Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dcardo021 on November 07, 2017, 10:26:35 AM
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So I came across this 10 Best Roads in America list on You Tube.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
2.Pikes Peak
3.Blue Ridge Parkway
4. Tail of the Dragon
5. Beartooth Highway
6.Going to the Sun road
7.Coastal Route 1 Maine
8.Grand Staircase, Escalante, Utah
9.Natchez Trace Parkway
10.River Road Texas
I have ridden number 1,2, 8, 10. But I wonder about number 10. How about Million Dollar Highway? Maybe they were afraid Montana and Colorado would dominate? In Texas is Twisted Sisters better than River Road? I have ridden both each has it strong points. So almighty all knowing Guzzi riders please weigh in with your thoughts.
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So I came across this 10 Best Roads in America list on You Tube.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
2.Pikes Peak
3.Blue Ridge Parkway
4. Tail of the Dragon
5. Beartooth Highway
6.Going to the Sun road
7.Coastal Route 1 Maine
8.Grand Staircase, Escalante, Utah
9.Natchez Trace Parkway
10.River Road Texas
I have ridden number 1,2, 8, 10. But I wonder about number 10. How about Million Dollar Highway? Maybe they were afraid Montana and Colorado would dominate? In Texas is Twisted Sisters better than River Road? I have ridden both each has it strong points. So almighty all knowing Guzzi riders please weigh in with your thoughts.
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Almost forgot Coronado Trail?
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I have ridden all but 9 and 10, so can't say about them. The million dollar highway is good, but I prefer Beartooth by a fair amount. There is probably no more scenic road than Going to the Sun, but it's not much of a *riding* experience. Too many blue hairs.. :smiley: :cool: It needs to be done, though.
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I live about 35 miles east of the Natchez Trace Parkway....beautifu l road but posted speed limit of 50mph.
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So I came across this 10 Best Roads in America list on You Tube.
1. Pacific Coast Highway - done
2.Pikes Peak - done
3.Blue Ridge Parkway - not yet
4. Tail of the Dragon - done
5. Beartooth Highway - done
6.Going to the Sun road - done
7.Coastal Route 1 Maine - not yet
8.Grand Staircase, Escalante, Utah - done (4x4 not moto)
9.Natchez Trace Parkway - not yet
10.River Road Texas - done (Twisted Sisters is better..and much longer).
I have ridden number 1,2, 8, 10. But I wonder about number 10. How about Million Dollar Highway? Maybe they were afraid Montana and Colorado would dominate? In Texas is Twisted Sisters better than River Road? I have ridden both each has it strong points. So almighty all knowing Guzzi riders please weigh in with your thoughts.
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Others to add to the list:
Agree that 550 Million Dollar Highway is a must add to the list, along with a detour to 141 over to Gateway from Telluride
I'd also say that Lolo Pass (Hwy 12) from Lolo to Lewiston along the Clearwater should be there...
Talimena Scenic Byway - Ok
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I have ridden all but 9 and 10, so can't say about them. The million dollar highway is good, but I prefer Beartooth by a fair amount. There is probably no more scenic road than Going to the Sun, but it's not much of a *riding* experience. Too many blue hairs.. :smiley: :cool: It needs to be done, though.
I am so jealous! Trying to figure out how to finish this list. Number 10 is in the Big Bend region. Runs from Study Butte to Presido. The over all area is awesome. Come down and ride, but not recommended in summer. Temps get over 110 at times. Spring or Fall recommended.
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I fart a chunky fart on the author's keyboard. Perhaps he means that these are the 10 locations most gushed about in motorcycle rags. I doubt anyone who's actually been anywhere would compile the same list. I've been on 1,5,6,8,9,10. I *might* put 1 and 5 on my top 10 list. The rest just make me sad.
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Others to add to the list:
Agree that 550 Million Dollar Highway is a must add to the list, along with a detour to 141 over to Gateway from Telluride
I'd also say that Lolo Pass (Hwy 12) from Lolo to Lewiston along the Clearwater should be there...
Talimena Scenic Byway - Ok
Hush Paul , don't be telling them about the Talimena Scenic Byway . No cops , very little traffic , let's keep it that way :grin:
Dusty
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The secret's out! Can't put the genie back in the bottle now! :thumb: :thumb:
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Any road to the left or right out of my drive for 50 miles. The road in front of my house has as many curves and elevation changes as The Dragon. And I have a choice of 4 directions within 1/4 mile of the drive.
