Ride It Like You Mean It
Not every road sticks with you, but some, once ridden, are impossible to forget. The way the light cuts through a mountain pass or a corner sneaks up on you at just the right moment. For those who chase that perfect, exhilarating ride, we've highlighted the 20 greatest roads for motorcyclists from around the world. So if you're looking for adventure, let's dive in.
1. Tail Of The Dragon (US-129): North Carolina/Tennessee, USA
318 turns in just 11 miles! This Appalachian serpent was made for thrill-seekers. Ride it early in the morning to dodge heavy traffic and embrace the hairpins like a dance partner. Along the way, wrecked parts of the Tree of Shame serve as cautionary reminders of the road's dangers.
FPV Drone - First Flight - Tail of the Dragon by killboydotcom
2. Stelvio Pass: Italy
You'll find 48 alpine hairpins here, zigzagging up to 9,045 feet. Open from June to October, this legendary climb tests both balance and brakes. Cyclists and car clubs love it, too, but none savor its rhythmic madness like a motorcyclist carving each switchback.
3. Transfăgărășan Highway: Romania
This 56-mile marvel, built in the '70s under Ceaușescu, was Romania's Cold War power flex. You'll cross viaducts, scale foggy peaks, and punch through tunnels. Take a ride in late summer; snow lingers till July. Top Gear once crowned it "the world's best road."
Robert Anders from Hamburg, Germany on Wikimedia
4. Ruta 40: Argentina
Legend meets dust on this 3,100-mile titan stretching along the Andes. Gravel and wild vicuñas await as you trace Patagonia's spine. Plan between November and March—southern summer. Fuel stops are sparse, and shifting terrain leaves marks on your tires and in your memory.
Maximiliano Andrés Pérez on Wikimedia
5. Great Ocean Road: Australia
Stretching 150 miles from Torquay to Allansford, this road sways between rainforests and sea spray. Ride in spring to dodge crowds and chase wildflowers. The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks are breathtaking, and sudden gusts will test your lean like a game of tug-of-war.
6. North Coast 500: Scotland
This 516-mile circuit launches from Inverness and wraps around Scotland’s raw, windswept crown. Expect single-lane surprises and Highland cows. Autumn lights up the moors in copper hues. Take fuel seriously, as remote stretches don't forgive forgetfulness. Brave it, and you earn lifelong bragging rights.
7. Swartberg Pass: South Africa
Gravel kicks up behind you as you ascend the jagged folds of the Swartberg mountains. Constructed in 1888, this pass without guardrails is a time machine. Summer heat scorches; ride it in spring or fall for cooler air and clearer views.
8. Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1): California, USA
This ribbon hugs California's edge like a coastal tattoo. Start from Monterey and cruise south for postcard perfection. Winter storms sometimes shut sections, so check ahead. Spot elephant seals in San Simeon or glide past Bixby Bridge like a movie star.
9. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia/North Carolina, USA
Fog rolls through valleys like spilled silver here. Connecting Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains, this 469-mile stretch flaunts gentle curves and quiet beauty. Avoid peak fall traffic; try late spring for wildflower bliss. Ride early—sunlight filtering through the trees turns asphalt into poetry.
10. Trollstigen: Norway
Giant's Ladder—that's what locals call it. Eleven tight switchbacks cling to steep cliffs, with a waterfall roaring beside you. Open from June to October, this mountain pass challenges nerves and focus. Snowmelt drips from rock faces. The mist steals your view like a magician’s trick.
Paweł Kuźniar (Jojo_1, Jojo) on Wikimedia
11. Cabot Trail: Nova Scotia, Canada
Cliffs, eagles, and coastal curves make this 185-mile loop unforgettable. Ride clockwise for dramatic ocean-side turns. Autumn paints Cape Breton in fire-orange hues. You'll weave through fishing villages and Gaelic heritage spots. Each bend holds snapshots you may not find in guidebooks.
Jared Rover from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
12. Beartooth Highway: Montana/Wyoming, USA
This road climbs to 10,947 feet and tosses you above the tree line where snowbanks linger into July. Glacial lakes glint here. Short season—June through September—so plan your ride well. Sunshine can quickly give way to hail, so bring layers and ride with respect.
13. Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road: UAE
Concrete coils snake up the rocky Hajar Mountains for 7 miles of pure ascent. Best tackled at dusk—city lights bloom below while the desert cools. This road is built for speed and spectacle; its 60 corners make it feel like a motorsport circuit sculpted from sand.
14. Sani Pass: South Africa/Lesotho
Don’t just ride; climb. This unpaved challenge demands off-road skills and a dose of courage. Rain turns rock into slick slate, so dry seasons are safest. Border control sits at the summit—yes, there's a passport stamp! It’s remote and steeped in high-altitude wonder.
15. Causeway Coastal Route: Northern Ireland
The 120-mile route from Belfast to Derry winds through Game of Thrones territory. For the best experience, ride in May, when the light is golden and rain is less frequent. While fuel stops are plenty, the weather can change quickly, so pack rain gear just in case.
16. Manali-Leh Highway: India
Altitude punches above 17,000 feet. The road? Rough and narrow. Open June to September, it’s only for those chasing high-altitude grit. Bring spare fuel and carb adjustments because oxygen drops with every climb. Expect army checkpoints; an ID is required at Rohtang La and Tanglang La passes.
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia
17. Transalpina Road (DN67C): Romania
Built by soldiers, blessed by bikers. This Carpathian marvel climbs above 7,000 feet and twists through pine forests and open ridgelines. Ride in early fall—less traffic, richer colors. However, there are abrupt weather swings, and visibility can vanish in minutes. Only overtake if the line of sight is solid.
18. Karakoram Highway: Pakistan/China
Stone meets sky along the ancient Silk Road, carved through the world’s tallest mountains. Best ridden from May to October, it invites you to chase eagles while navigating unpredictable terrain. Near Gilgit, landslides are common, and locals carry satellite phones. So, camp high and descend slowly.
19. North Yungas Road (Death Road): Bolivia
Narrow and misty, this jungle trail edged by oblivion isn't for the timid. Open year-round, but the dry season (May–October) is safest. Locals bless crossings with coca leaves. Ride downhill only—rules are strict and enforced for safety. One can never be too careful here.
Alicia Nijdam from Cordoba, Argentina on Wikimedia
20. Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland
Running 1,600 miles along Ireland’s wild west coast, the winding route blends crashing cliffs with quiet coastal towns. Waves strike the rocks with the force of war drums, echoing the coastline’s raw energy. Late spring brings clear roads and long days, but watch for sheep near Kerry. They often wander onto the road.
