What do WE Love? Road Food! BBQ Edition

Miles from home, miles of good road under your wheels. Thoughts turn from the scenery to …FOOD. What’s the favorite destination? According to our highly scientific* Facebook poll, BBQ wins the day. Burgers came in a close second. One of our commenters specified that the BBQ MUST be local to the area (we agree!)

SO, what are some of the favorite places to combine a bike obsession with a BBQ destination?

Kundlas Western BBQ, Hamlin PA  No need to go indoors, you can smell this place a mile away with their outdoor BBQ pit, cafeteria-style serving and picnic-tables-under-a-tent. Watch the BBQ masters work on beef ribs, chicken and creamy cole slaw. Bring cash and bring plenty of time – on weekends, you’ll wait in line during dinner hours!

Bikes Blues and BBQ One meal not enough for you? Then you need to make a weekend of it in Fayetteville, AR. Hundreds of BBQ vendors, a BBQ contest, Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the largest non-profit, family-friendly motorcycle rally in the United States dedicated to raising money for local charities. Ride, eat and jam, all for a good cause.

Elbow Inn & BBQ Pit St. Roberts, MO . This one is for you Route 66 travelers – a little out of the way, but tops in atmosphere and food. Try the pulled pork, brisket or rack of ribs with thick sweet sauce. And ladies…you may want to pack some extra undergarments…apparently there is a tradition here of leaving your bra hanging from the ceiling. How could this place NOT be fantastic?

Hawg Pit Grafton IL One look at the Hawg Pit’s website and you’ll know they don’t just like bikers – they LOVE bikers. Open March through December, Hawg Pit was voted Best BBQ, Best Hot Wings, and Best Biker Bar in the Riverbend. Specialty item? Wide Glide Hawg Shoe: Texas Toast and pulled pork served over fries, and smothered with cheese.

Mac’s Speed Shop We couldn’t let a BBQ discussion go without a shout out to North Carolina. Pull up to your reserved motorcycle parking area,  listen to an open-air local band, dig into some tender brisket and enjoy the huge beer selection.

*not really

Where are YOUR favorite BBQ destinations? Tell us about them on our Facebook page and we’ll try to feature them in upcoming editions.

 Q & A

How Long Does Motorcycle Transport Take?

To keep shipping a motorcycle affordable for you, we pool as many motorcycles as we can on a truck during our cross country runs. Our trucks depart frequently with normal shipping deliveries running around 28 days from the time the order is booked or time the bike is ready (whichever applies). The truck’s total delivery time (and essentially your bike’s pick up time) depends on the zones that the truck crosses. If it picks up and delivers in the same zone, timeframes are shorter. Don’t forget to reserve a spot early for a motorcycle rally! Rallies are popular shipping venues and our trucks fill up quickly during these times.

 

What’s on Your Biker Bucket List?

We’re wrapping up riding season here in Milwaukee, which means only one thing: planning our next trip.  So we started wondering about the most outrageous motorcycle trips we could possibly take and came up with a list of five, once-in-a-lifetime, completely outrageous adventures.

A few of these are international, where we don’t ship motorcycles – but this is dream time, right?

1. Route 66, start to finish.  Starting in Chicago and ending in LA, Route 66 is 2400 miles of classic roads, restaurants, gas stations, and nostalgic landmarks are preserved just as they were in the 1950s.  Our bucket list gives us a month to enjoy it – but if your time is short, two weeks is enough for a one-way trip. More info at  The National Historic Route 66 Association.
2. Centopassi, race through the Italian Alps. This one week, 1600 mile event is geared towards expert riders (Ducati  optional). Test your skill and precision in the competition category, or enjoy the spectacular scenery as an Iron Biker. Find out more at www.centopassi.com.
3. Isle of Man TT. For years, this was the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world. These extremely dangerous races feature  high speeds on very narrow, twisting streets, roads and lanes flanked by stone walls and even buildings. Of course, you can always go as a spectator if the 239 deaths (since 1907) on the  Snaeffel Mountain Course have you a little spooked. Start your planning at www.iomtt.com
4. I f you want something shorter and slightly less deadly, every bucket list should include the 50 miles of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana. Click here for a sneak peek at what you can expect. Watch out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and pull over at the Jackson Glacier Overlook to take in the most spectacular scenery in the park.
5. Chile and Machu Pichu. How about an amazing adventure though spectacular ocean scenery, ancient civilizations, precarious border crossings and Andes mountain roads.  We think this one is probably best navigated with an experienced tour operator.

