HIGHLIGH TS: The scenic south
Texas coast and a beautiful
wildlife preserve. (Remember
to wash your bike thoroughly if
you ride on the beach. Salt will
pit your chrome.) Keep an eye
out for deer, bobcats, and even
alligators at the Aransas
National Wildlife Refuge Complex near the town of Austwell.
alert for 90-degree turns
and sandstorms)
HIGHLIGHTS: Alkaline lakes and
dunes, rock formations, rustic
towns. Climbing the steep hill
to the Christmas Valley plateau
can be hairy, but a hearty
breakfast at the Outback Bed
and Breakfast once you get
there is a tasty reward.
America is loaded with scenic
highways, but veteran bikers say these
routes should top your to-do list*
7 GREAT
RIDES
GRANDFATHER
MOUNTAIN
STARTING POINT:
BLOWING ROCK,
NOR TH CAROLINA
DISTANCE: 120 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Medium
(beware of sudden dips and
steep uphill turns)
HIGHLIGHTS: Grandfather
Mountain and the Blue Ridge
Parkway. While visiting Grandfather Mountain be sure to
walk across the famous Mile
High Swinging Bridge for
breathtaking views. Drop by
the General Store in Todd for
a trip back in time and a
delicious, old-fashioned
fried-bologna sandwich.
BIG SUR HIGHWAY
STARTING POIN T:
CAMBRIA, CALIFORNIA
DISTANCE: 251 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Low (a
leisurely ride, but keep an eye
out for gawking tourists)
HIGHLIGHTS: The Big Sur
coast, Carmel Valley, and the
Monterey peninsula. This is the
quintessential scenic California
ride, and perhaps some of the
best motorcycling in the world.
If you haven’t seen Hearst
Castle (800-444-4445; hearst
castle.org), stop for the tour.
CHRISTMAS VALLE Y
TRIANGLE RIDE
STARTING POINT:
VALLEY FALLS, OREGON
DISTANCE: 226 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: High (stay
PENNSYLVANIA
HEARTLAND
STARTING POIN T:
GE T T YSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
DISTANCE: 191 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Low
(easy terrain, but watch out
for Amish carriages)
HIGHLIGH TS: Covered bridges,
the Appalachian Trail, and the
East Broad Top Railroad tour.
Excellent for a fall-foliage run
in early October. Don’t miss the
covered bridge on Couchtown
Road (SR 3008) near Centre.
BAY LOOP
STARTING POIN T:
CHARLES TO WN, RHODE ISLAND
DISTANCE: 174 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Low (a fairly
flat and easy ride along scenic
coastline)
HIGHLIGHTS: Pristine beaches,
New England fishing villages,
historic homes, and museums.
Check out the Newport
Mansions, and stop at the
Coast Guard Restaurant in
Narragansett for a killer view
from the observation deck.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
HIGH LOOP
STARTING POINT:
GOLDEN, COLORADO
DISTANCE: 184 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Medium
(be careful on tight curves
and hairpins)
HIGHLIGH TS: The finest views in
Rocky Mountain National Park.
It takes three to four hours
to cover the awesome “Roof
of the Rockies” at 12,183 feet
above sea level—where you
can see snow even in summer.
GALVESTON TO ROCKPORT
STARTING POINT:
GALVESTON, TEXAS
DISTANCE: 221 miles
CHALLENGE FAC TOR: Low (but use
caution riding on the beach)
ARE OLDER BIKERS
AT GREATER RISK?
Fatalities are rising among 50-plus motorcyclists, but that’s because more older
Americans are riding. “Statistics show that older riders are at no greater risk than riders
in other age groups,” says Robert Gladden of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “They
may lose a little dexterity, but gain wisdom in predicting what other riders will do.”
