Just a bit of 'stream of consciousness' on past ride memories, which might give you some ideas on places to visit yourself...in no particular order:
Mackinaw City, Michigan and upper peninsula of Michigan -
Just riding across Big Mac (the bridge) is an experience in itself. Not for the faint of heart (and certainly a challenge for those with a fear of heights), because the four lanes of the bridge are 2 paved and 2 grated (that's like riding on ice).
The small city (town?) of Mackinaw City is really a nice little place and very welcoming to bikers. If you get bored there, it's your fault. Be sure to head up to Sault Saint Marie and see the locks there. Travel the northern coast and see spectacular views of Lake Superior. Like waterfalls? Lighthouses? Sweeping tree-lined roads? Yep, it's all there. Just keep your eyes on the gas gauge, because stations are few and far between.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania -
Home of Thunder in the Valley. To be honest, I haven't ridden a lot of miles in this neck of the woods (mainly getting there and getting home). And about half the time it was during horrendous downpours, thunder and lightning. At night.
But I will say this, the roads in Pennsylvania are really made for motorcycles. Can't think of a better place to get your skills tuned up. And whatever you do, make the trip to Shanksville to the Flight 93 Memorial. You will never forget it.
Natural Bridge, Virginia -
Talk about great roads for riding! Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best places to wittle away a few days. Mountain Peaks, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, this area has it all. And they happen to have quite a few 'hole in the wall' beer stops with pretty good grub.
Glacier National Park, Montana -
I cannot stress enough how much every rider in America needs to visit this park. I'm sure there are better times of year than others, but no matter. See it. Experience it. Even zipping through it can be done in about 3 hours, slow down. Take your time. Stop and smell the mountain goat poop. Okay, not really the poop. But at least experience it, and the area around it like Kalispell ,, St. Mary's and Cut Bank. And I highly recommend taking US-2 on both sides of the park. And while you are in the area, head up to Eureka, Montana and (if you are in a four wheel vehicle) get your oil changed at The Pit Stop Oil & Lube. Tell Myles I said hello.
North Vancouver, British Columbia -
Once you get through the urban landscape of beautiful downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, take Canada 1 (or whatever it's called) to BC-99 north. You'll go through a number of gorgeous provincial parks and past Whistler (where the 2010 Winter Olympics had may events) and see some of the most stunning scenery you'll ever experience.
By the time you get to Lilloet, you'll have seen the very best of it. I'd recommend taking another route back south if you don't want to suffer through some desert terrain. And I do mean suffer. At least if it's July. Lilloet is frequently the hottest spot in Canada every year. (And NO, that's not like saying 'tallest midget') But even that's worth it.
Finally (for this installment):
Kitwanga, BC to Hyder, Alaska -
This certainly is one majestic road. If you want wildlife and gorgeous vistas, this is the path for you. Watch out for Elk, Moose, Bear and smaller animals, but really enjoy this ride. The end of the route is also the highlight of it. Hyder is a very small town, and the southernmost accessible-by-road town in Alaska. That's what gives it its charm. Sure, it's a bit of a tourist trap being that a lot of folks make this their "I went to Alaska!" point, avoiding the extra 1,000 miles to get to 'mainland Alaska'.
If you go, and I really hope you will, please stay at the Sealaska Inn and say hello to Gary for me. Get 'Hyderized' there and be sure to have breakfast at the Glacier Inn (literally a stumble away from each other) before you leave the area.
This is another 'watch that gas gauge' route. And I'm serious about that. Top off in Stewart, BC and in Kitwanga (depending on your direction) and make sure you get every little drop in.
Whattaya think?
