Iowa? Flat? Think again. In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we’re busting myths and burning rubber across the Hawkeye State, uncovering 7 hidden gem motorcycle roads you’ve (probably) never ridden. From Mississippi River bluffs to bluffin’ tenderloins, it’s all here—twists, turns, and tasty stops. This is Part 3 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and Iowa does not disappoint. What You’ll Ride: - Marquette to Lamont (via Driftless curves, effigy mounds & a tenderloin the size of ...
Jul 24, 2025•23 min
Missouri’s Best Hidden Motorcycle Roads 🚦🏍️ In Episode 074 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast, Tom and Todd reveal the 7 most underrated routes in Missouri—from bluffside curves to Civil War cemeteries and diner stops that still serve homemade pie. This is Part 2 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and if you’ve ever ridden past the Ozarks, Route 66, or Hermann wine country, there’s a good chance you missed these scenic detours. Featured Routes: - Hwy 79 – Hannibal to Louisiana: river v...
Jul 11, 2025•28 min•Ep. 74
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 p...
Jul 01, 2025•26 min
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 r...
Jun 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 72
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 ...
Jun 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 71
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 ...
Jun 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 70
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-t...
May 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 69
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 ✅ Shipwrec...
May 13, 2025•20 min•Ep. 68
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, w...
May 06, 2025•19 min•Ep. 67
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 lege...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Ep. 66
Welcome to Part 3 of our 5-part Great River Road Series! This time we ride the Iowa side — from Keokuk to Lansing — 326 miles of curves, bluffs, lock & dams, pies, and surprise pie-shaped cultural revelations. What’s inside: ✅ Where the Iowa Great River Road actually starts ✅ The best 6 miles (yes, we’ll name them) ✅ Historic towns like Burlington, Guttenberg, McGregor, and Lansing ✅ Biker-friendly stops, state parks, overlooks, and pie-worthy diners ✅ Our top toolkit picks for riding smarte...
Apr 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 65
Welcome to Part 2 of our 5-part Great River Road Series! 🛣️ This time, we ride through Illinois , hitting everything from classy Galena to the rowdy biker haven of Poopys , and finishing in Chester—the hometown of Popeye . This stretch of the Great River Road is full of surprises: ✅ Scenic bridges, twisty river bottom roads, and classic Midwest hills ✅ Motorcycle destinations like Savanna , Iron Horse Social Club , and Poopys ✅ Unexpected gems: Galena’s charm, Navu’s history, and Popeye statues...
Apr 15, 2025•20 min•Ep. 64
Welcome to Part 1 of our 5-part Great River Road series! 🛣️ In this episode, we're riding the Missouri section of the Great River Road — nearly 400 miles of river views, winding roads, and unforgettable stops. We cover: ✅ Where the Great River Road starts & ends in Missouri ✅ Our favorite BBQ stops along the route 🍖 ✅ Hidden gems and scenic towns (Hannibal, Cape Girardeau, and more!) ✅ Must-see sights like locks & dams, river crossings, and historic sites ✅ Riding tips for navigating c...
Apr 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 63
Craziest Motorcycle Ride Stories – Fuel Leak, Big Storm & a 750-Mile Day! In Part 2 of our Top 6 Ride Stories, things go sideways—fast. From long-haul 750-mile rides to unexpected fuel leaks and a surprise wedding detour, these are the moments that make motorcycle trips legendary. In this episode: A Gold Wing fails Tom, but he makes a 750-mile comeback. A fuel line breakdown and a one-legged biker named Rich Crockpot made-rites at a gas station (yes, that happened) Why carrying the right gea...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Ep. 62
Top 6 Motorcycle Ride Stories: Breakdowns, Detours & Bad Decisions – Part 1 These are the stories we still talk about. In Part 1 of our Top 6 Ride Stories, we share the wild, weird, and unforgettable motorcycle adventures that went off course—sometimes literally. From breakdowns in the rain to navigating terrifying mountain roads at night, these are the stories that started with bad decisions… and ended with great memories. In this episode: Teaser: “Some rides test your skills—others test yo...
Mar 30, 2025•21 min•Ep. 61
Planning the perfect motorcycle trip takes more than just picking a route. Avoid planning mistakes, find the best roads, and make every ride unforgettable! From choosing dates to mapping the best routes, we’re breaking down our best motorcycle trip planning strategies—PLUS the biggest mistakes we’ve made. In this episode: Teaser: “Picking a motorcycle trip date is like picking a restaurant with your spouse—someone’s not getting what they want.” Bottom Line: Lock in dates early, plan ahead, and l...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 60
Some motorcycle rides go perfectly. This episode is NOT about those rides. This is about the near misses, unexpected mishaps, and the dumb luck that saved the day. From a near collision due to a missing headset to a sketchy off-road detour, we’re sharing the close calls that could have ended badly—but didn’t. In this episode: Teaser: “They say communication is key… also helpful for not turning your buddy into a speed bump.” Bottom Line: Stay aware, ride smart, and do your pre-trip maintenance. M...
Mar 04, 2025•21 min•Ep. 59
Want to unlock hidden roads, the best local food, and unforgettable experiences on your motorcycle trip? The best GPS isn’t a gadget—it’s talking to the locals. In this episode, we share how striking up a conversation at a gas station or small-town café can lead to your best rides ever. From unexpected detours to legendary BBQ joints, this is how you find the best roads that aren’t on any map. In this episode: Teaser: “I asked a guy what there was to do in town. He said, ‘Son, you’re doing it.’”...
