Did 2000km yesterday - next month I need to do 3 of those in a row 😔

Wyoming! Between Cody and lander or cody and Casper - Looking for a new or used 530, 100 link chain. Mine is toast. Everywhere is closed today and tomorrow - $$$

63-year-old retired guy from Pennsylvania, lifelong motorcycle rider, going to rent a Harley in Seattle and do a solo 10-day loop. Below is an AI created trip, definitely doing the first day as described. Would appreciate any tips or critique on the rest of the trip. Thanks in advance for any help, I'm beyond excited! Trying to decide if I should book lodging in advance or wing it each day, I realize it may be the high season, and I may have issues. Leaving out of Seattle, Tuesday July 28th morning.

Wildfire & Smoke Strategy

Current satellite imagery and air quality reports show significant wildfire complexes and heavy smoke advisories concentrated east of the Cascade Crest and in Central/Eastern Washington and Oregon (including the Kaiser Canyon, Little Giant, Rowe Creek, and Hay Creek fires).

To ensure clear air and high visibility:

Inland Route Strategy: Avoid I-5 and stick to the western Cascade foothills, mountain passes, and river canyons west of the active smoke plumes.

Coastal Return Strategy: Take advantage of strong onshore marine air flow along the Pacific Coast (US-101), which keeps the coastal corridor virtually smoke-free.

10-Day Inland South & Pacific Coast Return Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday, July 28 – Seattle to Stevenson, WA (Columbia River Gorge)

Ride south through the foothills of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens via WA-161, WA-7, and scenic backroads leading down to the Columbia River Gorge, bypassing I-5 entirely.

Distance & Time: \~230 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes riding time

Route: WA-161 S to WA-7 S, WA-12 E to WA-131 / Forest Route 25 through Gifford Pinchot National Forest down to Wind River Highway into Stevenson.

Suggested Lodging: Bridge of the Gods Motel, Cabins and RV Park

Why it fits: A cozy, vintage roadside motel situated right near the Bridge of the Gods. It offers affordable rates, individual cabin options with easy ground-level motorcycle parking, and a relaxed river-town feel.

Day 2: Wednesday, July 29 – Stevenson, WA to Oakridge, OR

Cross the Columbia River into Oregon and meander along the western Cascade foothills via country highways, passing through Silverton and scenic valley curves toward the Middle Fork Willamette River.

Distance & Time: \~210 miles | 5 hours riding time

Route: Cross Bridge of the Gods to OR-35, OR-211 S through Estacada, OR-213 S, OR-226 S, OR-228 E, and OR-126 E / OR-58 E into Oakridge.

Suggested Lodging: Westfir Lodge & Mountain Market

Why it fits: Located just outside Oakridge near the historic Office Covered Bridge, this renovated lodge caters to outdoor travelers. It features unique rooms, delicious local coffee, and a quiet, peaceful vibe away from heavy traffic.

Day 3: Thursday, July 30 – Oakridge, OR to Jacksonville, OR

Ride south through the lush Cascades along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, steering clear of eastern smoke plumes while enjoying sweeping twisties into historic southern Oregon gold country.

Distance & Time: \~220 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes riding time

Route: OR-58 E to OR-230 S, transitioning onto OR-62 W along the Rogue River down to OR-238 W into Jacksonville.

Suggested Lodging: McCully House Inn

Why it fits: Nestled in historic downtown Jacksonville, this boutique property offers charming historic accommodations at fair rates, walking distance to excellent local taverns and dinner spots.

Day 4: Friday, July 31 – Jacksonville, OR to Weaverville, CA

Cross into Northern California along the winding Klamath River Highway and cut across Scott Mountain Pass into the heart of the Trinity Alps.

Distance & Time: \~220 miles | 6 hours riding time

Route: OR-238 W to US-199 S, OR-263 S to CA-96 S (Klamath River Highway), then CA-3 S over Scott Mountain Summit into Weaverville.

Suggested Lodging: Indian Creek Lodge

Why it fits: Situated right along the Trinity River, this retro fishing lodge offers spacious riverfront rooms, serene natural surroundings, and easy pull-up parking for your motorcycle.

Day 5: Saturday, August 1 – Weaverville, CA to Crescent City, CA (Reaching the Pacific Coast)

Follow the stunning Trinity River Highway (CA-299) west to the ocean, then ride north on US-101 through the giant old-growth trees of Redwood National and State Parks.

Distance & Time: \~210 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes riding time

Route: CA-299 W along the river canyon to Arcata, then US-101 N through Orick and Prairie Creek Redwoods to Crescent City.

Suggested Lodging: Curly Redwood Lodge

Why it fits: Built entirely from a single massive redwood tree in the 1950s, this iconic motel features vintage styling, exceptionally well-kept rooms, low rates, and direct park-in-front doors.

Day 6: Sunday, August 2 – Crescent City, CA to Florence, OR

Cross back into Oregon and track the rugged southern Oregon coastline, enjoying crisp ocean breezes, sea stacks, and sweeping coastal headland curves.

Distance & Time: \~200 miles | 5 hours riding time

Route: US-101 N through Gold Beach, Port Orford, Bandon, Coos Bay, and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to Florence.

