Interstates: Love 'em or hate 'em?

[2112]

What we've in France, speed limits (a lil) less restrictive on toll highways (130 km/h instead of 90, wow it's rave-up...).

The toll roads aren't too bad (if a little pricey) as a means to an end but by the time you get to Chamonix (for example) who cares ? It's where the fun starts ::015::

Having done a fair few miles on US Interstates on vacation I have to say they are a great way to travel a long way quickly. They ARE interesting if you've never driven along that way before and you really do get a perspective of scale driving through Montana for example. We do try to keep off them but as the really interesting bits seem to be a fair way apart it's the only way to see a lot in two or three weeks off work. Wouldn't fancy them too much on the bike mind.

 

[Arkyrider]

On the bike, Interstates are a means to an end. If I'm needing to get somewhere fast (trip ran over and I need to get home for example) I'll slab it and haul ass. I prefer secondary roads with little traffic control devices. So if I'm going through a big city, I'll jump on limited access roads to limit my time in stop and go traffic.

Back roads and small towns are preferred.

I'm the same way with restaurants... On my trips, I have a rule of no chain restaurants if i can help it.

+1 Avoid interstate if I can

 

[Maxified]

Interstates are an option if time is a factor for me. I prefer alternate routes & mom & pop eateries. Just have to avoid refueling at stations where the gas is not moved in a timely manner.

 

[Bryce]

Just have to avoid refueling at stations where the gas is not moved in a timely manner.

Ya, if I can avoid it, I do use the more popular chain type gas stations.
I don't want old fuel or fule that getting sucked up off the bottom of the tanks because they don't get a lot of fuel when the station orders it or can afford it.

 

[bobbar]

I prefer any road with little traffic. Interstates without alot of vehicles can be a place to relax a bit more as the sight lines are better for spotting deer and other hazards.

 

[nameuhpete]

+1 Avoid interstate if I can

That sums up my views exactly. On the first overnight trip with the Tenere, I was caught in a traffic jam on the interstate in Chattanooga when it was 90+ degrees. Ironically, the delay was caused by a motorcycle crash a few miles ahead of me.

 

[itlives]

I like to put as much distance between me and my state as possible on the first day out. After that, I don't care what road I'm on.
I usually like to ride well into the night so when I look out my tent the next morning, everything is new to me.
Plus, I live about 15 miles from Texas and all it is to me is an obstacle to the good stuff out west. In that respect, I love the interstate.

 

[Madhatter]

not a fan of the American autobahn, cause americans cannot drive worth a damn....

 

[Don T]

I do my best to avoid Interstates and major highways when traveling unless I've got a critical schedule to make. Now that I'm retired I spend most of my traveling time just wandering the back roads. It's about the journey, not the destination, not the tool.
Paul

::026:: except that I'm a long way from retirement

I love curves, gravel and every thing else that challenge me as a rider.
To me the journey is the destination and the journey begins the moment I leave my driveway.

 

[gaps]

Yup, that's my current boat. Just finished 448. Starting on 276 next.


pnelson, wow, that is some truly beautiful work. I've never owned a thistle but have been sailed one a bit, one of the finest craft on the water and yours appear to be the finest of those. Seems you must be a sailor before a motorcyclist, certainly immersed in these projects...wow.

 

[oldbear]

The best thing about Interstates is that they keep traffic off the real roads! ::015::. I will "slab" it, but only if I really need to get someplace in a hurry. I'm much happier on a nice winding two lane, even if it takes a lot longer to get to where I'm going. 3 years ago when from KY to Colorado and back without using the Slab. Loved it!! ::012::

 

[MChappy]

Living on the TX/LA border I have an I can tolerate it/ hate relationship with the interstate. If I am heading west I tolerate it because I can be bored on the interstate just as much as I can be bored on the two lanes. Now If I am going any other direction it is two lane or less as much as possible.

 

[tenbob]

There mainly a means to an end, but I quite like the open motorways... Just set ya favourite play list rolling, put a lolly in ya gob n chill. Good time to think or sort life through in ya mind. Always better to mix it up tho. Don't wanna think too much. : Variety is the spice......

 

[dandil726]

when the number of days you have for a trip is a fixed number of days, you just can't see everything. I will take the interstate to get to a particular location then start exploring the back roads. I will take 2 lanes to go around metro areas. 4 lane divided highways are also good to make time on. away from metro areas, interstates are safer with a lot less fatigue and I can do 750 mile the first day or two to get to new scenery.

 

[Velvet]

I absolutely despise interstates and I avoid them whenever possible. Too many trucks and too much traffic in general. To me its not the way to see America, especially when I'm on a bike.

I'm retired so I really don't care how long it takes me to get somewhere! ;D

 

[tomatocity]

Living in the Capitol city of California and enjoy traveling the West Coast, Northern Central and Southern CA, Sierra Mountains, Death Valley, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Etc, makes the Interstates a handy tool. If possible I do avoid the congestion of many California Interstates. Portions of US 395 https://goo.gl/maps/ewCraEcugsx can be stunning especially in the mornings and evenings. The light on the Sierra can make them glow. Then there are the winds that want to blow you off the road but there many places to stop and enjoy, fuel and hydrate. I do appreciate Interstate highway's as much as I dislike them.

 

[lazyguy]

The biggest problem I have with interstates is the big rigs. It seems like they think they own the road anymore and will cut you off in a heart beat. Can't tell you how many times one has pulled into the passing lane in front of me only to take 3 miles to pass brother trucker. If I had my way it would be right lane only for the big rigs and let them be thankful of the FREEWAY. I know that mindless cagers clog the road also but they are a lot easier to pass for sure. Yea I understand trucks deliver the goods but how bout in a professional manner.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Interstate, highway, freeway is k[/size]inda like asking what people put their groceries into at the store? You can get answers of a bag, sack, tote, poke, etc.


I know a guy who gets upset when people call it a freeway. He always says it ain't free because we keep paying for it.

 

[AVGeek]

They are a means to an end. Some interstates (like I-70 through the Rockies), are fantastic roads in their own rights (except for a Sunday afternoon, heading in to Denver, then it sucks!). And then there are places like the junction of I-5 and I-10 (and I/CA-110) in downtown LA that suck 24/7.

 

[Don in Lodi]

They are a means to an end. Some interstates (like I-70 through the Rockies), are fantastic roads in their own rights (except for a Sunday afternoon, heading in to Denver, then it sucks!). And then there are places like the junction of I-5 and I-10 (and I/CA-110) in downtown LA that suck 24/7.

It's the 24/7 part that blows me away. 1:30AM... any day... packed.