Posted on 05/16/2006 2:48:09 PM PDT by StarCMC
Ok -- here was a comment by JoeSixPack1 made to me on this thread:
Riding is an extremely personal affair and each and every one of us that swings a leg over a saddle has one thing in mind while firing up the 2 wheeler... ::: To survive our passion.
But here on FR biker threads, the discussions devolve so quickly into biker bashing, intimidating safety advice, organ donor jokes, life support jokes, and every other aspect of biker lore that it's like being a conservative on a DU thread or a troll posting at FR.
When was the last time we had a thread talking about great places to ride? Or a thread on new safety features? Tire quality? Hand grip style? Comfortable riding clothes?
Answer = never.
We're too busy apologizing for scaring the big trucks or waking the baby sleeping in the back seat or explaining our insurance coverage or wowing at the latest 240mph crotch rocket or chuckling at the new bike prices.
So what say you all? Sound off -- what's your favorite place to ride?
I have 2. The first is (and yes, I know, cliche) the Dragon. We went 4 years ago -- it rained on us the whole time and it was in the middle of Bear Season in North Carolina (whoops!) but it was gorgeous!! I LOVE the Blue Ridge Mountains.
And my other favorite ride we have been on was in the Big Bend National Park area of Texas. We did this ride with a bunch of hubby's friends affectionately known as the "Hoons." It was a blast!! (Yes -- those ARE Draggin' Jeans)
I haven't been to Talbotton, GA in years, but I still remember the wonderul fragrance of flowers that greeted us there. Sure beats low tide in NJ.
Yeah, me too. Definitely!
Yup! That's the place. Banff and Jasper area up in Canuckistan provide some great rides as well.
Back in the good ol' days, we had a run where you had to stop for one beer at every public tavern on the 80 mile plus run!
Lordy-Lordy!
I'm sure with all the new deewee laws that run has died off...but it sure was a blast back in the '60s!!!
State Road 11, Karstad to Island View, 169 miles, Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway. (MN)
http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/11175/
My favorite so far as been farming countryside in and around the Pennsylvania/Ohio region. Some of the winding roads are only a lane and a half wide, and that only adds to the charm and sense of relaxation.
My hardware has always been a sportbike and I've found that even as I age I still prefer the aggressive seating position that spreads the weight fairly equally across the arms, legs, butt, and back. This mandates everyone riding their own horse and packing lightly if staying in a Bed & Breakfast one of the evenings.
~ Blue Jays ~
"but I still remember the wonderul fragrance of flowers that greeted us there"
NOW, THAT'S the difference between a bike and a car. You are a part of your surroundings on a bike.
I haven't done any cross country rides, but just cruisin' down to Avila Beach, CA for coffee, gets my head right.
I love the ride that is just outside my door. Santiago canyon OC Cal not the most beautiful but fun and populated with friends. There is a little watering hole called Cook's Corner where we meet with friends and admire the bikes.
Keep the painted side up
Stumpy
Have to wait because a Honda goldwing will cost more than my wedding and...maybe a house and three kids :D
Try the Black Hills of South Dakota. There's a reason why we have the "Big Rally" here every year in August. Lots of hills, lots of curves, beautiful scenery, great weather,and real friendly (conservative) people.
If you mean the Hwy 7 ride, ask him if he's ever stopped in Booger Hollow for a "Booger Burger".
This photo of my '78 ash covered R100/7 was taken in Missoula MT. I was headed from WI to see Mt. St. Helens, but it blew while I was in MT. I aborted the mission and veered North where I first ran across the HWY 20 ride. I returned via the trans/canuckistan to Winnipeg. One can make good time across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. the throttle was locked on 120 for hours at a time.
I love the Blue Ridge Parkway here in VA all the way down into NC. Some fun riding, and some beautiful views.
Sweet FJR.
Alone, there are some twisties I like to run west of the city. With my wife on the back, I take the scenic route a little slower. I want to get some of those intercom headsets. They would be neat. I don't like to ride in a group. Most group rides seem to be heavy on the showoffs.
First, is Hwy 191 that runs along the Arizona/New Mexico border from Clifton to Alpine, Az. Head onorth on the highway through the town of Morenci and snake your way around the biggest friggin hole you ever seen (The Phelps Dodge copper mine there is 3 miles across and goes down to sea level)! From there, the road gets interesting. Even on an atlas the road is one bid squggly line, so that should give you an idea how twisty it is. For the next 75 miles, you will spend very little time with the bike straight up. You will be spending the majority of the time leaning hard in first or second gear. This has been voted one of the ten best bike roads in America.You go from 3000ft. at Clifton to a high point of just over 9000ft at Hannigan's Meadow. (Note: The 'Meadow' is surrounded my aspen trees. Go in Ocotber.) Then head another 20 miles north and kick back at the Bear Wallow Cafe.
And if that's not enough, just take Hwy 180 out of town where it heads over into N.M. -- not near as winding, but still fun where you pick up state Hwy 78 that snakes back over into Az. and in to Clifton wehre you can start all over!
Oh yeah, almost forgot. This road never has any traffic on it! Even on holiday weekends!
Second would be southern Utah. Especially Highway 12 which cuts along the northern edge of Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park and heads up into the mountains. Here you won't want to pull off the road because in mny places, there is a steep dropoff on both sides! From there you will go through Capitol Reef Nat'l Park and be darn close to Arches Nt'l Park. When you get on Highway 96, take a little side trip over to the Bullfrog Marina and take the ferry across Lake Powell. Then you'll come back into Arizona at one place that's always worthy of mention:
Monument Valley.
No Booger Burgers -- but he did take some pics. LOL
"My favorite place to ride is lost on a Southern country road. No idea where I am, or how to get unlost."
I hear that BB. When I was in NC I used to like to ride the bicycle routes. Less cars and the scenary was almost always spectacular. Bicycle 1 is a very cool ride.
Of course the dragon, blue ridge parkway and little mountain roads all throughout the western carolinas are great about 10 montha out of the year.
It's been years.. and my spellin is off.. but two roads I want to run (If they are still there) are Logeay Road and Thompson Run Road.
I got a ticket for that once in Florida. It was the only way to get back to the lake, but the mean old cop gave me a ticket anyway. : (
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