There’s nothing better than cruising down the road on top of a roaring Harley Davidson. It’s the feeling of being free with absolutely nothing but the open road ahead. A short day trip just can’t compare to the thrill of riding a Harley from coast to coast on a multiday adventure. Extended trips inherently require a bit more planning and time away from work, but it is well worth it to experience the unforgettable journey.
A cross-country motorcycle trip isn’t as simple as just hopping on a bike and leaving, though. You need to do some serious planning to make this dream into a reality. Spending the whole day on a bike, navigating new territory and riding through all types of weather can take a toll on an ill-prepared rider. Here are five things to consider before riding a Harley Davidson coast to coast.
Create a basic schedule
The first step is to put together a basic schedule. You will want to determine how long you have to devote to the trip before attempting to select a route. Identifying the trip length early on will help you weed out any destinations or routes that just don’t work with any time constraints.
Map your route
Take a look at your map and mark any must-see locations. These will be the deciding factors for the route of your trip. Develop the rest of the route based on these stops and the day you need to reach your destination or return home. This is also the time to make any necessary lodging reservations along the way. Make sure to also factor in time for your return trip. Some riders opt to have their bike shipped home and fly back instead of riding the same miles on the return route. Others choose to take a different path home, which will require additional planning.
Check the weather forecast
Try to plan your trip during the times of the year when the weather is the most pleasant. Mild climates and dry conditions will make the trip much more enjoyable and reduce the amount of wear on your bike. The weather can still be unpredictable, though, so it’s important to pack clothing and gear to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Prep the bike
Nothing can ruin the perfect trip more than breaking down on the side of the highway. The bike needs to be prepared to travel hundreds of miles each day. This means getting new tires, oil changed, brakes tested and the battery checked. Everything should be checked and serviced before you start packing your bags. Another option, if you’re not eager to put that much wear on your own bike, is to look into Harley Davidson motorcycle rentals in Las Vegas. A rental allows you to focus on the trip without having to worry about the expensive maintenance and upkeep.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Join EagleRider to schedule your Harley Davidson motorcycle rental in Las Vegas, NV. Whether it’s coast to coast or just around town, we provide competitively priced rentals for your upcoming trip. We’ll even help you plan the perfect route so you can focus on the fun ahead. Call us today to learn more!
Everybody needs a hobby, something to keep them grounded or that makes them feel like a part of something. You can choose from a long list of hobbies—arts and crafts, playing video games, gardening, cooking, writing, volunteering, even playing a musical instrument in a band. Then there are activities like motorcycle riding. If you’ve always wanted to learn to ride, don’t wait another year—do it now! Riding a motorcycle is great fun, but there are also social and mental perks that come along with riding.
Becoming a motorcycle rider has many benefits. Here are some of the ways riding a motorcycle in Las Vegas can change your life:
You’ll get to practice your navigation skills: There was a time when we had to familiarize ourselves with driving routes from a paper map before heading out. Today, you can sit back and let your cell phone or on-board navigation system guide you to your destination. But because being on a bike makes it difficult to hear directions or see a dash screen clearly, riding a motorcycle encourages you to pay better attention to street names and landmarks, meaning the more you ride, the more you’ll hone your navigation skills.
It can improve a rider’s mental clarity: You might have a go-to activity when you’re stressed or anxious—like vacuuming, listening to music or exercising—to take your mind off of things. Going for a motorcycle ride can also do the trick. You’ll get some fresh air, see beautiful scenery, feel free and spend time with friends, or enjoy a solo ride out of town and back again. At the end of your ride, your mind will be clear, free of stress and negative energy.
You get time to find yourself: Life gets busy sometimes, but don’t let your work and personal obligations identify you. Riding a motorcycle is a way to develop a passion for an activity that can help you find yourself and make you stand out in your social circle. Whether it’s to relax or to get away from responsibilities for a while, riding can reconnect you with yourself and nature.
