I’ve got a question for you.

WHAT MAKES FOR A GREAT SCENIC MOTORCYCLE RIDE?

Awesome Scenery

Tight Curves

Challenging Switchbacks

Unique History

Well, this route has all of these and much more !

Not only is it one of 21 routes designated as an All American Road, this scenic route has also been called    ” The Most beautiful roadway in America ” by On the Road correspondent, Charles Kuralt. To top it off, It was voted the USA Today’s Top Ten Motorcycle Trips in 2016.

 

Rising 10,927 ft over scenic Beartooth Pass, it zig zags through 12,000 ft high peaks of the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains before falling 5000 ft to Red Lodge Montana. You will pass Waterfalls, Glacier Lakes, Wildlife and Wide High Alpine Plateaus.

Opened in 1936, officially Beartooth Highway starts at Cooke City, Wyoming, it heads east till it meets Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

In order to start at Cooke City, you will have to pass through Yellowstone and depart from its NE Entrance. This is a very scenic route, however, I prefer starting in Cody, Montana, where you would head North on Hwy 120 and hit The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Head north and it will connect with Beartooth.

This byway is named after Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe. Chief Joseph, along with 1000 followers, were fleeing the US Calvary, who were trying to force them into a reservation. They made a valiant effort to get into Canada, but were stopped just 38 miles from the border. His last words

to his followers were “Hear me, my Chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever”.

As you continue to follow the footsteps of Chief Joseph, you will be twisting westward towards Sunlight Creek Bridge, a single span bridge, which is the highest bridge in Wyoming. Traveling west you will cross the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone river which carves a 1200 ft gorge between the Beartooth Plateau and the Absaroka mountains. To the west you will be able view Pilot and Index Peaks, that stand like guardians to the NE entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Also, at Clarks Fork, there is Painters Crossing, a great spot to take a pit stop and catch your breath before jumping on the Bear

Turn right on US 212 and you are riding the Bear. As the road rises towards the summit, make sure to stop at Lake Creek Falls and Clarks Fork Overlook. Be sure not to miss Pilot and Index Peak overlook, a paved road that offers some great views of the two guardians. After you pass Beartooth Falls and Beartooth Lake, you will be winding through glacial lakes and switchbacks that will lead you to the last pit stop on the road, The Top of the World Store.

After taking a breather, get back on the Bear and shoot for the Summit. You twist and turn as the West Summit Overlook approaches on the left. At 10,947 ft., the overlook offers fantastic 360 degree views of the Beartooth Plateau and the surrounding mountains that are not to be missed. Also, do not miss spotting “Na Piet Say“. This spire, carved by glaciation, is the namesake of the Beartooth Mountains. As you start your descent to Red Lodge, you will pass the 45th parallel, exactly halfway from the equator to the north pole.

Then comes the real fun, 7 miles of the most beautiful switchbacks this world has to offer. A twisting 5,000 ft ride down the side of Beartooth Plateau. Make sure to stop at Vista Point rest area, a great place to stop and soak in views of Rock Creek Canyon and Hellroaring Plateau.

As you near Red Lodge, stop for a minute and look back. You have just completed one of the most beautiful, challenging rides this planet has to offer. Spectacular and dangerous, the Chief and the Bear should be on every motorcycle rider’s bucket list, and You just checked them off yours.

To get to the Chief, take Hwy 120 north out of Cody, Wyoming. You will ride 16 miles past Heart Mountain and make a left on Hwy 296, now you are on the Byway. You will cross through historic Two Dot Ranch and then wind your way up to the top of Dead Indian Hill. Be sure to stop at the overlook at the summit.From your perch, check out the spectacular vista of the Sunlight Basin, Clarks Fork Canyon, and the Beartooth Plateau.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU TRAVEL:

• Check the weather before you go, do not be surprised to see a little snow at the summit

• Pack warm clothes. Heated Gloves and Jacket are a plus

• Check road conditions, Beartooth closes in the winter

     Bikers Blues and BBQ is an annual event held in Fayetteville Arkansas on the last weekend of September. 2016’s rally will be held on Sept 21st thru Sept 24th.  BBB has been held annually since 2000 and is the largest non-profit for charity motorcycle rally in the country. This rally is also one of the fastest growing in the country with the riders coming from all over the country and the world, swelling numbers the from just 300 in 2000  to over 400,000. There are many hotels and campgrounds in the area with the Washington County Fairgrounds being the official campsite for the rally.

