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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
Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
Full Podcast Archive & Routes: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast/
Follow Us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads/
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 stunning
1:30 - Mile Marker: 7 top rides through bluffs, pines, and Amish pie country
19:00 - Toolkit: Seat hacks, hydration upgrades, earplugs & smarter gear
25:00 - Ride Wise: Weather, boots, and seating position comfort
26:00 - The Last Mile: Our reflections and trip wrap-up
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
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.
Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
Missouri’s Best Hidden Motorcycle Roads 🚦🏍️
In Episode 074 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast, Tom and Todd reveal the 7 most underrated routes in Missouri—from bluffside curves to Civil War cemeteries and diner stops that still serve homemade pie.
This is Part 2 of our 6-part Midwest Hidden Gems series—and if you’ve ever ridden past the Ozarks, Route 66, or Hermann wine country, there’s a good chance you missed these scenic detours.
Featured Routes:
- Hwy 79 – Hannibal to Louisiana: river views & Mark Twain history
- Farmington Loop (Hwy 34, 72, 21, 32, 49) – Ozark foothills & granite boulders
- Hwy 19 – Hermann to Winona: a BMR all-time favorite
- Hwy 94 – Wine Trail from St. Charles to Jefferson City
- Route 66 – Lebanon to Springfield: vintage neon and classic Americana
- Hwy 8 – St. James to Desloge: lead mining, history & natural springs
- Hwy 86 – Eagle Rock to Birch Bluff: ridge riding in deep southwest Missouri
Top Food Stops:
- Fat Boys Diner – Hearty Midwest classics in Louisiana, MO
- Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes – Inventive eats in Springfield
- Grandma Nell’s Café – Comfort food and homemade desserts near Birch Tree
- Public House Brewing Co. – Outdoor seating & local brews in St. James
Toolkit: Road-Trip Essentials
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we use and trust.
Aftermarket Windshields - Upgrade for better wind protection based on your height and bike setup. https://f4customs.com
Rider Multi-Tools - Compact, powerful tools for roadside fixes—Leatherman and socket-bit models preferred. https://amzn.to/4ll4kqV
LED Headlamps & Flashlights - Stay hands-free during nighttime adjustments or early-morning preps. https://amzn.to/44E4wdU
Tire Gauges That Fit - Modern bikes need low-profile gauges that work around disc brakes. Lockable readings are a bonus. https://amzn.to/44V6zLU
Bohn Body Armor - Our go-to for comfort + protection on long rides. Wear it under anything. https://www.bohnarmor.com
Subscribe to BMR Rider Alerts for bonus content, new episodes, and exclusive road trip tips:
https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
Want to sponsor the podcast or send gear for review?
https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact
Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite Missouri road in the comments!
Bikes, friends, and endless roads—the stories ride forever. Take Care.
Looking for the best motorcycle roads in Illinois? Episode 073 of Best Motorcycle Roads kicks off our Midwest Hidden Gems series with **seven secret motorcycle routes** you don’t want to miss! Ride along as we explore twisty roads, historic landmarks, Native American sites, and small-town eats across Illinois — perfect for your next motorcycle road trip.
Hidden Gems Covered:
1️⃣ Blackjack Road (Galena to Savanna) - Driftless valleys, ridge views, Desoto House Hotel, Hanover State Park’s unique plant life, and Poopies Pub for comfort food.
2️⃣ Stagecoach Trail (Lena to Galena) - Curvy, hilly roads with historic stops like Wams Grove battlefield, Apple River Canyon State Park, US Grant’s Home, and Galena’s Dowling House.
3️⃣ Rock River Run (Rockford to Dixon) - Scenic Hwy 2 ride, Castle Rock State Park’s sandstone bluffs, Black Hawk statue, Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, and Basil Tree Italian Restaurant.
4️⃣ Illinois River Road Scenic Byway (Ottawa to Havana) - Starved Rock State Park waterfalls, Underground Railroad sites, Reddick Mansion, Grandview Drive, Rockwell Mound, eats at Red Dog Grill and Babes on Plum.
5️⃣ Great River Road (Alton to Hardin) - Lincoln Legacy Trail, Elijah Lovejoy Monument, Robert Wadlow (world’s tallest man) statue, Marquette State Park’s CCC-built lodges, Brussels Ferry, meals at Illinois River Rock Restaurant & Barefoot Restaurant.
6️⃣ Savanna Scenic Ridge & Mississippi Palisades - Native American mounds, Havencrest Castle, Iron Horse Social Club, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.
7️⃣ Lowell Park Road Route (Dixon to Savanna) - Reagan’s lifeguard park, historic clock towers, Mount Morris band shell, and a final loop back into Savanna.
Featured Local Eats:
Fried Green Tomatoes, Woodland Wonderland, Poopies Pub, Basil Tree, Red Dog Grill, Babes on Plum, Illinois River Rock Restaurant, Barefoot Restaurant, Manny’s Pizza, Savanna Marina Cafe.
