Top 7 motorcycle destinations to ride this year

Published: 02 April 2018

If you are sick of the current wet and cold weather, now is the perfect time to let your mind wander towards a summer of some fantastic two-wheeled adventures. But don’t just think about getting out there, why not actually book a motorcycle trip of a lifetime? Here are MCN’s top seven motorcycle destinations that are more than worth booking a few weeks off work to visit. From the stunning scenery of the Scottish highlands to knocking on Vlad the Impaler’s front door, there’s a two-wheeled adventure out there to suit everyone…

Transfargarasan, Romania

Built between 1970 and 1974, the Transfargarasan runs for 56 miles between the small village of Bascov and Sibiu. Built as a military road in the event of a Soviet invasion, 40 soldiers died during the construction of the road which today is a popular destination for petrol heads thanks to its inclusion in an episode of Top Gear in 2009. The road is usually closed from October to June because of snow and the average speed is 25mph due to the countless twists and turns. Near the village of Arefu is Poenari Castle, the residence of Vlad the Impaler.

Scotland

Scotland is right on our doorstep and offers some of the best riding in Europe. Wherever you go you will be greeted with breath-taking scenery and stunning roads. Exploring on the A82 up from Loch Lomond through to Glencoe is always a guaranteed smile inducer and if you get chance the famous North Coast 500 will truly make it a trip to remember. Going in late spring or early autumn will allow you to make the most of it without being met with hoards of midges and caravans. If your budget is tight then consider wild camping, which is legal on nearly all unenclosed land above the border.

Khardung La Pass, India

The highest rideable road in the world starts in Northern India and clings precariously the the many treacherous peaks of the Himalayas. Forget all your preconceived ideas of tarmac mountain passes, the Khardung La Pass is completely different. Riding on loose gravel, through rivers and round land slides, you’ll spend many miles just feet away from the edge of a cliff, with a blind corner up ahead. Not one for the faint hearted, but you’ll be rewarded with a proper sense of achievement and breath-taking scenery.

MCN Staff Writer Andy Davidson tackled the road in 2016.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

Home to some of the most incredible scenery in the world, the west side of Canada also feels like a proper adventure thanks to the tiny population compared to its size. Icefields Parkway cuts through Banff National Park – Canada’s oldest park and Jasper National Park – the largest park in the Rockies. The parks provide you with gargantuan mountains, endless forests, beautiful lakes and bears.

Morocco

Morocco sits in the Goldilocks zone in that it’s close enough to reach within a few days, but exotic enough to feel like a proper adventure. Morocco offers it all: the largest desert in the world, rugged trails along the Atlas mountain range and amazing scenery along the Atlantic coast. If you prefer to fly there are plenty of bike hire and tour companies to choose from.

B500, Germany

For 40 miles the B500 contorts its way through the Black Forest from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt in West Germany. The B500 is a finely balanced blend of hairpin left and rights, and fast sweepers. The best bit? You can get there, spend a day riding the B500 and then return home for just £250.

The Bol d’Or

Attending the 24 hour Bol d’Or race at Paul Ricard in the south of France (which is generally held in September) is like stepping back in time to when sportsbikes ruled the world. The roads winding up to the circuit are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in France, although during the event they’re heavily patrolled by Police. The event itself is just one big party in the campsites, with sleep way down the list. If you’re not in too much of a rush the Route Napoleon starts around 80 miles east of the circuit and continues for about 200 miles north until Grenoble. That’s 200 miles of hairpin bends and sweepers. Bliss.

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By Jon Urry

MCN contributor, original 916 & R1-owner, human Labrador, thoroughly nice bloke. Working for over 20 years in the motorcycle industry, Jon not only has an encyclopaedic knowledge of bikes, but has also interviewed many key players in the motorcycle industry, including designers, factory bosses and legendary racers. Still a passionate motorcyclist with child-like enthusiasm for two-wheels, Jon has a collection of both modern and classic bikes that he maintains himself and he writes a weekly column in MCN (newspaper) about used bikes and the state of the motorcycle market.