Your circle of friends may grow: It’s not easy to make friends as adults, let alone keep them. You have to make time to socialize and find people that match a common interest. Luckily, motorcycle riding is a connection you share with other riders. From going to riding events to attending motorcycle shows, you can meet other motorcycle enthusiasts and become fast friends.
You will learn a lot about motorcycles: Many people admire shiny motorcycles they see parked while out and about, but owning a bike is how you really come to appreciate them. Riding, maintaining and working on your very own motorcycle, or simply riding a rental on a regular basis, is a great way to expand your knowledge of bikes. You’ll also learn the physics of riding and understand the differences in riding depending on the make and model.
Motorcycles are a great means of transportation; during the warmer months, they can be incredibly fun. That being said, as winter approaches, many riders are simply not ready to put their bikes away. For those who still want to ride, even when temperatures start to drop, cold weather motorcycle gear can make riding even in lower temps possible.
Winter Motorcycle Gear
The first essential you need to figure out is your jacket. With a motorcycle, you need to keep a good range of motion to respond and move quickly while riding. This means that a huge winter coat will likely not be your best bet. Your best option is wearing multiple thin layers to help trap the heat instead of using one larger layer that can restrict your range of motion.
Using wool as your base layer will help keep you from sweating but still help trap the heat. You then need to find a great middle layer; microfleece is a great option for this. If you are riding in subzero or very cold temperatures, it is best to look for something that will be very tight to the skin so that it does not add a ton of extra bulk. You then want to consider an outer shell layer. This should be waterproof to keep the water out and help ensure you stay dry and warm.
Winter Accessories
You also need to consider other items that will keep you warm. Gloves to protect the hands are a must. A hat is necessary if you are not wearing a helmet, glasses, or a visor to protect the face. With warmer weather, windburn is not as painful and is not likely to cause as much damage. With very cold winds, you can get frostbite and easily damage your skin.
When you go out riding during the winter or even during the colder fall days, you do need to check the temperatures for the entire duration of the ride. If you intend to be out for a very long time, you need to check the temps during your rides to ensure you bring the right gear to keep you safe and warm the entire time you are out.
Riding during the cooler months can be just as fun as riding during the summer; you just have to dress for it. Just because winter is coming does not mean you must put up your bike. The right gear can make riding nearly all year possible and very fun.
If you’re like a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts, you take great pride and joy in handling basic maintenance and repairs by yourself. On top of the satisfaction you get from making tune-ups, you like the thought of saving money at the mechanic.
The first step in performing your own bike work is getting the right motorcycle accessories in Las Vegas, NV. Keep reading to learn about what you need to make any repairs or perform routine maintenance:
Motorcycle stand: The first tool you’ll need to do any self-maintenance is a reliable bike stand. A stand allows you to easily lift and lower your bike, as well as provides a steady surface for tire swaps, chain work and other maintenance.
Tire pressure gauge: Proper tire inflation is essential for both your safety and your tires’ longevity. We advise using a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation before each ride. Use an air pump to inflate your tires if they’re a little low.
Screwdrivers: If you already have a tool set, you most likely have a variety of screwdrivers in your arsenal. If not, it’s time to get some! Screwdrivers are useful in pretty much any tune-up, which makes them some of the most important motorcycle tools in Las Vegas, NV. Get a set of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers to ensure you’re ready for anything.
Wrench set: Wrenches are other tools that you might already have in the garage. Like screwdrivers, they’re useful in pretty much any tune-up or repair you’re performing. Get a variety of sizes to tackle any job on your to-do list.
Hex keys: Also known as Allen wrenches, hex keys are good tools to have for all sorts of different bikes, especially Japanese models. A simple set of inexpensive hex keys is typically all you need to get most jobs done.
Ratchet and socket set: A ratchet and a set of different sockets are must-haves for both professional mechanics and DIYers. We advise in investing in a high-quality set, as it can last you a lifetime if it’s cared for properly.
Hammer: A hammer probably isn’t one of the first tools that comes to mind when you think of motorcycle accessories in Las Vegas, NV. However, it’s a good tool to have for all sorts of different projects. The right hammer can be used to loosen stubborn fasteners or other parts. Just don’t swing too hard and damage the bike!