There have been times where a 3-1/2 mile ride to my store was over 20 miles. You know what I mean.
I would love to ride all these Roads. 1,2,3,4,9 complete.
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Virginia's State Route 16
Dean
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So I came across this 10 Best Roads in America list on You Tube.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
2.Pikes Peak
3.Blue Ridge Parkway
4. Tail of the Dragon
5. Beartooth Highway
6.Going to the Sun road
7.Coastal Route 1 Maine
8.Grand Staircase, Escalante, Utah
9.Natchez Trace Parkway
10.River Road Texas
I have ridden number 1,2, 8, 10. But I wonder about number 10. How about Million Dollar Highway? Maybe they were afraid Montana and Colorado would dominate? In Texas is Twisted Sisters better than River Road? I have ridden both each has it strong points. So almighty all knowing Guzzi riders please weigh in with your thoughts.
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Remove #4, Tail of the Dragon. Replace it with the Cherohala Skyway.
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I'd also say that Lolo Pass (Hwy 12) from Lolo to Lewiston along the Clearwater should be there...
Yeah. 99 miles of rocks, trees, and curves following the Lewis & Clark expedition. :thumb:
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Remove #4, Tail of the Dragon. Replace it with the Cherohala Skyway.
Concur! :1:
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I'm not particularly interested in riding the Natchez trace, so won't get that one. I'd add the South grade to the Palomar observatory to the list. :smiley: While I'm talking California..Angeles Crest? Hello? That has to be on a top 10 list. Oh. East of Visalia.. 180 to the top of the mountain was one of my most memorable rides.
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California has the best kick ass curvy roads. Just a few of my favorites.
Hwy 49 from Nevada City to Sattley
Hwy 70 from Oroville to Quincy
Hwy 299 from Redding to Arcata
Hwy 36 from Fortuna to Red Bluff
Hwy 96 from Willow Creek to I-5
Hwy 25 from Hollister to Coalinga
I could go on and on listing all the primo MC roads in California with low traffic and few low speed limits. :bow:
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California has the best kick ass curvy roads. Just a few of my favorites.
Hwy 49 from Nevada City to Sattley
Hwy 70 from Oroville to Quincy
Hwy 29 from Redding to Arcata
Hwy 36 from Fortuna to Red Bluff
Hwy 96 from Willow Creek to I-5
Hwy 25 from Hollister to Coalinga
I could go on and on listing all the primo MC roads in California with low traffic and few low speed limits. :bow:
I was just going to post hwy 36. It's the best of the bunch and very little traffic. I'd give 70 second spot due to the tunnels and the booming Guzzi exhaust note makes it sound like you are being shot out of a cannon! :thumb:
I'd remove highway 1 unless you like being stuck behind an RV doing 10 mph.
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While visiting Palm Springs, CA one summer about 5 years ago I rode up Rt 234 from US 10 to Idyllwild and Mountain Springs. My thought at the time was that was the best ride I ever had. The ride up Mt Lemon near Tucson, AZ is also great. Tail of The Dragon is like being in a slot car race. Not much to it, but fun.
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Virginia's State Route 16
Dean
continuing to WV SR16 to the OH border.
I see the compilers of the list have never been to West Virginia
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continuing to WV SR16 to the OH border.
I see the compilers of the list have never been to West Virginia
Agreed. 250 from Moundsville to Hundred was always a favorite before fracking tore up the road. Maybe its been repaved. Thats only one. I could think of a dozen more.
Pete
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I downloaded the top 100 motorcycle roads in the US from motorcycleroads.us and put them into a spreadsheet so I can reference it while planning a ride.
I have ridden 31 of the top 100 so far.
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Let's just say the entire state of WV!
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A list of the 100 from you spread sheet?
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Here are some of the best in Ohio, and all in one county. Great rides and in the home of Ohio University.
http://athensohio.com/category/ohios-windy-9/
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Rt 6 from east Pa all the way west. Yeah, towns and some speed zones, but great. Dragon's tail was my most intense , Mt. Washington most scared, the Adorondiaks park area most fun.
Pop
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Here are some of the best in Ohio, and all in one county. Great rides and in the home of Ohio University.
http://athensohio.com/category/ohios-windy-9/
Someone didn't want to venture to the east of I-77. A lot of those roads to the east are better IMHO.
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I have ridden all but 7 & 10. The Trace was fun, but it's not particularly curvy. I agree that US 12 in Idaho or $1M highway in CO should be in there.
