Born to Ride

Motorcycle Trips on The Northshore.

BY SARAH HILL

What better way to travel around The Northshore than on a motorcycle, with the wind on your face and the exhilarating feeling of an open road ahead of you. Pack up the toy hauler, grab your helmet and get ready to ride.

Where to Stay

The Northshore has not one, but two waterfront state parks. Fontainebleau State Park lines the shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, while Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville offers guests riverfront views of the Tchefuncte. Both locations offer premium and improved campsites, complete with water and electrical hookups. Fontainebleau also offers 96 pull-through sites for those looking to park with ease.

Before jumping on the back of your bike and cruising around, stretch your legs by taking part in the activities the state parks have to offer. Go for a hike, cast a line or tool around on a bicycle. For a longer stroll, ride or roll, hop on the Tammany Trace at Fontainebleau. This 31-mile paved path connects five Northshore communities waiting to be explored.

Time to Ride

SHORT & SWEET (25 minutes — 10 miles)

If you are looking for a quick ride, head to downtown Mandeville and stop by the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall on Lamarque Street. This historic building is considered one of the world’s oldest virtually unaltered rural jazz dance halls. During spring and fall, the hall opens its doors and comes alive with free concerts on select Saturday nights throughout the season. After visiting the Dew Drop, head to Lakeshore Drive. This road travels alongside Lake Pontchartrain, and the views at sunset can be breathtaking. Lakeshore Drive is also home to some noteworthy restaurants, including Aperitif Spritz + Bites, Rips on the Lake and The Barley Oak. Don’t miss a drive down Girod Street (LA-59) while in the downtown area, too. This street features more restaurants and local boutiques and connects you to a longer ride worth taking.

A GOOD LOOP (2.5 hours 75 miles)

Hop on LA-59 in Mandeville and head toward Abita Springs. Step off your bike in this quaint town and explore the area. Grab breakfast at Abita Springs Café or lunch at Abita Brew Pub. From Abita, head down LA-435 for a tranquil backroad drive. Along the way, you will pass horse farms, a vineyard and Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve. A convenient parking area located off of LA-435 provides easy access to the interpretive trail through Abita Creek. Once you are done exploring the preserve, continue to Talisheek and ride through Pearl River via LA-41. If you’re ready for another stop, grab a bite at Da’ Pearl Seafood & Poboys or Boonies BBQ & Catfish. Next, head to Slidell via I-59 or LA-1090 (Military Road) for a stop at Mike Bruno’s Northshore Harley-Davidson, the only HarleyDavidson location on The Northshore. Mike Bruno’s often hosts events on Saturdays, with additional giveaways and special happenings on the last Thursday of each month. Once you have checked in and picked out a commemorative t-shirt, drive over to US-11.

On US-11 toward Lake Pontchartrain, you will find Southside Café, The Landing, Gilligil’s Island and, at the end of the road, The Blue Crab Restaurant. Also, swing by Olde Towne Slidell to explore the stroll-friendly downtown area on your drive back to where US-11 crosses US-190. Turn onto US-190 toward Lacombe. This route passes local favorites such as Assunta’s, EmpaTaco and Sal & Judy’s, then loops back to Fontainebleau State Park and, if you continue straight, Fairview-Riverside State Park, as well.

Whether you’re new to The Northshore or simply new to the motorcycle community, The Northshore has a route for everyone and plenty to experience along the way. As always, be safe. Now, get on your bikes and RIDE.