One of the items on my bucket list was to ride a Harley Davidson on the Strip in Las Vegas. My wish finally came true while I was on my honeymoon in July 2010. My husband Monte grew up riding motorcycles and wanted to try a Harley Davidson as well.
The second day we were in Vegas, we rented a Heritage Classic soft tail from Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rental USA. This company offers motorcycle rentals as well as guided tours to major attractions around Vegas, such as the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
After a brief orientation with the bike, we set out on our voyage. It had been years since I was on a motorcycle, so I had to readjust to keeping my balance as a passenger on the bike. I also found it intimidating being closer to the pavement and seeing much larger vehicles whiz past. However, Monte assured me that we were safe.
Beyond the big city
We headed northwest of Vegas on our route to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. It was very hot and windy that day, but once we turned off the main highway and began our ride into the mountains the wind stopped blowing and the temperature cooled down. From here the road was smooth, and as we navigated the corners I began to see why this was a great place to ride a motorcycle.
The scenery changed quickly; in just a few minutes it went from dry desert to forested slopes and sharp, jagged mountain peaks.
We stopped at a visitors centre at the side of the road to take a break and get some information about the area. We learned that the Spring Mountains offer visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as camping and hiking; you can even ski and snowboard.
We continued to follow the road that led to the Mt. Charleston Lodge. There is a restaurant at the lodge that has an outdoor patio, so we stopped to enjoy a meal and take in views of the alpine landscape.
On the way back we took a different route through Lee Canyon. It was a very scenic and beautiful ride.
A cool cruise
By the time we got back to Vegas, it was starting to get dark. We explored a few lesser- known streets and then made our way to the Strip. The sparkling bright lights and bustling streets combined with the notoriety that comes with being on a Harley Davidson made this part of the ride a highlight for me.
When we got back to our hotel, we were ready to relax and enjoy some much-needed refreshments. Seeing Las Vegas from the back of a bike was a new and exciting experience. From gambling and fine dining to sightseeing in the outdoors, this city has something for everyone.
Those who are thinking of renting a motorcycle in Vegas should keep in mind that during the summer months temperatures in Vegas can reach well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it may be wiser to rent a motorcycle in the spring or fall. Either way, wear sunglasses and lots of sunscreen. Also, the bike we rented was air-cooled so the engine produced a lot of heat, which means long pants and closed-toed shoes are requirements for riding.
For more information, check out eaglerider.com and discoverspringmountains.org
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