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I have ridden all but 7 & 10. The Trace was fun, but it's not particularly curvy. I agree that US 12 in Idaho or $1M highway in CO should be in there.
Far as I'm concerned the Colo. Million $ highway is WAY over rated unless you like to ride treacherous roads. I like smooth curvy roads where I can do at least 50 mph with curve after curve for many miles. :thumb:
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Northeast Oregon gets my vote! No traffic, great roads, great scenery, high speed sweepers to tight and twisty, elevation changes, canyons, following rivers, forests, mountains, panoramas... hard to beat. In fact, most of the Pacific NW is great riding.
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Let's just say the entire state of WV!
AMEN!!!
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Northeast Oregon gets my vote! No traffic, great roads, great scenery, high speed sweepers to tight and twisty, elevation changes, canyons, following rivers, forests, mountains, panoramas... hard to beat. In fact, most of the Pacific NW is great riding.
Yeah, Oregon rocks.. :thumb:
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Virginia's State Route 16
Yes, that should probably be on the list. I rode it on the Mille this fall and had a blast. Those who don't like the Dragon would probably not like 16 though.
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Yes, that should probably be on the list. I rode it on the Mille this fall and had a blast. Those who don't like the Dragon would probably not like 16 though.
I like the Dragon, well, I liked it when it was called Deals Gap. Now that it is called 'The Tail Of The Dragon', it is a carnival. It is hard to enjoy it when it is so crowded. Thus the reason I do not recommend it.
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I like the Dragon, well, I liked it when it was called Deals Gap. Now that it is called 'The Tail Of The Dragon', it is a carnival. It is hard to enjoy it when it is so crowded. Thus the reason I do not recommend it.
I go only on spring weekdays, and I haven't found it to be anything but extremely fun. A few years ago I tried it on a Saturday morning, and decided that wasn't worth the gasoline it took.
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I go only on spring weekdays, so I haven't found it to be anything but extremely fun.
Same thing with The Snake out in SoCal. During the week, I normally have it all to myself. It's a zoo on the weekends.
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Same thing with The Snake out in SoCal. During the week, I normally have it all to myself. It's a zoo on the weekends.
Really, it's true for a lot of activities. Water skiing and snow skiing are another two that I avoid doing on weekends.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway has nice views but the last time I rode there it was a goat path. The broken pavement, potholes and 40mph speed limit don't make it a top ten motorcycle road, imho. It's a top ten road for scenery...but not a great motorcycle road.
Deal's Gap is vastly over-rated. Blood Mountain in Georgia is just as good and doesn't have a thousand morons crashing on it every weekend. The last time I was on Deal's Gap at least a dozen motorcyclists and several cars crossed over the yellow line into my lane from the opposite direction. I rode it once. That was enough.
The Maine coastal route being on this list makes me laugh out loud. You're lucky to average 20mph in the summer with all the traffic. From Kittery to Bar Harbor it is a nightmare. Want a nice motorcycle road in Maine? Ride 16 in NH past Mt. Washington, across the border and the top of Rangely Lake. Then take 17 down to Rumford. Hell, ride along the Appalachian Trail and look out over Mooselookmeguntic Lake or hit Screw Augur Falls in the Grafton Notch. THOSE are good motorcycle roads in Maine.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway has nice views but the last time I rode there it was a goat path. The broken pavement, potholes and 40mph speed limit don't make it a top ten motorcycle road, imho. It's a top ten road for scenery...but not a great motorcycle road.
Most of the BRP is 45 MPH. You can usually push that a bit without raising any eyebrows. I did the entire length a couple of months back and the pavement is in great shape.
Now Skyline Drive, on the north end. That is a different story. 35 MPH, enforced, and bad pavement.
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I�ve ridden half of them. They are beautiful, but I know plenty that are better. My number one is NM15 in the Gila Nat�l Forest/Wilderness. No traffic, no LEOs, beautiful vistas, and a challenging and curvy route. It ends at the Gila Cliff Dwellings...an adventure all it�s own!
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I have ridden all but 9 and 10, so can't say about them..........
Here's one of my favorite shots on River Road (#10). That's the Rio Grande in the valley.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gdTY3G/Rio_Grande.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gdTY3G)
Big Bend is an amazing area. Everyone should experience it.