Torque wrench: When you think of a torque wrench, you might think it’s something only a pro needs. Think again! Torque wrenches ensure everything on the bike is as tight as possible, which is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Pliers: Getting a grip on small bike parts isn’t always easy. That’s where a trusty set of pliers can really come in handy! A set of slip-joint pliers and a set of needle-nose pliers are all you really need.
There are few things quite as exhilarating as taking to the open road on a motorcycle, but most riders need a little bit of instruction before they can ride a motorcycle safely. The good news is that there are resources out there for people who want to ride a motorcycle and do so as safely as possible. If you’re planning a motorcycle trip in Las Vegas, make sure you prepare yourself by enrolling in a motorcycle safety course.
Why motorcycle safety courses are so important
Safety is the most important priority for motorcycle riders to keep in mind when planning a trip, but a lot of motorcycle riders are missing key information about how to stay safe on the road. While safety training might not be the most exciting part of planning your motorcycle trip, laying a foundation of safety is one of the best ways to improve your overall experience and help you get the most out of your trip while keeping yourself protected. Here are some of the biggest benefits of taking a motorcycle safety course in Las Vegas:
Keep yourself safe: It might be obvious, but the primary benefit of taking a motorcycle safety training course is that it will help keep you safe on the road. Motorcycle training courses give riders the essential information they need to stay safe and learn how to handle unexpected hazards and conditions when they come up. This is important not only for your safety while riding a motorcycle, but also for the safety of others.
Improve your riding capabilities: Another great benefit of motorcycle safety training in Las Vegas is the fact that it can significantly improve your riding capabilities. In addition to the safety benefits, improving your riding skills can also make you more comfortable on the road and help you navigate turns, uneven terrain and unexpected conditions with skill and dexterity. The more training you have, the better you will be as a motorcycle rider and the more confident you will feel while operating the bike.
Maintain peace of mind: All of the skills that riders learn during motorcycle safety classes contribute to greater confidence, which leads to improved peace of mind. Riders who are unsure about how to stay safe on the road are more likely to feel anxious, and that can distract them from truly enjoying their experience. Taking safety training courses allows riders to have better peace of mind so they can focus completely on enjoying the ride.
Motorcycle safety training in Las Vegas
Hit the road safely with help from a motorcycle safety training course in Las Vegas through EagleRider. We are here to make sure our customers have the best experience possible with our motorcycle rentals. No matter what your vision is for your motorcycle trip, we’re here to make it a reality. With a number of great motorcycle tours to choose from, you are certain to have an unforgettable experience with our motorcycle rentals. Give us a call to find out more about our rental options and book your tour.
Is your motorcycle runnng lean? A motorcycle with an engine that’s running lean will likely idle or run sluggish, causing the engine and exhaust pipes to become hotter than normal. A lean motorcycle engine is actually unhealthy for the bike, especially if the problem persists for a long time. Luckily, this is a common problem with some simple solutions. Here’s how to spot and handle the issue.
How do you diagnose an engine running lean?
Every engine that runs on either diesel fuel or gasoline requires the correct balance of air and fuel for combustion to take place. A ratio that’s too lean means the engine is getting more air than it needs and not enough fuel, causing the mixture to burn much hotter than usual. Some of the signs that indicate your motorcycle is running lean include:
Rough idles: This is usually the first sign you’re running lean. When you start the motorcycle, pay attention to whether it’s staying on by itself or you’re noticing a rough sputter while stationary.
Sluggish ride: Noticing your bike running with a lot less energy? Lean engines are a lot less powerful than engines that are running at peak performance, as the engine isn’t receiving enough fuel to run efficiently.
Hot engine and exhaust pipes: A lean mixture causes the engine to burn hotter, causing the exhaust pipes to become very hot. In some cases, you may see smoke coming from the engine, and the pipes can even turn blue. This is a direct indication that your motorcycle is running lean.
How do you fix the problem of a motorcycle engine running lean?
A lean motorcycle engine usually is caused by faults in the fuel delivery system. More specifically, the problem likely lies with the carburetor. The carburetor delivers both fuel and air in appropriate ratios to the engine’s combustion chamber. Usually, the cause of the problem is clogged jets inside the carburetor, resulting from dirt particles that have found their way inside.
If you take a look at your bike’s carburetor, you’ll notice screws on the side of the component. One of the screws directly controls how much gas the carburetor delivers. Unscrewing it causes more gas to enter the combustion chamber, while screwing it in tighter will reduce that amount. If your motorcycle engine is running lean, unscrew slightly to increase gas flow to the engine. It’s best to refer to your owner’s manual to determine where exactly the screw is located and how much you’ll need to turn it.
If you’ve done some experimenting and the problem doesn’t seem to resolve itself, you’re likely dealing with a faulty carburetor that should be addressed either by cleaning or replacement. Bring your motorcycle to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.
A motorcycle running lean is never a good thing—if the issue isn’t addressed quickly, it can result in costly damage to important engine components. Need help operating your bike safely and efficiently? Reach out to EagleRider today and learn more about essential motorcycle care tips to keep your bike running smoothly for years to come.
Just because the weather is changing doesn’t mean that there aren’t still great opportunities to hit the open road on a motorcycle. Rainy weather can present a challenge for riders who aren’t used to wet road conditions, but it’s possible to ride a motorcycle safely in rainy weather by making a few simple adjustments. Keep reading for some tips for driving motorcycles in the rain.
Riding motorcycles in the rain: Our top tips
The rain can present a lot of challenges for motorcyclists, especially for those who don’t have a lot of experience driving in rainy conditions. The good news is that there are plenty of upsides to hitting the road in the rain—including getting the opportunity to experience scenery in a new light—and it’s possible to do it safely by putting a few simple tips into practice. Here are some of the best tips for driving motorcycles in the rain:
Wear the right gear: One of the most important things to do before riding a motorcycle in the rain is to make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. When it’s rainy outside, visibility tends to be lower, and that makes it much more difficult for drivers on the road to see motorcycles. To keep yourself safe, make sure to wear highly reflective gear that will ensure you’re visible to other motorists on the road.
Give yourself extra time for braking: In ideal weather conditions, motorcycle riders can bring a motorcycle from highway speeds to a stop in just a few seconds, but the time required to stop a motorcycle can increase significantly when conditions on the road aren’t as favorable. With that in mind, make sure to give yourself more time than usual for braking.
Go easy on transitions: Another one of the best tips for driving motorcycles in the rain is to ease into transitions between acceleration and braking. Instead of hitting the brakes or the accelerator suddenly, ease into it to give the bike plenty of time to transition. Braking and accelerating too rapidly can increase the risk that you will lose control of your motorcycle and wind up skidding or getting into an accident.
Take advantage of dry lines on the road: When cars drive in the rain, they often leave dry tire tracks behind them. Take advantage of dry lines on the road to maintain the best contact and traction possible between your motorcycle’s tires and the pavement.
At EagleRider, we know how important it is to prioritize safety on the road—no matter what the weather conditions may be—and we are committed to making sure our customers have the best experience possible with our motorcycle rental offerings. All of our rentals come with gear to keep riders safe on their journey, whether it’s a short day trip or a multi-day motorcycle tour of all the sights in the area. Find out more about what we have to offer and book your motorcycle rental by giving us a call today.
