Best Motorcycle Road Trip Book

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 Motorcycle Books

I have enjoyed reading some of the best motorcycle books available, although I do not seem to have as much time as I wish for reading.  I have read books about the motorcycle club life, about the therapeutic qualities of riding, about trips taken on motorcycles and how to properly ride a motorcycle.  I have read books written by motorcycle club members, law enforcement personnel, daily riders, long distance riders and a musician who rode.

However, when I find a book about motorcycling, written by a motorcyclist and includes great photos I have found a book worth the time and expense.  Bikers seem to have the ability to relate the information in terms another biker understands. 

When I consider all the motorcycle related books I have read, one stands out as the best.  This book was written by motorcyclist, Gary France about his 21,000 mile trip through the United States of America and includes life details leading up to his adventure and including his adventure.  His trip "over the pond" from England and the ride through the USA is titled "France in America."  I find it funny we have France from England writing about America.

It All Started With a Blog

Gary started blogging about his upcoming motorcycle trip in September 2009, although he had began his initial planning around Christmas 2007.  He soon began posting updates on his plan and his research and acquisition of items he wanted for his trip of the USA.  Many bloggers were able to give him opinions, reviews and insights into gear, accessories, attractions, roads and more which helped Gary with his planning.

Gary's route for his amazing trip  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

In January 2008 Gary commented on my blog's post concerning Spearfish Canyon, SD.  Through some comments back and forth I was able to help him post hyperlinks in his blog posts.  From there I started following his preparations and his trip.  I was able to suggest some roads, restaurants and sights.  We have not met face to face, but hopefully  we will in the future.

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Gary continued to post periodically as the trip neared.  By the time he arrived to the United States several bloggers had arranged to meet him at various times and locations on route.  I was unable to work it out, especially since I was in Texas.  I visited Yellowstone Natinal Park for my summer motorcycle trip, but I was there in June/July and Gary arrived in Yellowstone National  Park in August.  We just could not meet up.

Gary experiences a "Bison Jam" in Yellowstone National Park.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Yellowstone Canyon.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Sharing The Trip

Gary's photographic talents were evident.  The photos he posted were beautiful and he wrote just as well.  It was not long until he had a large following.  If you go to his blog (although he stopped posting on his "Flies in your Teeth" in October 2016) you can see his original photos on the blog.

Gary visited Bishops Castle in Colorado.  Photo of Gary's book

Gary visited so many great places that most Americans haven't seen.  He rode along the northern states and down through the Rocky Mountains.  Gary would stop every time his motorcycle's odometer rolled over another 1,000 miles and capture the moment.

Big Horn Canyon   Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

One of Gary's 1,000 miles photos.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

 Miles and Miles to Pages and Pages

As his trip was nearing an end readers started encouraging him to publish a book.  After he recovered back in England he mulled over the idea of a book.  After some time he decided to publish a book of his trip.

He includes his personal story that brought him to the point of retirement, trip planning, the sights and people on his trip and later the book itself.

Pikes Peak Highway  - Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

The book is a great resource for anyone wanting to plan a trip.  He includes details and information that is not always covered in traditional travel books.  His personal story and his approach to the photographs make the book come alive.  The book is full of high quality photographs that will pull at your adventurous heart.

Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.    Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Virginia City, California - Old West feel.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Not Just for Bikers

I highly recommend France in America for anyone interested in traveling American.  It is more than just a "motorcycle" book.  It is a book about the desire for adventure, the enjoyment of new horizons and the appeal and uniqueness of these United States.  All of this from the view point of an Englishman from England.

Gary's Generous Offer

Gary offered to send his book to everyone who made a comment on his blog during the actual trip.  I took him up on that offer.  When I received the book in 2013 I was so impressed the quality and quantity of the book.  This is a high quality book with vivid photographs and impelling writing.  I have referred to it often and spent time just looking at the photos.  I have shared the book with close friends and I have recommended it frequently.  Do yourself a favor and get the best motorcycle book out there.

Helpful with my trip plans

When I was I planning my week of riding in the Alps in 2017 Gary provided me with great information and suggestions of roads, laws, etiquette in Europe and other helpful tips.  His knowledge of riding in Europe is extensive. 

Gary Keeps Rollin'

Gary now owns and runs TOUR1 a motorcycle tour company in England.  TOUR1 provides many tour options, including a WWII D-Day Landing Tour.  I have it on my list to go on one or more of the tours in the years to come.  If you have desire to tour Europe on a motorcycle you should visit Gary's TOUR1.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Why Do I Ride A Motorcylce?

One of my favorite bloggers is Gary France (Flies in your Teeth).  He posted the question for fellow bloggers - "How and why did you get into motorbikes?  (He is from England hence the term motorbikes instead of the US term motorcycles).  He provided an interesting answer about his journey- Link.

