Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast By tom altman cover art

Best Motorcycle Roads

Best Motorcycle Roads

By: tom altman
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This podcast is about the love of motorcycles, taking trips with friends and the open road. Each episode we talk about motorcycle trips where we share stories, tips, and the sheer joy of riding. It's not just about the routes; it's about the experiences, the laughter, and the sense of freedom you feel when you're out with friends. We take you on the adventure with us, wind in your hair, and a smile on your face. It's a journey through the world of motorcycles trips, but more than that, it's about the unforgettable moments and the bonds that riding creates. We want to make your next motorcycle trip the best it can be. Get show notes at https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcastCopyright 2025 tom altman Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Midwest Hidden Gems: Illinois - Part 1 of 6 - Episode 073
    Jul 1 2025

    Looking for the best motorcycle roads in Illinois? Episode 073 of Best Motorcycle Roads kicks off our Midwest Hidden Gems series with **seven secret motorcycle routes** you don’t want to miss! Ride along as we explore twisty roads, historic landmarks, Native American sites, and small-town eats across Illinois — perfect for your next motorcycle road trip.


    Hidden Gems Covered:

    1️⃣ Blackjack Road (Galena to Savanna) - Driftless valleys, ridge views, Desoto House Hotel, Hanover State Park’s unique plant life, and Poopies Pub for comfort food.

    2️⃣ Stagecoach Trail (Lena to Galena) - Curvy, hilly roads with historic stops like Wams Grove battlefield, Apple River Canyon State Park, US Grant’s Home, and Galena’s Dowling House.

    3️⃣ Rock River Run (Rockford to Dixon) - Scenic Hwy 2 ride, Castle Rock State Park’s sandstone bluffs, Black Hawk statue, Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, and Basil Tree Italian Restaurant.

    4️⃣ Illinois River Road Scenic Byway (Ottawa to Havana) - Starved Rock State Park waterfalls, Underground Railroad sites, Reddick Mansion, Grandview Drive, Rockwell Mound, eats at Red Dog Grill and Babes on Plum.

    5️⃣ Great River Road (Alton to Hardin) - Lincoln Legacy Trail, Elijah Lovejoy Monument, Robert Wadlow (world’s tallest man) statue, Marquette State Park’s CCC-built lodges, Brussels Ferry, meals at Illinois River Rock Restaurant & Barefoot Restaurant.

    6️⃣ Savanna Scenic Ridge & Mississippi Palisades - Native American mounds, Havencrest Castle, Iron Horse Social Club, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.

    7️⃣ Lowell Park Road Route (Dixon to Savanna) - Reagan’s lifeguard park, historic clock towers, Mount Morris band shell, and a final loop back into Savanna.


    Featured Local Eats:

    Fried Green Tomatoes, Woodland Wonderland, Poopies Pub, Basil Tree, Red Dog Grill, Babes on Plum, Illinois River Rock Restaurant, Barefoot Restaurant, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.


    Toolkit Tips for Riding Illinois:

    Use a visor cleaner for bugs - https://amzn.to/4lxBJhN

    Keep a cooling neck gaiter for muggy weather - https://amzn.to/4kATsEx

    Carry a tire repair kit - https://amzn.to/3GghdDC

    Gear up with Bohn Body Armor for protection - https://bohnarmor.com


    Affiliate Disclosure: This video may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.


    Subscribe & Stay Connected

    Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com

    Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert


    Interested in Sponsoring Our Podcast?

    We’re always looking for partners who want to reach a passionate community of motorcycle enthusiasts across the U.S. If you’d like to sponsor an episode or collaborate, visit: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/

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    26 mins
  • Stormy Kromer Ride Recap: Pasties, Hats & Hidden Roads in the Michigan UP - Episode 072
    Jun 24 2025

    Stormy Kromer Ride Recap — Motorcycle Touring the Michigan Upper Peninsula (UP)

    Welcome to Episode 072 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast — a full ride report from our 1,640-mile trip through the scenic, wild, and pasty-filled Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This isn’t your average motorcycle vlog. We’re talking route pivots, factory tours, small-town surprises, and the kind of food coma only five pasties in one day can deliver.

    Ride Recap Highlights:

    ✅ How we used ChatGPT to dodge four days of rain by flipping our route direction last-minute

    ✅ Real talk on group hotel booking chaos (and how to avoid it)

    ✅ What makes Minocqua, Wisconsin worth a stop — ski shows, lakeside bars, and a one-pound ice cream cone

    ✅ The Stormy Kromer factory tour in Ironwood — led by the owner himself, Bob Jacquart

    ✅ Michigan’s most iconic motorcycle routes including M-119 (Tunnel of Trees)

    ✅ Pasty showdown: Joe’s vs. Ragus vs. Krupp’s vs. Roy’s vs. Iron Town — and the bakery that stole the show

    ✅ Glass-bottom boat tour over Great Lakes shipwrecks

    ✅ The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

    ✅ Taco Bell Cinnabon Balls, Lou Malnati’s pizza, and other guilty pleasures


    Stormy Kromer Hat Giveaway:

    We’re giving away a limited-edition Stormy Kromer trucker hat! To enter:

    👉 Comment on this video or on our trip planning episode before Labor Day.

