How to Plan a Group Motorcycle Ride Without Losing Friends

Planning a group motorcycle ride? Whether it's a weekend trip or a multi-day touring adventure, group rides can be the best part of motorcycling—or the most frustrating. In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we share essential group ride planning tips, including how to set expectations, avoid drama, and create epic rides your friends will actually thank you for.

We cover:

- How to plan a group motorcycle ride that works for everyone

- Tips for organizing motorcycle trips with multiple riders

- What gear and tech help group rides run smoother

- Real stories from years of group touring across the Midwest and beyond

Whether you're a ride captain or just trying to survive your next group trip, this episode will help you keep the peace, ride better, and stay connected.

TOOLKIT – RECOMMENDED GEAR & LINKS

These affiliate links help support the podcast (thanks for clicking!).

- Bluetooth Intercoms:

Sena: https://amzn.to/40aNZMY

Cardo: https://amzn.to/4jU34JR

- Phone Mounts:

Quad Lock: https://amzn.to/4kPEFqk

Goldstrike Constrictor: https://goldstrike3d.com/collections/smartphone-holder/products/gen-2-trim-line-cybercharger-goldwing-phone-holder-charger

- Backup Power:

Phone Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/3SYl3nx

- Emergency Tools:

Tool Roll: https://amzn.to/4lb4P6z

Tire Plug Kit: https://amzn.to/3SV3Ds3

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- Hydration & Snacks:

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Jerky: https://amzn.to/4n5O8v0

Dried fruit: https://amzn.to/4lb4SiL

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Planning your next motorcycle road trip through the Midwest? In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we highlight six of the most motorcycle-friendly towns in the Midwest—destinations that offer stunning rides, rider-welcoming atmospheres, and unforgettable roadside experiences.

We explore towns that go out of their way to welcome bikers—whether it’s a historic downtown with great restaurants, scenic routes perfect for cruising, or parking lots full of chrome on summer weekends.

Towns Covered in This Episode:

• Galena, Illinois – Ride the Stagecoach Trail, explore historic streets, and sip top-tier Bloody Marys

• Marquette, Michigan – Cruise Lake Superior’s shores and grab a warm pasty at a local gem

• Lanesboro, Minnesota – Fall foliage, winding river roads, and cozy breakfast spots

• Hermann, Missouri – Scenic hills, riverside rides, and a bratwurst or two

• LeClaire, Iowa – Ride the river bluffs and stop by the American Pickers HQ

• New Glarus, Wisconsin – Swiss charm, cold beer, and curvy Driftless Region roads

Rider Toolkit Mentioned:

• Kickstand Pad – Park securely on gravel and grass

• Cable Helmet & Jacket Lock – Secure your gear while you explore

• Microfiber Towel Set – Perfect for cleaning bugs, dew, and helmets

• Mini Jump Starter w/ USB Charging – Save your battery and charge your devices

These are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no additional cost to you. It helps keep the podcast running!

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We're always looking to feature rider-relevant products, tools, and destinations. Reach out here if you're a brand that supports motorcyclists.

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If you're planning a long motorcycle trip, this is the gear checklist you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, we break down the motorcycle gear we actually wear on multi-day rides — including modular helmets, rain gear, base layers, boots, and glove strategies that work across weather, miles, and mistakes.

Whether you're doing your first overnight ride or refining your long-haul setup, this guide covers real-world motorcycle gear for comfort, safety, and convenience. No fluff — just trip-tested gear that’s earned its place in our saddlebag.

• Why modular helmets are worth every penny
• Base layers that regulate temp without bulk
• The rain gear system we pack (and how we pack it)
• Smart layering with multiple glove types
• Why latex glove liners are still a favorite
• Boots with protection and walkability
• Eye drops, boot dryers, and the weird little things that save a ride

Some links are affiliate links — if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

That helps support the show and keeps the wheels turning. Thanks for your support!

