This podcast is about the love of motorcycles, taking trips with friends and the open road. Each episode we talk about motorcycle trips where we share stories, tips, and the sheer joy of riding. It's not just about the routes; it's about the experiences, the laughter, and the sense of freedom you feel when you're out with friends. We take you on the adventure with us, wind in your hair, and a smile on your face. It's a journey through the world of motorcycles trips, but more than that, it's about the unforgettable moments and the bonds that riding creates. We want to make your next motorcycle trip the best it can be. Get show notes at https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast
7 Hidden Motorcycle Riding Gems of Minnesota - Midwest Hidden Gems - 5 of 6 – Ep 077
Episode 077 - Midwest Hidden Gems - 5 of 6 – Minnesota
Explore 7 stunning motorcycle routes across Minnesota, from Driftless valleys and Amish pie stands to Iron Range mining towns and the birthplace of water skiing! In this 5th part of our Midwest Hidden Gems series, Tom and Todd deliver unforgettable rides, must-visit towns, and their top local eats across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Toolkit Segment:
Affiliate Note - This video is not sponsored. Some gear or product links may be affiliate links, which help support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
This week in the toolkit: affordable upgrades to make your ride more comfortable—seat hacks, hydration tips, and ear protection gear that really works!
Mentioned Gear:
AirHawk seat pad (or knock-offs)
Sheepskin + bead combo for seat pressure relief
WaterSY 1-gallon jug with GYZR bite valve tube (amazing for long hot rides)
Foam & custom earplugs for quiet riding
Boot dryer + portable options
Riding boot options for different seating positions
Must-Eats Across Minnesota:
Shawnee’s Bar and Grill – Caledonia
Pedal Pushers Café – Lanesboro
Estelle’s Eatery – Harmony
Bubs Brewing Co. – Winona
Reed’s Landing Brewing – Kellogg
Smoking Oak Rotisserie – Red Wing
Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop – Stillwater
Gordy’s Hi-Hat – Cloquet
Chocolate Moose Restaurant – International Falls
Forbidden Barrel Brewing – Worthington
112 on Broadway – Albert Lea
The Grumpy Minnow – Harris
Park Café & Wagon Wheel Café – Braham
Insula Restaurant – Ely
Betty’s Pies – Two Harbors
Lake House on Pepin – Lake City
Newt’s – Rochester
The Creamery – Rushford
Featured Routes in this Episode:
Root River Ridge Ride (Driftless Triangle) – 95 miles
Minnesota Bluffs Ride – 65 miles (Winona to Red Wing)
St. Croix to the Border – 295 miles (Stillwater to International Falls)
Prairie to River Valley – 135 miles (Worthington to Albert Lea)
St. Croix and Pines Loop – 95 miles (Taylor Falls to Lindstrom)
Border to Shore – 299 miles (International Falls to Superior)
Borderline Bluff Ride – 95 miles (Lake City to Chester)
Subscribe to our channel for more Midwest moto-journeys: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads
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Full Podcast Archive & Routes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/
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Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/
Question of the Week
Have you ever ridden any of these Minnesota routes? Which one should we hit next?
Want to Sponsor the Show?
We’re always looking for partners! Reach out here: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact/
Timecodes
0:00 - Teaser: “Emergency Pie and 3 Pairs of Underwear”
0:55 - Bottom Line: Not all Minnesota rides are twisty—but some are...
29 Jul 2025
7 Motorcycle Roads in Wisconsin You’ve Never Rode - Midwest Hidden Gems - 4 of 6 - Episode 076
Ride the Hidden Gem Motorcycle Roads of Wisconsin — from backwoods curves to bluffs, this episode uncovers the secret rides, local food spots, and gear hacks every touring rider should know. Part 4 in our Midwest Hidden Gems Series, this one is all about Wisconsin’s underrated motorcycle magic.
Inside This Episode
We're rolling deep through:
- 7 Hidden Gem Motorcycle Routes across the Driftless Region, Door County & Northwoods
- Roads like the Mendoro Cut, Alphabet Roads, and Great River Road
- Scenic towns: Potosi, Westby, Bayfield, and Fountain City
- Must-ride views from Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to Pikes Peak State Park
And yes — we’re talking legendary cheese curds, Friday fish fries, and old fashioneds too.
