How to Motorcycle the New England States

How to Motorcycle the New England States
A way to feel the thrill of the great outdoors, particularly during the autumn colors, is to take a motorcycle tour of the New England states. Maine has over 3,400 miles of shoreline, coves and peninsulas to encounter. From Yonkers, New York, up to the Canadian border or across southern Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island up to the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire, your outdoors motorcycle adventure plan will keep you zooming for up to several weeks if you choose.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • State road maps Coastal tidal charts Guidebooks Helmets Jeans/long pants Leather or thick jackets Boots
  • State road maps
  • Coastal tidal charts
  • Guidebooks
  • Helmets
  • Jeans/long pants
  • Leather or thick jackets
  • Boots
Step 1
Decide how many days you want to bike for your tour and choose a state in which to start your ride. Prioritize attractions where you wish to stop and wander. Scenic routes will take longer to negotiate---but for the outdoor enthusiasts, especially on a motorcycle, the trip should be as enjoyable as the endpoint.
Step 2
Map out your basic intended route through key cities and attractions using a combination of state maps and motorcycle route maps. These show better road details than regional maps. Total the mileage at regular intervals and note it on your planning map.
Step 3
Plan a combination of coastal sections and interior roads to highlight the natural beauty along the way. Include a few sections of regular interstate to navigate through some of the New England city hubs where you can enjoy the sights of the city between the country charms.
Step 4
Check guidebooks, KOA camping locations or AAA information for gasoline stops, lodging and attractions. Mark these at short intervals on your maps, to know that if you stick to your planned route or vary it that you'll have sufficient amenities for multiple day routes.
Step 5
Factor your daily driving hours at the AAA average, which is trip miles divided by 55 mph. Aim to drive for six to eight hours a day, with food and gasoline stops at regular intervals. Your legs, back and rear will need the stretch breaks. This is a more realistic estimate for bikers, whereas by car you might cover 800 to 900 miles in a given 12-hour drive. Thus a 1,348 mile circular route throughout New England, beginning in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as recommended by Sundaymorningrides.com, will take you 24 1/2 driving hours, not including stops or overnights.
Step 6
Research the coastal areas of your drive in advance, comparing the roadmaps to tide charts which can usually be found at local tourist information centers. Some attractions will only be cycle-accessible during low tide times of day. Marty Berke's "Motorcycle Journeys Through New England" offers local dining and attraction commentary as well as a list of coastal attractions that require "perfect timing" with tides in order to view.

Tips & Warnings

 
Fully inspect and tune-up your bike before your trip, even if you've been using it regularly. Check the driving rules for motorcycles in each of the New England states for any variance from your home state.
 
Fully inspect and tune-up your bike before your trip, even if you've been using it regularly.
 
Check the driving rules for motorcycles in each of the New England states for any variance from your home state.
 
Wear appropriate helmets, long-sleeved leather or thick material jackets, jeans and boots to prevent injury. Be advised that even on state routes and smaller roads, cars don't always see motorcycles well and your potential for accidents during wet weather, dusk or pre-dawn times is much higher.
 
Wear appropriate helmets, long-sleeved leather or thick material jackets, jeans and boots to prevent injury.
 
Be advised that even on state routes and smaller roads, cars don't always see motorcycles well and your potential for accidents during wet weather, dusk or pre-dawn times is much higher.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

    Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...

    More National Parks...
  • Popular Article

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

    Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...

    More National Parks...
  • Featured Destination

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

    When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...

    More Camping Basics...

Hotel Finder

Destination
Check-in
Check-out
Adults (18+ yrs)
Children (2-17 yrs)
Get Rates and Availability

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword