What is your favorite state to ride in? Why?

[Bandito]

I enjoy southern missouri however I havent hit all 50 states so I have a lot to ride before I can truly answer this question!

[vulcanbill]

I enjoy southern missouri however I havent hit all 50 states so I have a lot to ride before I can truly answer this question!

I think WV will be high on many peoples' lists.  The number of awesome roads combined with the fact that even the most insane of them tend to have unreasonably high speed limits makes riding there a real hoot.  Another advantage is that the roads are condensed and relatively clustered so you can ride for 12 hours and spend almost all of it on twisties.  Some of the larger states out west have amazing roads too but it takes a lot more time to cover them or get from one to the next.  Great for touring but notsomuch for day trips in many cases.  

[FJRmgm]

Southern Missouri right next to the Arkansas border (125 and 160) is excellent but go on into the NW quandrant Arkansas for the best riding in the region....

Ark 7,16, 21,23,43,46,74, 103,127,311 are all EXCELLENT.

BTW, I live in Texas and the Hill Country there is great but Arkansas is much better.  Smooth roads, every back road is great, little traffic, great scenery.

I love to ride in Arkansas.

WV is great, lived there for six years and rode the heck out of it. Arkansas looks almost like WV but has better roads and very little traffic on them.

[maddjack]

SE Ohio followed by WVa  TWISTYS

[rgbeard]

CA.

We can now close this thread.

 

[black hills]

Montana, because days like this are fun

[ninjaridaz]

Smoky Mountains.  Close enough to reach in 1 day for me and my brothers who live on the east coast.

[sleazy rider]

Convenience factor to home?  Northern KY or SE Ohio for me.  Four-ish hours riding and I'm setting up camp.

Absolute amazing roads?  WV, hands down, but its an eight hour ride each way.

[garry]

Local day rides out of Pittsburgh:

I love WV, but you do spend a fair amount of time on scenic sweepers connecting the twisty bits.

Southeast Ohio is more consistently twisty than WV, but without the big mountain views and elevation changes.


My mid-Atlantic perspective for a 2-5 day (long) weekend trips:

The NC/TN/VA area near Shady Valley is awesome, but that's three states, and it's a long day ride away for me.

Jumping back and forth over the WV/VA border is really good fun, but that's two states. My favorite parts of 33, 250 and 39 are in VA.

Eastern KY is high on my list too. Kind of a perfect mix of southeast OH and WV, but with less gravel and better pavement.

The Deals Gap, Cherohala, N. Ga area is great too, but it's kind of far away and there is lots of great riding that is closer (3-day weekend versus 5-day weekend).

[motomem]

New Mexico - but Taos area is my favorite. To the people of New Mexico - If I win the lottery me and my money will be moving to your state.  

[94gixxerod]

PA, especially the south central part, is a wonderful area for twisties.

[X1Glider]

1. Arkansas - Ouachita area -Long empty stretches of long and short radius sweepers with nice valley scenery - fun Wayerhauser forest roads
2. N. Georgia - 1/2 hour north of Atlanta and you're into some spectacular roads in the foothills
3. Oregon - Not a straight road from A-B in the state.  Awesome forest roads.
4. South W. Va. - lots of twisties connecting small towns.  More great scenery.
5. NE Colorado - west out of Boulder opens the doors to heaven
6. CA - too many places to list but most roads too far from each other.

[blueridgerider]

My home - NC though it stretches past my immediate area to encompass the region NC, TN, GA, VA mountains.   It's my favorite because there is no other area I know better.  I dare say most people know many very good to great roads in their area while other areas of the country that knowledge may be sparse.  I have ridden in many other states/parts of the country and I while I do not stick to the well beaten paths, I am sure there are many roads I missed out on not being out there day after day.  If I lived any other place long enough my thoughts might change.  But as - there's no place like home.

[CosmicCowboy]

So far, Georgia and North Carolina. Great roads, things to see, not far from home.

[Wockman]

Spent four years in Alaska, the scenery never got boring.  Florida on the other hand, has to be my least favorite...

