If you’re a keen motorbike enthusiast, there’s no more exciting prospect than planning a Dream USA Motorbike Cruise along America’s west coast from San Francisco to Portland. The Pacific Coast Road takes in some amazing scenery along its 2000 mile length, from the rolling wine country of California to the towering redwoods of Oregon, and is a wonderful place to experience the true beauty of the USA’s westernmost regions.
If you’re planning your dream motorbike cruise, we offer you some handy tips and suggestions of things to see and do to get the most out of your break.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your dream motorbike cruise, it’s important to decide where your stops are going to be and just how much distance to cover each day. There’s no point in trying to cover too many miles in one go, otherwise you’ll miss out on all the fun of sightseeing and you’ll just get overtired. While the I5 is the most direct route, there is very little to see.
Instead, take the 101 coastal road with its lovely views and more leisurely pace. If you can spare the time, you need at least 10 days to see the best of this area, however it is possible to complete the route in around 4 to 5 days if you need to. One thing to bear in mind is that the roads are much quieter in the early morning, so aim to be out and about by 7am so that you don’t waste time stuck in traffic.
The American west coast is famous for its many wonderful sights and landmarks. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, and a drive down the city’s crooked Lombard and Vermont Streets is a must-do on your motorbike. As you drive through California you should take the time to stop off at Myers Flat where you can actually drive through a giant redwood tree – this is a unique and exciting thing to on two wheels!
Drive through the impressive Redwood National Park and then visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville where you can admire Howard Hughes’ famous wooden aeroplane, the Spruce Goose. The cave tours at the Oregon Caves National Monument are fascinating while Crater Lake, although slightly off the main route is well worth the detour for its gorgeous scenery.
Preparing For Your Trip
Being well prepared is the key to enjoying your dream trip to the max. Make sure that you check the weather forecast for the route before you go and ensure that you have packed the most appropriate clothing for your trip. You should consider taking a pair of earplugs with you, as riding for long periods on the highway can be hard on the ears, and making sure that you have a smartphone with GPS capabilities will make sure that you’re fully equipped if you get lost en route. You should also take the time to look for garages and motorcycle repair shops along your planned journey.
If you break down, you don’t want to be wondering where you can find a mechanic or spare motorcycle parts to get you back on your way, and you don’t want to be stranded without any idea where you can top up with fuel.
Do you have any tips for a USA based motorbike adventure?! Let us know in the comments below 🙂
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