The Scenic Ride: A Motorcycle Podcast

Denver is the perfect home base for some of the most scenic mountain riding in the country, and you don’t have to commit to a 400-mile day to experience it! 

In this episode, Staci (a Denver local) shares five of her favorite Front Range day rides within easy reach of the city, from high-alpine mountain passes to winding canyon roads and charming historic mountain towns. We cover the best time of year to ride, what to know about Colorado’s unpredictable mountain weather, and why mountain miles are definitely not the same as freeway miles.

Routes mentioned:

We also highlight some of our favorite stops, places to grab a bite, and a few bonus routes worth adding to your itinerary. (The Thai place in Golden that Davin mentions is called Thai Gold Restaurant.)

We’re headed back to the Pacific Northwest to ride Washington’s Cascade Loop, a 440-mile route that takes you through some of the most epic scenery in the state (especially if you catch it on a sunny day with minimal traffic).  

The loop takes you from the Puget Sound through charming mountain towns, sweeping river valleys, high alpine passes, and the desert landscapes of Eastern Washington before winding back through the spectacular North Cascades.

Hosts Sanna, Staci, and Davin break down the best roads, stops, and side quests along the way. We also share practical tips on when to go, how many days to plan for, where to stay, and why this route deserves a spot on every motorcycle road trip bucket list (although our hosts have some mixed opinions on this).

This week TSR goes international! We’re headed to the South Island of New Zealand, a true bucket list motorcycle destination. Davin, Sanna, and Staci dive into what makes riding in New Zealand so incredible, from winding two-lane roads and single-lane bridges to snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and some ridiculous scenery around every corner. 

They also talk about renting motorcycles in New Zealand, the best time of year to visit, driving on the left, the NZeTA, riding gear import rules, and more trip planning trips.

In this episode, hosts Staci, Sanna, and Davin explore the Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic 444-mile scenic byway (and All-American Road!) that traces a 10,000-year-old travel corridor through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. 

This road trip includes plenty of Native American heritage sites, as well as cultural and historic landmarks. If you’re a history buff and looking for a slower-paced motorcycle journey through some less-traveled states, this is the episode for you. Listen for practical travel tips along with the best campgrounds, restaurants, bars, detours, and more along the route.

Sanna, Staci, and Davin head to Northern Arizona to explore one of the most beautiful and underrated motorcycle roads in the American West: the Vermilion Cliffs Highway. Stretching around 80 miles along Highway 89A, this route winds from high-elevation pine forests on the Kaibab Plateau down into the vast red rock wilderness of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. 

Stops include Jacob Lake (the gateway to the Grand Canyon's North Rim) and the breathtaking Marble Canyon area. The episode also covers general trip planning advice, lodging recommendations, and side quests. If you've been craving red rocks, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, Davin shares some of his favorite day rides out of Portland (the one in Oregon, not the one in Maine), including the Scappoose Vernonia Highway, the Columbia River Gorge, and Meadow Creek Road. Staci and Sanna realize they went to the same all-women’s motorcycle campout together in 2015, but neither of them remember it. And all three hosts share their favorite overlooks, food carts (and trucks), restaurants, bridges, side quests, and more. Give it a listen before planning your next Pacific Northwest motorcycle adventure!

Merch and more: https://thescenicride.com/

In this episode, we head to New Hampshire's White Mountains, in our opinion one of the most underrated motorcycle destinations in North America. Join us as we explore three bucket-list rides, including the legendary Mount Washington Auto Road, the scenic White Mountain Trail, and the world-famous Kancamagus Highway. 

We also share our favorite overlooks, waterfalls, covered bridges, small-town diners, maple syrup treats, and hidden gems that make this region so special. This episode is packed with route ideas, travel tips, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable motorcycle adventure through the heart of New England.

Merch and more: https://thescenicride.com/

EDR might be over, but we're still riding to Baja! In this episode, hosts Sanna, Staci, and Davin explore some of their favorite paved and unpaved roads, towns, restaurants, things to do, and places to stay in the northern half of the Baja California Peninsula. 

They also cover some basic good-to-know tips for riding to Mexico, including crossing the border, when to travel, and what to bring.

We’re headed to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to ride the Copper Country Trail National Byway and explore the best riding on the Keweenaw Peninsula. This area is packed with historic mining towns, local food specialities, and remote, rugged natural sites. 

Hosts Davin (who grew up here), Staci, and Sanna deem it Michigan’s best kept secret, and an incredible place for a motorcycle road trip—as long as you avoid the harsh winter season. Listen for recs on when to visit, where to stop for food, and some bonus advice on visiting Isle Royale National Park.

We’re headed to Northwest Arkansas to ride some of the best roads in the South. This area is a hidden gem for motorcyclists, full of twisty mountain roads and views for days.

Hosts Staci, Sanna, and Davin explore the best places to stay, eat, and stop during a motorcycle trip to the Ozarks, plus dive deep into some can’t-miss routes and byways. We also share insights into the best times to visit and travel tips for other parts of Arkansas.