     The heart of the rally is on W  Dickson St in Fayetteville, with numerous Vendors, Bands, Poker runs, BBQ Babes contest, BBQ, Bike Giveaways, and car shows. The rally has one other area with Vendors and Multiple Manufactures Demo rides, it is just a short distance away from  Dickson St at the University of Arkansas’s baseball field parking lot.
     

   There are plenty of reasons to come to BBB. However, the riding in NW Arkansas is the main attraction. Boasting some of the best riding you will experience anywhere ! So no matter what your reason for coming, to party on Dickson St or to experience the great riding in NW Arkansas or both !!  You are sure to have a great time at Biker’s Blues and BBQ !!!

            Arkansas boasts some of the best motorcycle rides anywhere and is quickly becoming a must destination for riders looking for new and challenging roads to experience.

 

Pig Trail

 

The Pig Trail is probably one of the most famous rides in Arkansas. This historic road got its nickname because it is used as a shortcut by Razorback fans going to games in Fayetteville. It was also used very heavily in the Civil war by both the Union and Confederate troops. Like most of the excellent rides in Arkansas it is best experienced in spring for the beautiful wildflowers and in the fall for the colorful foliage. The Pig trail was also named the Top Ride in America by the USA Today Readers Poll. The official ride starts where 23 meets I-40 and goes north on 23 for 24 miles. till it intersects with 16. However, if you don’t want to stop there, the entire length of 23 from the Arkansas- Missouri border to Boonville is a must !!

 

Scenic 71 Loop

 

Start this ride south of Fayetteville taking 265 s off of 49. Take 265 through some beautiful rolling hills. Then jump on 170, which will take you through Devil’s Den. This is a really cool State Park that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a depression era group that constructed many of the areas landmarks. As you depart the park on your way to 70. Be aware of several challenging switchbacks on your way through Winslow to 71 south. Arkansas 71 takes you over the Boston Mountains with some really sick sweeping curves and fantastic views. Ride the Boston Mountain scenic byway down to I-40 go west to Ar59 not Us59 and travel north. Take 45 to Us 62 to Fayetteville.

 

The Arkansas Dragon

 

The Arkansas Dragon is one hell of a ride !  Although the official dragon is only 19 miles, it is as challenging as any ride you will experience anywhere. I would start in Western Grove, on 65 south of Harrisonville, and go south on 123 towards the tip of the dragon’s tail in Mt Judea. South of Mt Judea you will hit the dragon’s tail. These switchbacks are intense and for experienced riders. After you twist through the tail you will ride along the dragon’s back till you arrive at the junction with 7. You just have experienced the Arkansas Dragon, but don’t stop here!!  Continue on south on 7 and stay on 123 when it branches off at Sand Gap. Stay on 123 to Clarksville. Although most of this ride is after the Dragon, it is none the less a beautiful ride through N central Arkansas.

 

Push Mountain Road

 

If it’s twists, turns and dramatic elevation changes you are looking for, do not miss Push Mtn Road. With 100’s of  curves and exciting elevation changes, this road dishes out all you can take.

   Start off in Mountain View, take 14 north past Blanchard Springs, go a few miles past and go right on 341 aka Push Mountain Road. Take Push mountain till it dead ends into 201. The road quality is perfect and when you finish it you may stop, look back and say “ Again “ !!!

 

Mt. Magazine Run

 

   Take a ride to the highest point in Arkansas, Mt Magazine. This is a beautiful ride with some great views from the top of the Mt Magazine. Make sure to stop at the Lodge and enjoy a great lunch with some excellent views of the valley below. Take 7 south out of Russellville, follow 7 till it intersects with 60 at Nimrod lake. Make sure to take a minute and stop at the Dam fro some great pictures. Go east on 60 to Plainview and go east on 28, take a right on 27 to Danville where you will go east on 10. Take 10 to 309 which will take you to the top of Mt Magazine. Again, make sure to take the road into the state park for Mt Magazine Lodge and several scenic loop roads around the top of the mountain. After your stay continue on 309 till it runs into 23 take it north across the Arkansas river where it meets I40 and starts the famous Pig Trail. If you have time to stay for a day or two around Mt Magazine, there are some great wineries to visit in the Arkansas wine country.

    The summers can be very hot, so try to make your visit in the spring or fall. Spring is nice but for me the best time is in the fall, where the trees light up the day with fantastic colors not to be missed.  

 

   There are just to many great rides in Arkansas to list them all. but for any true motorcycle rider, Arkansas is a definite Bucket List must !!!.

