Take to the Open Road with the World’s Most Awesome Motorbike Routes

All our guests at Summit and Blue have one thing in common: a love of adventure and the open air. That’s what drives them to search out the ultimate activity holiday destinations, from the USA to Iceland and Finland to Antigua.

But while we all share a passion for adventurous destinations, maybe we should think about planning a little excitement into our journeys as well.

For inspiration on making the voyage to your next activity holiday as thrilling as actually reaching your destination, here’s my guide to world’s most legendary motorcycling routes.

America’s Route 66

There are few adventurers who haven’t dreamed about channelling their inner Easy Rider on a motorbike cruising down the USA’s iconic Route 66.

The road works its way from Chicago in the east all the way to Los Angeles in the west, taking in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona along the way. Get ready to be amazed by the sights of the Grand Canyon and the Arizona desert.

At 3,939km it will take you at least three or four weeks to travel, more if you take a detour up to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a western-style activity holiday with Summit and Blue on your way out west…

Argentina’s Ruta 40

Not many roads can boast 20 National Parks on their path, but this monster route travelling the entire length of the country is not like any other road you’ve ever encountered.

Bikers will need some serious changes of clothing as you’ll be riding from warm savannahs into glacial mountain areas during the length of your journey. This route really takes in the full breadth of Argentina’s beautiful landscape.

New Zealand’s Route 1, South Island

There is no better way to see the wild, rugged beauty of New Zealand’s South Island than on the back of a motor bike travelling along the east coast’s Route 1. Taking you from the southern tip all the way up to the north, this route takes in much of the magical landscape made famous in the Lord of the Rings films.

If you have time, take Route 6 from the north back down to the south, for stunning views of the island’s rugged west coast.

Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France’s Transalpine Route

If you’re heading to a summer activity holiday with Summit and Blue in the French Alps or Italian Dolomites, then why not make the journey part of the adventure with a motorcycle ride along the Transalpine road?

Enjoy cruising along through the stunning mountainous landscape, disappearing into long Alpine tunnels and working your way up steep gradients. This really is a motorbike rider’s dream.

They say life is about the journey, not the destination – so why not make your next holiday about both and let my team at Summit and Blue come up with some breath-taking travel options to spice up your next activity holiday getaway.

Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit & Blue, an adventure holiday company offering independently crafted activity holiday itineraries for families to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for those looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.