Riding the USA – Freedom on Two Wheels
For riders from around the world, America’s open roads and legendary motorcycle culture are an irresistible draw.
The best time to ride most of the USA’s great motorcycle roads is from late spring (May) through early autumn (October), when mountain passes are clear of snow and coastal highways enjoy warm, dry conditions. Summer offers long days and lively events, while early autumn brings cooler air, fewer crowds, and spectacular fall colors in many regions.
Few rides are as iconic as Route 66. Known as “The Mother Road,” it stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, winding through small towns, desert plains, and roadside Americana frozen in time. Every mile feels like a postcard from a bygone era, with neon signs, classic diners, and quirky attractions along the way.
On the West Coast, California’s Pacific Coast Highway offers a completely different experience. Hugging dramatic cliffs above the crashing Pacific, this road delivers sweeping curves, salty air, and endless ocean views. From Big Sur’s rugged beauty to the laid-back vibe of coastal towns, it’s a ride that blends adrenaline with serenity.
If you’re craving tight corners and technical mastery, The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, straddling the North Carolina–Tennessee border, is the ultimate challenge. With 318 curves in just 11 miles, it demands focus, skill, and respect — and rewards you with a ride you’ll never forget.
Other famed routes, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Beartooth Highway, and Million Dollar Highway, each offer their own brand of magic, from lush mountain vistas to high-altitude switchbacks.
America’s motorcycle culture isn’t just about the roads — it’s also about the gatherings. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota is the mecca for riders, drawing hundreds of thousands every August.
The Black Hills rumble with the sound of V-twins, while Mount Rushmore and the Badlands provide a dramatic backdrop. Other must-see events include Daytona Bike Week in Florida and Laconia Motorcycle Week in New Hampshire, each blending scenic rides, music, and the camaraderie only bikers understand.
Riding in the USA is an adventure in contrasts: deserts and forests, mountains and plains, solitude and celebration. Whether you’re rolling across the Midwest under a big-sky sunset, carving through alpine passes, or parking your bike alongside thousands of others at a rally, you’re part of something bigger — a timeless tradition of exploration on two wheels.
The 10 must-ride roads in the US:
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana
2. Natchez Trace Parkway – Mississippi to Tennessee
3. Skyline Drive – Virginia
4. Cherohala Skyway – North Carolina/Tennessee
5. Highway 12 (Scenic Byway) – Utah
6. Highway 550 “Million Dollar Highway” – Colorado
7. Twisted Sisters – Texas Hill Country
8. Mount Washington Auto Road – New Hampshire
9. US Highway 50 “The Loneliest Road” – Nevada
10. Oregon Route 3 & Washington Route 129 – Hells Canyon
Here’s some helpful reference links:
• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Official Site – https://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
• AMA Touring & Travel Tips – https://americanmotorcyclist.com/touring
• Motorcycle Roads USA Route Finder – https://www.motorcycleroads.com
