Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
(Words by Mars Bonfire, © MCA Music BMI)
The rock band Steppenwolf could not have articulated the romance and adventure that surrounds motorcycle road trips any better than the lyrics of their song Born To Be Wild. The idea of the wind brushing against your entire body, the hum of your motorcycle engine firing up and the seemingly unending twists and turns of the roads are all what motorcycle road trips are about. True enough, motorcycle road trips give you an inherent sense of freedom -- freedom to be with nature where motorcyclists have nobody but themselves to think of and have that natural human drive to be wild.
Each motorcycle road trip is always unique. The roads, the scenic views, the people and the experiences are different every time, each significantly awesome in their own right. The interesting stories of the plains and towns surrounding the roads make for a great learning experience as you cannot help but absorb the rich histories and diverse cultures of the people and places you encounter.
Along with the sense of freedom are the challenges every motorcyclist has to face. The most obvious challenges are the rough roads or terrains you choose to travel along and the unpredictable weather changes at any given place. Take note, though, that it is not only the roads and the weather that pose challenges to a rider. He or she also faces the challenge of packing. The practical limitations that go along with motorcycle road trips demand each road trip enthusiast plan far harder than a four-wheel road trip. Travel light on supplies of clothes, toiletries, and munchies, and hang on to those quarters for your frequent trips to the Laundromat.
Perhaps the origin of motorcycle road trips date back to when motorcycles were first invented in 1885. To date, motorcycle road trips have evolved from a means of going from one place to another to a fast growing hobby, especially in the United States. The country has so many beautiful byways to explore. That fact alone gives motorcyclists the desire to invest both time and resources to go on road trips.
Motorcycle road trips have become an art. Riders take as much time to contemplate on the proper gear, attire and gadgets they might need as they would ponder on their routes and destinations. Other activities that have spawned from motorcycle road trips are photography (one can never resist taking pictures of beautiful scenes) and collecting memorabilia from every town, city or state (such as magnets or stamps).
Whether motorcyclists go on a road trip moseying or on a set schedule, they have the same goals: To experience culture, to be close to nature, to learn the history of their route and to enjoy the vast open road.
While people were drawn to the excitement of motorcycle movies showing rough-and-tumble characters like those found in Easy Rider,The Wild Ones, and Rebel without a Cause, most of the general population didn’t own motorcycles. But motorcycle road trips have gained in popularity over the years. Today, even teenagers and young adults are getting drawn to them. Attributing to the sense of freedom road trips send, this group sees motorcycle road trips as a rite of passage. Riding solo on their bikes, without their parents as authoritative figures to guide them through, gives them the sense of independence and confidence to make decisions on the road on their own.
As with almost all hobbies, communities are born. People who go on motorcycle road trips have developed communities that have members in their city, state and even the entire country. Plus, with the world wide web making the world more accessible, online communities emerged, connecting one biker to the next. The purpose of these communities is to communicate and share experiences, roadways or byways, tips on safe riding and places to visit.
Navigate through these pages and click here to learn of experiences and journeys of fellow motorcyclists. Read about the routes they have conquered, the scenic byways they have seen, the short anecdotes of the towns they have visited, the diversity of culture they have encountered and the rich history they have learned. Then build your own specialized trip here! Share your plans and ideal routes and destinations for your next motorcycle road trip.
To many, a motorcycle is not just a mode of transportation...it’s a way of life. And a motorcycle road trip is the way to celebrate it.
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space
(Words by Mars Bonfire, © MCA Music BMI)
Plan
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