Here is my story.

How I got to where I am now.

I had limited exposure to motorcycles when I was young.  A neighbor's grandson had a small dirt bike that he would allow me to ride when he visited.  I rode less than 4 hours total over the years he owned the bike.  A classmate had a small Honda when I was in junior high school that I rode once by myself and several times as a passenger to another small town where we would visit some girls.

One of my brothers owned a 500CC bike for about a year, but after he had an accident in a parking lot (a lot of road rash) he sold the bike.  About 20 years later I worked with a fellow coach who rode.  It was about that time (2003) a friend in Orlando, Florida bought a Harley Elctra-glide and started riding.

I had harbored a desire to have a motorcycle, but never expressed it.  In the early days of February 2004 I discussed taking the safety course and getting my license with my wife.  We decided to take the course together.  Four weeks later we took the class and got our licenses and within 10 days I had my first motorcycle, a new 2004 Suzuki Savage!  The Savage was a single cylinder 650cc cruiser.  It was a great bike to gain experience. 

2004 Suzuki Savage - single cylinder 650cc

 

Once I started riding I was hooked!  I loved it.  Most Saturdays that spring and summer I would leave the house by 7am and let my wife and son sleep.  I explored country roads throughout North Texas and gain valuable experience.  I also began riding with my co-worker and other friends and I joined the Christian Motorcycle Association in Greenville, Texas.  I learned about group rides and motorcycle culture. 

In June of that year two friends, my son and I loaded up a truck and trailer with our three motorcycles and traveled to Red River, New Mexico where we rode the Enchanted Circle and took a loop up through part of southern Colorado which included Wolf Creek Pass (which over the years has become one of my favorite passes in Colorado to ride).  For four days my son rode with me.  That trip whet my appetite more more motorcycle trips.

By February, 2005 and 8,000+ miles I knew I wanted a bigger bike.  After some research and shopping around I purchased a pre-owned 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 with 13,700 miles.

Two-toned V-Star - great handling, good power, comfortable, and reliable

 

I loved the V-Star immediately and beginning commuting to work on it. (My thoughts on the V-Star)  I rode as much I could get away with.  It was at this time I decided I would ride to Orlando, Florida instead of flying with my son and his mother.  In June I took an indirect route to my in-laws in Orlando.  Along the way I visited family in Arkansas, rode through the Mississippi Delta (stopping at some historic Blues sites and museums along the way), cut through Alabama and Southern Georgia before heading south to Orlando.  After a week in Orlando I headed home.  It was a great trip that solidified my desire to take long summer trips on the motorcycle.

Over the next four summers my son and I rode the V-Star on trips to Colorado, South Dakota, Arkansas, and two more to Florida.  In the Spring of 2010 the odometer hit 100,000.  I had a trip planned to go to Colorado and Wyoming, including Yellowstone National Park, coming up when a couple of mechanical issues arose I decided it was time to get a new bike.  
 

One of my riding buddies had a Yamaha Venture and he loved it.  I had ridden it a few times and like the comfort, handling and other features so I read up on the Venture and decided to test ride a new one.  In April 24, 2010 I purchased my third bike - a new 2010 Yamaha Venture.  This bike had all the extras - stereo, fairing, warranty, and great comfort.  The trip summer trip with friends to Yellowstone was great.  The bike performance was faultless and was very comfortable. 

My wife and son really liked the comfort of the Venture.  I like the performance.

 

By August 17 I had ridden over 10,000 miles on the Venture - then a Tahoe hit the Venture with me on it.  Read about the accident.

While recuperating I had time to reconsider my choices of bikes.  I had wondered for quite some time about the sport-touring bikes so I did some researching.  I had ridden a friend's Buell a few occasions and really enjoyed the speed, power and handling so  I figured the twisties would be more fun on a sport touring motorcycle and still have the comforts and load capacity for my long trips.

After researching, talking to friends, and a few test rides I decided to go with something completely different from my previous motorcycles.  I chose the Yamaha FJR 1300.  I found a 2010 FJR with only 750 miles and about $4K less than new.  I grabbed it.

FJR without the saddlebags or trunk

 

Wow!  What a bike!  I love it.  Still my favorite of all the bikes I have owned or even currently own, actually favorite of all the bikes I have ridden.  Review of the Yamaha FJR 1300

During my 2011 summer trip I gained new admiration for the bike as I rode some great roads in the Smoky Mountains. 

Four years on the FJR and 60,000+ miles with a lot of smiles gave way to another change after a self inflicted accident on a misty day.  I really enjoyed the sports touring motorcycles and I decided to try something different.  After some searching, input from riding buddies and test rides I decided on a Honda VFR 1200.

 

The VFR performed great on the trip to Alaska!  Wrap was done by a friend.