That’s just a start! How about you? What’s on your bucket list for motorcycle travel?

Motorcycle Travel: How to Take Your Dog Along for the Ride

The last time you went out for a ride, did you have to leave your best buddy behind? Ever see a dog hanging his head out of a car window and wonder about the state of bliss your very own canine companion would achieve on the back of your bike?

Wonder no longer – this month’s edition is all about taking your dog along for the ride.

Your first thought may be for safety – both for you and for the dog. Not to mention the risk to others should your pup decide to hop off on the highway. Experts recommend starting slow, on a safe surface (like a parking lot) to see if your dog takes to the idea. Once you’ve established your pooch can tolerate the roar of the engine and the balance of a bike, start looking into a carrier or safety harness made especially for dogs. Whatever you choose, don’t make the mistake of this guy – a behind-the-rider carrier is probably the safest choice.

Take a few rides with the pet carrier attached so YOU can get used to it first. Add some weight so you can practice without putting your dog at risk. Once you’re comfortable, start with a short, slow trip on safe streets to make sure everyone’s comfortable. Once you’re ready for longer rides, make sure to plan regular pit stops for water – more often than you would riding alone. Think how dry you’d get with your tongue wagging  in the breeze.

Once everyone’s having fun, look into companies that specialize in dog rider gear (who knew?) Goggles, helmets and carriers are all available from online stores.

Do you ride with your dog? Post a picture on our Facebook page!

All-American Motorcycle Events | HaulBikes

With the 4^th of July only days away, we’re feeling pretty patriotic here at HaulBikes motorcycle shipping and thought you might want to get into the holiday spirit with some of the most all-American motorcycle events and groups we could find. Here are a few that got our red, white and blue blood pumping.

Tour of Honor benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project

The Tour of Honor is a way to hit the open road, honor our heroes, and contribute to a good cause, the Wounded Warrior Project. This group’s aim is to support military service members who incurred service-connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses on or after September 11, 2001. Events, rides and awareness events are are held nationwide, but you can participate and support them on your own by registering for a season-long, self-directed ride to memorials and monuments around the continental U.S. and Hawaii, with more than 25 states participating. Now through October 31, visit as many sites as you want, with any route you choose. Trophies are awarded to the first three riders to visit all of the destinations in a state or region. Register at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Patriot Guard Riders

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is a motorcycle club whose members attend the funerals of US armed forces members, firefighters, and police at the invitation of the deceased’s family. Patriot Guard Riders do not make any political statement but  ”Unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security.” You’ll see them making the news shielding service members’ families from protesters, and attending funerals for service members with few mourners. This video is a few years old, but it will give you a good idea of what they’re all about.

Rolling Thunder

The Rolling Thunder event in Washington DC  every year is a demonstration of solidarity and respect for all veterans, with special emphasis on remembering prisoners of war or MIA soldiers.  It’s not too early to plan to attend  this unforgettable event for Memorial Day 2013. If you need any additional motivation to get a group together, check out this Why We Ride video.

Cool Stuff

If you want to make a permanent statement of your patriotism, check out this patriotic gallery of custom paint jobs by Pamela Shanteau, or, if a whole new paint job isn’t in the budget, just get yourself a motorcycle flag and ride on!

Rally Shipping Info

It’s time to make shipping plans if you want to ship a motorcycle to the Milwaukee Rally or Thunder in the Rockies this year.

And don’t forget, we offer a motorcycle shipping discount of 10% off for members of the military and service personnel in the police department, fire department, rescue squad and EMS.

