it? No, of course not. That's the kind of Atlas I like.

 

I like to have a general idea on where i want to go. Its always nice to have the picture in your head and information looked at before. Most rosds should be ok. You might want to check on road construction In the state