 

 

 

 

           Around the first week every August, there is a gathering of motorcycle riders from all over the world. It is called Sturgis Week.  Sturgis Week originally started as a race called “ The Black Hills Classic”. Hosted by the  “Jackpine Gypsies”, and their founder Pappy Hoel, who opened an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936. Both have been inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. Needless to say, the event has grown over the years, stopping only once in 1942, due to fuel rationing during WW II.

  Sturgis Week, being held in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, offers some the best motorcycle riding you will experience anywhere. Having attended Sturgis Week many times, I had a chance to ride all over the Black Hills. Below are my favorites.    

 

Spearfish Canyon Ride  

       This is an excellent ride, surrounded by steep canyon walls, dotted with waterfalls, caves and walking trails. Start off by taking 14A out of Spearfish and wind your way between 1,000 ft canyon walls. Bridal Veil Falls will come up on your left, make sure to stop for this really cool waterfall. Continue up the canyon to Savoy, stop here to visit Roughlock Falls, so scenic that the final scenes of Dancing with Wolves was filmed there. The Roughlock Falls Rd. becomes gravel so be careful ! The Canyon winds up to Cheyenne Crossing at 85 Hwy. The Cheyenne Crossing Store is a great place to stop for lunch. It is the site of a stagecoach stop dating back to 1878. At this point you can go east on 85 back to Deadwood and Sturgis. However, I prefer going west on 85, part of the Can-am Highway that connects Mexico with Canada. It travels 1,478 miles from El Paso to the Canadian border. It threads through the Black Hills and down into Wyoming where, at Four Corners, you take 585N to Sundance. From there take old Hwy 14 back to Spearfish.     

 

• Directions – Take 14a south out of Spearfish, 85 w to Four Corners, 585 n to Sundance, Old Hwy 14 back to Spearfish.

• Do not miss –  Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Cheyenne Crossing Store.

 

Needles Highway – Iron Mountain Ride  

      A Beautiful ride highlighting some of the best riding in the Black Hills. Dead Presidents, Crazy Chiefs, Amazing scenery, Wildlife, and Wild

Mt Rushmore

 

roads will make this a ride to remember. To get started, take 385S out of Deadwood, you will cruising past some great scenery and many small towns. During Sturgis week, they all have something going on, make sure you stop and soak it all in. 385 will take you past  Pactula Reservoir, a beautiful lake and great place for a pit stop. Continue on 385 past 244 to 87 south, you are now on Needles Highway. So far a great ride, but the real fun is just beginning. The road twists and climbs as you pass beautiful Sylvan Lake. Up ahead lies the granite cathedral spires of the Needles, nature’s art gallery. Take your time here the road is narrow as you pass through the Eye of the Needle, make sure to stop for some great views and photo ops. Continue on 87 as it descends down towards Custer. Turn on Playhouse road, stay on till you hit 16A and turn left. You are now on Iron Mtn road, a beautiful test of your riding skills, as you face hundreds of curves, switchbacks, pigtails, and one lane tunnels, all while rising and descending 2,000 ft. The tunnels are positioned in a way that they frame Mt Rushmore, for an unforgettable view of the monument. Make your way down Iron Mtn and go left on 244, this will lead you to Mt Rushmore. There are numerous places to stop for great views and pictures. Many riders stop there and get all the pictures they need. However, you can still go into the park for a closer look. After soaking in the dead presidents, you stay on 244 till it runs back into 385. Go south on 385 for a look at another monument in the making, The Crazy Horse Memorial. Work started in 1948 by  Korczak Ziolkowski, and is continuing to this day. When it is finished it will be the largest stone carving in the world, and will depict Chief Crazy Horse on his steed pointing into the distance. Again, you can drive up the entrance to get some good pictures, before you have to enter the site itself. After you are finished go north on 385 back to Deadwood.

 

• Directions – Take 385 s out of Deadwood, take 87 to Playhouse Rd and turn left, turn left on 16A, go left on 244, turn left on 385 to Crazy Horse, go north on 385 back to Deadwood.

• Do not miss –  Mt Rushmore, Chief Crazy Horse Monument, Pactola Lake, Sylvan Lake, Needles, Iron Mountain Rd.