Toolkit Tips for Riding Illinois:
Use a visor cleaner for bugs - https://amzn.to/4lxBJhN
Keep a cooling neck gaiter for muggy weather - https://amzn.to/4kATsEx
Carry a tire repair kit - https://amzn.to/3GghdDC
Gear up with Bohn Body Armor for protection - https://bohnarmor.com
Affiliate Disclosure: This video may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Subscribe & Stay Connected
Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com
Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert
Interested in Sponsoring Our Podcast?
We’re always looking for partners who want to reach a passionate community of motorcycle enthusiasts across the U.S. If you’d like to sponsor an episode or collaborate, visit: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/
Stormy Kromer Ride Recap — Motorcycle Touring the Michigan Upper Peninsula (UP)
Welcome to Episode 072 of the Best Motorcycle Roads Podcast — a full ride report from our 1,640-mile trip through the scenic, wild, and pasty-filled Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This isn’t your average motorcycle vlog. We’re talking route pivots, factory tours, small-town surprises, and the kind of food coma only five pasties in one day can deliver.
Ride Recap Highlights:
✅ How we used ChatGPT to dodge four days of rain by flipping our route direction last-minute
✅ Real talk on group hotel booking chaos (and how to avoid it)
✅ What makes Minocqua, Wisconsin worth a stop — ski shows, lakeside bars, and a one-pound ice cream cone
✅ The Stormy Kromer factory tour in Ironwood — led by the owner himself, Bob Jacquart
✅ Michigan’s most iconic motorcycle routes including M-119 (Tunnel of Trees)
✅ Pasty showdown: Joe’s vs. Ragus vs. Krupp’s vs. Roy’s vs. Iron Town — and the bakery that stole the show
✅ Glass-bottom boat tour over Great Lakes shipwrecks
✅ The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
✅ Taco Bell Cinnabon Balls, Lou Malnati’s pizza, and other guilty pleasures
Stormy Kromer Hat Giveaway:
We’re giving away a limited-edition Stormy Kromer trucker hat! To enter:
👉 Comment on this video or on our trip planning episode before Labor Day.
We’ll draw one name and send a free hat your way. No spam, no catch.
Rider Toolkit – Motorcycle Gear & Tips (Mentioned in Episode):
Looking to upgrade your road trip gear? Here’s what we brought or wish we had:
Tool Bag Hack – Our idea: modular saddlebag organizers that clip together (patent pending... maybe 😉)
Featured Locations Along the Route:
Minocqua, WI – Thirsty Whale + Briqs ice cream
Ironwood, MI – Stormy Kromer + Joe’s and Ragus pasties
Houghton, MI – Roy’s Pasties & scenic river patio
Calumet, MI – Overnight base
Munising, MI – Glass-bottom boat tour of shipwrecks
Whitefish Point – Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Edmund Fitzgerald)
Mackinac Bridge – Don’t forget cash!
Cross Village to Good Hart, MI – M-119 Tunnel of Trees
Big Rapids, MI – Schuberg’s Bar & Grill + Taco Bell Cinnabon Ball drive-thru
Lou Malnati’s in Chicago – Deep dish, butter crust, perfection
Subscribe & Ride With Us:
If you love motorcycle road trip stories, ride planning tips, and gear talk — you’re in the right place. Best Motorcycle Roads is here to help you plan your best trip yet.
Subscribe to our free Rider Alert email: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
How to Plan a Group Motorcycle Ride Without Losing Friends
Planning a group motorcycle ride? Whether it's a weekend trip or a multi-day touring adventure, group rides can be the best part of motorcycling—or the most frustrating. In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we share essential group ride planning tips, including how to set expectations, avoid drama, and create epic rides your friends will actually thank you for.
We cover:
- How to plan a group motorcycle ride that works for everyone
- Tips for organizing motorcycle trips with multiple riders
- What gear and tech help group rides run smoother
- Real stories from years of group touring across the Midwest and beyond
Whether you're a ride captain or just trying to survive your next group trip, this episode will help you keep the peace, ride better, and stay connected.
TOOLKIT – RECOMMENDED GEAR & LINKS
These affiliate links help support the podcast (thanks for clicking!).
- Bluetooth Intercoms:
Sena: https://amzn.to/40aNZMY
Cardo: https://amzn.to/4jU34JR
- Phone Mounts:
Quad Lock: https://amzn.to/4kPEFqk
Goldstrike Constrictor: https://goldstrike3d.com/collections/smartphone-holder/products/gen-2-trim-line-cybercharger-goldwing-phone-holder-charger
- Backup Power:
Phone Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/3SYl3nx
- Emergency Tools:
Tool Roll: https://amzn.to/4lb4P6z
Tire Plug Kit: https://amzn.to/3SV3Ds3
Mini Compressor: https://amzn.to/3T14kQB
- Hydration & Snacks:
Granola: https://amzn.to/3SUEMoh
Jerky: https://amzn.to/4n5O8v0
Dried fruit: https://amzn.to/4lb4SiL
📣 SPONSORS WANTED!
We’re looking for like-minded brands to support the show. Gear companies, road trip tools, and riding communities—this is your chance to ride with us.
https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact-brm/
Connect With Best Motorcycle Roads
🌐 Website: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/bestmotorcycleroads
📧 Email Sign-up (Rider Alerts): https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/rideralert/
Planning your next motorcycle road trip through the Midwest? In this episode of Best Motorcycle Roads, we highlight six of the most motorcycle-friendly towns in the Midwest—destinations that offer stunning rides, rider-welcoming atmospheres, and unforgettable roadside experiences.