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Hush Paul , don't be telling them about the Talimena Scenic Byway . No cops , very little traffic , let's keep it that way :grin:
Dusty
Too late Dusty. The word's out. Here's a shot from this Labor Day:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iJzO3G/Talimena_Scenic_Byway.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iJzO3G)
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Pacific Coast 1 between Bay Area and Santa Barbara is amazing, but often ruined by traffic. Going north to Oregon border much better, especially on a weekday, but often obscured in fog during the months most people would think of riding it. But on a sunny weekday in October, when big waves are pounding the coast creating one mesmerizing scene after another, there's nothing better.
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Too late Dusty. The word's out. Here's a shot from this Labor Day:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iJzO3G/Talimena_Scenic_Byway.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iJzO3G)
Dangit , now we need to find a different location for the Okie :laugh:
Dusty
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The Dragon is 11 miles of fun WV/VA SR-16 is 335 miles of heaven.
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Here's one of my favorite shots on River Road (#10). That's the Rio Grande in the valley.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gdTY3G/Rio_Grande.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gdTY3G)
Big Bend is an amazing area. Everyone should experience it.
that's one I am going to have to try. They say Feb or March is the time to go?
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Virginia's State Route 16
Dean
I've ridden 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8. But glad Dean brought up VA SR16 (and WV16 by another member) Three of us rode from Cleveland OH to Marion VA where we stayed at Hungry Mother State Park. Circa 2006 - 2007. The ride back north put us on VA16, then WV16. As I recall, we worked our way over to the the ferry boat which crosses the Ohio River into the little town of Fly, OH. A zig and a zag put us on OH 800. Made for a good ride back home. W650 did fine on this ride.
Here's a few pics taken from the deck of the ferry. Crossing from Sistersville WV to Fly, Ohio. These were taken in August 2010, on my ride home from my 50th high school graduation weekend. Took I79N from Chareleston WV until I picked up WV16, and headed north.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/eniV2b/IMG_0512.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eniV2b)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/ho8maw/IMG_0513.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ho8maw)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dHUsFw/IMG_0514.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dHUsFw)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dz7Uvw/IMG_0515.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dz7Uvw)
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Add me and my co-pilot to the list of rt16 riders. We also did the Hungry Mothers State Park to St. Marys, WV ride... Aside from trying to find our way through Beckley, WV, all in all a great route.
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The roads are also in the eye of the beholder. Mood also plays a significant role. Being a life long Kansan one has learned to appreciate the more subtle things that still leave a grin on the face. Riding a southern KS road at dawn on an early summer morning. All kind of smells hanging in the air.
Riding a mildly winding road in the flint hills in the middle of nowhere, meeting another vehicle maybe once every 20 miles or so.
Riding a rural blacktop with little towns every 10-30 miles that you ride through at 20-30mph with locals waving at you.
Riding through ghost towns, seeing abandoned farmsteads and always wandering what life was like there.
Riding by miles of wind farms making use of nature's powers and producing income for extremely rural areas.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/cq8BQw/DSCN0717.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cq8BQw)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d3kfJG/DSC00992.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d3kfJG)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iFPwsb/DSCN0504_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iFPwsb)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nCqakw/DSC05518.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nCqakw)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hGg4dG/DSCN0494_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hGg4dG)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jcno5w/DSCN0507_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jcno5w)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/g09eCb/DSCN1072.jpg) (http://ibb.co/g09eCb)
GliderJohn
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A list of the 100 from you spread sheet?
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I got them from here http://www.motorcycleroads.com/best/?s=75 and put them in a spreadsheet for my own personal tracking.
When I travel to a specific state, I also use online resources to find the good roads.
I also stop in at rider hangouts and ask about roads I should ride while there.
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Pacific Coast 1 between Bay Area and Santa Barbara is amazing, but often ruined by traffic. Going north to Oregon border much better, especially on a weekday, but often obscured in fog during the months most people would think of riding it. But on a sunny weekday in October, when big waves are pounding the coast creating one mesmerizing scene after another, there's nothing better.
:1: Marin, Sonoma, Lake, and Humboldt Counties get my vote, as long as you stay off (and mostly west of) the 101. Views abound, good eats can always be found, in the land of my youth.
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Remove #4, Tail of the Dragon. Replace it with the Cherohala Skyway.
I agree. The Dragon is good for testing your twisty skills, but its definitely not in the 10 best roads in America. Best roads for me would mean nice twisties, beautiful scenery, well paved and a lack of traffic. Another beautiful ride in that region is Wayah Rd, in North Carolina.
