For those who crave the open road, few things compare to the thrill of a long-distance motorcycle journey. The hum of the engine, the ever-changing landscapes, and the sense of boundless freedom create an experience unlike any other.
Some routes, however, transcend ordinary travel—they become legendary. They embody adventure, history, and the pure joy of exploration on two wheels.
Route 66
1. Exploring the Legendary Route 66
There are trips, and then there are Trips, those that must have the capital letter because they represent that dream we hold in our hearts and dedicate a lifetime of preparations to, and then finally undertake it and discover that it was not as we had imagined... but much, much, much better! Route 66 is definitely one of these, dedicated to all those who have been living the American dream with open eyes for a lifetime.
The infamous road is one of the oldest US interstates, built to connect Chicago, the city of blues, gangsters, and bootleg alcohol, with Santa Monica, the iconic Californian city of beaches and surfing. The road cuts through the country from east to west (starting from Chicago), but nothing will stop you from doing it in the opposite direction, leaving the Californian coast behind.
Dakar
2. From Tangier to Dakar, Through the Desert, Along the Bedouins Tracks
A dream perhaps less summery, yet no less exciting, is to ride along the 3900 km separating Tangier from Dakar, following the routes of the ancient Paris-Dakar that made history in motorcycle racing. Arriving in Tangier, a bustling Moroccan port, you will point the motorcycle south-westward along the African coast, towards the border with Mauritania.
Following, high cliffs and large white sand dunes will accompany you to the Senegal River, the entry point into the Central African country, where you can enjoy the lushest vegetation you have ever seen before reaching your destination: Dakar.
The journey is certainly challenging but not impossible for those not used to covering many kilometers on a motorcycle. The road surface is often sandy mixed with packed earth, so this dream on two wheels must be tackled with a good enduro motorcycle, designed for long distances, and with some experience driving on gravel and sand tracks.
Ruta 40
3. From the Andes to the Land of Fire: The Ruta 40
Among the dream trips to be taken on your motorcycle to discover the world, the legendary Ruta 40 cannot be left unmentioned, the road that leads from the Andes to the southernmost tip of Argentina, in the Land of Fire. Over 5000 km of road, partly unpaved, will take you through the country of Pope Francis, allowing you to discover unique and wild landscapes, perfect for those who love the wild side of motorcycle journeys.
Leaving from San Carlos de Bariloche, you will head south without any hesitation; you will cross the Andes, with continuous ups and downs, national parks, and major cities until you reach Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world, built in one of the most remote and wild places on the planet: the Land of Fire. In this case too, you will need to rely on a maxi enduro, necessary to cover the long stretches of the Ruta Nacional 40.
Pyrenees
4. In the Heart of the Old Continent, Across the Pyrenees
This is the motorcycle journey that leads through the Pyrenees, the great mountain range that separates France from Spain. A 1500 km loop that ascends the mountains to reach the oceanic coast of Spain, up to Pamplona, the infamous city of the running of the bulls, before heading south to the center of the Iberian country and then retracing the steps through the Pyrenees, through passes and switchbacks, until returning to the starting point.
A journey, a dream not so far from reality; Perpignan, the starting point of the tour, is only 500 km from Italy, and the entire trip can be done with any motorcycle, as it is structured on paved roads.
Sardinia
5. A Truly Italian Dream: Touring Sardinia by Motorcycle
Among these, without a shadow of a doubt, touring Sardinia by motorcycle is the most memorable route, along the 1800 km of the island's coastline. Starting from Olbia, a port of arrival for many tourists, moving counterclockwise towards the northern coast, in the direction of Santa Teresa di Gallura, through the Gallura granite.
You will then head west to Porto Torres, and then decidedly south: Alghero, Bosa, Oristano, Buggerru, will be just some of the enchanting locations you will encounter along your journey. Iglesias will mark the beginning of the return to the east, passing through Cagliari and the bustling beaches of Villasimius before heading back north. Sarrabus, Ogliastra, and Baronia will be the explosive finale of this all-local dream on two wheels.