[stk0308]

Close too home: Northern AR and southern MO.  
Distance: WV, and CO.

[DogBoy]

CA. Unmatched variety of roads and scenery. Even if you just did race tracks or offroad, the unmatched variety part still applies. Add in the climate. Moto-heaven.

Wildly underrated Oregon would be second.

[McRider]

Now that we're waking up on the West Coast I think you will see a lot more from us.  There are great roads in Oregon and Washington, but Northern California between hwy 5 and the coast, north of Red Bluff is one of my favorites because of.......the car drivers.  I have never experienced so many people pulling over to let a motorcycle by as I have in that area.  I guess it helps that the roads have lots of pull-outs.  

[R Doug]

NC in the east and CA in the west.

Both offer great mountain roads with the availability of all year riding.  

[bungie4]

I've always said I want to retire to WV. Phenomenal pavement, great twisties seemingly everywhere. Drive outside of any town in any direction and in 5 minutes, your on a ANOTHER great road.

Next choice would be SE Ohio, NC, TN, VA.. hell, the entire Appalachian range. Never had the pleasure of Cali, but on the west coast, Utah, Western Washington. NW Montana. In Canada, BC hands down. Then Nova Scotia. QC has some interesting bits but the pavement generally is substandard - except the road running through Mauricie Ntl Park (google it, then zoom in until the road come into view >

[Liquidsilver]

1) CA
2) AR
3) WV
4) NC/GA Appalacians
5) CO
6) HI
 
...
 
49) LA
50) FL

[FJRmgm]

Tail of the Dragon = 318 curves in 11 miles..

Florida = 11 curves in 318 miles..

[Orson]

In my opinion, California  

North Carolina & WV are great but the twistys generally tend to be tighter, whereas California has both tight and high speed sweepers in the mix. I tend to favor them high speed sweepers where the tach needle can stay above 5000 rpm for extended periods  

Then when you throw Highway 1 into the mix, it's game over  

Internationally, I think the South of France comes the closest to California

[NoGear]

Can't say which is my favorite. I haven't ridden in all 50 states yet!   I do like the Eastern Ky, WV, Western VA, East TN, and Western NC area.   I spend a lot of time on trips in that area.  Hardly ever a bad road!

[stromgal]

1. Montana  - views and wide-open roads
2. Utah/Wyoming  - other-worldly scenery
3. NorCal   - roads, drivers that pull over, and hidden weirdness
4. Appalachians (cheat, sorry) - roads and history everywhere
5. S. Missouri/N. Arkansas  - relatively close, good roads without a lot of traffic

Still haven't experienced the NW (Idaho, Oregon, Washington); hope to correct that some day.

[black hills]

1. Montana
2. Utah/Wyoming
3. NorCal
4. Appalachians (cheat, sorry)
5. S. Missouri/N. Arkansas

Still haven't experienced the NW (Idaho, Oregon, Washington); hope to correct that some day.

Idaho and Oregon are great as well, I think you will like them

[stew71]

Well, duh. Northern California, of course.

Pacific Coast Highway, SR299, 36, 44...need I continue?  

[falcofred]

My home - NC though it stretches past my immediate area to encompass the region NC, TN, GA, VA mountains.   It's my favorite because there is no other area I know better.  I dare say most people know many very good to great roads in their area while other areas of the country that knowledge may be sparse.  I have ridden in many other states/parts of the country and I while I do not stick to the well beaten paths, I am sure there are many roads I missed out on not being out there day after day.  If I lived any other place long enough my thoughts might change.  But as - there's no place like home.

+1

[jay547]

you should've made this a poll.

another vote for arkansas. close enough to go on a whim or afternoon, great riding, and nice scenery.

[RPrice]

Southern Utah, of course!!  

[Kneescrubber]

No love for Louisiana, Florida or Nevada?

[Cablebandit]

Confusion.  

[Kneescrubber]

Confusion.  

Ever ridden there?