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I was just going to post hwy 36. It's the best of the bunch and very little traffic. I'd give 70 second spot due to the tunnels and the booming Guzzi exhaust note makes it sound like you are being shot out of a cannon! :thumb:
I'd remove highway 1 unless you like being stuck behind an RV doing 10 mph.
The thing about Hwy 36 on the section I posted is going east or west on it is like riding 2 different roads. :huh: Going west towards the ocean you get a lot of curves that change direction in the middle (crest) of the curve :shocked: with no warning. Going east you don't see that at all.
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that's one I am going to have to try. They say Feb or March is the time to go?
John,
I’d ride it late March, early April, or October.
You could time the ride so you could catch the MotoGP race in Austin. :wink:
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US89A from Flagstaff to Sedona was really nice the last time I rode it.
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John,
I�d ride it late March, early April, or October.
You could time the ride so you could catch the MotoGP race in Austin. :wink:
really?
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I like the road about 2,000 feet from my front door - Angeles Crest Highway.
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I like the road about 2,000 feet from my front door - Angeles Crest Highway.
ACH is a nice ride/drive too. Used to ride it from Orange county to Willow Springs raceway (before I raced there) in the `60s. :thumb: It was my favorite road when I first started riding. But when I moved up to norCal that changed. :shocked: :bow:
Lived in the Portland/Vancouver, Wa. area for 11 years and there are some nice roads in Oregon/Washington too.......but they don't match norCal, IMHO.
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Route 19 going North out of Eminence in Southern Missouri. Marvelous secret.
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Around the river bluffs in western Wisconsin are some of my favorite roads, we look for back roads that are first or second gear roads. In WI most of them are tar roads in good condition with plenty of hairpins and hills. Any where around a river seems to be good that way.
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M22 Northwest lower Michigan's west coast serpentining, lakeshore following, somewhat desolate at times, jaw droopingly gorgeous two lane gets my vote...and we try to ride it every year during the Michigan Guzzi rally.
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I've rode to Tx. twice to ride the "Hill Country" including the "Twisted Sisters" , ... After Wayah Rd. NC, and Hwy. 80 between Mt.Michell and Marion , the Sisters seem really tame.
I'm going to have to put WV./VA. SR-16 on my bucket list now ! :laugh:
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M22 Northwest lower Michigan's west coast serpentining, lakeshore following, somewhat desolate at times, jaw droopingly gorgeous two lane gets my vote...and we try to ride it every year during the Michigan Guzzi rally.
It's pretty, but in my honest opinion can't touch Mountain Roads.
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It's pretty, but in my honest opinion can't touch Mountain Roads.
Yep, third gear blasts up a mountain is the best!
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VA/WV SR 16 The Back of The Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7ENROYAjsI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06E0FHoxBYo
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So I came across this 10 Best Roads in America list on You Tube.
1. Pacific Coast Highway
2.Pikes Peak
3.Blue Ridge Parkway
4. Tail of the Dragon
5. Beartooth Highway
6.Going to the Sun road
7.Coastal Route 1 Maine
8.Grand Staircase, Escalante, Utah
9.Natchez Trace Parkway
10.River Road Texas
I have ridden number 1,2, 8, 10. But I wonder about number 10. How about Million Dollar Highway? Maybe they were afraid Montana and Colorado would dominate? In Texas is Twisted Sisters better than River Road? I have ridden both each has it strong points. So almighty all knowing Guzzi riders please weigh in with your thoughts.
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North Cascades Highway in WA. Most northerly route across Cascades in the state. Highway 2 across Stevens Pass isn't bad too.
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Best road for what? Sightseeing or spirited riding? If it's spirited riding, pick any pass over the Sierra Nevadas (expect CA 120 which has a low speed limit through Yosemite) and stick it on the top of the list. If scenery is part of what makes it a "best road", then CA 120 should be on the list, along with the roads through Zion National Park and Sequoia National Park.
I hope I'm not being too much of a Western Mountain snob, but there is nothing like riding up a vertical mile or more (elevation change). Can't do that back East.
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Best road for what? Sightseeing or spirited riding? If it's spirited riding, pick any pass over the Sierra Nevadas (expect CA 120 which has a low speed limit through Yosemite) and stick it on the top of the list. If scenery is part of what makes it a "best road", then CA 120 should be on the list, along with the roads through Zion National Park and Sequoia National Park.
I hope I'm not being too much of a Western Mountain snob, but there is nothing like riding up a vertical mile or more (elevation change). Can't do that back East.
No more so than I am a WV snob. We all have our favorites. Ain't life grand?