What better way to plan an early-winter trip than by inviting friends from the snowy north to come south and squeeze in another weekend of riding? Summer may be over, but with multiple Eagle Rider locations throughout the southwest, we don’t have to stop riding just yet. Typically, most riders don’t have the option to ride in the winter months so when we organized for Joshua Parker to come in from snowy Salt Lake City to meet up with our group of local hooligans in Las Vegas, he booked 3 days with Eagle Rider. He chose to ride a Harley Davidson Road Glide, having never toured on a bagger before, but wanting to experience the comfort and storage it provided. Local Las Vegas rider Maggie Hicks wasn’t going to let him have all the fun so she booked one as well. They were joined by JUSTIN EDELMAN and NICOLE ROSANO who rode their own Harleys, a Pan America and Softtail Streetbob respectively. Our trip, by design, was planned around the journey and enjoying each other’s company on the open road. We have always wanted to ride along historic Route 66 and knew we would have the roads to ourselves traveling in the cold temps that early December promises. Riding this route in the winter allowed us to avoid both the heat and the traffic that you would typically see in the warmer months. We unanimously agreed that Sedona was going to be the final destination. Due to Flagstaff getting some early season snow, we made the decision to reroute through Prescott and up and over the beautiful winding turns of highway 89A into the haunted ghost town of Jerome and finally ending up surrounded by the beautiful red rock and soul-cleansing vortexes that only Sedona can offer.
DAY 1 – Pickup – Ride to Seligman
Before we could gear up and ride out on the first day, we needed to secure the iron horses. The process at Las Vegas Eagle Rider was as smooth as butter. We would recommend checking in online prior to your arrival, which is a step that we haphazardly skipped. Thankfully the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating and after signing our lives away, we were quickly out the door and ready to load up. One of the best parts about renting a bike from EagleRider is how knowledgeable the staff are about local routes, and after a discussion about recent weather patterns, they provided us with an ideal alternative route to avoid potentially icy and snowy roads. Given the temps, we all donned our heated gear (a literal life-saver), loaded the bikes and hit the road towards our first gas stop in Kingman, AZ.
Leaving the busy traffic of the Las Vegas Strip in our rear view mirrors, we began our cold journey with heated anticipation for what the open road would bring. One of our favorite sections of the trip was the initial stretch of highway that takes you up and over the historical Hoover Dam as it provides some of the most beautiful views of sweeping red rock mountains you can find in the southwest. Once the road leveled out, we all twisted the throttle a little harder with smiles on our faces to see if we could beat the setting afternoon sun to our destination. As any motorcyclist can attest, one of the best feelings you can experience is an open highway and a group of friends who have similar riding styles. You travel as a pack, know what moves each other will make before making them, communicate with nothing more than the nod of a head or the shuffling to the side of a lane to allow someone else to take the lead. True camaraderie. Appreciating the fact that all of us made the effort to be here in this moment, cold wind whipping through the desolate desert plains, sharing a stretch of road we had yet to explore on our way to Arizona, we moved as one, wild and free.
As we paused for gas just outside of Kingman, we decided on the first stop of our Route 66 adventure. Hunger was setting in, and we knew that MIKES ROUTE 66 OUTPOST & SALOON was waiting only 25 miles down the road. A true local gem on Route 66, Mikes is not to be skipped. As soon as we arrived we were causing a scene. Engines roaring and dust flying, 4 Harley Davidson’s pulling up gets the locals excited around these parts. Everyone was warm and welcoming as we asked for food recommendations and talked about the bikes with those already sitting at the bar. The decor of Mikes is something you’d imagine in a Hunter S Thompson novel. Dollar bills left behind by forlorn travelers were pinned to the ceiling and kitschy southwestern flair decorated the walls. The typical bar-style food was hot and fast and warmed both our stomachs and our souls. The garlic-covered cheese curds were a particular favorite of our famished group. We settled into a table in the corner and discussed where we would stop next. Route 66 is littered with little gems that are worth a look and we had to be selective with our time since daylight was fading quickly. With our belly’s satisfied, we hopped back on the bikes and continued rolling down the historical stretch of road.
Peach Springs came highly recommended and we chose to check out the JOHN OSTERMAN SHELL GAS STATION, a historical marker. The rundown old gas station was a perfect spot to snap some photos as the light was reaching golden hour. Once again we had to get on the throttle, in an hurried effort to race the setting sun to our final destination for the night, Seligman, AZ.