Feb 25, 2025•24 min•Ep. 58
Motorcycle Group Rides: The Unexpected Moments That Make Them Legendary! – Episode 057 Group rides aren’t just about the miles—they’re about the stories, surprises, and unforgettable moments that happen along the way. In this episode, we share our best (and worst) group ride experiences, from unexpected breakdowns to the hilarious traditions that make every ride unique. Whether you're planning your first group trip or you've been riding with the same crew for years, this episode is packed with l...
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 57
Packing your motorcycle for a long trip is an art—like playing Tetris on hard mode! In this updated episode, we’re revisiting one of our earliest guides and sharing new insights on smart packing, gear organization, and must-have travel hacks . From keeping essentials within reach to avoiding overpacking mistakes, this is your ultimate guide to a stress-free motorcycle trip. In this episode: Teaser: “Packing a motorcycle is like Tetris… except the pieces fall off at 70 mph.” Bottom Line: Prioriti...
Feb 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 56
Motorcycle Cameras & Mounting: What Works, What Fails! – Episode 055 Want to capture your motorcycle rides like a pro? In this episode, we break down the best camera setups, mounting options, and common mistakes that ruin your footage. Whether you're using a GoPro, Insta360, or onboard cameras, we’ll help you get the best shots every time. In this episode: Teaser: "The best camera is the one you remember to turn on!" Bottom Line: Capturing a great ride is more about setup and planning than e...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Ep. 55
Themed Motorcycle Rides: How to Plan Adventures You’ll Never Forget – Episode 054 In this episode, we’re diving into the art of themed motorcycle rides. From "No Interstates" challenges to following music trails and uncovering hidden gems, we’ll share how to plan trips that are all about the memories—not just the miles. Get inspired to create your own unforgettable adventures! 📌 In this episode: Teaser: “How many pies can I fit in my saddlebag?” Bottom Line: It’s not just about the miles—it’s a...
Jan 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 54
What started as a group of friends on a small-town adventure grew into something much bigger. In this episode, we share the story of how the "Rubber Ducky Bike Tour" laid the foundation for Best Motorcycle Roads (BMR). From our earliest rides to becoming a podcast that celebrates the bond between riders, this episode is packed with stories about friendship, laughter, and the unforgettable experiences that only two wheels can provide. Here’s what you’ll discover: The origin of the Rubber Ducky Bi...
Jan 21, 2025•21 min•Ep. 53
BMR Podcast: Celebrating Our First Year – Episode 052 It’s been an amazing first year for the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast! Join us as we look back on the lessons learned, our favorite moments, and the incredible people we’ve met along the way. Whether you’re a loyal listener or just joining the ride, this episode is a celebration of what we’ve built together. Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/ BMR Rider Alert Sign-Up: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideral...
Jan 14, 2025•20 min•Ep. 52
🎉 BMR Podcast: 2025 Plan of Attack – Episode 051 🎉 Get ready for an epic year of motorcycling as we map out our 2025 riding season! From planning the ultimate Tail of the Dragon trip to discovering hidden gems like Missouri's Highway 90, this episode is packed with insights, ideas, and gear tips to make your riding season unforgettable. 📌 In this episode : Teaser : “Ride hard, pack snacks, and don’t lose Brad at the gas station!” Bottom Line : It’s never too early to start planning next year’...
Jan 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 51
BMR Podcast Year in Review: Episode 050 🎉 Join us as we reflect on an incredible year of rides, adventures, and lessons learned in the saddle. From epic trips like the eclipse ride to Donovan, Missouri, to the unforgettable Slimy Crud Run, and all the way to Olympic Island’s breathtaking rainforest—this year had it all. 📌 In this episode : Teaser : “What did the motorcycle say about the past year? It had its ups and downs, but we’re still in gear.” Bottom Line : 2024 was a year of unforgettabl...
Dec 31, 2024•24 min•Ep. 50
The Unwritten Rules Every Rider Should Know 🚴♂️ In this episode, Tom and Todd break down the unwritten rules of motorcycling—from the famous wave to group riding etiquette. Whether you're riding solo or in a group, these tips will make every trip safer and more enjoyable. ➡ Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts and never miss an episode: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/ What You'll Learn: The importance of group dynamics and etiquette in motorcycling. Best practices for safe passing and lane...
Dec 24, 2024•21 min•Ep. 49
🚴 Top Motorcycle Restaurants for Illinois, Missouri & Iowa 🍔 Explore the best biker-friendly dining spots in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa! From iconic Midwestern biker bars to hidden gems with massive tenderloins and smoky barbecue, this episode highlights must-visit stops for your next ride. Whether it's the legendary Poopy's Pub and Grub or Moonshine Store's quirky charm, these eateries serve up great food and even better stories. 🛞 📧 Sign up for our BMR Rider Alerts and never miss an ...
Dec 17, 2024•20 min•Ep. 48
Discover the Top Motorcycle Restaurants in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin 🍔🏍️ In this episode of BMR, we uncover the best biker-friendly restaurants in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. From Hell Saloon's "sinful food and fierce fun" to Minnesota's famous Betty's Pies, and Wisconsin's historic Potosi Brewery, we've got your next road trip eats covered. Join Tom and Todd as they share tips, stories, and their favorite spots along the way. ⏰ Timecodes: 0:00 - Teaser: Hell Saloon and Biker ...
Dec 10, 2024•15 min•Ep. 47
Winter is coming! Are you prepared to winterize your bike the right way? Learn the essential steps to keep your motorcycle in top shape during the off-season. From cleaning and ceramic coatings to battery maintenance, fuel stabilization, and more—this episode is packed with expert tips to help your ride weather the cold months. 🔗 Sponsor & Affiliate Info: This episode is not sponsored. Some product links may be affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase through ...
Dec 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 46
