US Road Trips for Harleys

Whether you want a relaxing trip, or want to test your endurance, there is a Harley road trip for everyone. The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered “A Motorcyclists Paradise.” The ride begins at the southernmost point in Cherokee, North Carolina, and ends in Rockfish Gap in Virginia.

It is 469 miles of breathtaking scenery that feels like it was made for the motorcycle, with its mountains, valleys, waterfalls and streams. Commercial trucks are not allowed on the road, so you will only encounter a few cars and motorcycles. The 45 mile speed limit is perfect because the scenery is something you don’t want to miss. It is paradise, with many scenic stops along the way.

If you want to take your Harley on a road trip to test your endurance, the Iron Butt is held every other year. The trip is an 11,000 mile ride around the perimeter of the United States in eleven days. It is a brutal trip and only those who meet certain experience requirements can compete. You are competing for points and it is imperative that you keep records of stops with receipts, odometer readings, and witnesses of where you have been.

Iron Butt recommends that you completely check out your Harley and do maintenance before the ride. Do not put add-ons to your Harley that have not been tested for comfort and endurance. Break in all the equipment well before the trip. Bring along a high quality tool kit so you can do repairs while you are on the road. Make sure your bike is riding comfortably with no annoying rattles or vibrations that will bring on fatigue much faster. They stress safety and the ride is set up so the rider can go the speed limit and have plenty of time for rest.