 

Devils Tower Ride  

     Have a close encounter with a really cool ride, as you cruise from South Dakota and into Wyoming, passing wide open spaces dotted with small historic towns, rolling hills, and grand rock formations. After you enter Wyoming, look for the Stone House Saloon, this old rock building is only open during Sturgis week. A great place to stop and grab a drink and listen to some good live music. As you continue west you will pass several small towns, make sure to stop in Huett for No Panties Wednesday. Next stop Devils Tower National Monument. This is america’s first national monument and is featured in sci-fi movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. At 1,265 ft high, it attracts many visitors and rock climbers. Take one of the trails to the base to watch these guys defy gravity. On your way back make sure to stop in Sundance, Wyoming. It’s jail once held the Sundance Kid, one half of the notorious outlaw duo depicted in the movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is also known for Burn Out Wednesday, one of the best burnout shows you’ll see, and it only happens during Sturgis week.   

 

• Directions – Take 85n out of Spearfish to 34w ( Changes to 24w at state line). Take 14s to Sundance. Stay on old 14e back to Spearfish.

 

• Do Not Miss – Stone House Saloon, Huett and No Pantie Wednesday, Devils Tower, Sundance and Burnout Wednesday

 

The Badlands

       This ride will take you through a landscape that is truly out of this world. If you did not know any better, you might think you were riding on the face of the moon. To get there, start at the Black Hills Harley Davidson in Rapid City. A great place to visit during Sturgis week. Take 44 east towards the town of Scenic, make sure to drive through and check out the jail and saloon ( Closed ) that date back to 1906. Get back on 44 and head east to the Badlands. As you pass through Interior get on 377, which will lead you to the entrance of Badlands National Park, run into 244 and go left. This will lead you through some of the strangest terrain you will ever ride. The barren peaks seem to appear out of the nowhere and offer some great riding and unforgettable scenery. The road will lead you out of the park and into the town of Wall. Make sure you drive through Main Street and stop in at Wall Drug, it’s been there since 1934, and became popular by offering free Ice water to travelers who were passing by. After checking out Wall, jump onto I-90 for your return to Rapid City or continue on to Sturgis.

 

         Sturgis week is not just for Sturgis, just about every town within 100 miles is joining the annual motorcycle celebration. The roads will be filled with riders ready to soak in the sights and sounds of the rally . So jump on your bike, throttle down, and follow in the footsteps of General Custer and Crazy Horse through the Black Hills  and have your own close encounter with the Sturgis Experience.

 

    

 Beautiful beaches, warm weather, 500,000 bikers looking to party are just a few of the reasons that the Daytona Bike week has grown to one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country.

     It all started in 1937 as the Daytona 200 Motorcycle race. The first one was a 3.2 mile beach and pavement course and the winner was Ed “Iron Horse” Kretz. A Californian, and founder of the 13 Rebels Motorcycle Club, who rode a Indian Sport Scout at an average speed of 73 Mph.

    Although World War II put a stop to the race for a few years, the tradition continued. The races started back up in 1947 and quickly started to gain in popularity. Promoted by the founder of Nascar, Big Bill France Sr,  it is now a Rally that rivals Sturgis, drawing 500,000 plus bikers from around the world.

    Bike Week is centered in Daytona, but the festivities are scattered around the entire county. Main Street in Daytona is the center of activities. However, The Daytona Speedway hosts a series of races during Bike Week and caps off the week with the running of the Daytona 200. For an unique experience look into the camping options on the speedway infield, and enjoy a week of exceptional racing with some of the best seats in the house outside your tent ! In between races you can enjoy the large midway filled with vendors offering just about anything a motorcycle enthusiast could imagine.

     The local motorcycle dealers all have events scheduled during the week. The largest being Bruce Rossmeyers Daytona Harley, located where I-95 and Hwy 1 cross north of Daytona Beach. Entertainment, food and a multitude of vendors are set up for the entire week. As you are riding up to Daytona Harley, make sure to stop at a couple of spots along Hwy1. Broken Spoke Saloon and Iron Horse Saloon, both offer camping, cold drinks, and Live music.

   With all the partying, racing and vendors it is possible to forget that you are surrounded by miles of unforgettable riding. The rolling hills and horse farms of central Florida offer a excellent contrast to the beautiful beaches that are right off Hwy 1A. There are also many cool towns and attractions to visit only about an hour away from Daytona.

   Full of history and eclectic shopping, St Augustine, the oldest city in the nation, is just a short ride north along the beach. Go south four an hour and visit the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. Also, don’t forget to visit the great theme parks in Orlando !!

Tips for First Timers

•            It goes without saying that you will need to get your lodging secured at least 6 months early. In fact you should be looking as early as a year before !

•            Even though Bike Week is held in the spring, make sure to bring and apply sunscreen. The Sun is really intense in Florida !

•            If you can’t make it in March, there is another rally in October. The Biketoberfest is held annually every year in Daytona.