Okay, it was meant to be a joke. But each of them offer riding that can be memorable. For instance, I used to go to Daytona on a yearly basis. The ride thru the orange groves in the spring is absolutely wonderful for the nose.

[tomek]

1. Orygun , it is awesome , NE part - it cannot possibly get better .

2. Northern Cali . Southern part is overpopulated and almost everyone there seems to be an asshat , like " you know I`m a clerk at this gas station but in 1-2 years I`m gonna make it big in Hollywood for sure " . You get the drift .  
 Roads , scenery , geography  are nice , no question , but I deal with mostly assholes here in Chicago for 335 days per year , I`d like some change from that norm when   I`m on vacation .

3. Idaho , Utah , Colorado , Montana and Washington exequo .

4. No forth place .

As far as East of Chicago , I did BRP twice , nice , very technical roads in WV but frankly I prefer  West .

[olderigetfasteriam]

Colorado............almost all of it West of the plains.

Being my home state I do reserve some love for N. Arizona.

[zedo]

Here's another vote for West Virginia.  It really is a motorcycle friendly state.  I requested a tourism package from them and they sent me maps with popular motorcycle routes.
http://wvmountainrider.com/default.aspx

[keepergale]

Another Utah fan here. You find one great road after another thru beautiful country.

[emerald94]

Maybe he meant a state of confusion?  

Ever ridden there?


Okay, it was meant to be a joke. But each of them offer riding that can be memorable. For instance, I used to go to Daytona on a yearly basis. The ride thru the orange groves in the spring is absolutely wonderful for the nose.

[mxvet57]

South West Wisconsin. ( West of Madison, North if the Illinois border, and South of Lacross. It's better know as the driftless area because the glaciers never covered it.

Also i like to ride along the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi river from the ill./WI border north. I do it 2/3 time a year and never get tired of it.

Utah would be second. I just liked the openness of the land and all the rock formations. I definitely want to go back.

Third would be Arkansas. Like others said good roads nice sweepers and little traffic. One thing i learned was if you have a half a tank of gas and see a station fill up. You would think there would find gas along the way but i learned the hard way. I did find a station but only after going 55 miles with the fuel light on. Also have a fresh set of tires on because the roads there will eat up a tire fast.

[county]

New Mexico, because it is enchanting...

[blueridgerider]

New Mexico, because it is enchanting...

I have to say that comment is right on the mark.  New Mexico was the most gorgeous state I have ever been privileged to visit.

[county]

I have to say that comment is right on the mark.  New Mexico was the most gorgeous state I have ever been privileged to visit.

Got everything, hot, cold, mountains, flat, beautiful scenery  and not a lot of people...

[brockep]

Montana, Vast, diverse, sparsely populated, great camping, great road conditions, only $20 for speeding and great national parks.

[Mr.Black]

My favorite state is the one I am riding in at the time.

[ST for me!]

WV because I live here

[JonS]

Northern CA is at the top of my list. Not as crowded as the southern part and many great rides.
Utah. I'm not that familiar with much of the state, but riding all the "Scenic byways", starting at the beginning of Hwy95 and ending up in Cedar City, is a day very well spent.
Colorado. It is truly the most beautiful state I have been in and there are so many good roads.
I would love to explore the eastern mountain areas, but there is still so much work to be done here in the west.

[birdrunner]

Now that we're waking up on the West Coast I think you will see a lot more from us.  There are great roads in Oregon and Washington, but Northern California between hwy 5 and the coast, north of Red Bluff is one of my favorites because of.......the car drivers.  I have never experienced so many people pulling over to let a motorcycle by as I have in that area.  I guess it helps that the roads have lots of pull-outs.  

Ditto,
I was at a WCRM 3.5 yrs ago, and am still amazed by the drivers,   and the roads.

[blackbuell]

Regional familiarity certainly influences the answers here. I'm from northern KY, so I know where all the great riding roads are in the area. Not bragging, but most of you would be blown away by the sheer number of amazing rides within just a few miles of the Cincinnati/Lexington/Louisville triangle.