The HISTORIC ROUTE 66 MOTEL was a welcoming beacon in the quickly-dropping temps of the fastly-approaching night. With Route 66-themed rooms and plenty of parking, we were kindly greeted by the clerk and her family who live in the adjoining property attached to the lobby. At check-in, she recommended we head to the Roadkill Cafe before they closed for the evening. Patrons of the motel get a 10% discount by presenting their hotel keys to the server. As soon as we unloaded our gear into the clean and cozy rooms, we rushed over for a proper meal. As we cautiously approached the entrance, we didn’t know what to expect from a place called the ROADKILL CAFE. However our worries quickly disappeared as the food was fantastic and the drinks were just what we needed to unwind for the night. Their pie selection had us drooling from the moment we walked in and even though we had no room, we had to get a piece of the chocolate cream pie to share before calling it quits. Their bar had a gift shop with all the Route 66 memorabilia you could imagine, so we perused a bit before enjoying a nightcap and heading back to the motel. As we settled into the comfy beds of our motel rooms, we dozed off with visions of the adventure to come racing through our heads.
DAY 2 – Ride through Jerome to Sedona
When we awoke the following morning we were greeted by a thick layer of frost on our bikes, a solemn reminder of how cold it was outside. We typically move pretty slow in the mornings and while the bikes thawed out, we headed back to the Roadkill Cafe for a stellar breakfast at the bar with an extremely friendly bartender named Larry. The people you meet in these smaller towns always have the best stories to tell and if you take the time to listen, you might learn a thing or two. He confirmed that our route plans to head south around Flagstaff were a good idea to avoid the snow and ice. Route 66 ends pretty quickly after Seligman so we only planned one stop for the day on our way to Sedona. Jerome is a sleepy ghost town built into the side of a mountain pass and has as much history as it does character. It was a small detour but one we didn’t want to miss. Warm and full, we geared up and wiped the remaining moisture off our bikes. The sun was shining and it was a good day to be on the road! We stopped once for gas outside Prescott and we were all set to ride gorgeous 89A up and over Mingus Summit to Jerome.
We had a slight concern about the road conditions of the mountain pass and as we climbed, it became obvious that we had just missed the snow. While the roads had thawed, the shadows of the forest-lined mountains still contained glistening remnants of the storm. Mingus boasts 127 turns in a little over 12 miles. If ripping through the twisties gets your motor revving, you’re going to have fun here. Josh and Justin decided to attack the mountain turns while Maggie and Nicole approached it more cautiously. It’s always important to ride your own ride, especially in group trips like this. At the bottom of the pass we regrouped at a beautiful turnout just as the road descended into Jerome. We stopped to marvel at the view of Verde Valley and the red rocks of Sedona in the distance.
As we rolled into Jerome, we passed many places we would have loved to explore, including the Haunted Burger, some ghost tours, and some unique crystal shops. You could easily spend a whole day wandering the streets of this mountainside town. However we bypassed it all as we had our hearts set on visiting the GOLD KING MINE & GHOST TOWN. As we ascended to the mine we passed a plethora of animals including donkeys and goats, parked our bikes next to an old shed full of motorcycles, and headed into the gift shop. They had an amazing collection of damascus steel knives forged by a local blacksmith and souvenirs were purchased as everlasting reminders of this amazing journey. We didn’t have time to attend one of the famous ghost tours but they did come highly recommended. If we had more time, we definitely would have explored longer.
The last slivers of daylight dissipated as we rode into the beautiful town of Sedona. We all agreed on where we wanted to crash for the night, a hotel conveniently located within walking distance of several great restaurants. The ANDANTE INN had a fantastic view as the setting sun illuminated the bright multicolored rock formations that surround the city. We were able to watch the light fade in all its glory from our 3rd floor balcony.
After unpacking our bikes and much-needed showers, we went 100 yards out our door and right into THAI SPICES NATURAL RESTAURANT to celebrate our last night of the adventure and revel in the highs of that beautiful mountain pass we had just ridden through. We finished the night at VINO DI SEDONA with some bottles of wine while being serenaded by a talented local live musician.