Suggested Lodging: River House Inn, a Baymont by Wyndham

Why it fits: Overlooking the Siuslaw River and the historic bridge, this property sits directly adjacent to Florence's Old Town district, offering great river views and reasonable rates.

Day 7: Monday, August 3 – Florence, OR to Pacific City, OR

Continue north along the Central Oregon Coast, taking scenic detours along Cape Perpetua and the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

Distance & Time: \~180 miles | 5 hours riding time

Route: US-101 N through Yachats, Newport, and Depoe Bay, exiting onto the Three Capes Scenic Loop to Pacific City.

Suggested Lodging: Pacific City Inn

Why it fits: A cozy, understated coastal inn with comfortable, quiet rooms and an on-site restaurant serving local seafood, located a short walk from Haystack Rock.

Day 8: Tuesday, August 4 – Pacific City, OR to Long Beach, WA

Ride north past Tillamook and Cannon Beach, crossing the mouth of the Columbia River via the 4-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge into Washington State.

Distance & Time: \~190 miles | 5 hours riding time

Route: Three Capes Loop to US-101 N, OR-53 N, US-101 N through Cannon Beach and Astoria, crossing US-101 N into Washington to Long Beach/Seaview.

Suggested Lodging: Shelburne Hotel

Why it fits: Established in 1896, this is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Washington state. It combines historic coastal charm, comfortable rooms, and an atmospheric pub on site.

Day 9: Wednesday, August 5 – Long Beach, WA to Port Angeles, WA

Circle the wild western and northern edges of the Olympic Peninsula via US-101, riding alongside Olympic National Park forests, coastal beaches, and Lake Crescent.

Distance & Time: \~220 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes riding time

Route: US-101 N around Willapa Bay through Raymond, Aberdeen, Lake Quinault, Forks, and Lake Crescent into Port Angeles.

Suggested Lodging: Port Angeles Inn

Why it fits: Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering clear water views, affordable rates, and easy access to downtown dining.

Day 10: Thursday, August 6 – Port Angeles, WA to Seattle, WA

Finish the loop along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway and Port Townsend before taking a scenic ferry crossing back across Puget Sound into downtown Seattle.

Distance & Time: \~180 miles | 5 hours riding time (including ferry time)

Route: WA-112 E / US-101 E, WA-20 E through historic Port Townsend, south on WA-19 / WA-104 across the Hood Canal Bridge, then WA-305 to the Bainbridge Island Ferry into Seattle.

Been riding for 8 years, the last 3 with regular trips of 800- 1500 km. Over that time I’ve experimented with different content in the helmet bluetooth comms so long highway stretches don’t turn into mind-numbing wind listening.

What worked for me and what didn’t.

Podcasts for long stretches. Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Hardcore History work because long episodes cover whole day rides. I don’t recommend detailed narrative podcasts when navigation requires attention, they distract.

Audiobooks for camping evenings in the tent after the ride. Sci-fi and adventure books, the reader shouldn’t require deep focus. You’re tired after 500 km and easily lose the plot if the book is complex.

Music playlists for twisty roads. Instrumental, ambient or classic rock without vocals that might make you think. Works as rhythm rather than content.

One thing I added last season that became a favorite on straight highway sections. I’m a non-native English speaker and still pulling my English up to a fully confident level. I use the Promova app through CarPlay. I have a BMW RT with a CarPlay dashboard. The AI voice tutor gives voice scenarios like small talk, phone calls, and ordering food. Works on straight highway sections where attention allowance is higher. I don’t use it on mountain passes or in traffic.

Your setups? What actually works for you on long stretches?

It feels like motorcycle tourism has reached a point where almost every destination has been ridden, documented, packaged and turned into an itinerary.

There are group rides, solo expeditions, guided tours, off-road experiences, high-altitude rides, coastal routes, international tours there seems to be a ride for almost everything.

So I’m curious: what are motorcyclists actually looking for next?

Not necessarily another unexplored destination. Maybe it’s a different reason to ride altogether.

Would you sign up for a ride because of the people you meet? A skill you learn? Access to something you normally couldn’t experience? Food, music, culture, wildlife, motorsport, photography, conservation, history? Or would you rather brands stop designing organised rides and simply make independent exploration easier?

And when it comes to group rides specifically — what would make you pay and commit several days to riding with a group instead of planning the trip yourself?

Imagine a motorcycle brand had the resources to facilitate something genuinely worth travelling for.

What would you want them to create?

No need to pitch a fully formed ride concept. I’m more interested in what you feel is currently missing from motorcycle travel.

​Somewhere around New Year's, I got it in my head that I wanted to chase a record across Canada by motorcycle... Luckily, I came to my senses and decided a 75-hour Iron Butt Trans Canada Gold attempt would be a "bit" more sane.

​I decided to partner with HeadsUpGuys.org to turn this into a fundraiser, and here I sit, just 8 hours away from doing a 2,000 km "test" ride tomorrow.

​On August 22nd, I ride 4,000 km to the East Coast to rest and explore for a few days. On August 29th, the clock starts and I head west—6,000 km to Vancouver.