We explore towns that go out of their way to welcome bikers—whether it’s a historic downtown with great restaurants, scenic routes perfect for cruising, or parking lots full of chrome on summer weekends.
Towns Covered in This Episode:
• Galena, Illinois – Ride the Stagecoach Trail, explore historic streets, and sip top-tier Bloody Marys
• Marquette, Michigan – Cruise Lake Superior’s shores and grab a warm pasty at a local gem
• Lanesboro, Minnesota – Fall foliage, winding river roads, and cozy breakfast spots
• Hermann, Missouri – Scenic hills, riverside rides, and a bratwurst or two
• LeClaire, Iowa – Ride the river bluffs and stop by the American Pickers HQ
• New Glarus, Wisconsin – Swiss charm, cold beer, and curvy Driftless Region roads
Rider Toolkit Mentioned:
• Kickstand Pad – Park securely on gravel and grass
• Cable Helmet & Jacket Lock – Secure your gear while you explore
• Microfiber Towel Set – Perfect for cleaning bugs, dew, and helmets
• Mini Jump Starter w/ USB Charging – Save your battery and charge your devices
These are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no additional cost to you. It helps keep the podcast running!
Interested in sponsoring the show?
We're always looking to feature rider-relevant products, tools, and destinations. Reach out here if you're a brand that supports motorcyclists.
Subscribe for more real-world motorcycle travel tips, honest reviews, and epic road trip ideas.
Sign up for rider alerts and updates → https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/join
If you're planning a long motorcycle trip, this is the gear checklist you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, we break down the motorcycle gear we actually wear on multi-day rides — including modular helmets, rain gear, base layers, boots, and glove strategies that work across weather, miles, and mistakes.
Whether you're doing your first overnight ride or refining your long-haul setup, this guide covers real-world motorcycle gear for comfort, safety, and convenience. No fluff — just trip-tested gear that’s earned its place in our saddlebag.
Some links are affiliate links — if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
That helps support the show and keeps the wheels turning. Thanks for your support!
• Bohn Body Armor → https://www.bohnarmor.com/
• Modular Helmet → https://amzn.to/44GeAEV
• Pinlock Visor Insert → https://amzn.to/4dpENcZ
• Base Layer Shirt → https://amzn.to/4k5Zuxn
• Nelson-Rigg Rain Gear → https://amzn.to/43srvrS
• Nitrel Gloves → https://amzn.to/3FmOWKX
• Travel Boot Dryer → https://amzn.to/3SHIm4P
• 6” Riding Boots → https://amzn.to/3Zg2tLp
• Eye Drops → https://amzn.to/3SKKQ2m
Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts (no spam, just great rides & tips): https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts
Catch the full podcast archive: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast
Follow us for more:
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips
Want to Sponsor the Show?
If you're a gear brand, road trip tool, or rider-first business — we'd love to hear from you.
Reach out here: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact
Pasties, shipwrecks, hats, and some of the best road miles in the Midwest — this episode has it all. In Episode 068, we head into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and follow the legendary UP Pastie Trail, mixing must-stop food spots with scenic rides from the Mackinac Bridge to Copper Harbor, plus a detour to Whitefish Point and the Stormy Kromer hat factory.
What we cover in this ride:
✅ Our official Pastie Tour route and rating system
✅ Best motorcycle roads from Mackinac to Copper Harbor
✅ Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point (Edmund Fitzgerald bell!)
✅ Brockway Mountain Drive — top 5 Midwest ride views
✅ Stormy Kromer factory tour: Americana at its best
✅ Toolkit tips for riding remote, wet, and full of carbs
Toolkit from the Road:
TUMS (for the meat pie aftermath) - https://amzn.to/3YCnsrl
Garmin Zumo / Motorcycle GPS - https://amzn.to/42Vtu8Y
Neck gaiter (for cold, wind, and morning fog) - https://amzn.to/455efvy
Nelson-Rigg compact rain suit - https://amzn.to/4mdpLem
Offline maps tip: download before you lose you gps signal!
Gear We Mentioned (Affiliate Links)
Some of the links above may be affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we might earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
It helps keep the gas tanks full and the podcasts rolling. Thanks for your support!
Sign up for BMR Rider Alerts (no spam, just great rides):
https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/alerts
Full Podcast Archive:
https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/podcast
Follow Us:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestMotorcycleRoads
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestmotorcycleroads
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleroadsandtrips
Want to Win a Stormy Kromer Hat?
Drop your favorite UP pastie stop in the comments by Labor Day 2025 — we’ll draw a winner for a Stormy Kromer hat and mail it your way. (No receipt required, but bonus points for gravy.)
Want to Sponsor the Show?
We’re currently looking for sponsors that share our passion for riding, gear, food stops, and unforgettable roads.
If you’re a brand, service, or destination that wants to reach real riders, we’d love to talk.
👉 Get in touch: https://bestmotorcycleroads.com/contact
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