Midwest Region

Nov/Dec '24

City Escape: Kansas City, Missouri

By the mid-19th century, the U.S. had expanded through the slavery-supporting state of Missouri to its border with the future state of Kansas, which wanted to come into the Union as a “free state.” During the years preceding the Civil War, armed citizens fought over Kansas’ future status during

Destinations

Everything in One Place—Athens, OH

Athens is your gateway to a whole bunch of excellent riding roads. No, not the Greek capital—we’re talking about Athens, OH. This welcoming city sits on the Hocking River in southeastern Ohio, some 20 miles from the West Virginia border. Athens, named after the ancient Greek city, is

Destinations Premium Content

Learn the German History of Franken’s Rock—Frankenstein, MO

Sep/Oct '24 Premium Content

Jasper, Arkansas Shamrock Tour®

Jasper is the perfect rally point to ride anywhere in northern Arkansas, and seemingly every road in this part of the state is a gem. SR 7, or Scenic Byway 7, leads into Jasper from the north and the south. It is rarely straight for more than a few hundred

Events

Ride to These 8 Fun Upcoming Events in Benton County, MO

The Ozarks are a gorgeous destination for fall rides, with tree-covered mountains, riversides, and twisty roads letting you roll through blazing fall foliage. But as beautiful as autumn leaves are, good company and fun activities only enhance the experience. The cities of Benton County, MO—including Warsaw, Cole Camp, and

Classic Roads Premium Content

A Ride So Good It’s a Sin—The Ohio Demon’s Triangle

Ohio is a unique place. Where else can you become a motorcycle exorcist? You can start your devil-busting escapades by letting your tires rip all across the Demon’s Backbone. But if that ride leaves you hankering for more evil to put in its place, the Demon’s Triangle has

Destinations

Wild West’s Illegal Den of Sin—Deadwood, SD

Many old Wild West towns had a—shall we say—seedy reputation. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy as Deadwood, SD. The city’s outlaw status began immediately with its founding in the mid-1870s. Deadwood was an illegal town. It was

Travel Guide

8 Best Fall Motorcycle Rides in Kansas

When you think of fall motorcycle rides, you’re probably picturing roads meandering under expansive orange canopies. Kansas, however, offers a different kind of scenery. The vast prairies and grasslands of Kansas can be just as gorgeous in the fall as the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, the

Travel Guide

See Unforgettable Fall Foliage on the Triple Nickel

Many great motorcycling routes let you admire the annual changing of the leaves from the saddle. To find one of the most stunning fall rides in the eastern U.S., and perhaps the whole country, you should head to Zanesville, OH—the starting point of the Triple Nickel. The Triple

Roundtrip Tour Premium Content

The Boys of Summer, Part 3: Illinois to Washington

Although baseball is a beloved pastime on the East Coast, the age-old American sport is merely an echo that travels gently toward the Pacific Ocean. There are no obstructions along its path, so it might resonate with the people trapped in the noise. After Wrigley and Guaranteed Rate fields (the

City Escape Premium Content

City Escape: Bemidji, MN

Bemidji, MN, claims to be the birthplace of Paul Bunyan. This City Escape will convince you he hails from northern Minnesota. It’s easy to picture Paul chopping down trees with a single swipe of his ax among the forests and lakes you’ll see along the ride. Starting at

Travel Guide

9 Unique Attractions Along Ohio's Windy 9

Ohio’s Windy 9 is an exhilarating collection of motorcycling roads out of Athens, OH. These nine roads offer something for everyone, whether you enjoy a relaxed, meandering cruise or a heart-pounding romp through challenging technical curves. But motorcycling isn’t just about the roads. The things you see along

Classic Roads

Ride into the Green at Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees

Michigan is famous for its trees, sporting lusciously full canopies of leaves. Taking your motorcycle to the Tunnel of Trees lets you ride right into the midst of the greenery. The Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route—also known as SR 119 or locally as M-119—is a narrow paved

Classic Roads

From the Gateway to the Ozarks—Missouri SR 100

Missouri might not be on the top of your list when thinking of good places in America to ride your motorcycle, but don’t you knock the Show Me State. The place hosts many great roads—such as SR 100. For about 120 miles, SR 100 follows the curves of

Jul/Aug '24 Premium Content

The Boys of Summer, Part 2: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois

Tom Zachary had a 19-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1918 to 1936. He played for eight different teams and, with 720 strikeouts and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.73, was considered an exceptional, well-rounded pitcher. On September 30, 1927, however, Zachary’s career culminated in

Destinations

5 Reasons You Should Ride to Bloomington, IN

Nestled in the heart of the Hoosier State, Bloomington beckons motorcycle travelers with its enchanting blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and winding roads that promise an exhilarating ride through the heartland. This area is more than just Indiana University. Here are five great reasons why you should head out

May/Jun '24

South Dakota: Black Hills BDR-Xtended

Flashback to grade school photos of Mount Rushmore in my history book, and I was infatuated instantly. It’s a striking monument, carved from dense granite into an elegant display of our nation’s leaders. Even as a kid with no understanding of how this marvel came to be, I

Travel Guide

10 US Riding Destinations with Bizarre Names

Some riding destinations in North America have evocative, awe-inspiring names, like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Sea to Sky Highway. The names for some other places are… Less so. Many locations in the U.S. have decidedly mind-boggling names. But that makes them worth taking your bike to—if

Travel Guide

10 Things To Do On Your Next Ride in Bloomington, Indiana

Just 50 miles south of Indianapolis, you’ll find a vibrant university town with youthful energy. Bloomington, IN, might not be the first place you think of when planning your next motorcycle tour, but for many in the Midwest, it’s a charming spot for a long weekend getaway—complete

Destinations

Where the Trek Begins—Riverside, IA

Exploration and discovery are among the biggest drivers that drag motorcyclists to the road. There’s just something about finding a new place you’ve never seen before, especially if you found it by accident. Riverside, IA, is a small city famous for being the birthplace of a great explorer—

Travel Guide

8 Best Places to Eat Around Athens, OH

If you haven’t already pointed your front wheel to Athens, OH, you should. Located near the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway and the famous Windy 9, the roads around the city make for a great motorcycling destination. After a long riding day, though, your stomach will be grumbling. Lucky for

Travel Guide

12 Cities to Visit for Amazing Mural Art

Not all fine art is confined to museums and galleries. Many American cities are chock-full murals and other works of street art that rival whatever you may find in the local art museums. Your motorcycle is an excellent vehicle for ferrying you from one mural to the next. With so

Classic Roads

The Great River Road

Ah, the mighty Mississippi—the great river of the United States. With the Mississippi’s legendary significance to our nation, it only makes sense that the road that follows its meanders bears a name worthy of its traveling companion. The Great River Road is certainly an appropriate moniker. For 2,

Jan/Feb '24 Premium Content

Bloomington, Indiana Shamrock Tour®

Sometimes rides don’t go as planned. There are a number of ways things can go wrong, from flat tires and broken parts to closed hotels and vicious storms. Over my years as a motorcycle traveler, I’ve dealt with all kinds of setbacks on the road. Don’t even

Destinations

The Home of the World’s Largest Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis, South Dakota

What motorcyclist doesn’t know about Sturgis? But in case you’ve never heard of the place, you’re really missing out. After all, the town is home to the largest motorcycle rally in the world. But let’s take a step back for a moment. The rally looms so