There’s a certain thrill that only motorcycle enthusiasts understand. It’s not just about the ride; it’s about the destination too. This article will explore the most exhilarating motorcycle destinations across the globe, adding fuel to your wanderlust.
Motorcycle Destinations
Criteria for Selection
Selecting the perfect motorcycle destination involves a careful evaluation of several factors. From the scenic value of the route, riding difficulty level to the amenities available along the way, every variable counts for a distinct experience. Pair this with the critical consideration of personal preferences, such as the rider’s love for mountainous terrains, coastal roads, or desert expanses, for a more personalized journey.
For instance, those who enjoy smooth rides with breathtaking views could consider coastal routes like the Pacific Coast Highway in California, where the rider meanders along the coastline, presenting stunning ocean views. Alternatively, riders who revel in a more challenging jaunt might opt for mountainous terrains such as the Khardung La Pass in India, treacherously beautiful and known as one of the highest motorable roads worldwide.
Seasonal Considerations
Knowing the best time to visit motorcycle destinations adds to the phenomenal experience. Seasonal changes heavily influence the landscapes, riding conditions, and overall charm of the journey. It provides options for motorcycle enthusiasts to explore a variety of climates and scenery that would otherwise get missed.
Take, for instance, the famous Route 66 in the United States. It’s a popular motorcycle destination that unfurls its beauty during the summer months, offering clear, sunny skies that make for a brilliant, uninterrupted ride. In contrast, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia provide a unique, surreal motorcycle journey during the rainy season, reflecting a mirror-like panorama that creates the illusion of riding above the clouds.
Top Motorcycle Destinations in the USA
Moving past the thrills of the journey, it’s time to explore top motorcycle destinations in the vast lands of the USA. The focus turns to two radiant spots, giving riders the blend of adrenaline and scenery they crave.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway, often abbreviated as PCH, paints a picture of California’s coastline. Embracing over 655 miles, riders span the highway from Northern to Southern beaches. This corridor, a gem among motorcycle destinations, proudly showcases breathtaking oceans views and dreamy beach towns.
PCH holds the propensity for charm and adventure, offering feel of the wind in your hair and the sight of the endless horizon. Considered a prime road trip route, it becomes a full-fledged motorcycle haven during the summer months.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
Switching gears and moving to the East Coast, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a vivid riding experience. This scenic ride, located in the heartland of the Appalachian Mountains, stretches for about 469 miles. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway tempts riders with its gentle curves and colors of seasonal changes.
Blue Ridge Parkway showcases its ability to transform as an intriguing motorcycle destination. Often christened as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, it transforms into varying landscapes with every change of the season. The vibrancy of fall foliage attracts riders seeking the perfect autumn ride, while summertime brings forth lush greenery and an explosion of wildflowers.
Must-Visit International Motorcycle Routes
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Basking in the glory of Italian sunsets, the Amalfi Coast represents a picture-perfect motorcycle destination. It takes riders on a journey through pristine beaches, mountainous terrains, and vibrant Italian cultures and cuisines. The 50-kilometer stretch of this route offers hairpin turns and steep climb, swirling around high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Riding through tiny coastal towns, adorned with colorful homes and blooming bougainvillea, adds charm to the journey. However, due caution is advisable during the summer tourist season when traffic intensifies.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Spanning across 243 kilometers of Australia’s southeastern coast, the Great Ocean Road features among top motorcycle destinations across the globe. Offering a unique blend of rugged landscapes and exotic wildlife, the route combines adrenaline with tranquility. Along this route, riders encounter the magnificent Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks that dramatically jut out from the ocean, providing a spectacular backdrop for a motorcycle adventure.
