Travelling is great, as many people will agree. However, what only some of them know is how amazing it is to actually travel around the world on a motorcycle. Namely, exploring the world on two wheels creates a totally immersive and involving experience that can’t be matched, especially when you select the right route. To give you some ideas about what rides you might take this year, we’ve selected some of the most popular routes from all over the world, which means you should definitely find one that is not far from where you live. So, here they are (in no particular order).
The Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam
This trail stretches from the north of Vietnam all the way down to the final stop in Ho Chi Minh City – a distance of almost a thousand kilometers. The trail, which was built in the 1960s, was once the main supply line for ammunition and other supplies during the brutal conflicts that took place in Vietnam. Now, you can enjoy tracks and roads that scythe through the incredible landscape of Vietnam and neighboring Laos, through everything from dense jungle to stunning valleys and open plains and this route is definitely best explored by motorcycle. You need a really lightweight trail bike for this tour, though.
The Pacific Coast Highway, USA
From Asia, we move to the west coast of the US, i.e. to the famous Pacific Coast Highway, from the north of San Francisco to the south of LA. You don’t need to cover the whole route if you’re pressed for time, but make sure you ride between Monterey and Morro Bay. This stunning ride tracks the cliffs and achingly beautiful landscape that borders the crashing Pacific Ocean beneath you, taking you through the iconic Carmel and Big Sur as the road snakes south towards the immense Morro Rock that sits above the bay.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Another coastal road on the list is around 300 kilometers long, stretching from the decidedly English sounding Torquay to Peterborough. It features some of the stunning Victoria coastline, as well as dense rainforests, clifftops with a stunning view south towards the distant horizon. Another advantage of this route is that you can uses pretty much any bike, since it’s not that demanding and you can see so much in just one day. Basically, all your belongings can be safely strapped to one of sleek motorcycle carry racks and if you choose a sunny season, you won’t need to use a cover.
The North Yorkshire Tet, UK
When it comes to selecting the best routes for your ride, you don’t need to think about exotic locations alone. On the contrary, you should try to pick the one that offers something you don’t get to experience close to your home. This trail is one of them, for sure. Starting in Kendal in the Lake District, it goes across to the Irish Sea, before tracking all the way across the north of England to finish in Newcastle. If you take this route, you’ll be treated to the beauty of the lakes, the splendor of the North Yorkshire moors and the breathtaking countryside of County Durham.
The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Romania might not be among the top 10 destinations you’d associate with great routes for motorcycle rides, but you’d be very wrong to dismiss it. Namely, this route was constructed as a strategic military route by the ruthless regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. This 90-kilometar route snakes through endless climbs and hairpins right up to the cloud line of the Carpathian Mountains between Sibiu and Brasov, which means it’s only passable in the summer months. If you’re still not convinced, just think about the combination of terrifyingly deep drops bordering the road without so much as a solitary barrier and the longest tunnel that will plunge you into complete darkness for nearly a kilometer. Along this route, you can visit the castle of Vlad the Impaler, just to make the trip a bit more exciting. After all, Jeremy Clarkson and his “Top Gear” team claimed this was the greatest driving road in the world and they’ve certainly travelled around the globe.
These are just some of the motorcycle rides we recommend you take in 2021. After all, you’ve deserved to treat yourself to something amazing and spectacular with everything that’s been happening recently. So, start planning your trip, make sure your bike is in great condition and get ready for what could possible be the best ride of your life!