Category: Tourism & Travel

1. Best Biking routes in the USA

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 4th May 2017

   

   Touring the good old USA in the ultimate American coast to coast biking trip is on the bucket list of most bikers. Who among us hasn’t dreamt of riding the infamous Route 66 from the saddle of a Harley Davidson while listening to Steppenwolf’s Born to be Wild? It might be a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason.

   The truth is the USA offers some of the most amazing empty roads and spectacular scenery that you’ll find anywhere in the world, and is probably the most biker friendly country you’ll visit too, featuring plenty of iconic biker friendly accommodations and bars along every route. While there are hundreds of amazing routes you can take in America, let’s take a look at some of the best and most popular routes.

   Route 66 – From Chicago to Santa Monica
   
   
   

   This list would not feel right unless we started with the world famous “Mother Road” highway – Route 66. One of the original highways in the US Highway System, Route 66 spans a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). Beginning in Chicago, IL, this historic cross country route established in 1926 will take you through a total of 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and finally to California.

   The so called Main Street of America is not just a hugely visited route because of its legend however, as it features a huge variety of beautiful landscapes, national parks, monuments, ghost towns, and kitschy iconic pieces of Americana that are definitely a sight to behold.

   From the quirky Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the breathtaking Painted Desert in Arizona, the Teepee shaped Wigwam Motels, or the Jesse James Museum in Missouri, there are enough historic, natural and cultural landmarks throughout the route to guarantee that you’ll get your kicks on Route 66. TheRoute-66.com has a very complete list of attractions you well encounter along the way.

   Valley of Fire Loop 

   

   About 20 minutes away from Las Vegas you’ll find about 100 miles of the most amazing ride areas in all of America. Featuring twisty, windy roads with scenic vistas of desert, canyons and Lake Mead, this route will take you to the Valley of Fire State park and back, visiting some amazing locations along the way.

   Starting in North Las Vegas on the I-15, you will border Lake Mead and the Colorado River until reaching the Valley of Fire. The Valley of Fire State Park, located about 50 miles northwest of Las Vegas, offers some of the most incredible vistas for bikers throughout its 42,000 acres of spectacular red sandstone formations dating back over 150 million years. Owing its name to the way that the sandstone appears to be on fire when reflecting the harsh desert sun, The Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and offers riders a great spots to camp and amazing hiking trails.

   However, since this route should only take you about a day or so the best bet will always be to simply return to Las Vegas and enjoy yourself with some of their famous shows, bars and of course casinos! If you want to know which casinos are the best to visit, Vikingslots travel guide of Las Vegas can help you determine which casino is right for you.

   Route 50 – The Backbone of America

   

    

   “For the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States,” William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highway (1982)

   Route 50, also dubbed ‘The Backbone of America’ by Time Magazine, is a coast to coast highway that stretches 3000 miles long, spanning 13 states on its way from West Sacramento, California to Ocean City, Maryland. Running mainly through rural areas and passing hundreds of old, little towns, the Nevada section of the route is known by travelers as “‘The loneliest road in America”, as you will find nothing but mountains, sand, blue sky and the open road ahead of you for as far as the eye can see.

   Running through national parks, caves, petroglyphs, ghost towns, lakes and forests, this route will allow you to see a little bit of everything along the way, particularly the natural beauty found throughout Middle America.

   Once you arrive in Maryland, you will also be in the perfect place to start two more of the East Coast's best routes The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

   The Three Sisters (aka The Twisted Sisters)

   

   Three Sisters starts in Medina, TX, and offers bikers a 131-mile roller coaster ride that will absolutely blow you away and change the way that you view Texas for good. Filled with twisty mountain-like curves and sharp turns (hence the name the twisted sisters), this road will take you through large hills, clear rivers, the amazing million dollar vistas of Frio Canyon, and even authentic J.R. Ewing-style Texas ranches.

   If you feel like doing a little fishing along your journey, the Nueces River is the perfect place to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and the Texas native Guadalupe bass, as well as a variety of panfish such as redbreast sunfish, green sunfish and even Rio Grande perch.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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2. The Road To Cardiff Champions League Final

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 26th Apr 2017

   On Saturday June 3rd, the UEFA Champions League Final will be held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the Welsh capital city and two-time European Capital of Sport. For bikers around the UK and beyond this means only one thing: it's road trip time! 

   If ever we needed an excuse to get on our motorcycles, then this is it. The Champions League is a football match of the highest calibre, an international sporting event held right on our doorstep. It would be rude not to get involved.

   And here's the way to get involved, whether you are a fan of the beautiful game or not. Get on the blower to your friends, get on your motorcycle, and take a planned route down to Cardiff to see what the fuss is all about.

   If you are riding from London, the fastest and most direct route is to take the M4 through Reading and Swindon, and carry on straight through to newport and Cardiff. This ride is about 150 miles and won't take long if you put your foot down.

