Bikers are passionate about sharing their opinions when it comes to the best and worst states for riding your motorcycle, and it’s also worth asking what it takes to make a great motorcycle riding community. There are a handful of factors to consider, like climate, riding conditions, the cost of fuel for biking, and towns that welcome riders with gathering spots. Cycle Trader is sharing eight of the best motorcycle communities in the U.S.
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The capitol of Texas is one of the best destinations for bikers in the country, with endless opportunities for entertainment, live music, eccentric bars, barbecue joints, vendors for biking gear, and riding through the rolling Texas Hill Country. Each spring Austin hosts the Republic of Texas Biker Rally, the largest biker rally in the Lone Star State. You’ll also get warm weather riding and more daylight to keep biking through the winter months.
Boise is a western gem situated in Treasure Valley, and you might be surprised how much sunshine you’ll get when you plan a ride at the right time of year in central Idaho. This is your chance to see everything the city has to offer, from nightlife to scenery along the Boise River and Sawtooth Mountains. You’ll get stretches of open highway, wildlife watching, and miles of dirt roads in case you’re up for an outing on a dual-sport motorcycle.
Charleston has become a popular destination for bikers, and it’s easy to see why. Ride along the city’s historic antebellum homes, waterfront parks, and the Low Country Beach Loop, stop at a bar, and help yourself to homestyle cuisine to get the full experience. With warmer weather, you can comfortably extend the riding season through the winter for year-round biking.
Motorcyclists love riding in Colorado, which seems to perfectly pair breathtaking scenery around the Rockies with a lifestyle that supports motorcycling. You’ll find low taxes on gasoline, so you can bike for less money. In the summer you can expect warm weather, sunshine, and plenty of views while you ride. You also have long stretches of road outside of town with the Roosevelt National Forest.
Adjacent to the Arkansas River and Ozark National Forest, Fort Smith is a top town for bikers, combining scenic rides with small town Southern charm. In the spring, the town hosts The Steel Horse Rally for motorcyclists to benefit community charities. To get the most out of the experience, take a spin down the Arkansas Pig Trail scenic byway for warm weather riding with winding bends underneath the trees.
Kahului is a paradise community for motorcycling, and a great chance to leave your cares behind as you cruise the island of Maui. Take the East Maui Loop along the coast for a lush day trip around the beaches. You’ll discover warm weather biking all year long and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the small town. If you’re not committed to transporting your motorcycle to the island, look into the many options available for motorcycle rentals.
Bikers descend on Sturgis each year for the world’s largest biker gathering at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which automatically makes this South Dakota small town a must-visit. Take your crew out to a biker bar, visit the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, and stay for the night at a motorcycle-friendly campground. Aside from the annual celebration of the world of motorcycles, you have plenty of open road to experience the freedom of riding surrounding Sturgis with Badlands National Park and the Black Hills.
Tampa has a fun mixture of city life, beach town, and biker community on the Gulf Coast. Try out the North Tampa Circuit for scenic riding along the area’s historic ranches and orange groves. Be a snowbird and plan a winter ride to enjoy warm weather and sunshine when you need to escape the cold, dark winter.
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These eight destinations are favorites among bikers, providing great riding routes, welcoming towns, and fun events that celebrate the motorcycle lifestyle. Add them to your bucket list of riding destinations and see for yourself what they have to offer. If you’re ready to ride, check out all the new and pre-owned motorcycle listings on the nation’s leading marketplace at CycleTrader.com.