Best Motorcycle Roads 18 Bridges – Wisconsin ( Guest Post)

Quite possibly the most challenging directions to follow for motorcycle riders in all of Wisconsin, 18 Bridges takes riders on a scenic journey from Delavan to just outside of Beloit. While the ride itself is only 30 miles, riders will be forced to make numerous turns along the way in order to get the most out of their trip. Of course, the payoff in the end is well worth the negotiating directions, and isn't that why we ride in the first place? Strap in and load up your tank map pocket with the 18 Bridges directions, because you're about to experience a bit of Wisconsin countryside riding.

This ride may be best experienced when paired with other rides in the area, although a quick afternoon stroll from Beloit to Delavan never hurt anyone. From crossing state highways and scenic rivers to riding through quiet countryside, the 18 Bridges ride is not to be missed by those traveling in the Wisconsin area. Some of the roads may need a little bit of maintenance from the state of Wisconsin, otherwise much of the terrain is well-kept and easily manageable. After all, experienced motorcycle riders should never be scared of a few potholes and cracks in the road. It's the off-camber, hairpin turns and deathly carved mountain highways that really turn us white like ghosts, and there's none of that here.

Turtle Creek provides some of the best scenery along the 18 Bridges ride. This creek is part of the Southern Savanna Region of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail; therefore riders will surely enjoy the natural quality that surrounds the area. Bring your fishing pole, because this is one of the best locations to catch your dinner in the state! Because the ride is so short on the 18 Bridges route, you shouldn't feel rushed at all. After all, if you plan on making a return trip, plan your original ride as a slow and scenic journey and designate your return ride as the fist-clenching, throttle-happy ride.

Winter months can be very unforgiving as far as temperatures are concerned. You'll want to bundle up in one of River Road's heaviest jackets, such as the Mesa or Scout Textile jacket along with your luggage. Wisconsin winters are nothing to kid around about, and they can greatly affect how well you enjoy this particular ride. However, spring, summer and fall rides can be extremely pleasant and relaxing; therefore your attire should not greatly affect how well you enjoy the surroundings. Even for sport bike riders, the terrain doesn't ever exceed one's abilities, so you can leave the track-day one-piece suits at home for this trek.

Unlike a majority of the great motorcycle rides around the country, 18 Bridges is not one that will challenge your very skills behind the handlebars. However, that shouldn't discourage you from experiencing the natural thrills and beautiful Wisconsin scenery should you find yourself in the area on a lonely Saturday evening.

Most motorcycle rides are best enjoyed with family and friends, sure, but 18 Bridges is such a calm ride; you'll enjoy the time by yourself and never know the difference.

Motorcycle Trip along U.S. 101 Bay Area – California

As one of the longest active highways in the state of California, U.S. 101 attracts travelers from all over the world to experience its Coastline glory. At just over 800 miles, the U.S. 101 connects a multitude of California towns with each other, starting with the state's largest city: Los Angeles. Riders will travel northbound through several southern and central cities until they reach the Bay Area, one of the most wildlife-populated stretches of the road. While the entire U.S. 101 should be experienced on a motorcycle at some point in a person's life, the South Valley Freeway, or Bay Area concentration of this highway, is the highlighted feature for riders.

Located just 80 miles south of San Francisco, the South Valley Freeway begins life on the U.S. 101 in a town called Gilroy. Upon entering Gilroy, the 101 expands into a three-lane highway each direction. Once eat leaves Gilroy, the highway turns into a four-lane stretch and is renamed the Bay Shore Freeway before passing through Palo Alto. U.S. 101 changes names a few more times until it eventually reaches San Francisco County and city. Riders have most likely experienced heavily traffic and primarily urban streets thus far, but the payoff of U.S. 101 is coming soon.

After meandering their way through San Francisco, motorcyclists will eventually come to the most famous of all bridges in the United States: the Golden Gate Bridge. Construction completed in 1937, and ever since, the Golden Gate Bridge has been one of the most iconic landmark bridges in the world. Spanning 1.7 miles over the Bay, this bridge connects travelers in San Francisco with Marin County. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is just the beginning of your amazing motorcycle journey, as the natural environment begins to show itself once on the other side. This portion of the highway is designated the Redwood Highway, giving riders something unique and interesting from here on out. The Waldo Tunnel provides a historic feel of passing through a scenic hillside. 

Riders will enjoy the northernmost section of U.S. 101 out of all the sections, as it provides the most scenic and relaxing of the entire 800 miles. Even if you start your journey in San Francisco, you still have a couple of days of beautiful riding ahead of you. Of course, you may want to stop every once in a while and soak in the Californian air around you, as it doesn't get more West Coast than this!

North California tends to be rather tame as far as climates are concerned, especially along the coastline of U.S. 101. A nice leather vest should work nicely to provide both a comfortable and protective ride, as you don't want to over-complicate your journey. River Road offers full sleeve and vest options, like the Harrier, in order to make the most out of your ride. Check the weather forecast before you head out on your trip, but you could do well with leaving your winter leathers at home locked away. This is a trip for you to feel the ocean breeze against your bike, and the U.S. 101 will provide such a feeling.