Riding the USA
My experience with riding in the USA on a Harley and my Bird have be very favorable. I have also driving through 10 States and Baja, Mexico. I've ridden through the States to Toronto. With the exception of some road repair, mostly OK only one risky section, the roads are good, fast, and speed limits reasonably high. I tend to avoid the Inter State as they are full of long haul trucks and they are not always in good repair and they drive very fast. I found it somewhat disconcerning and tended to avoid them. I crossed on Highway #2, which runs parallel to the US/Canadian border and is in good shape. I found gas very affordable in spite of its recent rise. Much cheaper, I suspect, than what you are used to. There are tons of Honda dealers throughout the US so no worries there. Accommodations are plentyfull and quite reasonable. I have paid as low as $25 US which includes a fridge, micro, cable TV, and what they call a "continental breakfast", coffee, fruit, sweets, to as high as $100 in Jackson Hole Wyomming. I rarely booked in advance, just arrive around 4-5 pm, no problem. Gas is plentiful, of all octanes. Tons of diners, and if you avoid Budwieser beer, there a many excellent micro-beers available. At the risk of being too political, there is no one I'd rather have as my neighbour than Uncle Sam. It's probably best not to talk politics or religion. Talk cars, bikes, beer, women, and you'll be safe. Keep your eye on the weather channel each night and morning. My favorite states are, Washington, Oregon, Colerado, Utah, California, and the northern states. Haven't ridden down the east coast but hope to in the future, love to ride to Key West. All American State Parks are beautiful and highly recommended. Big cities are just big cities, seen one, seen them all, maybe New York City, excluded. Not totally true b/c there are many beautiful museums and gallaries and resaurants. But the beauty of America is in the landscape and the people. I ride for the beauty of the landscape and the people whom I enjoy.
You must be prepared for all types of weather especially hot weather, very hot weather across the deserts and high plains. Be aware that on the plains, the wind will howl in the afternoons, and sheet lightning and sudden rain squalls are not uncommon. My must ride roads, out of Cody, Wyoming, is Chief Joseph Scenic Drive on to Bear Tooth Pass, perhaps the best most scenic road in the continental USA. It end in Montana, or the reverse. Of course Highway 101 and #1 in California is great. There are too many great roads in the USA to mention. Try, web site, Destination USA. In truth I could write a travel log on my travel experiences in the US and they are great. I have even had some good experiences with a few "biker type" guys. Don't forget to take pictures of the incredible mix of riders you will experience along the way. I have a scrap book of bikers only, from rich poncy BMW types to the biker gang Angel types. Have a hell of a good time it could be a ride of a life time. Cheers, from BC, Canada. PS I have camped in the Parks you mention and they are truly magnificent.