Along the same lines: I was impressed by the roads in California, but found them too congested with slow moving traffic. I assume that there are plenty of great, less congested side roads that locals would know about.

Favorite tristate area: NC/TN/GA: pick a road, any road!

High on the list:

1. Utah: incredible destinations linked by wonderful roads.

2. Colorado: just ask Sfarson about this one

3. Wyoming: wide open spaces

4. Idaho/Montana: Wow!


Jon

[bomber]

Bliss.

[Mr.Black]

Bliss.

ding ding ding

[cbsnbiker]

Sober and well-rested.

[rgbeard]

Sober and well-rested.

Doesn't that take away some of the challenges and fun from the equation?  

[stromgal]

Having to ride a long distance with a hangover is the worst.  DAMHIKT    


 

[chesthing]

Hard to beat the scenery of Colorado, but the condition of the roads is generally very poor due to the extreme seasonal changes. NM and AZ, the Appalachians and Smokey mtns are probably the best riding in the lower 48.

[sagerat]

1.  Orygun for the diversity.  

2.  Colorado for the epic scenery

3.  Arizona has all that Orygun offers, except an ocean, and has more folks and it's my home state.  

4.  Idaho for amazing roads, but rated lower due to the south; I've endured the Snake River Plain many times, but oh the Panhandle and Central Idaho.  God's country.

4.  Utah for the Red Rock Country and the Wasatch

5.  California, I'd rate the Golden State higher, but it's full of Californians.  

[cbsnbiker]

I remember going for two rides on two days on the BRP with a friend as a passenger. The first day we had a glorious ride. It was as if we were one with the motorcycle and the road. We carved the curves.

The second day was not the same. I just couldn't focus. I backed the pace way off. After a few miles, I pulled us over at an overlook. We decided to change plans for that day to deemphasize the riding.

The difference: I wasn't well rested on the second day.

[RodeRash]

Living in Colorado, I am pretty close to some really great roads, but I'm going to cast my vote for Northern California.

This is one reason why.

[Oxblood]

I have had some mighty fun running around Southern BC, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, SD, NoCal. So many awesome places to ride.

Here is US 12 Eastbound to Lolo Pass west of Lewiston:

[Oxblood]

Same trip as above, Rainy Pass on WA SR 20:

[CosmicCowboy]

Having to ride a long distance with a hangover is the worst.  DAMHIKT    


 

Done once. Never again!

[sagerat]

Even riding a short distance (100 mi<) was bad enough; I couldn't imagine a long ride.  

I guess if it were a long enough ride you'd eventually detox with the passage of time and numerous rest stops.  

[cbsnbiker]

I've never ridden with a hangover.

I still remember, though, riding home from a rally where I got either food poisoning or a virulent stomach flu the night before I left. Not only was I sick, but I was sleep-deprived due to hourly trips to the privy.

Friends rode in front of and behind me to keep an eye on me, and set a very moderate pace. We stopped at times from town to town for me to take bathroom breaks, which was complicated by a widespread power outage from tornados the night before.

I arrived home shivering (on a mild late summer day), jumped into a hot bath, and fell asleep.

That was not my favorite state to ride in.  

[stromgal]

I 'celebrated' a birthday with friends when on a riding trip, while on Mackinac Island. I did the infamous tee-shirt pub crawl, had a great time! The next day we rode north to Sault St. Marie and thence into Canada and Montreal Provincial Park..... oh, the suffering.  

So in the 'least favorite state to ride in' poll, this gets my vote.  

[stew71]

Living in Colorado, I am pretty close to some really great roads, but I'm going to cast my vote for Northern California.

This is one reason why.

The last time I was on 36, that sign was missing. I don't think Cal Trans ever replaced it.

[stromgal]

I haven't ridden 36 since CalTrans straightened some curves and removed the whoops. I'm sure it's still a great ride, but I'll miss that crazy section. That sign is there somewhere, I've seen very recent photos of it. Hoping to ride 36 again before I shuffle off this mortal coil.

[McHack]

SE Ohio followed by WVa  TWISTYS

+1