DAY 3 – Hike, Ride back to Vegas
Sedona is known for a multitude of things including spiritual wellness, off-road adventures, world class spas, and some of the most amazing hikes in the southwest. Knowing we didn’t have a lot of time, we woke up early to check out the Devil’s Bridge hike which was a 10 minute ride outside of town. At just under 4 miles, this short hike packs in a lot of quintessential Sedona beauty and is capped by an amazing natural bridge with sweeping views of the valley below. Cars need to get there early as the parking lot fills up quickly, but the beauty of showing up on a bike is you can always find a place to squeeze in. Having explored Sedona and feeling physically and spiritually refreshed, we geared up and loaded up the bikes for our final trek back to Las Vegas. We had a limited amount of time to explore as we needed to get our Road Glides back to Eagle Rider so we planned one more stop on the way back. We had our sights set on another Route 66 cafe called Westside Lilo’s. [I need to edit photos] In order to avoid the unsafe riding conditions through Flagstaff, we again headed back through the winding stretch of 89A through Mingus Pass. Even though we had ridden it the previous day, those turns and 11 degree grade roads felt completely different heading in the reverse direction. It can be as thrilling or as therapeutic as you want to make it. Again, ride your own ride. As we came out the other side and headed back towards Prescott there was a feeling in the air, we weren’t the same people as we were when we first went through. We had explored new places, experienced new roads and made new friends. Trips like these are as much about personal growth as they are about riding. We learned more about each other, our riding skills and experienced the accomplishment of reaching our final destination with everyone safe and sound. That’s the nice thing about returning to a familiar place, it reminds you what has transpired since your last visit.
Justin had to break off and take a different route to get back to San Diego, and three remaining riders continued back onto Route 66 to our lunch destination. WESTSIDE LILO’S did not disappoint, and we were back on the road full and ready for the last bit of highway before returning the bikes to EagleRider. Seligman is now on the map for all of us to visit when we are in the area. With Route 66 in the rear view, we blasted back to Vegas. We were lucky enough to hit the Hoover Dam, right at golden hour for a most memorable return. Words can’t express the view we were treated to as we crested the pass just before descending towards the Lake Mead area. One of those moments where you soak it all in, silently nod to one another, and twist the throttle a little harder in appreciation for the beauty that laid before us. After we got bikes unloaded, we went back to EagleRider and returned our two wheeled steeds. Although we were sad to bring them back, because it meant the adventure had come to a close, we were grateful for the adventure, the good company and the memories made.
In Summary
It’s adventures like these that make you truly feel alive. Without booking the ticket and taking the ride, life will just pass you by. This trip was the perfect example of realizing that the journey can often outweigh the destination if you bring together the right group of adventurous souls with wanderlust in their hearts. Let’s not let winter keep us from the things that make us feel most alive. Grab your buddies, book a trip to warmer places, and hit the open road with a wild sense of adventure. This was our first EagleRider experience, and we are beyond excited for the doors it opens up to ride with our friends all over this great nation. Now we are left wondering…where to next?
Too many people think that wearing leather gear when you ride a motorcycle is just a way to look cool. And sure, sporting a leather jacket when you hop on your bike reminds people of James Dean, but there’s actually a purpose to wearing this type of gear. It’s particularly important to wear high-quality leather gear when you’re spending money on motorcycle rentals in Las Vegas.
Different leather types
You’d be surprised at the variety of leather types you can purchase when selecting the motorcycle gear that’s right for you. The following four leather types are the ones you want to purchase when selecting the gear you’ll use for motorcycle rentals in Las Vegas:
Cowhide: Most top-of-the-line gear is made with cowhide. Investing in cowhide leather boots, jackets and gloves keeps you safe when you’re cruising around town or hitting the road. Anything you need to protect yourself on the road can be found in cowhide leather.
Kangaroo: Also known as k-leather, Australia’s well-known marsupial produces lightweight, strong leather. Motorcycle gear constructed from kangaroo leather is usually more expensive because it’s not quite as heavy as cowhide and does not require as much treatment before being made into jackets, gloves and boots.