    We’ll draw one name and send a free hat your way. No spam, no catch.


    Rider Toolkit – Motorcycle Gear & Tips (Mentioned in Episode):

    Looking to upgrade your road trip gear? Here’s what we brought or wish we had:

    • Helmet & Jacket Cable Lock – Secure your lid and gear while parked https://amzn.to/3Idr39J
    • Visor Cleaner Kit – Spray & microfiber to fight those UP-size bugs https://amzn.to/44i1dZJ
    • Disposable Lens Wipes – Great backup cleaner for visors and windshields https://amzn.to/4kX2MU3
    • Jump Battery – Small, reliable power source for dead batteries https://amzn.to/44EXo15
    • Quick-Dry Base Layer Shirt – Washable on the go, dry by morning https://amzn.to/4lqdMJy
    • Hidden Cash Tip – Always stash a $20 in your jacket
    • Bohn Body Armor – Lightweight underlayer protection that stays put https://www.bohnarmor.com

    Tool Bag Hack – Our idea: modular saddlebag organizers that clip together (patent pending... maybe 😉)


    Featured Locations Along the Route:

    Minocqua, WI – Thirsty Whale + Briqs ice cream

    Ironwood, MI – Stormy Kromer + Joe’s and Ragus pasties

    Houghton, MI – Roy’s Pasties & scenic river patio

    Calumet, MI – Overnight base

    Munising, MI – Glass-bottom boat tour of shipwrecks

    Whitefish Point – Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Edmund Fitzgerald)

    Mackinac Bridge – Don’t forget cash!

    Cross Village to Good Hart, MI – M-119 Tunnel of Trees

    Big Rapids, MI – Schuberg’s Bar & Grill + Taco Bell Cinnabon Ball drive-thru

    Lou Malnati’s in Chicago – Deep dish, butter crust, perfection


    Subscribe & Ride With Us:

    If you love motorcycle road trip stories, ride planning tips, and gear talk — you’re in the right place. Best Motorcycle Roads is here to help you plan your best trip yet.


    Subscribe to our free Rider Alert email: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

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    35 mins
  • Planning a Group Motorcycle Ride (Without Losing Friends!) - Ep. 071
    Jun 18 2025

    How to Plan a Group Motorcycle Ride Without Losing Friends

    Planning a group motorcycle ride? Whether it's a weekend trip or a multi-day touring adventure, group rides can be the best part of motorcycling—or the most frustrating. In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we share essential group ride planning tips, including how to set expectations, avoid drama, and create epic rides your friends will actually thank you for.


    We cover:

    - How to plan a group motorcycle ride that works for everyone

    - Tips for organizing motorcycle trips with multiple riders

    - What gear and tech help group rides run smoother

    - Real stories from years of group touring across the Midwest and beyond


    Whether you're a ride captain or just trying to survive your next group trip, this episode will help you keep the peace, ride better, and stay connected.


    TOOLKIT – RECOMMENDED GEAR & LINKS

    These affiliate links help support the podcast (thanks for clicking!).

    - Bluetooth Intercoms:

    Sena: https://amzn.to/40aNZMY

    Cardo: https://amzn.to/4jU34JR

    - Phone Mounts:

    Quad Lock: https://amzn.to/4kPEFqk

    Goldstrike Constrictor: https://goldstrike3d.com/collections/smartphone-holder/products/gen-2-trim-line-cybercharger-goldwing-phone-holder-charger

    - Backup Power:

    Phone Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/3SYl3nx

    - Emergency Tools:

    Tool Roll: https://amzn.to/4lb4P6z

    Tire Plug Kit: https://amzn.to/3SV3Ds3

    Mini Compressor: https://amzn.to/3T14kQB

    - Hydration & Snacks:

    Granola: https://amzn.to/3SUEMoh

    Jerky: https://amzn.to/4n5O8v0

    Dried fruit: https://amzn.to/4lb4SiL


    📣 SPONSORS WANTED!

    We’re looking for like-minded brands to support the show. Gear companies, road trip tools, and riding communities—this is your chance to ride with us.

    https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/


    Connect With Best Motorcycle Roads

    🌐 Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com

    📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads

    📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/bestmotorcycleroads

    📧 Email Sign-up (Rider Alerts): https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/

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    25 mins
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