• Bohn Body Armor → https://www.bohnarmor.com/

• Modular Helmet → https://amzn.to/44GeAEV

• Pinlock Visor Insert → https://amzn.to/4dpENcZ

• Base Layer Shirt → https://amzn.to/4k5Zuxn

• Nelson-Rigg Rain Gear → https://amzn.to/43srvrS

• Nitrel Gloves → https://amzn.to/3FmOWKX

• Travel Boot Dryer → https://amzn.to/3SHIm4P

• 6” Riding Boots → https://amzn.to/3Zg2tLp

• Eye Drops → https://amzn.to/3SKKQ2m

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Want to Sponsor the Show?

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Reach out here: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

Pasties, shipwrecks, hats, and some of the best road miles in the Midwest — this episode has it all. In Episode 068, we head into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and follow the legendary UP Pastie Trail, mixing must-stop food spots with scenic rides from the Mackinac Bridge to Copper Harbor, plus a detour to Whitefish Point and the Stormy Kromer hat factory.

What we cover in this ride:

✅ Our official Pastie Tour route and rating system

✅ Best motorcycle roads from Mackinac to Copper Harbor

✅ Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point (Edmund Fitzgerald bell!)

✅ Brockway Mountain Drive — top 5 Midwest ride views

✅ Stormy Kromer factory tour: Americana at its best

✅ Toolkit tips for riding remote, wet, and full of carbs

Toolkit from the Road:

TUMS (for the meat pie aftermath) - https://amzn.to/3YCnsrl

Garmin Zumo / Motorcycle GPS - https://amzn.to/42Vtu8Y

Neck gaiter (for cold, wind, and morning fog) - https://amzn.to/455efvy

Nelson-Rigg compact rain suit - https://amzn.to/4mdpLem

Offline maps tip: download before you lose you gps signal!

Gear We Mentioned (Affiliate Links)

Some of the links above may be affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we might earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

It helps keep the gas tanks full and the podcasts rolling. Thanks for your support!

Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts (no spam, just great rides):

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Full Podcast Archive:

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Want to Win a Stormy Kromer Hat?

Drop your favorite UP pastie stop in the comments by Labor Day 2025 — we’ll draw a winner for a Stormy Kromer hat and mail it your way. (No receipt required, but bonus points for gravy.)

Want to Sponsor the Show?

We’re currently looking for sponsors that share our passion for riding, gear, food stops, and unforgettable roads.

If you’re a brand, service, or destination that wants to reach real riders, we’d love to talk.

👉 Get in touch: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

The Great River Road: Minnesota (Part 5/5) | Epic Views, River Towns & Cold Mornings

Welcome to the grand finale of our 5-part Great River Road motorcycle series! In this episode, we ride the breathtaking Minnesota stretch, from the bluffs of Red Wing to the headwaters of the Mississippi.

In this ride:

- Why the Minnesota section might be the most beautiful of the entire Great River Road

- Our favorite small-town gems: Red Wing, Wabasha, and Lake Itasca

- How Minnesota combines long views, wooded curves, and wide rivers

- What makes Lark Toys a hidden highlight

- Our gear picks for chilly mornings, coffee stops, and cargo

🔥 Toolkit from the Road:

- Heated Glove Liners - https://amzn.to/4maf4cP

- Base Layer Riding Shirt - https://amzn.to/42ZmBlQ

- Nelson-Rigg Trails End Small Tail Bag - https://amzn.to/3YysuVM

- RAM Mount Drink Holder - https://amzn.to/43hmLGs

- ROK Straps (the only tie-downs we trust) - https://amzn.to/3YsIvww

Affiliate Links – We may earn a small commission if you buy using our links (at no cost to you). Thanks for supporting the show!

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If you love motorcycles, group rides, trip planning tips, and a laugh or two — you’re in the right place.

