The Scenic Ride: A Motorcycle Podcast

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/ Follow us on social: @thescenicride