Rolling and Rocking Through the Summer: Five Great Music Festivals for Riders

We’ve moved this article to our website. Read it here: Shipping a Motorcycle to a Music Festival

Riding out the storm – weather safety tips from HaulBikes motorcycle shipping

We’ve moved this article to our website. Check it out here: Weather Safety Riding Tips

HaulBikes Motorcycle Shipping Blog: Destination Nashville

Can you smell that? Lilacs, fresh cut grass and sweet crabapple trees – spring is here, and it’s time to get out on the open road.

Whether you’re within a day’s ride of Tennessee, or you’re looking for a spring vacation destination to ship a motorcycle to, consider Nashville — a great place to ride, enjoy some great food, and catch some live music. You and your buds can ride on a stretch of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, and still be back in time for barbeque at Jack’s.

Tennessee has some of the best riding roads in the country. In the east, the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and the Appalachian trail make up the mountainous character of the Knoxville and Chattanooga regions. In West Tennessee, you’ll find Graceland, Memphis soul and the majesty of the Mississippi River.  Somewhere in the middle is Nashville, and just south of Music City is the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Natchez Trace is a memorable ride because the parkway is clean, smooth and scenic. As a national park, commercial traffic is prohibited – it’s all nature, all the time. There are no stop signs or stop lights to slow you down (but follow the posted speed limits — a ticket in a national park is an expensive lesson!)  There are also convenient gas stations, markets, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants just beyond the forests.

The Natchez Trace Parkway winds for 444 miles through three states – Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. It commemorates an ancient trail that once cut through the traditional homelands of the Natchez, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations. By the early 1800s through the mid-1820s, both the land and river routes became corridors for commerce, as “Kaintucks” from the Ohio River Valley brought cash crops, livestock and goods down to sell at the port of New Orleans.

Back then, it took folks about 30 days to walk along the Trace. Today you can ride for a day on Tennessee portion of the Trace and be back in time for dinner in Nashville. Visit Tennessee Motorcycle Roads & Rides for information and maps to help plan your motorcycle tour of Natchez Trace.

Live Music at Tootsie's in Nashville

Once you’re back in the city of Nashville, there’s so many great things to do. Here’s a few highlights we found:

Jack’s Barbeque: Ask the locals where to get some good BBQ, and they’ll say Jack’s on Broadway downtown. Grab your plastic tray and head to the counter, where you can choose from Tennessee-style pork shoulder, Texas-style beef brisket, or smoky-sweet St. Louis ribs, with all the sides.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: With live honky-tonk every night of the week, you never know who’s playing at Toostie’s, but you know it’ll be good. Grab a beer, squeeze in close to one of the two small stages, and enjoy some of the best local musicians around. They sing for their supper, so throw something in the tip jar as it’s passed around and they’ll keep playing.

Opry Mills Mall: Skip riding on a rainy day and do some shopping instead. Closed from 2010-2012 after devastating flood damage, the Mall is back and better than ever, with over 200 stores, a movie theater and an indoor carousel.

What’s a must see in Tennessee? Share your experiences with us on our Facebook page, and if you need help planning a trip where you need motorcycle shipping, you know who to call!

Motorcycle Rallies: 10 Tips for First-Timers

Is this the year you’re finally going? Have you heard all the stories, enjoyed all the photos, researched and planned how to make your trip to Daytona, Arizona Bike Week, Americade or Sturgis as much fun as possible? Any big bike rally has so much going on it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of any rally.