   But we're not always about the most direct route. As you all know, the pleasure is in the ride itself, not just in arriving at the destination. Consider heading towards Oxford, either using the M40 or by taking smaller roads if you prefer, and then jump on the A40 to enjoy the AONB the Cotswolds. Take a further detour and go around the River Seven at Gloucester. From here, you can drive through the stunning Wye Valley before arriving in Cardiff.

   A road trip from the North of the UK also offers equally promising opportunities for scenery and the freedom of the road. The most direct route is to take the M6 to Birmingham and then the M5 to Ross on Wye before joining the M4 to Cardiff, but this is not the route that we recommend. There are much more attractive options.   

   Instead, take the A55 at Chester along the north coast of Wales towards Bangor. This is great road for thrills and ocean views. From Bangor, you can either continue around the whole of the Welsh coastline until you hit Cardiff in the south, or you can cut through Snowdonia National Park to take to the lonely mountain roads and then head on through Brecon Beacons. Both are stunning options. 

   Once you reach Cardiff you will need somewhere to stay, and even if you plan on staying at a campsite or a B&B that is far out of the city you should consider booking long in advance to secure accommodation. There are plenty of options available both indoors and outdoors. If you prefer a quieter location away from the football crowds (to get the best of both worlds), then consider a stay at nearby Newport, or venture further into the countryside and stay at the Afan Forest Park or Brecon Beacons.

   Tickets for the Champions League Final are no longer available through UEFA, but some will be available to the public and sold by the semi-final winners.

   You don't have to have a ticket to enjoy the final. The atmosphere around Cardiff is set to be electric, and there will be plenty of pubs and venues to enjoy the game. You could also consider taking a bet on the outcome to increase the adrenaline. Real Madrid and Juventus are currently joint favorites to win the competition, though Atletico Madrid and Monaco are both worthy competitors.

   There are four excellent teams left in the competition this year, and a great UK city to host the game. Motorcycle enthusiasts – it's time to start planning the road to the Cardiff Champions League Final! 

3. Mid Summer Madness: £250 Off Flights For Route 66 

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 21st Apr 2017

   We've got our mind on Route 66 touring this summer! And we’ve a cracking offer on flights for our August 2017 Route 66 Original guided tour. We are offering a hefty £250 discount per person off your flight! You must book by 29th April 2017.
   
   And with Orange & Black you get to ride with Gary (Bear) Fleshman, almost a Route 66 icon himself! Gary has done this route more than 120 times and knows the best places to visit, the old hidden bits of the 'Mother Road' and introduces you to the people he knows along the way. And all on a 2017 Harley-Davidson.
   
   
   

   The Places we visit. Ride through places steeped in automotive history and culture - the first filling stations, diners and motels. Take in amazing landscapes such as the Petrified Forest, cross the Continental divide and wonder at the sheer scale of the Grand Canyon! Start with the excitement of Chicago and its bold architecture and museum culture. End in LA at iconic Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy the quirkiness of the small, bygone-era towns such as Oatman and Kingman, admire state capital Santa Fe's striking native american architecture, wonder at the bizarre oddity of a bottle tree ranch and so much more. We'll take you on a journey through the heartland of 'real America'. 

   
   

   And there's the 'Mother Road' herself. Let us guide you down the hidden bits we know.... There's a lot more left of the old road than you might think and the difficult part is finding it. Gary spends his spare time researching and finding old sections. Just ask any of Bear's previous tour participants!

   Route 66 is as much about the Amazing People and friends we know along the way as it is the Road itself and the Places we visit. And there are some real characters with great insights on the Mother Road. Meet Larry, Harley, Angel, Jerry and many others!

   

    

   Call David or Linda now on 01256 771770 to book your place on one of our Route 66 Original guided tours in 2017 on:
   
   June 8-22
   August 17-31 – Flight offer applies
   Sept 28 – Oct 12
   
   or any one of our many scenic guided and self-guided tours that are on our website: www.orange-and-black.co.uk
   
   Orange & Black is a Harley-Davidson authorised tour operator. We can also book your flights, organise specialist travel insurance and arrange a Harley "Try before you Fly" orientation ride!

   Ride Safe
   
   David Grist

   Orange & Black... for your ride of a lifetime, every time

4. ** THE BIKERS - tour of South West France and the Pyrenees.

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 1st Apr 2017

   

    

   The itinerary below is subject to change (mainly the wine tasting during the day), however the hotel, breakfast, lunches and dinner are included. 

    

   Itinerary and Escorted Tours include:
   
   Saturday arrival: Ride your Motorcycle to arrive at the hotel in Barbotan Les Thermes -  www.hotelcantegrit.com
   6.30pm: Welcome reception followed by a 3 course dinner.
   
   Sunday: Breakfast 8.30 – 10.00 am. (Room service also available).
   
   10am - Depart for road trip to Chateau Viella, Madiran/Pacherenc wine region. A tasting of Pacherenc/Madiran wines accompanied by local h’ordeuvres.
   12.30pm lunch  at a local bistro in the Madiran region.
   3.30pm - Return to the hotel.
   Free evening.