The VFR had smooth V4 power, nimble handling and overall top-notch performance.  I did some customization to make it really comfortable for mJR since the VFR riding position was a little more aggressive than the FJR.  I added Helibars and some peg extensions to allow me to sit more comfortably. Here is my long term review of the Honda VFR 1200 and a YouTube video review.  I rode the VFR for over seven years!  That was the longest I had kept a motorcycle.  

 

I purchased an older Suzuki 650 VStrom during the same time I had the Honda VFR and kept it for 3+ years.  I used the VStrom primarily for exploring and camping trips.  It was my first chain driven motorcycle so I had to learn about chain care and maintenance.  I enjoyed the versatility, economy and the handling.  It was so light and nimble compared to the other motorcycles I owned.

 

San Juan Mountains in Colorado are great for camping.

 

I made several camping trips to Colorado and Arkansas with the VStrom before some life changes limited my camping time. 

 

Retirement from public educations after 36 years and a wife that wanted to ride more and more comfortably led the way to another change.  Research, conversations with friends and salesmen and test rides convinced me the Pursuit would be great for us.  I have not been disappointed. Here is my Review of the Pursuit after 22,000 miles and 13 different states. 

 

The Pursuit handles the Rocky Mountains with ease.

 

My wonderful wife has known I missed the lighter and quicker ride I had previously so she was very supportive of getting a second bike I could take out when she was not riding with me.  I thought on it for several years and we finally bought another Suzuki VStrom to scratch my itch.  

 

 

I have really enjoyed riding the VStrom and I am looking forward to more adventures, exploring and camping with this bike.  I am more willing to take the VStrom on some roads and to some places I would not want to ride the Pursuit.  Here is the future fun!

 

Why do I ride? 

Riding is exhilarating and liberating.  It is fun and relaxing, a ride clears the thoughts and allows me to disengage from the electronic world.  I get to experience nature i.e the sounds, smells, temperatures and the road more intimately.  The camaraderie with riders is strong no mater what make or model you ride.  I have met so many people because of the mutual experience of riding, many of my current closest friends I met because of motorcycle riding.

 

Truth is - it is difficult to explain to a non-rider.  But, I know I will ride as long as I can and as often as I can.

What about you?  I would love to hear your stories.  Please leave a comment and/or story below. 

 Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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A Must Ride Scenic Road in the Smoky Mountions East of the Tail of the Dragon

Any biker that has ridden very long has probably heard of the famed US 129 a.k.a. The Tail of the Dragon that runs through the Smoky Mountains in the southern state line area of North Carolina and Tennessee.  The promoters of the road claim it has 318 curves in 11 miles.  I have ridden it 7 times, but I have never attempted to count the curves.  It is a lot of fun and well worth riding, especially on a non-holiday weekday (on the weekends and holidays the road is heavily traveled).

While on my annual summer trip in July 2011 we stayed seven nights in Robbinsville, NC, a mere 18 miles to the east of Deals Gap and the famous 11 mile stretch of US 129.  During that week we rode several other roads that I would greatly recommend to any biker who enjoys riding the twisties.

Shaded, smooth, and scenic - Wayah Road

 

One road that I had not heard or read much about, but planned on exploring, was Wayah Road.  Wayah Road (known to the locals as Thunder Road) is east of Robbinsville about 14 miles.  We rode US 129 South to Topton, NC and then turned north on US 19/74 for 2.2 miles before heading east on the two lane Wayah Road.  To the left is a parking lot, restrooms, and a put in for the rafters.

A friend on his Harley enjoys the road

T

he 27 mile Wayah road had sweeping curves, tight twisties, bridges, elevation changes, and some straightaways where we could open up the throttle.  Shaded most of the way and traveling adjacent to the river, for many miles, the road is full of great scenery.  About 10 miles into the ride we rode past the beautiful Nantahala Lake.  We crossed over the river several times allowing for scenic views of the cascading Nantahala River.

Sweeping curves and tight switchbacks can be found on the road.

Nantahala Lake - a big lake with cold blue water

The Nantahala River running through the Nantahala River Gorge

 

The entire group really enjoyed riding the Wayah Road, enough so that later in the day we decided to ride it back to Robbinsville instead of taking an alternate route.  We also rode it a third time on the last full day of riding.

Slow or fast the road will make you smile

 

Some of the group took it at a lesuirely pace while others of us enjoyed a crisper pace, either way the road is a great stretch of pavement worth experiencing when you are in the area.  An added benefit to the road is that it will take you to Franklin where you can catch US 28 a.k.a. The Moonshire 28 to Highlands, NC and see two picturesque waterfalls (thats for another post).  So, Wayah Road is fun and at both ends are proper destinations for biker.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Awesome Road in Texas Hill Country

It gets really hot here in Texas but, sometimes the road is worthy of some discomfort.  One such road I recently found is northwest of Austin on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country.  It was really by chance that I took the road but I am glad I found Farm to Market 1431 (FM 1431).

