5 Must-Ride Highways and Byways

Taking your bike out on the road is what it was meant for, but riding the same routes can get tedious. Since we’re based out of Kentucky, we have access to all sorts of rolling hills and scenic rides within an easy distance, but many of our customers are not so lucky. Today, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite rides across the country.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile long scenic ride that runs through Virginia and North Carolina. The road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain system. Through Virginia, you’ll be able to see old mills, waterfalls, and scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains. In North Carolina, the road will take you past numerous rustic lodges, historic sites, and towards the south, sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains just outside Cherokee, North Carolina. The speed limit is set at 45 mph, so it’s not the fastest ride, but if you’re looking for a beautiful leisure cruise, this might be the ride for you.

Beartooth Mountain Pass

The Beartooth Mountain Pass runs through Montana and Wyoming, passing alpine tundra and dense forests all on one road. Along the way, you’ll see many peaks and glaciers and cruise at an elevation of almost 11,000 feet. Wildlife common to the area include moose, mule deer, grizzly bears, and wolves. Should you want to pull off, there are ample areas to park and take a stroll. Beartooth Pass is only open during the warmer months and closes to car and motorcycle traffic in the winter.

San Juan Mountain Skyway

The San Juan Mountain Skyway takes you through the scenic mountains of Colorado. The 225 mile loop starts in Ridgway and runs through mountain towns like Telluride, Ouray, and Durango. The road has many steep grades and sharp turns, letting you put your bike through its paces. Along the way, you’ll pass old mining towns, breathtaking 14’ers, and even the Mesa Verde National Park, where you can see the Anasazi cliff dwellings. While the road is open year-round, parts of it may close during severe weather, so be sure to check the road conditions before setting out.

Needles Highway

Needles Highway is simply the best way to get to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Located in Black Hills, South Dakota, the highway passes through steep and jagged granite outcrops. The road itself is incredibly well-maintained, letting you focus on the scenery rather than dodging potholes. Keep an eye out for bison and deer along the edge of the highway. You may even see a glimpse of Mount Rushmore from the road!

Pacific Coast Highway

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Pacific Coast Highway. Our favorite part of this route runs from Monterey all the way south to Morro Bay and passes along the breathtaking California coast. Along with oceanic panoramas, you’ll see lush meadows, waterfalls, and lighthouses. If you enjoy looking for wildlife, keep an eye out for sea lions, sharks, whales, and even peregrine falcons along the journey. The road is steep and has many sharp turns, but rarely closes due to bad weather, making it a great choice for a winter ride.

If you’re looking for your next motorcycle trip, consider taking your bike on one of these fantastic scenic roads. And if you’re looking to help your bike stand out from the rest of the pack, add a set of custom motorcycle wheels to your ride. RC Components has a full line of custom Harley wheels and aftermarket accessories to take your ride to the next level of performance.