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Part of the problem is that the most scenic roads are often the most challenging to ride quickly (i.e.fun) so you have to pick, no watching scenery or riding relativly slow. I think this could be referred to as a first world problem. :grin:
GliderJohn
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Best road for what? Sightseeing or spirited riding? If it's spirited riding, pick any pass over the Sierra Nevadas (expect CA 120 which has a low speed limit through Yosemite) and stick it on the top of the list. If scenery is part of what makes it a "best road", then CA 120 should be on the list, along with the roads through Zion National Park and Sequoia National Park.
I hope I'm not being too much of a Western Mountain snob, but there is nothing like riding up a vertical mile or more (elevation change). Can't do that back East.
True.. true. :thumb:
Part of the problem is that the most scenic roads are often the most challenging to ride quickly (i.e.fun) so you have to pick, no watching scenery or riding relativly slow. I think this could be referred to as a first world problem. :grin:
GliderJohn
Also true. :smiley: I've gotten into problems looking for a scenic view to post here on WG. You just can't do that on the *best* IMHO roads.
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Northeast Oregon gets my vote! No traffic, great roads, great scenery, high speed sweepers to tight and twisty, elevation changes, canyons, following rivers, forests, mountains, panoramas... hard to beat. In fact, most of the Pacific NW is great riding.
:1:
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Best road for what? Sightseeing or spirited riding? If it's spirited riding, pick any pass over the Sierra Nevadas (expect CA 120 which has a low speed limit through Yosemite) and stick it on the top of the list. If scenery is part of what makes it a "best road", then CA 120 should be on the list, along with the roads through Zion National Park and Sequoia National Park.
I hope I'm not being too much of a Western Mountain snob, but there is nothing like riding up a vertical mile or more (elevation change). Can't do that back East.
Mount Mitchell State Park is well over a mile above sea level and the surrounding valleys might make it a mile change in elevation.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iR0F3G/Blue_Ridge_Parkway_023.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iR0F3G)
There is nothing like the roads in the eastern TN, western NC mountains
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Mount Mitchell State Park is well over a mile above sea level and the surrounding valleys might make it a mile change in elevation.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iR0F3G/Blue_Ridge_Parkway_023.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iR0F3G)
There is nothing like the roads in the eastern TN, western NC mountains
I have news for you...............a mile of elevation is nothing out west. I've ridden on public mtn. roads 8k' to 12K' that are full of curves and beauty if you have time to look at your surroundings. Until you've ridden on primo roads out West you can't understand the difference some of us are talking about. In Colorado 5k' is like sea level out east. It's like trying to explain what the Grand Canyon looks like to anything else you've seen before it. It can't be done. There's no way to convey the difference.
There are roads in Wash. St. that you would swear you're going downhill when in fact you're going uphill because you have to use more throttle to keep your speed constant. :shocked: The West is so different than the East.
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Mount Mitchell State Park is well over a mile above sea level and the surrounding valleys might make it a mile change in elevation.
There is nothing like the roads in the eastern TN, western NC mountains
If so, then I stand corrected. I've never ridden there, but the pics I've seen are beautiful.
In California, you can leave the Central Valley at 400 feet elevation and crest the Sherman Pass (over 9,000 feet elevation) in about 60 miles. Dress appropriately... :laugh:
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I have news for you...............a mile of elevation is nothing out west. I've ridden on public mtn. roads 8k' to 12K' that are full of curves and beauty if you have time to look at your surroundings. Until you've ridden on primo roads out West you can't understand the difference some of us are talking about. In Colorado 5k' is like sea level out east. It's like trying to explain what the Grand Canyon looks like to anything else you've seen before it. It can't be done. There's no way to convey the difference.
There are roads in Wash. St. that you would swear you're going downhill when in fact you're going uphill because you have to use more throttle to keep your speed constant. :shocked: The West is so different than the East.
I have ridden the entire lower 48. Until you have ridden the eastern mountains it is hard for you to understand the difference and the excitement of every curve being a blind curve. It was much easier to ride fast out west because you had a good idea of what was coming.
You will never see this much of the ride ahead when you are riding the eastern mountains.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d2sCHb/005_rattlesnake_Grade.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d2sCHb)
My favorite state to tour was Utah just because it is so different than the eastern mountains.
Every State has its own unique feel and scenery and views, but take away the scenery and views and I will take the eastern mountain roads and lack of traffic any day.