Motorcycle Guide: Great River Road Wisconsin Ride & Best Stops (Part 4/5) – Episode 066

Welcome to Part 4 of our 5-part Great River Road Series! 🛣️

This time, we ride the Wisconsin side — a stunning 250-mile stretch through 33 river towns, some epic bluff views, old-school ferries, and famous local eats.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ Where the Wisconsin Great River Road officially starts and ends

✅ Historic towns like Potosi, Cassville, Prairie du Chien, La Crosse, Alma, and Pepin

✅ The legendary Cassville Ferry crossing

✅ The strange story of Pete’s “boiled burger”

✅ Must-see parks like Grandad Bluff and Buena Vista Park

✅ Toolkit tips: phone mounts, glove hacks, luggage tips, and ear protection

Toolkit Products from Today’s Episode:

• Motorcycle Phone Mount (Grip Style): https://amzn.to/4lO7rs6

• Charging Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/4iDLKZ8

• Mesh Summer Motorcycle Gloves: https://amzn.to/3GrJ832

• Rain/Cool Weather Glove Option: https://amzn.to/3Ym94Dp

• Motorcycle Earplugs: https://amzn.to/4jwn2ek

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some links above are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast and keeps the wheels turning. Thanks for your support!

🤝 Interested in Sponsoring the Show?

We love connecting riders to great brands. Contact us here:

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact

🎧 Catch Up on the Series:

Episode 063 – Missouri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ys2EyJEFy8&t=2s

Episode 064 – Illinois: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx005LM08ZI&t=2s

Episode 065 – Iowa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp4dIiGEu6w

Full Podcast Library: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast

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Been on the Wisconsin Great River Road?

Tell us your favorite stop (or ferry story!) in the comments!

Welcome to Part 3 of our 5-part Great River Road Series!

This time we ride the Iowa side — from Keokuk to Lansing — 326 miles of curves, bluffs, lock & dams, pies, and surprise pie-shaped cultural revelations.

What’s inside:

✅ Where the Iowa Great River Road actually starts

✅ The best 6 miles (yes, we’ll name them)

✅ Historic towns like Burlington, Guttenberg, McGregor, and Lansing

✅ Biker-friendly stops, state parks, overlooks, and pie-worthy diners

✅ Our top toolkit picks for riding smarter and handling mid-trip repairs

Toolkit Items from this Episode:

• Spare Motorcycle Headlight Bulb: https://amzn.to/4irPb5a

• Motorcycle Fuse Kit (Mini/Standard/ATM): https://amzn.to/3EzEvU1

• Rain Repellent Wipes (Helmet & Glasses): https://amzn.to/3YBvWPm

• Camera Lens Cleaning Wipes: https://amzn.to/43WLssG

• Zip Ties & Mini Duct Tape Set: https://amzn.to/42Ff63s

• Iowa Great River Road App: https://iowadot.gov/autotrails/great-river-road

Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast and keeps the tires rolling. Thanks for riding with us!

Catch the Full Series So Far:

Episode 063 – Missouri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ys2EyJEFy8

Episode 064 – Illinois: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx005LM08ZI

Full Podcast Library:

https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast

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Been on this stretch of Iowa’s Great River Road? Drop a comment and tell us your favorite stop, lookout, or slice of pie.

Want to Sponsor the Show?

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Welcome to Part 2 of our 5-part Great River Road Series! 🛣️

This time, we ride through Illinois, hitting everything from classy Galena to the rowdy biker haven of Poopys, and finishing in Chester—the hometown of Popeye.

This stretch of the Great River Road is full of surprises:

✅ Scenic bridges, twisty river bottom roads, and classic Midwest hills

✅ Motorcycle destinations like Savanna, Iron Horse Social Club, and Poopys

✅ Unexpected gems: Galena’s charm, Navu’s history, and Popeye statues in Chester

✅ Ride-friendly tips and toolkit gear for foggy visors, hydration, and road heat

• Anti-Fog Wipes: https://amzn.to/3Gc9Gp2

• Half Motorcycle Cover: https://amzn.to/42O0Pm0

• Full Motorcycle Cover: https://amzn.to/3EvVfLO

• Ceramic Coating: https://amzn.to/4iocixn

• Hydration Jug with Bite Valve: https://amzn.to/3HydrationJug

🎧 Listen to the Podcast Archive:

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