Chicago To Asheville: A Nine Day Sport Touring Motorcycle Trip

This ride took place from 5/23 through 5/31 of 2015. A detailed account of its events is available through this page as well as each post's base navigation. They are as follows ...

• A Brief Summary
• Day Zero: Preparation
• Day One: Mitchell
• Day Two: Danville
• Day Three: Middlesboro
• Day Four: Etowah
• Day Five: Meadows of Dan
• Day Six: Beckley
• Day Seven: Columbus
• Day Eight: Greenfield
• Day Nine: Libertyville

Our day-to-day recollections document stories, photos, locations, reviews and more. We also develop our two-up packing strategy, which incorporates SW Motech's quick release system and Shad luggage, throughout. If you have alternate route suggestions or would like to experience any portion of this trip for yourself, pay mind to the many included maps of the New Heartland.

It's funny. Our interest in a possible Great Lakes ride inspired this trip. A friend pointed out that touching all five coastlines might prove chilly during May and that eastern Michigan tends to be less interesting than the latter regions. His suggestion to visit Shenandoah Valley went right onto our "two-up to-do list" but more mileage would be necessary for our nine days of vacation. Looking at all things Shenandoah on an Eastern US Map brought something to light: I have family near every national park across America's New Heartland.

Always rounding up and with a worst-case-scenario mindset, the total cost for such a trip (two-up) is around $1500. This assumes that all gas is premium grade, every meal is in a restaurant and all lodging provides a roof (hotel/motel). That's $500 for gas, $500 for food and $500 for lodging, each rounded upward to the nearest $100.

It's good practice to have an extra $500 on standby in case you exceed your budget.

We might've spent far less had we decided to camp but two-up travel imposes storage limitations when semi-spirited riding is in order. One night of camping costs 1/4 of a motel room and implies that you'll cook store-bought food (cheaper) over an open fire. There's also the possibility that friends will host you for a night along the way in the New Heartland.

What Long Distance Motorcycle Trips Have You Experienced?

Great riding roads often equate to great destinations. What scenery have you witnessed? What inspired your travels and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!