What kind of riding do you enjoy?

[sgtslag]

On another thread, the topic of riding styles came up. So what is your favorite style: riding around town for fun; track riding; day trips; or extended tours? What aspect do you enjoy the most: pushing the bike to its limits; pushing yourself to your limits; seeing the sites, and meandering aimlessly; enjoying the fresh air, and the scenery (taking time to smell the flowers, as it were); or something else?

As I said in the other thread, my wife and I enjoy several of the aspects listed, but our number one joy is touring, two up, taking our time, picking our route as the moment inspires us. We have a fixed amount of time to ride, but beyond that, our agenda is decided upon hour by hour, sometimes minute by minute. We research our trips, picking out stops along the route we think we want to see, but on the trip, our pre-plan is really only a guideline (our time is fixed, however, so that keeps us rooted in reality...).

Last year, we planned to explore the outer perimeter of Minnesota (we routinely ride throughout SE Minnesota, where we live, and we have ridden the North Shore of Lake Superior many times, so we planned to tour the rest of the State). Our plans altered a bit once we got into International Falls, where we went North, to Kenora, Ontario... If you ever find yourself in International Falls, MN, make the time to go North to Kenora!!! You will never regret it... The two-lane road meanders through hidden lakes on both sides of the road, hilly country, with low population density. You will likely find yourself riding for hours, with your jaw hanging loosely, with a near constant, "Wow!!!", coming from your open mouth, as you drink in such awesome beauty. You will see a few Red Foxes, and more Beaver Dams, than you will believe.

For us, the ride, typically is the destination, but there is so much to stop, and enjoy along the way, as well. We feel like a couple of the richest people on earth, when we are touring: we are free to explore the regions around us, as well as meet some fun, friendly, and interesting people; and we are tasting the land around us, drinking in its atmosphere, as we ride. There is nothing else like the experience of touring, and the rides in the cold, and the rain, are a part of that experience -- a bad day on the bike tour, is better than the best day at work. Cheers!

[shinyribs]

    I don't mind if I'm on the bike all day,but i don't want to ride nonstop. Riding nonstop just to see how many miles you can log is more like an endurance race to me.If it takes all day to travel 100 or even 200 miles I'm happy as long as I can find something cool to look at. I love the Blue Ridge Parkway we have here.When it warms up I want to take some longer trips on that road.There is a mountain called Mitchell's Mountain,I believe,I want to go to.If I recall it's pretty close,or maybe in, West Virginia.It's supposed to be the  highest mountain this side of the Mason-Dixon line.I bet the view up there is amazing.The Parkway is prohibited to commercial vehicles and has a maximum speed limit of 45 mph.Makes for good ,clean,quiet cruising.I like to ride to see things,not just to see how many blisters i can create.
    For the most part I like to ride to see things,but if the destination is already planned out it can seem like a chore just getting there.Sometimes I like to ride just to see where I'll end up.t all depends on the mood of the day I suppose.I have been wanting to ride to Alaska for some unknown reason lately.I know it's pretty up there,but I really don't know why it sticks out in my mind.My work really doesn't lend well for a long trip and I imagine it will never happen.Maybe one day when I'm rich I'll do it.We'll see.All in all though,as long as I'm riding...anywhere...somewhere...I'm happy.Hope I can ride til I croak.That would be nice.Just not both at the same time.

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware"-Martin Buber

"A traveler without observation is a bird without wings"-Moslih Eddin Saadi

"For my part,I travel not to go anywhere,but to go.I travel for travel's sake.The great affair is to move"-Robert Louis Stevenson


Not that I'm big on driving people to other forums,but if enjoy seeing some cool ride reports check out Adventure Rider.I really enjoyed this particular thread.It's a long read.Several hours start to finish,but a really great story. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526296

[fathacarl]

I mostly like taking day or weekend rides with no planned destination.  We just head off in a general direction and stick to all the back roads.  We have found some really cool places that are not advertised in any publication.

Longer trips are cool too but can get a little spendy.  Last year two of us went from Mich to Indiana, Memphis, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, around the gulf coast to Key West.  About 5000 miles.  No schedule after the first 4 days.  

Northern Michigan is awesome any time of the year.  Lots to see and plenty of camping spots.

Looking at Sturgis this year.

Some of us are lucky enough to be retired so we can pretty much go our own way at our own pace.

[MarkPBG]

As an amateur photographer, the scenery is what interests me. I can stop the bike and take some pics in spots I would NEVER find parking for a car. Cruising at the speed limit with the occasional leaning twists are fun, but I don't like what all the sport bikers around here seem to enjoy, blasting full out everywhere like they're in a race…You have to concentrate so hard on your riding, and the line you're on, you cannot take in the scenery, without crashing.

The main thing for me is the cruise. Short cruises or long doesn't matter, being able to park in the smallest open spot for pics is the draw for me….it lets me combine my two greatest passions. (and on the bike, I have NEVER been hassled by police for parking in no parking zones, they seem to realize a small bike really isn't blocking access or in the way, so they almost always let it slide)

Most of the hot spots in town around here (West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Ft Lauderdale) all have dedicated motorcycle parking right in front of the busy attractions and most popular restaurants and bars, so there's no looking for parking for 20 minutes when you ride. All the downtown WPB parking garages have a spot right by the entrance where up to 20 bikes can park in each garage, without the typical $9 fee for a 5 or 6 hour night out! All these municipalities seem to agree, bikes are cool, and if they're left alone and given premium parking right in front, they'll make their developments LOOK cool too, which they think will draw in crowds. Funny side effect of riding…what used to be counterculture is now actively sought out!