   Monday: Continental breakfast 7.30 – 8.30am. 

   8.30am - Depart for the Pic du Midi one of the highest points in the Pyrenees. Ski lift to the observation tower. Lunch at 12.30pm, followed by a guided tour of the museum and the history behind the amazing construction feat at 10,000 ft. of elevation!
   3.30pm - Return to the hotel.
   7.45pm (Coach transport) Three course meal catered by a local Traitor at Le bistro Palombiere, in Monguilhem.
   
   Tuesday: Breakfast 8.30 – 10.00 am. 
   
   10.00am – Depart for a tasting at Tariquet - the largest private wine producer in France.
   12.30pm – Eauze – lunch at Café de France restaurant.
   2.30pm - Depart for Chateau Millet in Parleboscq, offering a wine tasting and a sampling of produits du terroir.
   5.00pm - Return to the hotel.
   7.45pm - Coach to Auberge de Manciet restaurant for a classical three course French meal.
   
   Wednesday: Breakfast 8.30 – 10.00 am. 
   
   A free leisurely morning in Barbotan; enjoying the colourful local market offering produits du terroir by local artisans, followed by a pre-lunch appetizer of Arcachon oysters on the half shell and a glass of sparling wine.
   12.30pm - Lunch at Estanquette restaurant, offering wonderfully prepared local food.
   Free afternoon. To enjoy the Spa in Barbotan. (Must be booked well in advance) or a a pre- booked spin around the famous Nogaro Motorsports circuit or a breath-taking aerial flight in a single engine plane, glider or ultra-lite at the Nogaro airport.
   Free evening.
   
   Thursday: Breakfast 8.30 – 9.30 am. 
   
   9.30am - Road trip to the beautiful city of Pau – home and birthplace of Henry IV. 
   A half- day, self-escorted sightseeing: Cathedral, Chateau and the boulevard des Pyrenees with plenty of chic shopping. 
   1.00pm - Lunch at a local restaurant, La Majestic.
   3.00pm - Journey to the Juracon wine area with a tasting of the famous Juranson sec et doux wines at Chateau Lafitte.  
   5.00pm – Return to the hotel.
   7.45pm – Coach to a local bistro/restaurant, Le Houga.

   Friday: Breakfast 8.30 – 9.30 am. 
   
   9.30am - Road trip to St. Pouy – A tour and overview of an authentic producer of foie gras (Terre Blanche), followed by lunch.
   2.00pm - A visit to Chateau Monluc. A tour of the cellers and an introduction to the colorful history of Gascony, Armagnac and the alambic distillation process. Followed by a tasting.
   3.30pm - Return to the hotel.
   7.30pm – Farewell and closing dinner at the hotel. 

   Saturday: Breakfast and departure by 10am. 

    

   Itinerary not currenty confirmed (22nd Feb 2017) 

5. Compass Expeditions and Jo Rust team up for a Peruvian Adventure

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 20th Feb 2017

   Compass Expeditions and Jo Rust Adventures are pleased to announce that Jo will be leading an incredible 16-day tour through the motorcycling paradise of Peru.

   The 2017 Jo Rust’s Peruvian Adventure is set to depart from the lakeside city of Puno on the 25^th of August and travels via a hit-list of breathtaking highlights through Peru before culminating in the capital, Lima, on the 9^th of September. Apart from the incredible roads through a landscape of snow-capped peaks and jungle lined valleys, the tour will visit the stunning lost city of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca and the floating reed islands of Uros as well as the historical Incan Capital of Cusco and will spend two nights in the Amazon Jungle at a luxury river lodge.

   Johannesburg-born Jo Rust is one of the world’s most prominent women in adventure travel. Jo is no stranger when it comes to traveling roads less travelled. She holds a number of records, including being the fastest female cyclist from Johannesburg to Cape Town, solo, the first person to cycle around South Africa, solo, and the first woman to ride around Africa on a motorcycle, solo. Last mentioned being a journey that saw her traversing 45 000 kilometres, through 28 countries over a year around the African continent.

   Jo is an avid adventurer, speaker, author, tour guide and a professional off-road motorcycle instructor.  She was the first ever female brand ambassador for BMW Motorrad South Africa and qualified as the 4th internationally accredited female off-road instructor in the world.

   “We’re really happy to be able to work with Jo and we are keen to encourage male and female riders of all skill levels to sign up for this tour with Jo as she will always be on hand to provide tips and techniques on improving your bike skills along the way,” says Jerry from Compass Expeditions, “Compass Expeditions have a great deal of experience in South America and Peru is one of our favourite destinations, the route we have planned is one of our finest ”.

   Compass Expeditions have a talented and experienced team based in South America and keep a fleet of adventure bikes, including late model BMW GS models and Triumph Tiger 800XCs, well maintained for the tours.

   To reserve your spot of for more information about the tour - Go click