Starting Your 2026 Motorcycle Travel Bucket List
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Have you ever dreamed of packing up your motorcycle and riding across the country? Or promised yourself that this will finally be the year you take that long-awaited moto camping trip? Maybe you scroll through social media, watching riders explore distant places by bike, and think, “Someday, that will be me.”
If any of this sounds familiar and you’re ready to make your motorcycling goals a reality this year, there’s no better way to start than by creating a motorcycle travel bucket list. A bucket list gives you clear goals to work toward, helping you plan your rides and prioritize the trips that matter most.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating your motorcycle travel bucket list for 2026, highlight inspiring places to add to your list, and share our top tips for staying motivated so you can turn your dream rides into reality.
How to Create a 2026 Motorcycle Bucket List
Creating a motorcycle bucket list starts with understanding what kind of rider you are and what adventures excite you most. The following steps will help you turn your ideas into a clear, inspiring plan for the rides you want to experience in 2026.
Reflect on Your Riding Style & Goals
Start by asking yourself what kind of riding you enjoy most, and consider the goals you hope to set for the coming year. Deciding what types of experiences excite you is the first step in building your bucket list.
Take a moment to think back on the rides you enjoyed this year, then look ahead to the ones you want to take on next. Whether it’s an off-road challenge, a scenic road trip, or a major motorcycle event, these reflections will help shape the foundation of your list.
Make It Personal
Your bucket list should reflect the experiences that matter most to you. Think about the places, routes, and events you’ve always wanted to tackle, whether it’s conquering the Tail of the Dragon, exploring a new national park, or finally making the trip to Sturgis.
The more specific you get, the easier it becomes to stay motivated and visualize your progress. This helps transform big dreams into real plans you can work toward throughout the year.
Set a Timeline
Break your list into seasons or quarters to make your goals more manageable. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe, especially when it comes to travel budget, weather, and time off work. Research seasonal conditions for each destination so your plans align with the best riding windows. For example, Glacier National Park is stunning in summer but not rideable in mid-winter.
Write It Down
Now it’s time to put your ideas on paper. Write down every place you want to ride in 2026. Keep it realistic, but don’t be afraid to add a few dream rides that push your comfort zone.
Your plan can be as simple or creative as you like. A handwritten checklist works just fine, but you can also build a vision board filled with photos of the roads, parks, and events you want to experience. It’s a great winter project that not only sparks excitement for the year ahead but also keeps you motivated to turn those goals into real rides.
Top Motorcycle Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
Need inspiration for your motorcycle travel bucket list? Explore our guide for top riding locations, including must-ride routes in the United States, dream-worthy trips abroad, and unforgettable off-road escapes.
Iconic U.S. Roads
The Million Dollar Highway is a famous 25-mile stretch between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. Known for its steep drop-offs, tight turns, and narrow lanes, it has earned a reputation as one of the most thrilling and scenic rides in the country. Named for its “million dollar views,” this route is surrounded by mountain vistas, rugged cliffs, and dramatic gorge overlooks.
The Tail of the Dragon is a small section of US Route 129, famous for packing 318 curves in just 11 miles. This famed road twists through the intersection of the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, offering riders an exhilarating challenge and a glimpse of Tennessee’s wild beauty.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile highway in Glacier National Park that traverses the Continental Divide. This illustrious route showcases stunning vistas of glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, and cedar forests, with scenic pullouts along the way, including Lake McDonald, Big Bend, Logan Pass, and Jackson Glacier Overlook.
International Bucket List Motorcycle Rides
Passo dello Stelvio, or the Stelvio Pass, is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, rising to 9,045 feet above sea level. Located in Northern Italy near the Swiss border, its northern side boasts 48 hairpin turns and breathtaking views of the snowcapped Ortles Alps.
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile loop around Scotland’s northern coast, beginning and ending in Inverness. Along the way, riders can explore the North Highlands’ dramatic castles, stunning coastal vistas, and iconic Loch Ness, experiencing the rugged beauty and rich history of this region.
This iconic motorbike route in Northern Vietnam is well-known for its challenging roads and spectacular mountain scenery. Ha Giang Loop spans nearly 230 miles near the border of China, and treats riders to views of steep canyons, limestone mountains and rice terraces within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
Off-Road & Adventure Motorcycle Destinations
Moab’s White Rim Road is a nearly 100-mile dirt trail through Canyonlands National Park. The remote route challenges riders with sandy washes, rocky stretches, and steep inclines and descents, but those who take on the challenge are treated to epic views of Utah’s vibrant rock formations and sweeping canyons.
Baja California is a favorite destination for adventure bike riders thanks to its diverse terrain, including dirt, sand, and rocky mountain trails. Riders can opt for relaxing cruises along the coastal highway or tackle more challenging off-road sections, such as parts of the legendary Baja 1000 route.
The Atlas Mountains are a sprawling 460-mile range in Morocco, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border. Adventurers navigating its winding roads and rugged gravel tracks are rewarded with unparalleled views of North Africa’s dramatic landscapes, from soaring peaks to sweeping desert valleys.
Four Tips for Staying Motivated
Life can get hectic, and too often our plans and goals take a backseat. If you want to make real progress on your bucket list this year, it’s important to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable for what you want to achieve in 2026. Here are four simple tips to help you keep your momentum, even when life gets busy.
1. Keep Your Goals Visible
Hang your list somewhere you’ll see it every day. If you work in an office, put it on the wall to inspire your next adventure. Or display it in your garage to fuel your excitement while working on your bike. Seeing your goals daily helps turn dreams into plans and keeps the thrill of future journeys alive.
2. Track Your Progress
Tracking your progress is a powerful way to stay motivated and reflect on everything you’ve accomplished. You could start a social media account or blog to share your motorcycle travel photos, or print your favorite shots and display them alongside your bucket list for daily inspiration.
3. Keep Your Bike Ready
Some of the best adventures happen spontaneously, and you don’t want to miss out because your bike isn’t ready. Keep it in top shape and ready to hit the road by performing regular maintenance and staying up to date on all necessary services.
4. Ride With Friends or Join a Group
Riding with others is a great way to stay accountable and motivated as you check items off your bucket list. Create your list with fellow riders so you can plan trips together, or join a motorcycle group to meet new people eager to share in your rides.
Gear Up for Your Journey
No matter what kind of rides are on your motorcycle bucket list, Journey MotoGear has the motorcycle travel gear to help get you there comfortably and safely. Visit us online to explore our selection of riding gear, travel essentials, maintenance must-haves, and the latest moto tech.