USA motorcycle travel: Marcel’s advice

Published on February 29, 2016

Article first published on 29 February 2016. This page presents a conversation with Marcel, Planet Ride’s Specialist Partner in the United States. The answers below are retained from the available version of the article. Editorial additions are identified separately.

Explore our motorcycle tours in the USA to prepare your trip. The travel formats discussed in the interview are indicative examples, not the contractual description of current tours.

Meet Marcel, Planet Ride Specialist Partner in the USA

Q: Marcel, what’s your role with Planet Ride in the USA?
A: I’m the on-the-ground partner: I help design and run motorcycle trips that match what riders actually want—great roads, the right rhythm, reliable logistics, and a real margin for enjoyment. The USA is huge; a good trip isn’t about “doing everything,” it’s about linking the right regions with the right daily distances.

Q: What makes a “good” USA motorcycle trip in your eyes?
A: A good trip is predictable where it needs to be (lodging, fuel stops, timing), and open where it should be (scenic detours, a longer coffee stop, a sunset loop). The biggest mistake is planning days that look fine on a map but feel brutal in the saddle—especially with heat, crosswinds, or city traffic.

Which USA motorcycle tours does Planet Ride offer?

Q: What kinds of roadtrips do riders ask for most often?
A: Two big families: the Route 66 experience—pure “mythical America”—and the American West, where the riding is more varied: deserts, canyons, high plateaus, and mountain passes. Riders also care about the level of support: guided, self-guided, or a mix.

Q: What should riders expect in terms of daily riding time?
A: On a long USA trip, a “good day” is rarely about maximum distance. As a rule of thumb, plan for real saddle time rather than optimistic map time. In the West, long straight sections can be easy—but heat and wind change the fatigue equation fast. Build in buffer time for photo stops, small-town breaks, and the unexpected.

Route 66 by motorcycle: a once-in-a-lifetime ride

Q: Why does route 66 moto still work so well as a first USA trip?
A: Because it’s simple and symbolic at the same time. You’re following a story across states, not just connecting points. You’ll ride through shifting landscapes and classic roadside America—motels, diners, old signage—without needing extreme off-road skills or technical terrain.

Q: Any “don’t miss” moments along the way?
A: Keep space for the small stuff: a detour to an old section of the historic alignment, an evening in a quiet town rather than rushing to the next big name. Route 66 is at its best when you stop often and let the day breathe.

Planet Ride editorial note (pacing): On multi-week rides, schedule a lighter day every 3–4 riding days. Not a “zero,” just a shorter stage. It’s the difference between finishing strong and simply enduring the last third of the roadtrip.

The American West: how to think “day by day”

Q: What changes when you ride the West instead of Route 66?
A: The West is about variety—and distances. It’s common to have big gaps between services once you leave major corridors. You also climb in altitude more often, which can mean big temperature swings between morning and late afternoon. Your day-by-day plan needs to respect that.

Q: What kind of roads are we talking about?
A: Mostly paved, typically wide and well-maintained, but the conditions come from the environment: heat shimmer, sudden storms, strong crosswinds, and long straight stretches that lull attention. Around popular parks, you can also hit slow traffic windows—so timing matters as much as mileage.

Q: How do you keep the experience “smooth” on a long western loop?
A: Don’t stack late arrivals. Aim to roll into your stop with daylight to spare: check-in, fuel, a quick maintenance glance (tires, chain/belt area, luggage straps), and then enjoy the evening. The West rewards early starts and calm finishes.

Which motorcycles are available for USA tours?

Q: What bikes do riders usually choose for these USA roadtrips?
A: It depends on your style: some riders want the classic cruiser feel for Route 66; others prefer adventure-touring comfort for long days and variable weather. What matters most is fit: saddle comfort, wind protection, luggage capacity, and how relaxed you feel after hours in the seat.

Q: What should riders check before locking their choice?
A: Seat height and ergonomics, luggage setup, and the kind of roads you’ll ride most. And be honest about fatigue: a bike you love for two hours can be a problem at six.

Planet Ride editorial notes: preparing for departure

The interview does not replace current itineraries and booking conditions. Treat the routes discussed as inspiration rather than confirmation of a specific bookable programme.

Check the exact route, road openings and park access for your travel dates.
Adjust daily distances, rest stops and hydration to heat, fatigue and riding experience rather than fixed daily targets.
Follow the motorcycle and rental provider’s fuel instructions; US and European octane figures are not interpreted in the same way.
Confirm accepted licences, required equipment, insurance and deposit terms before booking.
Prepare offline maps and check which connectivity services are included in your chosen trip.

Current tours: Planet Ride’s selection

The editorial team presents these offers separately from Marcel’s examples. Check each tour page for the itinerary, dates, prices and included services.