freeway vs. back roads
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: champaign illinois
RE: freeway vs. back roads
i second big bender here. id rather do some riding, then looking at the side of some semi-truck. + if im going 70 on the interstate it feels like a 100. if im in the backroads, its not nere as windy, so much smoother and you can stop off easy. my brother prefers the interstate, . he loves getting to where hes going. i just like cruizing and getting there when i get there. i do agree with the interatate on certain occasions such as nighttime (lots of deer). other than that its backroads.
ORIGINAL: Bigbender
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From:
RE: freeway vs. back roads
I feel bad for you guys that are too scared to ride on back roads. You're really missing out on the gems that are scattered around this country. I travelled cross country a couple of times, south to nouth, west coast up and down, west to east through Canada, and I've probably only racked up about 2000 miles on highways (I'm sure this is way off, but you get my point). The joy of riding is going new places, meeting new people, and seeing things that cagers miss out on. You're not going to see anything like that at 70 mph on a freeway, might as well put it on a trailer. Don't get me wrong, sometime you've got to make time and take to the freeway, or crank out 500+ miles through corn fields. I like to keep my days between 200 and 300 miles a day when on a long trip. It gives me a chance to stop and smell the roses and take detours just because you can. Keep your wits about you because other people don't.
1978 FLH w/93" Strocker
2001 Suzuki Hayabusa
2006 FLHXi
1978 FLH w/93" Strocker
2001 Suzuki Hayabusa
2006 FLHXi
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: freeway vs. back roads
I do agree that back roads can have less traffic and more scenic. But, I also agree with other folks about the complacency one gets when riding the back roads. I feel that when I'm on the freeway, I am more alert and more cautious. When I'm on the back roads, I would feel more complacent and would sometimes get into that false sense of security, that there would be less risks. I know that is completely untrue!
On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!
Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.
Just my humble opinion!
On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!
Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.
Just my humble opinion!
ORIGINAL: Bigbender
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: freeway vs. back roads
Much as I like cruising down the interstate at 75 mph, there is a place in my life for back roads. Here in southern Utah, we live in a motorcyclist's paradise.
[IMG]local://upfiles/11401/FEE5393020764EF48632ED35A4665E83.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/11401/FEE5393020764EF48632ED35A4665E83.jpg[/IMG]
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
RE: freeway vs. back roads
I like em all, I ride em all. Not crazy about animal cargo trucks/trailers, especially when raining. Here in Missouri, lots of various animals being hauled. Also it is hayin time and that can be a pain in the ****, too!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 4
From:
RE: freeway vs. back roads
Riding back roads is always fun, but crusing at 85MPH down the interstate is too
I do both.
I do both.
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
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From:
RE: freeway vs. back roads
ORIGINAL: Kahuna
I do agree that back roads can have less traffic and more scenic. But, I also agree with other folks about the complacency one gets when riding the back roads. I feel that when I'm on the freeway, I am more alert and more cautious. When I'm on the back roads, I would feel more complacent and would sometimes get into that false sense of security, that there would be less risks. I know that is completely untrue!
On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!
Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.
Just my humble opinion!
I do agree that back roads can have less traffic and more scenic. But, I also agree with other folks about the complacency one gets when riding the back roads. I feel that when I'm on the freeway, I am more alert and more cautious. When I'm on the back roads, I would feel more complacent and would sometimes get into that false sense of security, that there would be less risks. I know that is completely untrue!
On the back roads, you are mostly on two-lane highways. With cars, trucks, and farm equipment, coming 50 to 60mph at you. And separated only by a few feet. All it would take is for one of those drivers to lose control or falls asleep at the wheel, cross the centerline, and you're dead!
Yes, the freeway is faster, and with more idiots and tractor trailers. But, you are going in the same direction, and about the same speed. Their line of sight is also much farther (if you're in front of them.) The benefit of a backroad is when it's a divided highway.
Just my humble opinion!
ORIGINAL: Bigbender
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
I can't believe some of you guys prefer the highway to a back road. I hate red lights, highways and the idiots in that traffic even more !!!! Don't you think the best thing about riding a scooter is getting on a back country road, going through some twisties and looking at the scenery ??
