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.

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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/

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

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Planning your next motorcycle road trip through the Midwest? In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we highlight six of the most motorcycle-friendly towns in the Midwest—destinations that offer stunning rides, rider-welcoming atmospheres, and unforgettable roadside experiences.

We explore towns that go out of their way to welcome bikers—whether it’s a historic downtown with great restaurants, scenic routes perfect for cruising, or parking lots full of chrome on summer weekends.

Towns Covered in This Episode:

• Galena, Illinois – Ride the Stagecoach Trail, explore historic streets, and sip top-tier Bloody Marys

• Marquette, Michigan – Cruise Lake Superior’s shores and grab a warm pasty at a local gem

• Lanesboro, Minnesota – Fall foliage, winding river roads, and cozy breakfast spots

• Hermann, Missouri – Scenic hills, riverside rides, and a bratwurst or two

• LeClaire, Iowa – Ride the river bluffs and stop by the American Pickers HQ

• New Glarus, Wisconsin – Swiss charm, cold beer, and curvy Driftless Region roads

Rider Toolkit Mentioned:

• Kickstand Pad – Park securely on gravel and grass

• Cable Helmet & Jacket Lock – Secure your gear while you explore

• Microfiber Towel Set – Perfect for cleaning bugs, dew, and helmets

• Mini Jump Starter w/ USB Charging – Save your battery and charge your devices

These are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no additional cost to you. It helps keep the podcast running!

Interested in sponsoring the show?

We're always looking to feature rider-relevant products, tools, and destinations. Reach out here if you're a brand that supports motorcyclists.

Subscribe for more real-world motorcycle travel tips, honest reviews, and epic road trip ideas.

Sign up for rider alerts and updates → https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/join

If you're planning a long motorcycle trip, this is the gear checklist you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, we break down the motorcycle gear we actually wear on multi-day rides — including modular helmets, rain gear, base layers, boots, and glove strategies that work across weather, miles, and mistakes.

Whether you're doing your first overnight ride or refining your long-haul setup, this guide covers real-world motorcycle gear for comfort, safety, and convenience. No fluff — just trip-tested gear that’s earned its place in our saddlebag.

• Why modular helmets are worth every penny
• Base layers that regulate temp without bulk
• The rain gear system we pack (and how we pack it)
• Smart layering with multiple glove types
• Why latex glove liners are still a favorite
• Boots with protection and walkability
• Eye drops, boot dryers, and the weird little things that save a ride

Some links are affiliate links — if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

That helps support the show and keeps the wheels turning. Thanks for your support!

• Bohn Body Armor → https://www.bohnarmor.com/

• Modular Helmet → https://amzn.to/44GeAEV

• Pinlock Visor Insert → https://amzn.to/4dpENcZ

• Base Layer Shirt → https://amzn.to/4k5Zuxn

• Nelson-Rigg Rain Gear → https://amzn.to/43srvrS

• Nitrel Gloves → https://amzn.to/3FmOWKX

• Travel Boot Dryer → https://amzn.to/3SHIm4P

• 6” Riding Boots → https://amzn.to/3Zg2tLp

• Eye Drops → https://amzn.to/3SKKQ2m

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts (no spam, just great rides & tips): https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts

Catch the full podcast archive: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast

Follow us for more:

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips

Want to Sponsor the Show?

If you're a gear brand, road trip tool, or rider-first business — we'd love to hear from you.

Reach out here: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

Pasties, shipwrecks, hats, and some of the best road miles in the Midwest — this episode has it all. In Episode 068, we head into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and follow the legendary UP Pastie Trail, mixing must-stop food spots with scenic rides from the Mackinac Bridge to Copper Harbor, plus a detour to Whitefish Point and the Stormy Kromer hat factory.

What we cover in this ride:

✅ Our official Pastie Tour route and rating system

✅ Best motorcycle roads from Mackinac to Copper Harbor

✅ Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point (Edmund Fitzgerald bell!)

✅ Brockway Mountain Drive — top 5 Midwest ride views

✅ Stormy Kromer factory tour: Americana at its best

✅ Toolkit tips for riding remote, wet, and full of carbs

Toolkit from the Road:

TUMS (for the meat pie aftermath) - https://amzn.to/3YCnsrl

Garmin Zumo / Motorcycle GPS - https://amzn.to/42Vtu8Y

Neck gaiter (for cold, wind, and morning fog) - https://amzn.to/455efvy

Nelson-Rigg compact rain suit - https://amzn.to/4mdpLem

Offline maps tip: download before you lose you gps signal!