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and a song to bounce around your head, on the road of your choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdoT50N8uv4
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and a song to bounce around your head, on the road of your choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdoT50N8uv4
Or....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGj7-R6WPf4
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Or....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGj7-R6WPf4
stepping forward a few years......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw
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No way can I come up with a list. But I do have some memorable drives and rides. Some favorites. It's hard to balance scenery with riding pleasure: if you're riding hard, you're looking at the asphalt, not the scenery.
1. PCH. I've driven from Big Sur to Leggett and the Redwoods. Rented a turbo Mini Cooper stick. A great balance of beauty and fun.
2. Deal's Gap & 28. One of my favorite rides. Take the Dragon from Tenn all the way to Highland NC. I think Deal's Gap is the best motorcycle roads anywhere. Too bad it's so crowded. Lots of folks like the Cherohala, it's much more open and to get a real thrill you're running race track speeds well over 100. I prefer the challenge of the Dragon. But I wouldn't miss the Skyway, Smoky Mtn Park and the rest of the great roads in the area.
3. Colorado. My favorite rides there are Hwy 92, 133, 149, 12 and 550. I took 141 in the truck to Gateway and it was gorgeous. The hwy 90 through Paradox Valley to Moab is memorable. But there are great county roads all over the state like SW of Denver or W of Ft Collins.
4. New Mexico. Roads around Chama, follow the train to Alamosa. Taos ride to Red River, the Rio Grande bridge on 64 and 518 to Las Vegas. The drive up Sandia Peak.
5. Arkansas. My personal favorite. The complete NW part of the state. Take any road. Beauty and challenge. The roads are generally in good shape if not what they were 15 years ago. Usually not a lot of traffic.
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stepping forward a few years......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw
I was going to say, "I've been everywhere, man.." wrote a song about it. :smiley:
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No way can I come up with a list. But I do have some memorable drives and rides. Some favorites. It's hard to balance scenery with riding pleasure: if you're riding hard, you're looking at the asphalt, not the scenery.
1. PCH. I've driven from Big Sur to Leggett and the Redwoods. Rented a turbo Mini Cooper stick. A great balance of beauty and fun.
2. Deal's Gap & 28. One of my favorite rides. Take the Dragon from Tenn all the way to Highland NC. I think Deal's Gap is the best motorcycle roads anywhere. Too bad it's so crowded. Lots of folks like the Cherohala, it's much more open and to get a real thrill you're running race track speeds well over 100. I prefer the challenge of the Dragon. But I wouldn't miss the Skyway, Smoky Mtn Park and the rest of the great roads in the area.
3. Colorado. My favorite rides there are Hwy 92, 133, 149, 12 and 550. I took 141 in the truck to Gateway and it was gorgeous. The hwy 90 through Paradox Valley to Moab is memorable. But there are great county roads all over the state like SW of Denver or W of Ft Collins.
4. New Mexico. Roads around Chama, follow the train to Alamosa. Taos ride to Red River, the Rio Grande bridge on 64 and 518 to Las Vegas. The drive up Sandia Peak.
5. Arkansas. My personal favorite. The complete NW part of the state. Take any road. Beauty and challenge. The roads are generally in good shape if not what they were 15 years ago. Usually not a lot of traffic.
Ride the Dragon about 7:00 AM on a weekday that isn't part of a holiday. I have ridden that road where I was pretty much by myself.
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Just thinking a little more about this. The way I ride, the best roads are the little, less travelled ones that are near the "attraction" roads. The gems that make me feel like I've discovered something, rather following along with the crowd.
Like this secret spot in Utah:
(https://static.imgzeit.com/reduced/6b962391fd3d21b5/IMG_6652.jpg)
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Just thinking a little more about this. The way I ride, the best roads are the little, less travelled ones that are near the "attraction" roads. The gems that make me feel like I've discovered something, rather following along with the crowd.
We don't discuss those roads on the internet. :wink: Don't want them getting crowded. Within a 50 mile radius of my house there are so many sparsely travelled curvy roads that I wish I could capture photos of, but they are too dangerous to pull over to the edge to snap a photo of the curves. Here is a photo of the terrain where I live.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gZRo8G/middle_TN.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gZRo8G)
This only shows the main roads. It doesn't show all the roads that have "hollow" or "ridge" in the name.
