anyone got thoughts about this book. we are doing back road tour of US, buggar the interstates. we want, local food, local bars and see the real america. june and july might be a bit touristy but we will keep away from the tourist shit.
I don't have the book, but the reviews on Amazon don't seem particularly positive. No matter. Although you will need good maps, I think the inmates here would gladly steer you to the best places if you let them know what area you're in. I speak of places that are not even in these guide books. Locals just know. But what do I know? I've never toured on a bike. Old Git Ray and his wife, on the other hand... They are both 10 times the adventurous traveller that I'll ever be, and I'm quite an adventurous traveller. There they were motoring through the endless plains of Kansas when an unfortunate pheasant punched a hole clean through the windscreen, and ended up in Ray's lap. Chickenshit Americans like me would have fainted, but Old Ray he calmly pulled the bike over at the next tree-lined creek and they had a picnic. Freshly killed pheasant was on the menu. I call that a Motorcycle Touring Man.
I don't think you need a book. Well I didn't anyway. I just looked at a map and joined some highlights together like the grand canyon and Colorado and then just tried to stay off the interstate. The Americans are very friendly and happy to chat, just hang out at the local diner or bar and you will find them welcoming as soon as you say something they will want to hear your life story because they hear the accent. Away from LA and NY anyway. Americans sometimes get a bad rap, because of the stereotypical American tourist but in their home environment they are awesome.
Aw shucks.... Thanks. To the OP, VC is right. Books like that tend to highlight the quirky things, the old nostalgic things, the somewhat fake or weird things, the touristy things, and not the real everyday USA. For the most part you won't need more than a map and a GPS; roads here are good, services are plentiful and frequent, and we're typically welcoming of folks who "ain't from around here, are ya?" Personally, I think we're especially fond of folks from Ireland, NZ, Canada, and Aussies, because of the zest for life these cultures seem to have. USA is a big country, but in a couple of months you should be able to get most of the way around it, and still take time to see highlights. You'll find that different parts of US have very different cultures, accents, and ways of just being. If you have questions or interests in experiencing the USA that is not answered in guide books, feel free to ask about them here. Oh, btw, bet this gets moved to Trip Planning - Americas section. Which would be good. It's a perfect fit there and you'll get nice information.
I once had a copy of that book. It is mildly interesting to page through but useless as a travel guide. There is so much interesting stuff to see in this country, it really can't be captured in a book. If you stick to your plan, you will have a good trip. The best way to find what you seek in any given location is to simply ask.
You might try the road trips thread on the main page good info there. I hope you have a great time and be sure to see the Barbers Museum in Birmingham.
Don't stay away from all the tourist shit. I'm talking about stuff like Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore / Crazy Horse (you don't have to be 'Mericun to appreciate them), Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and on and on. All tourist shit, all pretty spectacular, and worth seeing. You can probably skip seeing the grave of Norma Jean the elephant in Oquawka, Illinois. I'll be the first to say Welcome, three months early. Enjoy your trip.
I have Road Trips and when I'm heading to an area that's featured in one of their north/south, east/west rides---I'll take a look at points of interest. I've had the best luck with the Scenic Driving series of books. They're typically by state---although some are for larger geographic areas. Shows specific drives, mostly on pavement but they have some graded dirt rides too. When I'm touring I'll look at the Scenic Driving books and make a point of hitting some of the drives they have listed. I've never been disappointed. Amazon sells them new and used---sometimes for just a couple of bucks.
thanks guys, great feedback. i have done 4 corners usa before but 20 years ago on a GSPD, mostly interstates, except 101 cost road which was awsome, it was last part of RTW ride and i was in a hurry, not sure why but i was young and all young people are in a hurry.my saving grace was the book "road food" it showed me some amazing local food joints and also the generosity of the american people.they were fantastic. this time we want to take more time, and definatley stay away from interstates unless we are bored with roads in the flat part, eat great food, drink craft beers but not big on heavy traffic or waiting in lines. im now in process of looking for the right bike RS or LT, something comfy. might see if a member will rent me one.
too hot for the southern 1/3 to 1/2 of the country. June may be borderline, but July can be brutal, not to mention humid in the southeast. It'd be a shame to miss such a large swath of the country. 4 to 6 weeks earlier would be much more comfortable, depending on what you're used to. Good luck!
I can't wait... F*** winter already! Seriously though, post up where you will be a few days in advance and the locals on this board will give you more route and destination suggestions than you can possible manage. For example, if you find yourself in Mid- Tennessee, stop by the Soda Pop Junction in Lynnville for the best burger you'll ever eat.
You might find this book of interest: "The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man™" http://www.amazon.com/America-Uncha...=1425720949&sr=1-4&keywords=america+unchained John
If you're in my part WV would be glad to give you info on roads, routes, I'm sure most people here would do the same, led some guys last year across couple short cuts to get them to SE Ohio, just happened to be stopped in parking lot looking at maps, thought I'd see if they needed any help.