get my tail wagging. One is the Oregon coast between Cannon Beach and Florence. Highway 101 scribbles along the Pacific, and since there’s no structure taller than three stories along the waterfront, you get an unobstructed view of the ocean. I would say it’s my favorite one-day ride ever. Another waterfront ride is from Ludington, Mich., up the Lake Michigan shoreline. You’ll ride north to the Leelanau Peninsula, double back to Traverse City, then head north again through Petoskey and Charlevoix before reaching the top of the mitten at Mackinaw City. The best part is that it’s nearly all two-lane riding, fantastic views of the lake and often you’re zipping through a tunnel of trees. Finally, I’d highly recommend riding across northern Kansas from Concordia to Oberlin, the majority of which is on Highway 24. It’s not a place anyone would plan to see on a vacation, and that’s why you should go. It’s wonderful to be riding past fields of corn and wheat. There are many places where you can stop, park, look around and realize it’s only you and your bike in the middle of 900 square miles. You can look from horizon to horizon with nothing visible but you. The solitude is spiritual. Magic. nnn Many riders like weekend day trips. What are the challenges to keep in mind for longer rides? Really, the biggest challenge is just deciding to go. Most of us are so wrapped up in a daily routine that we forget that we need time to explore and refresh our souls. Once you’ve made that decision, then the biggest challenges are deciding where to go and what to pack. Unless you haul a trailer, a motorcycle doesn’t afford room for suitcases or all of the things you’d stow in a car. So you’ve got to pare
Says McKechnie: “Once you’re in the saddle of a cycle and take to the open road, you instantly become part of the world around you; you’re not enclosed anymore. It’s a feeling that generates a sense of adventure and a desire to explore.” it down to the essentials that’ll work for you in the desert or mountains or prairies, and also be appropriate when you go out at night. nnn For those who don’t ride, how difficult is it to learn and become confident enough to explore those backroads of America? Before you can receive your motorcycle endorsement on your license, you need to pass a motorcycle safety course. That’s handled by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (800/446-9227, msf-usa.org), which offers safe riding courses across the U.S. The cost is minimal, and they provide small motorcycles to help you learn how to shift, brake, turn, lean and provide a general understanding of how to handle a motorcycle. Not sure if you really want to? Take my advice, do it! Open the door to some of the most incredible trips of your life. n
GB EXTRA Want to learn more? Visit GrowingBolderMagazine.com for Gary’s answers to even more questions, including his favorite summer rides. Also, you can watch Gary’s “Growing Bolder With” spotlights on Growing Bolder TV.
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