1. Make travel plans early. If you’re shipping a motorcycle, make arrangements well in advance. Call your motorcycle shipping company well ahead of time so you’ll know how long you’ll be without your bike pre- and post-rally.
2. Make a game plan for the week ahead of time. One of the big complaints you’ll hear from new attendees is that they missed one of the big events or signature rides.  All the big rallies have websites that list the entertainment and events. Sketch out a rough list of who you really want to see and where you want to be. You can always change your mind, but you won’t miss anything accidentally.
3. Find a place to stay. The rally websites will have a list of hotels, campgrounds and private homes available for rent. You may want to read reviews to see if your choice will be a quiet place to crash or a non-stop party!
4. Get there early for concerts. Good seats (or standing room) at big shows will go fast. Stake out your spot early to get the best view.
5. Get a tune-up. You don’t want to spend any time tracking down a mechanic or a part when there is partying to be done.
6. Ask other riders for tips. If you can’t travel with an experienced rally-er, join the event’s Facebook page and get the inside scoop. People are usually happy to help.
7. Don’t drink and ride. Nothing will spoil the fun faster than spending the week in the county jail, or worse, hurting yourself or someone else.
8. Cash is king. Take as much cash as you’re comfortable carrying. ATMs can run out of money, and you’ll likely pay a good fee for using them.
9. Don’t forget your camera. Rallies have so much going on that you’ll definitely want to share the experience with friends. Stories and pictures can last a lifetime.
10. Be safe. Make sure to park your bike in well-lit, busy areas, and use a fork lock or other locking systems.  Like it or not, thieves can be at any rally. And of course, never store the bike’s registration with the bike – keep it in your wallet.

It’s not too late to get your ride on for one of this summer’s rallies! Get a group, get planning, and if you need help with motorcycle shipping, or discounts on shipping to motorcycle rallies, you know who to call!

Shipping your bike to a rally: Tips for a safe and successful trip

Sometimes, getting there is half the fun. If you have the time, spending a few days riding or trailing your bike to and from a big motorcycle rally can be a great way to start and end your vacation. But if your vacation time is limited and you’d rather spend your precious time enjoying all the music, food, fun and games that motorcycle rallies have to offer, why not consider shipping your motorcycle to the rally and meeting it there?

There’s a common misconception that motorcycle shipping is inconvenient – that you might have to drain the gas and other fluids, crate it up, or palletize your bike. Not exactly a fun way to start a vacation. Plus, then you have the hassle of getting your bike un-crated and gassed up before you can ride once it reaches your destination. Fortunately, there are companies that have specialized trucks with tie-down systems that allow your bike to roll right off the truck and onto the street.

For even more convenience, you can see if your motorcycle shipper provides door-to-door pickup and delivery. For groups or popular rallies, your shipper might have you meet at a local dealership or other drop-off location. Many times you’ll also find motorcycle shipping discounts  for big rallies, like Sturgis or Daytona. This option has the added benefit of letting you meet other riders in your area who are heading to the rally. Why not start the party early?

Are you confident your bike will be safe on cross-country trip? Some shipping companies you may find online may say they can ship a motorcycle, but they don’t specialize in motorcycle transportation. This could put your bike at risk for being on a truck crowded with livestock, furniture…or worse. This can be the case if you choose a “general” shipping company or a small-time independent shipper. You could get lucky and get a deal, but if you go this route, you have to be willing to take the risks. Whatever company you choose, shipping insurance is always a good idea.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in convenience and care for your bike – not to mention peace of mind for a successful rally vacation, make sure to choose a company that specializes in motorcycle shipping. Call or look online for special rates for rally shipping, book your shipment far enough ahead of time to make sure you get a spot on the truck, meet your bike there, and enjoy a worry-free vacation.

Where do bikers sleep? Motorcycle-friendly lodging destinations

It’s summertime! The open road calls. Why not extend that ride a day or two by bunking up at a place that’s just the right fit for motorcyclists.  Spend the day touring some of the most scenic parts of the country, and then rest yourself and your two-wheeled companion somewhere that has the motorcyclist in mind.  These accommodations are located close to some of the nation’s best riding areas and allow you to catch some zzzz’s, a meal, and some fun before heading out the next day for the best part yet, the riding!  From tents, teepees, cabins, and even an ambulance – you will find a little bit of everything on the list below:

Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC – Once you cross the bridge into this campground, its motorcycles only, baby!  All cars, trailers, trucks, or any 4-wheel vehicles are not allowed past that point.   Lodging choices are either two person cabins or tent camping sites.  There is beautiful scenery in these parts that overlooks the smoky mountains.  Food looks plentiful here with a kitchen in the pavilion serving up breakfast and dinner.  http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/#

