Even for Johnny Cash, it would be a mighty feat to ride America’s 3.9 million miles of highways, byways, avenues and alleys to get, as the song says, “everywhere.” Although sometimes it may feel like we’ve traveled every road worth a ride, the biker DNA bubbling in our blood tells us there is, somewhere, the spectacular road not taken.

Inside, a semi-circle of visitors is listening with rapt attention to a lone voice. The guide's sonorous French and waving hands tell the story of the Cathars, a heretical Christian community that had taken refuge here in the middle of the thirteenth century. Montsegur was the last major symbol of Cathar resistance to fall to the armies of the Pope and the King of France. After a 10-month siege, the parties negotiated a surrender that gave free passage to the defending knights. But the Cathars had to make a choice - renounce their beliefs or death. Some 30 recanted but more than 200 were burned alive at the base of Montsegur on March 16, 1244.

As you wind your way through the Gaspésie Tour, you’ll work your way along the south shore of the Gaspe Peninsula and into the famous Chaleur Bay – a member of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club. Chaleur Bay was home to the Battle of Restigouche, which took place 250 years ago this July. This was the last naval battle between France and England for possession of North American lands. The 250th anniversary of this historic battle is being commemorated and honored with a huge celebration from July 4 – 11.

We recently showed you some of what was available to motorcyclists in French Canada with our first article on exploring Quebec Maritime. This time we’ll dig a little deeper to show you even more of what you can see and do in La Belle Province.

At first glance Canada is very similar to the United States in a lot of ways, but Quebec offers something different entirely. Not only is French the first language of choice for many Quebecers, but riding through province offers a very European vibe. From the big metropolitan centers like Montreal and Quebec City to the small fishing towns that dot the St. Lawrence River, it’s an experience you just can’t find anywhere else without crossing the Atlantic.

Despite the less than temperate and dishearteningly precipitous summer experienced in the North East last riding season, I managed to log over 15,000 miles on two wheels – mostly during inclement weather. After riding in the cold rain from sunrise to sunset, a good meal, a hot shower and a comfortable bed can be a Godsend.

Ron Kanerva is no stranger to the motorcycle industry, but he is relatively new to the Harley brand. While Kanerva didn’t start out riding Harleys, once he joined the many converted, he certainly began to make his mark on the brand north of the border. Now in the recreational powersports industry for over 34 years, Kanerva started out selling CZs and Jawas, before taking on Polaris and Honda products. Regardless of the fact that he has years of experience running a successful dealership, the popularity of the Harley franchise never ceases to amaze him. “On any given Saturday, we’ll have people show up wearing a shirt from another dealership half way around the world.” For HOG fans logging serious cross-country miles, these dealerships become essential stopping points where like-minded people cross paths and congregate.

Enter Mr. I.M. Killa, the alias for motorcycle would-be tough guy, Horatio E. Pusser, who made big bank in bass futures and was obsessed with all things fishy, being a third generation fishmonger from the Bronx. “I.M. Killa” appears aggressively on his super-exclusive American Express Black Card, which sets apart the truly well heeled from the likes of me and the rest of the workaday hoi polloi.

Luckily this November in Ontario was unseasonably mild, so when I headed off to North Bay for the Vintage Road Racing Association’s (VRRA) Annual General Meeting, I left the cage at home and took the two-wheeler. Located at a different location in Ontario every year, this year’s event was located at the Best Western North Bay Hotel and Conference Centre.

When not riding his 1973 Triumph T120V, General Manager Julian Heppekausen says Deus Is all based around creating a family and community around the business, and everyone having a good time while sharing that culture. One way Deus creates this culture is frequently orchestrating a variety of bike-oriented/pop culture events. This particular one, the Sound and Vision Vintage Swapmeet, focused on bringing together fans and vendors of vintage music and photography.

In order to cram as much into a long weekend as possible, I decided to choose an area where I could take part in a number of activities and enjoy a variety of riding in a relatively central area. Southern Ontario offers many great destinations, but I decided to stick to the areas known as Muskoka and Rainbow Country.

Depending on whom you ask, it gets defined in a few ways, but at least includes the states of Washington, Oregon, and the lower regions of British Columbia, Canada. Some people regard portions of Idaho, Montana, and even Alaska to be part of the Pacific Northwest.

Comprised of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, the northeastern region is bounded by New York state, Canada, and several hundred miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Though it’s well known as a winter haven, throughout the year, Florida actually draws 60 to 75-plus million travelers. In a recent Forbes survey, the state boasted four out of the 25 most visited attractions in the U.S. The reason for its perennial popularity is Florida offers almost everything visitors could want to be comfortable and enjoy themselves.

The 840-mile long California coastline may be one of the most amazing places to tour by motorcycle in the country.

The southern state, surrounded by eight others, could be incorporated into a multi-state tour, or within state, it offers enough to keep riders entertained not just for a few days, but weeks even. 

Virginia has mountains and it has ocean beaches. It has farmlands, deep woods, rolling hills, twisty roads, and pleasant two-lanes. Some of its former territory along with Maryland’s even went toward the district that became the nation’s capitol.

One such riding destination exists between Lakes Huron and Superior known as Algoma Country. Millions of years ago, during the Precambrian era, a multitude of lakes and rivers were carved out of the earth, creating unique rock formations and stunning views amidst the landscape. Much of this incredibly diverse and distinctive geographical entity remains virtually untouched, allowing a co-existence with nature unseen in most of the world. A total of 11 National parks as well as nature and wildlife preserves span this landscape where it is not uncommon to come across foxes, deer, hawks, moose or beavers during a ride. This isn’t just tourism department PR either, as I was fortunate enough to come across much of the aforementioned wildlife firsthand during my brief experience in the area. Lacking in gridlock, road rage and even streetlights for the most part, this area has become a playground for nature and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.