These Are the Most Legendary Motorcycling Routes Worldwide
There ain’t nothin’ like seeing the world from behind a motorbike helmet, windscreen and a set of handlebars... The rush of speeding through the desert landscape at 75 mph (yup, that *is* the maximum speed limit) along the epic Route 66, or any other of the routes below, is head and shoulders above all the world’s fly-and-flop holidays scrambled together.
If you want to experience the rush of road-tripping with just your bikes and your backpacks, try any of these epic highways on for size.
1. Route 66, The Mother Road – USA
If you want to go for a classic itinerary, Route 66 – winding all the way from Chicago to LA (as the song says) – is the one for you. Depending on your time and preferences, you can drive part of the route (it crosses Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona), or really go for it and drive the whole thing! According to veterans, you would ideally take 3 to 4 weeks to do the latter.
Length: 3,939km
Vibe: Bizarre sights that you’ll only see in America, including lonesome cafes, drive-ins, totem poles, cars covered in graffiti and gigantic desert landscapes.
Bikers Recommend: Taking your time to experience the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and the Death Valley area.
Our USA travel insurance will cover you all the way from start to finish.
2. Ruta 40, A Route with a View – Argentina
Ruta 40, in Argentina, is one of the longest roads in the world. Winding its way from Cabo Vírgenes (Santa Cruz) up to Quiaca (Jujuy), this stunning route spans the entire country from south to north, running along the side of the Andes. When taking on this killer route, you’ll be casually crossing through – or at least passing by – some 20 National Parks underway. So if you’re looking for some stunning scenery and impressive bragging rights to boot, head to Argentina!
Length: 5,301km
Vibe: Lakes, mountains, salt mines, unpaved roads and windy planes.
Bikers Recommend: Making a stop at the Lakes Region, Talampaya National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier.
3. The South Island, a Gateway to ‘Middle Earth’ – New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is one big feast for the eyes with spectacular, Lord of the Rings-like forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fjords all over the place. With hardly any traffic, smooth tarmac and incredible scenery you are bound to have the trip of a lifetime here.
Length: 2,100km
Vibe: As if you’ve stepped right into the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Bikers Recommend: A visit to the city of Nelson, Lake Mapourika, the Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Aspiring National Park.
4. The Transalpine Route, Action in the Alps – France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy
For those who aim to stay a bit closer to home, the Transalpine is an excellent road, which allows you to bring your own bike without fuss as a bonus. Running from Grenoble (France) to Venice (Italy) traversing the Alps, you get a choice of different options for crossing the mountains, ranging from more easy-going to more challenging.
Length: 2,400km
Vibe: Mountainous landscapes, steep gradients and lots of bridges, tunnels and viaducts underway.
Bikers Recommend: Not forgetting to bring cash for toll ways, and making the climb to the famous Stelvio pass.
Whether you’re heading to Argentina, New Zealand, the Alps or the USA, travel insurance by Let’s Go Insure allows you the freedom you need to get the most out of your road trip and not be held back.
Remember to drive safely, keep to the speed limit and always carry the necessary documentation and safety equipment.