Cedar Park is a growing city 20 miles from downtown Austin and about 10 miles west of Round Rock and Interstate 35.  I checked into a motel on a hot (102 degrees) Sunday afternoon.  Once in the room I looked at the map and saw that I wasn't that far from the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls and its famous homemade pies.  Homemade pie sounded great.  The most direct route was FM 1431 and it looked like it had some nice curves so I decided to take it.  I am glad I did.

 

FM 1431 has plenty of curves and elevation change

 

It was about 3:30 in the afternoon and the temperature on the FJR read 103 degrees as I headed west.  For the first five to six miles from I35 FM 1431 is a six lane city street with plenty of traffic lights, but after passing Anderson Mill Road things get better.  It comes a 4 lane road with nice sweeping curves and several hills.  There is one more traffic light in Lago Vista (about 20 miles west of I35) and then the road narrows to a two lane stretch of asphalt just waiting to be ridden.

Recently repaved FM 1431 is in great condition

 

The road had numerous curves, but down shifting was not needed on most of them.  They were big sweeping curves with elevation changes frequently.  I was able to enter the curve at a good pace and acceleration through the turn.  I really enjoyed the hills.  There is very few stretch (and those are short) in which there was no curve or no elevation change.

Of course riding in the Texas Hill Country at dusk or dawn can be a dangerous situation due to the concentration of wildlife, especially Mule Deer.  I did not see any on the way to Marble Falls (100+ temperatures tend to keep Bambi in the cooler shaded areas), but I did pass a couple 20 feet from the road on my way back to the motel around 6:00.

 

 This photo is from a different trip about 35 miles from Marble Falls, but it serves as a great example how deer sightings are very common in the area.

 

Once I got to Marble Falls I was disappointed to see that The Blue Bonnet Cafe closes at 1:45 on Sundays (yes, the sign on the door says 1:45).  I drowned may sorrows of missing out on a great piece of homemade pie with a Blizzard from the local Dairy Queen.

I decided to take the same road back even though I was headed to Georgetown to watch my son at basketball camp and there were other routes.  I had enjoyed the road and I knew that I could take it at a crisper pace this time.  It was great!

The following day I decided to ride some before heading to camp and watch my son and his team play games.  I checked out the map and decided that I had enjoyed FM 1431 so much and I did not get my pie - I would ride out to the Blue Bonnet Cafe for lunch, but on the way I was going to take a side loop off of FM 1431.

About 12 mile east of Marble Falls FM 1174 intersects FM 1431 and heads north.  I took FM 1174 to FM 243 to Oatmeal, TX.  Oatmeal is a tiny community with a community center and pavilion including a large grill to use during the Oatmeal Festival.  Yes, there is an Annual Oatmeal Festival on the Labor Day Weekend.

 

 Documented proof that somewhere someone will celebrate anything.

Hopefully this isn't the community's waters source.

 

I continued north on FM 243 to Bertram, TX where I turned south on FM 1174 riding it back to FM 1431.  The loop to Oatmeal, Bertram, and back to FM 1431 added 31 miles and it was well worth it.  The loop was not as curvy, but quite enjoyable and scenic.  

 

FM 1431 crossing over Cow Creek

 

I pulled into the Blue Bonnet Cafe ready for lunch and some pie.  I actually enjoyed breakfast for lunch (breakfast served all day) and yes I had a piece of German Chocolate Pie after my breakfast/lunch.  I forgot to take my camera in so no pictures, but I was very satisfied with both the meal and the dessert.

Once more I consulted my map to decide how I would get to Georgetown and basketball camp.  No other road heading to Georgetown could match the squiggly line I had already ridden three times in less than 24 hours - so I smiled and headed east on FM 1431 with a goal of push the FJR through the curves and over the hills.  I also had time to take a couple of side roads to look at Cow Creek and the Colorado River (not to be confused with the much longer and bigger river that flows from Colorado to the Gulf of California).

 

Cow Creek.  Cow Creek Road is a paved county road that has some great scenery.

Muleshoe Bend of the Colorado at the end of Turkey Bend Road

 

The fourth time riding the road was just as enjoyable as the first and second time.  I really enjoyed the road, the scenery, and the side roads.  If you are in Central Texas and have the time you will not be disappointed riding FM 1431 and you might as well stop for pie in Marble Falls.

On a different note - during my ride from the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro-mess I had to stop by the Czech Stop Bakery in West and then I purposefully set out to find a church that I had seen on a previous ride.  The sign to the church is like none other I had ever seen so I wanted a picture of the sign.  Just thought I would share it with you.  Let me know if you have ever seen a church like this.  

 Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Read the sign carefully