Interview with François, Planet Ride’s USA Specialist
This week, we’re sitting down for an interview with the person you want on your side if you’re planning a road trip USA moto. François is Planet Ride’s dedicated USA specialist: he builds routes, briefs riders, and helps turn a “one day” dream into a realistic departure plan. In this conversation, he shares what makes the United States such a strong playground for motorized travel—mythical roads, huge variety of landscapes, and rider culture—plus how he helps you choose the right loop whether you’re chasing the Route 66 vibe or the wild national parks of the West.
Hi François—can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I’m François, I’m about to turn 25, and I’ve been in charge of the USA destination at Planet Ride for the past three years. I joined as an intern to finish my studies, then I became part of the team full-time and I now focus exclusively on the United States.
My job is twofold: I handle riders’ projects from the first contact to departure, and I develop itineraries with our local experts. Over time, a real community has formed around Planet Ride, and we keep growing it—always with the same goal: offering road trips that are genuinely well built, not just “nice ideas on a map.”
What makes you a real USA expert?
When I first joined Planet Ride, I wasn’t specialized in the USA at all—I was managing riders’ requests more broadly. That gave me a wide view of destinations and what riders actually look for when they travel.
When I decided to commit long-term, I chose to specialize in the United States. It’s a country that has fascinated me since childhood; I studied internationally and spent a lot of time understanding the territory—both in theory and through practical cases. Combining that background with Planet Ride’s road trip culture means I can advise riders in a concrete way: how to shape an itinerary, where to pace the days, and how to match a route to a riding style.
In your view, what are the must-do destinations in the US?
When people think about a motorcycle road trip in the US, Route 66 is usually the first thing that comes to mind—and it’s also a major focus for us right now. It’s iconic, and the regions it crosses deliver that “America” feeling riders come for.
But there are other incredible options—starting with the American West motorcycle road trip, which is also highly requested. What’s powerful about the West is that you can ride it in so many directions and still keep stacking “wow” moments: coastal cliffs, mountain passes, desert expanses, national parks… it’s never repetitive.
Examples? You can ride California’s coast from San Francisco down to San Diego, or start from Los Angeles and head inland toward the Grand Canyon. The riding itself is a big part of the pleasure: the Pacific Coast Highway for ocean panoramas, Yosemite’s mountain roads for curves and elevation changes, and yes—some stretches that echo the Route 66 spirit.
Another strength of the US is the biker culture and gatherings across different regions. In the East, some riders aim for routes that include cities like Washington or New Orleans. In the North, there’s the Sturgis rally in South Dakota during Bike Week. And in Florida, events like Daytona Bike Week—or a Miami-focused ride—can surprise riders who only picture the West.
What I love about the US is that we don’t have “one best answer.” Depending on your time, your budget, your riding pace, and what you want to feel, there are several destinations that work. Even when riders come without a clear plan, we can identify very quickly what will fit them.
How do you choose the right US route?
First step: browse our website to see the available circuits. If you’re still unsure after that, you can request a quote—free at Planet Ride.
It’s important to say this clearly: it doesn’t commit you to anything. You won’t get spammed with calls or pressured. After the request, I call you in an informal setting: I’m here to understand what you want, help you choose the most suitable destination, and answer your questions.
If your project is still very early-stage, the best move is often to read the circuit pages carefully. They’re detailed: what defines the route, what makes it special, and why one loop fits a certain type of rider better than another.
You can also get a feel for real experiences by visiting our USA testimonials page, where many riders have shared feedback.
In short: read, compare, then ask for a quote if you want to talk it through. My role is to guide you from the birth of the idea to departure day.
What’s your favorite place in the US?
Even though I love Route 66, I have a soft spot for San Francisco and the West Coast in general. I’m drawn to panoramic routes where stops flow naturally and viewpoints come one after another—roads that invite you to slow down, park the bike, and actually look.
That’s exactly what I find in the American West: scenic highways, national parks, and landscapes that feel “made” for riders.
One piece of advice for riders planning a US trip?
If I had to give just one: start early. A US motorcycle road trip is often a once-in-a-lifetime project, and it’s simply more enjoyable when you give yourself time—especially if you want to travel with friends or family and align calendars.
When you’re ready to make it real, reach out so we can build the right trip together. And finally: prioritize quality and trust in the people guiding you, rather than chasing the cheapest option without real support.
À savoir aujourd’hui
What remains true: the US is still one of the richest countries for motorcycle travel in terms of variety, legendary roads, and rider culture. What you should verify before leaving: current entry requirements, local riding regulations, and the practical conditions that can affect your route (seasonal road openings, event dates, and availability).