Gear We Mentioned (Affiliate Links)

Some of the links above may be affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we might earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

It helps keep the gas tanks full and the podcasts rolling. Thanks for your support!

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts (no spam, just great rides):

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts

Full Podcast Archive:

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast

Follow Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips

Want to Win a Stormy Kromer Hat?

Drop your favorite UP pastie stop in the comments by Labor Day 2025 — we’ll draw a winner for a Stormy Kromer hat and mail it your way. (No receipt required, but bonus points for gravy.)

Want to Sponsor the Show?

We’re currently looking for sponsors that share our passion for riding, gear, food stops, and unforgettable roads.

If you’re a brand, service, or destination that wants to reach real riders, we’d love to talk.

👉 Get in touch: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

The Great River Road: Minnesota (Part 5/5) | Epic Views, River Towns & Cold Mornings

Welcome to the grand finale of our 5-part Great River Road motorcycle series! In this episode, we ride the breathtaking Minnesota stretch, from the bluffs of Red Wing to the headwaters of the Mississippi.

In this ride:

- Why the Minnesota section might be the most beautiful of the entire Great River Road

- Our favorite small-town gems: Red Wing, Wabasha, and Lake Itasca

- How Minnesota combines long views, wooded curves, and wide rivers

- What makes Lark Toys a hidden highlight

- Our gear picks for chilly mornings, coffee stops, and cargo

🔥 Toolkit from the Road:

- Heated Glove Liners - https://amzn.to/4maf4cP

- Base Layer Riding Shirt - https://amzn.to/42ZmBlQ

- Nelson-Rigg Trails End Small Tail Bag - https://amzn.to/3YysuVM

- RAM Mount Drink Holder - https://amzn.to/43hmLGs

- ROK Straps (the only tie-downs we trust) - https://amzn.to/3YsIvww

Affiliate Links – We may earn a small commission if you buy using our links (at no cost to you). Thanks for supporting the show!

📬 Get BMR Rider Alerts – Be first to know about new episodes, gear reviews, and road trip tips:

bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts

💥 Want to Sponsor the Show?

We’re looking for a few great partners who share our passion for the ride. Reach out here:

bmr@bestmotorcycleroads.com

🎙️ Subscribe for More:

If you love motorcycles, group rides, trip planning tips, and a laugh or two — you’re in the right place.

Motorcycle Guide: Great River Road Wisconsin Ride & Best Stops (Part 4/5) – Episode 066

Welcome to Part 4 of our 5-part Great River Road Series! 🛣️

This time, we ride the Wisconsin side — a stunning 250-mile stretch through 33 river towns, some epic bluff views, old-school ferries, and famous local eats.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ Where the Wisconsin Great River Road officially starts and ends

✅ Historic towns like Potosi, Cassville, Prairie du Chien, La Crosse, Alma, and Pepin

✅ The legendary Cassville Ferry crossing

✅ The strange story of Pete’s “boiled burger”

✅ Must-see parks like Grandad Bluff and Buena Vista Park

✅ Toolkit tips: phone mounts, glove hacks, luggage tips, and ear protection

Toolkit Products from Today’s Episode:

• Motorcycle Phone Mount (Grip Style): https://amzn.to/4lO7rs6

• Charging Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/4iDLKZ8

• Mesh Summer Motorcycle Gloves: https://amzn.to/3GrJ832

• Rain/Cool Weather Glove Option: https://amzn.to/3Ym94Dp

• Motorcycle Earplugs: https://amzn.to/4jwn2ek

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some links above are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast and keeps the wheels turning. Thanks for your support!

🤝 Interested in Sponsoring the Show?

We love connecting riders to great brands. Contact us here:

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

🎧 Catch Up on the Series:

Episode 063 – Missouri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ys2EyJEFy8&t=2s

Episode 064 – Illinois: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx005LM08ZI&t=2s

Episode 065 – Iowa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp4dIiGEu6w

Full Podcast Library: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast

Join BMR Rider Alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts

Follow Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips

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

Been on the Wisconsin Great River Road?

Tell us your favorite stop (or ferry story!) in the comments!