I've got a conference to go to in Memphis this July and thinking of renting a bike and touring around for a day. Can anyone suggest any decent roads, sights, or destinations in this area?
Thanks,
Mark M
I don't know much about any good roads to ride. Attractions/Places to see, would be Graceland and Beale Street.
Fred
I'm, with Fred...Rode through the Memphis area on my big trip. There wasn't much in the way of twisty scenic roads until you get a few hundred miles out. I did spend the afternoon with Elvis at Graceland and that was very enjoyable! Arkabutla Lake was a great camping site the previous night and made for at least some nice motorcycle riding. Unfortunately, the road on the west side of the lake eventually dead-ends at its south end so it's an out and back affair. Wish I could offer more.
Quote from: markmartin on February 10, 2015, 02:47:56 PM
I've got a conference to go to in Memphis this July and thinking of renting a bike and touring around for a day. Can anyone suggest any decent roads, sights, or destinations in this area?
Thanks,
Mark M
Ask (or search) over here. http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?debug;board=30.0#.VNqfV1DnaBY (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?debug;board=30.0#.VNqfV1DnaBY)
You'll probably get information from the locals.
Ducati Dave lives in the southern 'burbs, led me on a little jaunt last winter when I was visiting. I'll ask him when I see him next (Thursday or Monday.)
These sites might help. I've used them for my trips. I've only travelled through western Tennessee through to Arkansas on the Interstate. So no help for touring around, other than if you cross the Mississippi it turns into a flood plain and is flat for hundreds of square miles. It looks like staying on the eastern side is much better. If that helps.
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/motorbike-rides-in-united-states-/Tennessee_-5628.html (http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/motorbike-rides-in-united-states-/Tennessee_-5628.html)
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/Tennessee_118.html (http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/Tennessee_118.html)
Thanks for the information. FJ1100mjk and PaulG thanks for the links. Capt Ron, the road to Arkabutla Lake looks like a winner. It's a start!
Now my real problem seems to be rental options. The only rentals that I can find in Memphis is Bumpus Harley and wouldn't you know, they only rent Harleys. I've got a choice of an Electra glide or a Road King. They appear to be the same bike with different fairing options, neither one very appealing. Oh, they've also have two other choices, one model with sequins on the baggage and the other is a trike. Also, there is a two day minimum. Hummm.... one day maybe, but I'm having difficulty envisioning myself (paying to be) on a Harley for two days.
Maybe I should be more open minded.
I've pretty well exhausted my search for any sport, adventure, or sport touring bikes for rent in this area. Damn the bad luck.
Quote from: markmartin on February 12, 2015, 09:00:46 AM
Now my real problem seems to be rental options.
You could go to Nashville (200mi away) and rent from Eagle Rider. I rented a Honda ST from them last year and rode out to the east of Nashville... decent roads, but hot and humid with a good dousing of rain toward the end of the ride. Eagle rider also had 90% HD, but they did offer something else and were a real pleasure to deal with FWIW.
Frank