Rider’s Rest Motel, Eureka Springs, AR – After a breathtaking bike tour of the Ozark Mountains, you can take a rest for the night in one of 10 motorcycle themed rooms, and your bike can take a rest for the night in covered parking.  An outdoor bar, fire pit, and horseshoes, but remember to BYOB.  And hey, they also perform small weddings here for registered guests.  http://www.ridersrestmotel.com/

Steel Steeds Motorcycle Campground, Milton, PA – One of the nice features of this motorcycle campground is that not only does it offer tent sites, but also RV sites with full hook ups. They also have RVs, cabins and tents for rent that come with towels, pillows and blankets – allowing the camping experience for those that just want to ride in without hauling all the gear.  There’s fishing and boating on the river. Lots of great riding in this area and their website outlines some fabulous suggestions from a covered bridges tour, to a ride through Amish country.  http://www.steelsteedscamp.com/

Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Campground, Stecoah, NC – If you stay here, then you are within minutes to Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway.  Lodging options here include full cabins, cabin rooms, a bunkhouse, and tent or RV sites.  After a day of riding, enjoy home-cooked meals served in the pavilion and a group campfire.  There is even a biker church service on Sunday mornings.  http://www.ironhorsenc.com/

Thompson’s Eagle’s Claw Motorcycle Park, Tok, AK – Riding in Alaska? Then here is a unique stop.  There are some really interesting lodging options here. But be aware that the amenities aren’t quite like home at this primitive motorcycle park.  There’s no electricity in this ‘off the grid’ part of Alaska.  But if you want a roof over your head, or perhaps a teepee or ambulance over your head then check this place out (yes they have a converted ambulance built for two to sleep in).  Other services they offer are a steam bath, a cleanup station and a workshop for your bike.  http://www.thompsonseaglesclaw.com/

Sparkplugs Motorcycle Camp, O’Brien, OR – This place pretty much caters to motorcyclists only, with only limited parking for chase vehicles.  They offer tent sites, teepees, an outdoor kitchen, and even a swimming hole.  Relax to the trickling sound of the river that runs through this 15+ acre campground.  http://www.wediditforlove.com/sparkplugs.html

D’Rose Inn and Cabins, Leakey, TX – This place is for motorcyclists and bicyclists only!!  You can either ride in or trailer in.  Choose from either 4 rooms in the inn or 10 cabins.  There’s a pool, covered pavilion and BBQ pits.  But what makes this place really great, besides the fact that it’s for cyclists only, is that it’s in Texas Hill Country.  It’s riding that offers great views, rolling terrain, wildlife sightings, and interesting places to visit along the way.  While staying at D’Rose, we recommend riding “The Three Sisters” (RR335, RR336, & RR337).  http://www.droseinn.com/

And as always, we save our hometown favorites tied for #1 …

Blue Highway Motorcycle Lodge, Hillsboro, WI – In the summer, it’s motorcyclists only at the cottages here.  Check out the list of amenities that each knotty pine cottage comes with:  covered parking for your motorcycle, a hose to clean off your bike, full kitchen, gas fireplace, whirlpool tub, screened in back-porch, gas grill, and an outdoor fire pit.  Sounds like the perfect combination of up-scale amenities mixed with the Wisconsin outdoors. And of course, don’t forget the motorcycling……enjoy some of the best touring roads in the Midwest.  In the winter, this place opens up to snowmobilers and skiers. Year round fun to be had here! http://www.bluehighwaymotorcyclelodge.net/

The Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, WI – This hotel, situated on the southwest side of the state and close to Lake Michigan, is one of our favorites. It’s the first upscale hotel geared for motorcycle enthusiasts and business travelers. Recognized in many publications as a top hotel to visit and just steps away from the Harley-Davidson Museum, The Iron Horse caters to motorcyclists with on-site parking for bikes and room entryways containing tile entrances with hooks for leathers and a bench for removing gear, all in an extremely gorgeous environment. Check out their great restaurants, outdoor pavilion and don’t forget you’re in walking distance to all the entertainment that Milwaukee has to offer. And as a guest of the hotel, you get exclusive shipping rates from HaulBikes. Get a group together, take your wife on a vacation or maybe head over for the Milwaukee Rally in September.  http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/