Top US routes for adventure-seeking motorcyclists

From scenic, serene rides for nature-loving motorcyclists, to rollercoaster routes punctuated by sharp twists and hairpin turns, America’s landscape provides no shortage of awe-inspiring destinations. Here’s a sample of iconic, scenic and hair-raising US routes to get riders to head out on the highway and go out looking for adventure. Whatever comes your way. Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina With blustering confidence, Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina claims to be America’s No. 1 motorcycle route for the whopping 318 curves embedded along just 17 km (11 miles). Stretching from Tennessee to North Carolina, the route has felled many a motorcyclist for its treacherous twists. Their deaths are even given tribute on a Tree of Shame, where bike parts from wreckages are nailed to the tree. As noted on the Tailofthedragon.com website, there’s no time for sightseeing, as the roads in and of themselves are meant be the main attraction and hairpin curves are likely up ahead. "Well these just aren't any curves as there are many sharp turns, steep drop-offs, not many cars, lots of bikes ... overall a real challenging road,” says Motorcycleroads.com. Beartooth Pass It’s an ‘all-American Road,’ a 109-km corridor that starts at an elevation of 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) in southwest Montana, winds its way into northwest Wyoming, and then leads travelers into Yellowstone National Park. En route, motorcyclists will be accompanied by breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, alpine plateaus, glacial lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. Riders on Motorcycleroads.com gave the route a five out of five rating in the road quality rating for features like steep grades, hairpin curves and good pavement. The Three Sisters (Ranch Roads 335, 336, 337), Texas It’s less for the scenery than it is for the sharp twists and turns that the Three Sisters, also known as Twisted Sisters in Texas Hill Country, is on many a rider’s bucket list in the US. Described as a roller coaster ride, the route is not recommended for beginners as the roads lead into canyons, climb over steep jagged hills and sheer drop-offs.   “This roller coaster ride will no doubt blow you away. The road is not heavily traveled, but beware as sharp turns have certainly taken many motorcyclist down,” says Motorcycleroads.com. Pacific Coast Highway, California Also known as California State Route 1, the west coast highway follows the dramatic coastline of the Pacific Ocean and stretches for an impressive 550 miles (885 km) throughout California. The most scenic parts of the route are between Monterey and Santa Barbara, where motorists and cyclists are accompanied by unobstructed views of the ocean. While undeniably beautiful, riders at Motorcycleroads.com warn that the destination’s world-class popularity can also cause annoying traffic jams in towns along the way. Source: Relaxnews