7 Great Motorcycle Rides

Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, North Carolina:

Grandfather Mountain and Blue Ridge Rock route spans about 120 miles. Beware of sudden dips and steep uphill turns.  While visiting be sure to walk across the famous Mile High Swing 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.

Bay Loop, Charlestown, Rhode Island:

Bay Loop is 174 miles of pristine beaches, New England fishing villages, historic homes and museums.  Check out the Newport Mansions and stop by the Coast Guard Restaurant in Narragansett for a killer view from the observation deck.

Galveston to Rockport, Galveston, Texas:

This scenic 221 miles of south Texas coast is also a beautiful wildlife preserve.  Keep an eye out for deer, bobcats and even alligators at the Aransas National Refuge Complex near the town of Austwell. (Remember to wash your ride after any beach ride as the salt with pit your chrome)

Big Sur Highway, Cambria, California:

This Big Sur coast stretches 251 miles, and includes 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, stop by for the tour.

Rocky Mountain High Loop, Golden, Colorado:

This route features 184 miles of the finest views in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Be careful on tight curves and hairpin turns.  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 the snow even in the summer.

Death Valley, Furnace Creek Ranch, California:

Experienced riders only, this 127 mile trek includes 35 miles of dirt roads.  This part of the loop takes in Badwater (270 feet below sea level), Zabriskie Point and Mosaic Canyon.  The panorama from Dante's View is mind-blowing.  Meet up with other rides and Death Valley.

Pennsylvania Heartland, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania:

This ride is 191 mile of easy terrain, 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 near Centre, but watch out for Amish carriages.

Information curtesy of Dave Nichols | AARP The Magazine.