BUCKET LIST USA
Natural and man-made must-see destinations easily accessible by bike
Death Valley
About 140 miles west of Las Vegas, Death Valley is the hottest and driest place on earth and is the lowest elevation in North America at 282ft (86m) below sea level. The name came about during the California Gold Rush, when a group of pioneers got lost here in the winter of 1849. There was only one reported death, but the name stuck.
There are miles of roads and dirt tracks to explore within the Death Valley National Park – but come prepared. Weather can change quickly and roads are washed out regularly. Respect this vast wilderness – carry water and make sure you have the tools to fix your own flat tyre. It’s a wonderful destination to experience on two wheels. You will be rewarded with beautiful deserts, mountains, and unique wildlife. You can ride through it in a day, or take a few days to really soak it all up.
Death Valley remains hot from May to September. Midsummer is not ideal riding weather, as you will be greeted with a wall of heat. Don’t make the mistake of assuming the flow of air will cool you down as you ride.
Las Vegas
Imagine arriving in Vegas straight out of the desert and onto the strip, still covered in sweat and dirt from a good day’s riding through Death Valley. The roads are good and it’s an easy yet interesting ride through the rolling Nevada desert. Then you get to Vegas and the contrast with the desert will blow your mind. Your senses will soon be overloaded by the glitz and glamour of Sin City, though the beer tastes better and the lights look even brighter when you arrive by motorcycle. There are many hotels just off the strip that are good value for money and offer secure parking for your bike. Do be careful of leaving anything unattended. Las Vegas has a high crime rate, so don’t let the pretty lights lull you into reckless abandonment. At least not until after you’ve put your bike away safely for the night. There are plenty of options once you’re ready to sample a bit of the famous Las Vegas nightlife. If you want to sample Las Vegas in true biker style, then take your chances in the Hogs and Heifers Saloon, an all-out biker bar with dancing girls thrown in for good measure.
Great Smoky Mountains
A ride through the Great Smoky Mountains that straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, near the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, is not to be missed. Noted for its scenic beauty and often moist riding conditions, this area includes the Cherokee Indian Reservation and the Blue Ridge mountain range itself, which is part of the Appalachians. The roads are twisty and in good condition, though expect fog (they’re not called the Smoky Mountains for nothing). Rain can
be torrential but warm, and rarely lasts.
The campsite is in the heart of the hills and designed just for bikers. With just a few cabins sprinkled along the river, and with only the sound of crickets and the flowing water, it is the perfect spot for a relaxing night after a great day’s riding.
Phil, the owner, is a good host. A biker himself, he is attentive to all your needs – sitting with a cold beer in a rocking chair on the porch, listening to Otis Redding, or watching the sunset over Pigeon River before the campfire is lit.
Nashville
There are two types of music in Nashville: country and western (you knew that was coming, right?). Capital of the state of Tennessee, Nashville is a legendary place to visit if you like live music and good food. Almost every establishment offers both. Check out the main strip that boasts an enviable choice of foods, from Brazilian to Mexican to all-out American diners.
If you like cowboys, you’ll love Nashville. Every corner has a bar full of hopeful talent trying to make it in this musical city. Sit back and enjoy a Jack Daniel’s at the bar as they blast out the Johnny Cash classics to which everyone seems to know the words. Often you a hat will be passed around for the band. Be sure to tip, as these are the people that make Nashville worth visiting.
There are many biker-friendly hotels with secure parking in town, but the closer you get to downtown, the more expensive it becomes. It is not the cheapest place in the US, and it can get very busy. You may want to book accommodation well in advance and check that there are no big music events taking place at the time you plan to visit. If there are, you’ll be swamped by the crowds.
With many great riding roads nearby, and an abundance of scenic routes to choose from, Nashville is a great base for any biking holiday.
Mount Rushmore
The Black Hills of South Dakota are perhaps most famous in biking circles for the Sturgis Rally, a massive gathering of Harley-davidson fans each year. However, this area arguably has some of the best biking roads the US has to offer, whatever style of bike you favour. The Iron Mountain Road was made for bikers, and has dramatically framed views of Mount Rushmore. It also boasts 314 curves and 14 hairpins.
The Mount Rushmore Memorial Monument, featuring the heads of four US presidents, was carved into the granite cliff face between 1927 and 1941. The idea was to promote tourism in the area. It worked!
The nearest town to the monument is Keystone. It offers many options for accommodation including campsites, cabins and hotels – but it’s a busy tourist area and staying there doesn’t come cheap.
The summer months are the busiest time to visit Mount Rushmore, and during the Sturgis Rally in early August you will find yourself overwhelmed by Harleydavidsons. Accommodation is booked up well in advance within a 50-mile radius of the rally. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time when visiting South Dakota. Check out the Badlands National Park, Rapid City and Custer State Park too.
“The Black Hills have some of the USA’S best roads”