Don't plan, just go....When your ODO reaches 1000 start heading back...Pick a direction.

 

That is probably what I should do. Years ago I used to ride with an old biker, he rode a 650 Triumph I would be afraid to take accross the parking lot, anyway he would take penny rides. He would leave on his bike with a roll of pennies, when he came to a intersection he would flip a penny heads was right and tails was left. When he used all his pennies he turned around and came home. It was not unusual at all for him to disaper for a week or two and when he showed back up you could ask him where he had been and he would always answer "on the flip side of a penny". Never did talk about his trips, would only say "you should have been there".

 

The Milwaukee idea isn't a bad one. I did that this summer, but came up from Dallas. Once in Milwaukee, we'd heard so much about the UP (had no idea what it was, but found out it was the Upper Peninsula) that we decided to ride up the coast and back down the other side, rather than take the ferry across Lake Michigan as planned. We rode from there with TN as our "goal" before heading back to Dallas.

So, having just done that trip...let me add my if I may. First, let me say I live in Dallas TX...not exactly the most "scenic" part of the world, but it does have its advantages. TX has some pretty flat and boring areas...but is also has some hilly and scenic areas...just like any state. So, if I say something to offend anyone's state, keep in mind, my experience with most state's is limited...more of the "passing through" nature - as a tourist.

Our ride from Milwaukee up and across the U.P. and back down was a great ride. Had a blast.. (except for all the rain). We rode through WI, MI, OH, IN, KY and TN. Without a doubt though, the best mile for mile riding was in TN (& KY). And that was out of 13 states. Enjoyed riding in TN much so that it left us wanting more. As a result, we are planning to go back and do more riding...a whole lot more.

Milwaukee was a destination for us (H-D Women's Event, H-D Museum, etc). After that, TN was a destination of sorts. Riding through MI was a treat, as was riding across the Mac Bridge...through the Tunnel of Trees, etc. I enjoyed seeing a part of the USA I'd never been to before. Particularly enjoyed doing it on my bike! Loved the gently rolling hills, the farms/barns, etc. Oh yes, we primarily stayed off the main highways and stuck to smaller and secondary roads.

Riding through IN was pretty un-exciting. Don't know that I'd add it to my list of "must sees", but then again, we were pretty much passing through and saw a limited view of it. Something you'd be doing if you were making your way to Milwaukee based on your time limitations. What I did enjoy was seeing big part of our country in a relatively short amount of time (13 states/14 days). BUT...what I learned is that as fun as it was, I prefer a trip where we cover less terrain in more detail...where the rides and the roads are the focus...rather than the destination or "making time" being the focus. Sometimes though, we have to endure less than exciting roads to get us to where we want to go...as I know all to well living where I do in TX. In other words, not all roads are created equal. Of course, it always helps being on 2 wheels as opposed to 4!

What I recommend is for you to figure out what it is you're really looking for. Sometimes you just want to explore another part of the US you haven't been before. I call those destination trips. Or, do you want the ride/roads to be the main focus? Are you the kind of person who hates a schedule? if that's the case, you might want to try something new and different in your own region. By that I mean doing something like the old biker's "penny" rides...or a "get lost" ride where you just go wherever you choose until you need to turn around and go home. Are you wanting to pack in the best riding mile for mile? If that's the case, research MadMaps and other motorcycle roads via Google and hit as many great roads as possible within your own region.

The answers may help you narrow it down. If you're wanting to see some new things and get a general overview of certain areas...then a trip to Milwaukee may be in order. If the actual ride (twisty's/scenery/etc) is the focus...you may be better served exploring in your own "backyard" as I said in my previous post. If it were me, I'd stick to the back roads of TN,KY, and other states in your area...seems like you could get in some pretty fantastic riding within your 2000 mile "budget" and still leave you wanting more. Again, just my .

 

Monstead, did I meet you in Tullahoma TN? My wife and I was riding one day and ran into a group from Texas that was on a trip very similar to what you described. You have given me some great advice and something to think about. Thanks for your input.

If you do make it back to TN next year, give me a yell. I live just south of Nashville and would love to be a tour guide, or at least give you a list of some don't miss spots while you are here. Tons of great day trips from my driveway...Fall Creek Falls, Mount Eagle Mountain, Ocoee River and Nanatahala Gorge, Jack Daniels Distillery, I could go on all night but I think you get the point.

 

Tenessee is a great riding area...this coming from NC....I want to go to CO...Buddy of mine said let's plan it for next summer....