Page 16 - AAA Northwest Ohio - AAA Now! May/June 2013

16 may/june 2013
Moto Rising
Perhaps they are a group of unruly daredevils
searching for the perfect spot to launch into
their next adrenaline-fueled stunt. Don’t judge
too quickly. This seemingly dangerous pack could
simply be a motorcycle tour group enjoying the
freedom of traveling via the open rather than a tour
bus or cruise ship.
Motorcycle tours haven’t
drawn the large following
of group bus tours and
cruises, though this is part
of the appeal. Traditionally
a hobby viewed as edgy or
rebellious, motorcycle riding
had been reserved for daring
souls, though is now a more
mainstream and socially
acceptable hobby. Despite
the greater acceptance of
motorcycles by the general
public, tours that use this
method of travel still take the
backseat to cruises and bus
tours for United States travelers.
Local Cruising
Ohio’s terrain provides excellent conditions for
motorcycle touring during the spring, summer and
autumnmonths. Whether riding fromGallipolis to
Ironton throughWayne National Forest or westward
fromCleveland to Port Clinton on US-6 along the Lake
Erie coast, Ohio offers variety tomotorcycle tourists.
The best routes for a local ride are, at times,
discovered accidentally. A popular scenic route,
especially during the autumn months, is riding
from Bowling Green to Port Clinton. The road along
this journey is sweeping and flat. An old oil town,
Bowling Green retains the charm of 19th century
American design, most evident in its Victorian and
Neo-Gothic architecture. Though Bowling Green
has moved past its oil
industry roots, the town is
still known as a progressive
energy supplier. As the site
of Ohio’s original wind farm,
Bowling Green erected four
turbines in 2003. A visitor
center provides information
regarding this energy
source. Bowling Green hosts
many fun events during the
summer such as its Classic
Car Show, Strong Man Picnic
and Black Swamp Arts
Festival, all of which provide
an exciting start to a ride.
Along the leisurely ride
of approximately 45 minutes, bikers can stop and
enjoy parks such as Riverbend Park, located in the
crook of the Portage River, which empties into Lake
Erie at Port Clinton. A popular destination during
the summer months, Port Clinton is also known as
the “Walleye Capital of theWorld.” The popularity
of fishing in this town makes Fisherman’s Wharf
a must-see attraction. Conveniently located on
Lake Erie, the wharf is popular not only to catch a
fishing charter, but also for taking a leisurely stroll
along the shoreline while enjoying the refreshingly
simple atmosphere of the town. Within this area are
neighborhood favorites, The Port Clinton Fish Co.
and The Great Lakes Popcorn Co., which sit within
walking distance to other attractions in downtown
Port Clinton.
Into the GreatWide Open
Touring the United States is an exciting and
extremely personal experience. Witnessing the
distinctive characteristics of different regions
throughout the country is fascinating. Far-reaching
skyscrapers, stunning deeply cut canyons,
snowcapped mountains and wide-open golden
plains are only a few of the geographic features
found throughout the 3.6 million square miles of
the United States. Bikers who would like to travel
in the comfort of a group or prefer riding solo can
find companies that offer many itineraries through
different regions of this country. The country’s
varied landscape and challenging terrain allow
motorcycle riders to see the country from a unique
point of view.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rental USA has found
that international clients comprise a large portion
of guided tour guests. While the company hosts
approximately 60,000 customers annually, fewer
citizens of the United States are afforded the
vacation time required to embark upon one of the
company’s guided tours, some of which require 16
days to complete. Many domestic tourists choose
EagleRider Motorcycle Rental USA’s self-guided
tours, a ratio that yields results closer to 60 percent
international to 40 percent domestic. Though most
customers are riders who have a lot of experience
Seeing a pack of bikers cruising down the road on their
motorcycles could cause everyday drivers to become
a bit intimidated.
By Dorothy Crouch