Here are some of the views from the roads near my home.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/eQ3qNb/DSCN5929sm.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eQ3qNb)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d85qoG/DSCN5939.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d85qoG)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hiMVoG/DSCN7587sm.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hiMVoG)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/bD7gvw/firetower_road.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bD7gvw)
The last one gives you a better view of the elevation changes where I live.
upload image to a post on web (http://imgbb.com/)
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Just thinking a little more about this. The way I ride, the best roads are the little, less travelled ones that are near the "attraction" roads. The gems that make me feel like I've discovered something, rather following along with the crowd.
Like this one in Central Texas:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/f7q7kw/IMG_5234.jpg) (http://ibb.co/f7q7kw)
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I think I'm gonna start a new thread about the roads less-traveled.
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I think I'm gonna start a new thread about the roads less-traveled.
By all means Scud... :thumb: :thumb:
This feels like the appropriate place to insert a little Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I�
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Happy Riding everyone...just back from a fun outing this morning with a few new riders...such a satisfying feeling...perfect weather, good camaraderie, great riding and lots of curves.
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By all means Scud... :thumb: :thumb:
This feels like the appropriate place to insert a little Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I�
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
That's exactly what I was thinking. You beat me to it, thanks.
New Thread started...
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Great thread. I've started giving a 2 part score for a lot of the roads I like. 1 for scenery, and another for the road itself.
I've had the good fortune to ride some of the western states roads mentioned in the thread and some thoughts come to mind.
Hwy 12, Lolo to Lewiston solid 9 on both counts.
Hwy 25 Hollister to Coalinga (I see you there AZ Wayne, lol) Scenery about a 4, but the road solid 8.
Hwy 12 in Utah #8 on the list, if you go from the turnoff of 89 to Torrey, Scenery 8 and the road an 8.
One that hasn't been mentioned is 191 in AZ, from Morenci to Alpine. Scenery 7 road a 9.
Id Hwy 71 to Baker City via OR 86, Scenery 5 road an 8.
OR 242 from Sisters to Hwy 126, Scenery just for the diversity 9+ road solid 8. You go through 3 ecosystems over the course of maybe 30 miles crazy cool.
UT Hwy 14 east out of Cedar City to 89, Scenery 8 road 8.
UT 143, Parowan to Panguitch (and through 148 past Cedar Breaks in here as well) Scenery 8+ Road Solid 8.
The road I fell in love with my Stelvio on, after 191 mentioned above. Long Canyon out of Boulder, Ut on the way to the Burr Trail Switch backs. Scenery 9+ Road 9.
Had the opportunity to ride on some amazing roads going from Tahoe to Santa Cruz this summer, in California Hwy's 88, 89, 26 and 9 near the coast. Scenery 8 roads 9.
In Colorado, Hwy 92, Hwy 65, 149 through Lake City and Creede to South Fork. 141 to Gateway and the aforementioned 550 All solid 8's and 8-9 on the roads.
We are very lucky to have access to such incredible roads, so reasonably close to home. Hell I just wish there were a Guzzi dealer as close!
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From my limited perspective... I loved the BRP, but Colorado for scenery and NW Arkansas for sporting good roads with little traffic. Push Mountain! :bike-037:
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I can't get : "The Back of the Dragon" out of my mind ,,,
Is there a Good campground , Camping cabins , etc. in the area ? :huh:
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TwoWheelAddict
I was just looking at the Map you posted ... My house is on that map , near Lynchburg . You ever been to DELINA ?
or , the area around Normandy lake ?
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TwoWheelAddict
I was just looking at the Map you posted ... My house is on that map , near Lynchburg . You ever been to DELINA ?
or , the area around Normandy lake ?
I've been on the roads near Normandy Lake, but have never been to the lake itself. I like to eat at the Bell Buckle Café and then ride through Wartrace and through Tim's Ford.
Delina is one of my regular rest stops.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24671467/412053424.jpg)
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24700741/412913341.jpg)
We need to try and get together sometime.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24671467/412053424.jpg)
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From my limited perspective... I loved the BRP, but Colorado for scenery and NW Arkansas for sporting good roads with little traffic. Push Mountain! :bike-037:
I found that Highway 12 to Torrey to be spectacular. Especially the section where it runs along a knife ridge with big sheer drops on either side. No mistakes allowed on that road.
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I'm going to try to get to Bob's get-together this weekend and meet some of you Guzzi Folks ! :grin:
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I found that Highway 12 to Torrey to be spectacular. Especially the section where it runs along a knife ridge with big sheer drops on either side. No mistakes allowed on that road.
Love that whole area, Escallante staircase etc. Radical changes in elevation. But hate Utah tar snakes!
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