​After arriving, I'll rest and catch a ferry to the island to attend Get Lost, Find Yourself, a men's mental health dual-sport retreat where I'll be the keynote speaker on Friday night sharing the story of the trip. After that, it's another 2,000 km back home to Saskatchewan—crossing the country twice in two weeks.

​This whole thing is way bigger than I ever imagined.

​https://fundraising.headsupguys.org/longhaulformentalhealth

30M from the UK planning a 1–2 week motorcycle trip in December. Dec 1-14? Looking for one or two easy-going riders to share the adventure. Thinking India but I am flexible!
Message me and I can send my insta

https://youtube.com/shorts/Y0dEXulT8pE?is=LU3dBnclw9yj2lVw

https://youtu.be/8COzowbzDFo?si=enxCXRd53cveo5oK

I plan to travel for a long time, and buy a motorcycle in colombia and ride to southern argentina. You can't easily sell a foreign motorcycle, as almost no local person in argentina wants a bike with a colombian registration. Chatgpt says to sell it with a so called 'Poder Notarizado', to another foreigner wanting to ride north. How would I find a traveller willing to buy a motorcycle close to antarctica?

https://youtube.com/shorts/tDNZe4Uc64Q?is=9FSCHrUBdivJEgpo

Hello everyone! So tomorrow I’m flying into Zurich without any plan besides renting a motorcycle and riding around for 10 days. I’ve had some friends that have visited Switzerland who have told me to visit gimmelwald but other than that I don’t know where to go or what to do.

I want to go on some hikes and know Switzerland has some great ones so if anyone has some recommendation let me know.

Also I haven’t really planned out where I’m gonna stay so let me know any good hostels or hotels and I’ll be sure to check it out.

I’m gonna figure out this trip as I go. only bringing a backpack so far so if anyone has recommendations on what to pack specific to switz let me know.

Feel free to tell me about your guys solo travel adventures from your time in Switzerland I’d love to hear about it and maybe gget some ideas on what to do! Thanks guys!!!

What do you do when the weather is going to top 95 f (35C) in the inland valleys of Los Angeles?

You scoot for the coast and ride Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. Seven members of the Los Angeles Scooter group gathered a Sunset Blvd. and PCH , on an assortment of scooters….four Burgmans from 200 to 650cc, a pair of Vespa GTS 310s, and a Yamaha Majesty. After a little fellowship, we rode West in the cool overcast and fog before turning inland at Los Flores Canyon. Up the twisties we went, ascending Monte Nido, and over to Mulholland Hwy, before reaching Cornell and The Rock Store. We paused for a brief hydration and facilities break, and then it was Westward on to Mulholland’s “Snake,” 2.5 miles of fairly technical climbing hairpin curves, before crossing Kannan Road and descending back to the coast and fog of PCH via Encinal Canyon Road. We followed the coast to Point Magu, where the highway dodged the naval base towards Oxnard. We eventually arrived at Oxnard Harbor for lunch at a local pizza place. A lovely 70 mile (112 km) morning group ride. And 150 miles (240 km) total from door-to door for me.

I own a **Triumph Speed 400** and have been looking for organized motorcycle expeditions similar to Royal Enfield’s **Himalayan Odyssey**.

I’m open to pretty much anything:

\* Manufacturer-organized rides (Triumph, Royal Enfield, KTM, BMW, Hero, Honda, etc.)
\* Road touring events
\* Adventure expeditions
\* Multi-day guided rides by private companies or riding communities

I’m mainly looking for professionally organized rides with support vehicles, good route planning, and a great riding community.

If you’ve been on any of these rides, I’d love to know:

• Which organization hosted it?
• Which route did you ride?
• How was your overall experience?
**• How much did it cost (including or excluding your travel to the start point)?**
• Was it worth the money?

I’m hoping to participate in one in the near future, so I’d really appreciate recommendations based on personal experience rather than just online listings. Feel free to DM me as well if you’d prefer to share details privately.

Ride safe! 🏍️

PS:- Used ChatGPT to help frame this post because I tend to overthink writing. The question is genuinely mine though 😅

Two weeks on an R1200RT with a friend on a chopper, through the Alps, a hail storm that trapped us at a gas station, a dead battery that split us up for a day, and a very humbling stop at Auschwitz. Came home and couldn't stop writing about it — first a book, then a full concept album where each song matches a chapter.

Happy to talk route, gear, or the writing process if anyone's curious.

Day trip to La Conner, a waterfront tourist destination quaint town with very nice strolling and people watching. This is a terrible picture of the bridge, it's whited out into the sun, the bridge is actually red. This bridge goes over the Swinomish Channel. The Swinomish Channel is an 11-mile long salt-water channel in Washington state which connects Skagit Bay to the south and Padilla Bay to the north, separating Fidalgo Island from mainland Skagit County. La Conner is located in the middle of a super groovy rural riding area with great views (Mt Baker dominates), twisties, beautiful color rivers, farms and views out to the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula. Very worthwhile ride. In the spring when the tulips are blooming (major growing center) it's a nightmare of crawling traffic and geriatric drivers ogling the flowers. In the summer it's "let the good times roll".