Goatskin: Soft and supple, leather made from goatskin is durable and feels amazing. This leather is so tactilely pleasing because of the lanolin that goats also produce.
Synthetic leather: This Vegas-friendly option, also called faux leather or artificial leather, is used to manufacture many motorcycle shoes, boots and gloves. Synthetic leather is abrasion-resistant as well, which is appealing to motorcycle riders who like to ride at full throttle.
Full-grain vs. top-grain leather
Leather can be treated in a number of different ways. When it comes to the leather used for motorcycle gear, you want to purchase either top-grain or full-grain leather. Top-grain leather has been sanded down to remove any imperfections or blemishes, yet it still retains its strength and durability.
Full-grain leather is the strongest grade of leather available. Though it might have a blemish or two because it hasn’t been sanded down like top-grain leather, full-grain leather is worth the investment, as it will likely keep you safest on the road. Since full-grain leather is so reliable and strong, it will cost you more than top-grain leather, but it’s well worth it.
Mostly, it’s important to purchase high-quality leather gear prior to your motorcycle rental in Las Vegas. This gear provides that extra layer of protection to keep you out of harm’s way when you’re riding.
Whether you are embarking on a single-day trip or a multi-day adventure, you want to come prepared for motorcycle rentals in Las Vegas. From the Hoover Dam to Mount Charleston, and Red Rock Canyon to the Valley of Fire, you do not want to miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. If you want to learn more about touring in and around Las Vegas on motorcycles, check EagleRider. We look forward to welcoming you!
If you’re looking to head out on your next great motorcycle adventure, make Mount Charleston a priority destination! Mount Charleston is a quaint little town that is named after the highest point in Clark County. Found just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, guests can escape the hot, dry heat of the desert and enjoy the more arid, humid climate that Mount Charleston has to offer.
Located in the valley of the Spring Mountains, this charming town is known for its hiking trails and the rustic Mount Charleston Lodge that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The elevation on Mount Charleston ranges from 3,000 to 12,000 feet and is considered Nevada’s eighth-highest peak and one of the top 10 more prominent peaks in the entire United States. But what makes it such a hot spot for visitors from all around the United States?
Why choose Mount Charleston?
If you’re looking for a beautiful, scenic and historically rich destination for your motorcycle tours in Las Vegas, there are a number of reasons why Mount Charleston should be at the top of your list of places to visit:
The beautiful landscape. Throughout the vast mountain range you’ll find beautiful foliage such as juniper trees, mountain mahogany trees, aspen and pine. You also may come up on some wildlife like deer, songbirds and wild burros, making it seem like you’re a million miles away from the bustle of Las Vegas.
Incredible hiking. If you’re an avid outdoorsmen and love to hike, Mount Charleston is your haven. Grab your hiking stick, a bottle of water and your hiking boots and hike on one of the many trails that stretch over 52 miles total that Mount Charleston can offer you. Find yourself scaling mountain sides and coming upon wild flowers, dense forests and breathtaking waterfalls.
Beautiful rustic lodging. Looking for a place to spend the night? Located in Kyle Canyon, which is elevated at more than 7,000 feet above sea level, sit log cabins at the rustic Mount Charleston Lodge. This historic refuge offers comfort and relaxation with its mix of classic outdoors feeling and modern amenities. Each cabin comes with a roomy outdoor patio as well as a cozy fireplace. Just inside the main lodge is a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner where they serve everything from classic burgers to elk chops.
And if you’re someone that has a taste for luxury, the Hotel at Mount Charleston boasts fine dine-in restaurants, a full spa, live music and special events such as movies under the stars and wine tastings.
If you’ve done the casino scene in Vegas and are looking to get out of that sweltering Las Vegas heat, grab your motorcycle and make your way up to the breathtaking sights and sounds of Mount Charleston. Riding a motorcycle to this location offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature, making it a once in a lifetime experience.