Episode Segments
Mile Marker: 7 unforgettable Wisconsin rides that almost feel secret
Toolkit: Heated glove liners, compact rain gear, dry bags & the hydration hack you need
Want More Hidden Gem Rides?
Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads
Get ride alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
Mentioned in This Episode
Heated Glove Liners (Battery & Plug-in Options) - https://amzn.to/477nsVd
Compact Rain Gear (Nelson-Rigg & Harley Picks) - https://amzn.to/41e0jg1
Heated Boot Dryers - https://amzn.to/3H6fSQ9
Dry Bags - https://amzn.to/4malQOS
Latex Glove Hack for Wet Weather - https://amzn.to/3HaRHQt
Sponsor or Partner with Us
We're looking for great brands & gear partners. Reach out: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact/
Connect with Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips
All Episodes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/
Question for the Comments:
What’s YOUR favorite hidden gem motorcycle road in Wisconsin (or beyond)?
Drop your ride recommendation below!
Timecodes
0:00 - Why Wisconsin is more than just cheese & Packers
1:15 - Fountain City to Cochrane Loop (Alphabet Roads)
4:00 - Scenic views, creameries & curves in Buffalo County
6:30 - Potosi to Westby: Brewery towns & Norwegian roots
9:15 - Driftless + Frank Lloyd Wright country
12:00 - Lake Superior shoreline to Door County
15:00 - Toolkit tips: stay dry, stay warm, stay hydrated
18:00 - Reflections from the road
24 Jul 2025
7 Motorcycle Roads in Iowa You’ve Never Heard Of - Midwest Hidden Gems - 3 of 6 - Episode 075
Iowa? Flat? Think again.
In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we’re busting myths and burning rubber across the Hawkeye State, uncovering 7 hidden gem motorcycle roads you’ve (probably) never ridden. From Mississippi River bluffs to bluffin’ tenderloins, it’s all here—twists, turns, and tasty stops.
This is Part 3 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and Iowa does not disappoint.
What You’ll Ride:
- Marquette to Lamont (via Driftless curves, effigy mounds & a tenderloin the size of a steering wheel)
- Loess Hills Scenic Byway (yes, we said dirt bluffs—you gotta hear this)
- Dragoon Trail Runner (80-mile loop with rail history and BBQ vibes)
- The caves of Maquoketa (seriously scenic + Bluff Lake catfish)
- Iowa City to Marengo via the Amana Colonies (communes, kraut, and crepes)
- Balltown to Bellevue (C9Y = Iowa’s best motorcycle road—period)
- Indianola to Oskaloosa (Red Rock Lake, mile-long bridges, and hot honey pizza)
Where to Eat (and maybe unbutton your pants):
- St. Olaf Tavern – legendary thick-cut tenderloin (4 buns thick, baby)
- Twisted Tail Saloon – Loess Hills biker bar gold
- Jimmy’s BBQ Pit & Copperhead Saloon, Boone – brisket or breakfast? Yes.
- Bluff Lake Catfish Farm – all-you-can-eat fried heaven
- Brau Haus & Ronneburg – Amana’s German family-style power duo
- Breitbach’s in Balltown – Oldest restaurant in Iowa (est. 1852 and still crushin’ it)
- George’s Pizza – hot honey greatness in Pella
- The American Table – a post office turned eatery in Oskaloosa? Yes please.
Toolkit (Affiliate links coming soon!)
Bug Soother – All-natural Iowa-made bug spray. https://amzn.to/40wgGEv
Eco Lips – SPF lip balm from the lip balm capital of Iowa. Eco Lips
Jerky – The official glovebox snack of freedom. https://amzn.to/44NpAA3
Bohn Body Armor – We wear it. We love it. We sweat less in it. https://www.bohnarmor.com/
SPONSOR AN EPISODE
Got a product, brand, or roadside attraction riders should know about?
Let’s talk: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/
Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 4
Like. Share. Ride. Repeat.
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
8,051
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 82 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
85
Social presence
91
YouTube
74
Engagement
77
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