10 Thrilling Motorcycle Routes You Should Add to Your Bucket List
February 21, 2023
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Nothing beats taking your bike on the open road. Of course, certain destinations are more exciting than others, and this is certainly the case with the routes mentioned below. If you plan on adding some exciting motorcycle routes to your bucket list in the nearby future, one of these should certainly be on your shortlist.
There’s something incredibly freeing about taking the open road with not a single worry. It’s just you, your motorbike, and the endless expanse of roads just waiting to be followed. The routes we’re going to talk about below are legendary as far as motorcycle tours are concerned. But before you set out on your adventure, make sure you have a proper map of the area or a GPS. And now, let’s have a look at the 10 most thrilling motorcycle rides in the world and see how many of these can you get under your belt!
1. The Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop, Morocco
Distance: 2,570 km (1,597 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 32 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Bikers who want to experience an exotic route should certainly consider the Ceuta to Marrakesh motorcycle tour. While taking this route, you will experience a beautiful mountain backdrop while on the open road, but also some ancient citadels, souks, and a genuine desert culture.
The Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop offers an adventure of a lifetime. However, it is a journey that must be planned meticulously, considering you will spend some time surrounded by desert, with no sign of civilization for miles!
2. The Pyrenees Loop, France & Spain
Distance: 2,410 km (1,497 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 30 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Not a big fan of desert debris and sand getting into your motorbike? No worries, because an equally exciting adventure awaits you in France and Spain with the Pyrenees Loop.
The Pyrenees Loop is a route frequented by European bikers, all thanks to its beautiful scenery and hairpin turns. For this journey, you will head east from Bilbao and end up on the N260, which is one of the most legendary motorcycle routes in Europe. Then, you continue to La Seu d’Urgell, Andorra, and Bourg-Madame. This journey is perfect for bikers looking to experience Europe in all its glory, but also for those who enjoy the occasional gourmet food stop. You must be prepared though because this journey is just as lengthy as the Marrakesh Loop, stretching over 2,410 kilometers.
3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Distance: 290 km (180 miles)
Time: at an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 3 ½ hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Looking for a bit of a shorter ride, but still with many things to discover? Then the Great Ocean Road in Australia might be your thing! Compared to the other longer routes mentioned in this article, Australia’s Great Ocean Road only spans over only 290 kilometers (180 miles), but there is still plenty to enjoy along the way.
The Great Ocean Road route takes you from Melbourne to Peterborough, accompanied by plenty of shoreline rainforest and outstanding surf beaches. During the route, you will also have the chance to explore the Shipwreck Coast, definitely worth at least a pitstop. This location is renowned for its limestone pinnacles piercing the sea like witch’s fingers, the most famous of which are the Twelve Apostles. What’s not to love about it?
4. California and Western America
Distance: 5,630 km (3,440 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h, this route will take you 70 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Bikers looking for one of the longest routes will certainly find it in the United States. Considered top of the line amongst motorcycle routes, to experience California and Western America on two wheels, you will start in Los Angeles and take Route 66 in the direction of Arizona, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
These are not the only amazing sites you’ll encounter across this route since there is also room for the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, and much more! So, for the ultimate adventure on your motorbike, there is only one obvious choice.
5. The Cape Town Circuit, South Africa
Distance: 1,690 km (1,050 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 21 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Have you always dreamed of spotting South African wildlife while riding your bike? Then, you might be interested in experiencing the Cape Town Circuit in South Africa. The route spans over 1,690 kilometers and takes you along some marvelous sites.
During your ride on the Cape Town Circuit, you will experience two weeks of adventure. You’ll ride from Cape Town and head north to the Olifantskip Pass. Then, you’ll also experience Addo Elephant National Park. So, plenty of opportunities to take a picture of big local wildlife with your camera.
6. The Pacific Coast Highway, California
Distance: 320 km (200 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 4 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Another shorter route on our list, but certainly worth exploring, is the Pacific Coast Highway in California. This route takes you along beaches, redwood forests, cliffs, and the Big Sur, home to some of the best surfing in the US. There are also some lesser known sites along your route that could be worth a pitstop; this includes a fishing town called Monterey. Of course, after your minor pitstops, you can finish your journey with the famous San Francisco Bridge.
7. The Dales and Moors, Yorkshire, England
Distance: 440 km (273 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 5 ½ hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Bikers who do not mind riding in some rainier weather certainly need to experience the Dales and Moors in the United Kingdom. The route takes you along some fast straights and beautiful surrounding scenery. To take the Dales and Moors route, you will start from the A684 and head over to Hawes. Then, it is time for a pitstop at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this while passing through Aysgarth and Leyburn.
8. Fjordland in Norway
Distance: 450 km (280 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 5 ½ hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
Many bikers would love to experience the beautiful environment in Norway, which means Fjordland should certainly be on our shortlist of top routes. Experiencing Fjordland is certainly something you’ll remember forever, even though the route is only 450 kilometers. During your ride in Fjordland, you will experience the land of the Vikings, displaying some amazing fjords and gorgeous nature. With this route, you can experience a truly liberating ride.
9. Istanbul to Anatolia, Turkey
Distance: 700 km (435 miles)
Time: At an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mi/h), this route will take you 10 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
If you don’t mind the heat, Istanbul to Anatolia is another route that should be on your bucket list. It is one of the most exotic rides in our overview, which includes passing along Roman and Byzantine ruins. You will also experience some stunning panoramas, courtesy of the Black Sea and Taurus Mountains.
10. The Road of Death, Bolivia
Distance: 61 km (38 miles)
Time: Since this is a really difficult road, you’ll be driving very slow - no more than 30 to 40 km/h (18-25 mi/h) – in which case this route will take you about 2-3 hours of riding plus any time you take for stops.
As the name indicates, taking this route is not suitable for everyone. The Road of Death in Bolivia has been declared as the most dangerous road in the world. Of course, some bikers love the thrill, so adventurous motorcyclists often ride this route!
Even though the Road of Death only spans over 61 kilometers, it is certainly a ride that should only be undertaken by the most experienced bikers. There are some real dangers on this road, so be sure to consider your journey carefully.
Have you decided on your next motorcycle touring destination? Then head to BookMotorcycleTours.com and choose a fun-filled trail riding motorcycle tour and check another item off your bucket list!