Roads & Routes

There are many famous roads around the country (Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, etc.), all of which have many books and sites dedicated to them, and are well worth seeing. Here we'll talk more about types of roads than specific ones, and the types of experiences you can expect on these types.

Most road trips consist of driving primarily on superhighways. You can cover a great amount of distance in a relatively short amount of time, have predictably clean, safe, and well-paved conditions, but also see very little and probably be bored out of your mind. Superhighways are essentially the same all over the country, and you'll have a tough time seeing much of a difference from one to the next. If you've fallen behind schedule, they're a great backup plan, but if they're all you use, you'll be missing a great deal.

Smaller highways are, for the most part, the way to go. You'll be able to keep up decent speeds, but you'll have less traffic and will pass through a bunch of smaller town and communities that the superhighways won't even have marked on their exits. The roads will most often still be in good condition, but will be a little more likely to have some potholes.

Some of the most famous roads for motorcycling, such as the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina and Tennessee, can be a lot of fun, but are often more suited to thrill riding than traveling. You'll probably be riding two-up, and be weighed down with luggage, and won't be able to tear through the corners like the other riders on lightweight sportbikes, who have ridden the route many times before. It can still be a worthwhile experience just to see what it's like (the Tail of the Dragon is curvy enough to give you motion sickness), but may be best saved for either a specific trip, or dedicate a day to go out with the luggage at a hotel and really enjoy it.