Pikes Peak Motorcycle Adventure
My Pikes Peak adventure was an unforgettable motorcycle journey from Stedman, North Carolina, across the country to Colorado, then north to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee before returning home. The trip combined long-distance riding, great food, mountain scenery, and two legendary motorcycle destinations.
Why Pikes Peak?
For years, Pikes Peak had been on my motorcycle bucket list. Known as “America’s Mountain,” it offers one of the most scenic and challenging rides in the country. The combination of winding mountain roads, breathtaking overlooks, and reaching an elevation of 14,115 feet made this an adventure I couldn’t pass up.
Route Map
Route Map Note: The route map above is AI-generated for visualization purposes only. It provides a general representation of my journey and is not to scale. The actual route traveled was Stedman, North Carolina → West Virginia → St. Louis, Missouri → Kansas City, Missouri → Burlington, Colorado → Pikes Peak, Colorado → Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin → Stedman, North Carolina.
The Ride West
The ride west took me through West Virginia, St. Louis, Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, and Burlington, Colorado before arriving at the base of Pikes Peak. Rather than trying to cover extreme distances each day, I kept the trip enjoyable by limiting myself to about six hours of riding per day.
This wasn’t a race—it was about enjoying the journey. Some nights I camped, and whenever I needed a break during the day, I’d pull into a truck stop for a short nap before getting back on the road. I made it a point to ride only during daylight hours. Out West, highways can be long and remote, wildlife is much more active after dark, and fuel stops may be many miles apart. Riding during the day made the trip safer and allowed me to appreciate the changing scenery along the way.
By the time I reached Burlington, Colorado, I knew the adventure was about to reach its highlight. The next morning, I pointed the bike toward Pikes Peak, one of America’s most iconic motorcycle destinations.
Burlington, Colorado
As I rolled into Burlington, Colorado, the weather changed quickly. The skies opened up, and it started raining hard enough that I decided it was time to stop and put on my rain gear. I pulled into the Sinclair gas station just off the highway, thinking it would simply be a quick stop before getting back on the road.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you least expect them.
While getting ready to head back out, I noticed The Farm Grill & Restaurant located inside the Sinclair station. I decided to grab a bite to eat before continuing my ride, and I’m glad I did. The staff treated me like family, and the food was outstanding. I ordered the quesadilla, and it was one of the best meals of the entire trip.
If you’re riding through eastern Colorado, I highly recommend making a stop at The Farm Grill & Restaurant. Don’t let the location fool you—it’s a hidden gem that’s easy to miss if you’re just passing through. It’s conveniently located right off the highway, the people are incredibly friendly, and the food alone is worth pulling off the road for.
Camping at the Base of Pikes Peak
After leaving Burlington, I made my way to the base of Pikes Peak, where I set up camp at a local campground for the night. After several days on the road, it was the perfect place to relax, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for what I had been looking forward to for years—the ride to the summit.
There’s something special about waking up at the foot of one of America’s most iconic mountains, knowing that in just a few hours you’ll be riding one of the most famous roads in the country. Spending the night there gave me a chance to unwind, check over the motorcycle, and get an early start the next morning.
Cutman’s Tip
If you’re planning to ride Pikes Peak Highway, purchase your timed-entry reservation before you arrive. During the busy season, the number of vehicles allowed to drive to the summit is limited because of parking availability, and reservations can sell out. Arriving early also helps you avoid heavier traffic and gives you a more enjoyable ride up the mountain. Be sure to have a screenshot or printed copy of your reservation before you reach the entrance, since cell service can be unreliable in the area.
Camping at the base of Pikes Peak turned out to be the perfect way to start summit day. I was well rested, didn’t feel rushed, and was ready to enjoy every mile of the climb.
Climbing Pikes Peak
The ride up Pikes Peak Highway is one of the most rewarding motorcycle rides I’ve ever experienced, but it’s also one that deserves your full attention. This isn’t a road to rush—it’s a ride to respect.
The climb is filled with tight curves, sharp switchbacks, and several horseshoe turns that require patience and smooth throttle control. In many areas, there are steep drop-offs with little or no guardrail, so staying focused is critical.
One thing that surprised me was how slow traffic moved. During busy times, you’ll often find yourself creeping along behind cars. If you’re riding a large touring motorcycle, like I was on my Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, balancing the bike at very slow speeds can become tiring. Taking your time and keeping plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead makes the ride much more enjoyable.
The most important advice I can give is this:
Stay in your lane.
Many of the switchbacks are so tight that you can’t see oncoming traffic until you’re already in the turn. It can be tempting to drift toward the centerline for a better view, but that’s extremely dangerous. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and even wildlife may be coming downhill around the next corner. Hold your line, ride within your limits, and let the road come to you.
As you climb higher, the scenery becomes absolutely breathtaking—but so does the temperature. Even during the summer months, the summit can be below 38°F, while it may be warm at the base of the mountain. I highly recommend bringing heated riding gear or, at the very least, warm layers and gloves. You’ll appreciate them once you reach the top.
Cutman’s Safety Tips
- 🏍️ Ride at your own pace—there’s no prize for getting to the summit first.
- ↩️ Stay completely within your lane, especially on blind curves and switchbacks.
- 🛑 Expect slow-moving traffic and be prepared for extended low-speed riding.
- 🌡️ Pack heated gear or warm layers—the temperature at the summit can be dramatically colder than at the entrance.
- ⛰️ Stop at the overlooks when it’s safe. The views are incredible and give you a chance to relax before continuing the climb.
Summit of Pikes Peak
Standing on the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level was an incredible feeling. After years of wanting to make this ride, I had finally reached one of America’s most famous motorcycle destinations.
One thing I wasn’t fully prepared for was the altitude.
As I spent time at the summit, I began to notice the effects of the thin air. I personally experienced the early signs of altitude sickness, including feeling lightheaded and short of breath. While everyone reacts differently to high elevations, it’s something every rider should be aware of before making the climb.
For me, I didn’t start feeling like myself again until I had descended below approximately 9,000 feet.
Inside the Summit House
At the summit you’ll find the Summit Visitor Center, built into the mountaintop. Inside you’ll find:
- 🎁 A gift shop with Pikes Peak souvenirs
- 🍩 The famous Pikes Peak donuts
- ☕ Food and drinks
- 🚑 Medical personnel available to assist visitors who experience problems related to the altitude
You’ll also see the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which brings visitors from Manitou Springs to the summit for those who prefer not to drive.
Cutman’s Tip
If you’ve never been above 10,000 feet, take the effects of altitude seriously. Drink plenty of water, avoid rushing around once you reach the summit, and pay attention to how you feel. If you begin feeling dizzy, unusually fatigued, or short of breath, it’s best to head back down to a lower elevation.
For riders who are concerned about high altitude, portable Boost Oxygen canisters, which are widely available online and at many outdoor retailers, may provide temporary relief for some people. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, but they are not a substitute for descending to a lower elevation if symptoms become severe.
The views from the summit are absolutely worth the trip, but respecting the altitude is just as important as respecting the road that gets you there.
“Standing at 14,115 feet after completing one of the most iconic motorcycle rides in America.”
Leaving the Summit
As incredible as reaching the summit was, eventually it was time to begin the ride back down the mountain. I took my time on the descent, stopping at several overlooks to enjoy the views one last time before leaving Pikes Peak behind.
Once I dropped below the higher elevations, I could immediately feel the difference. The warmer temperatures and increased oxygen made me feel much better, and before long I was back on the open highway.
Although Pikes Peak had been the primary goal of this adventure, the journey wasn’t over yet. There was still one destination every Harley-Davidson rider should experience at least once—the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
With the Rocky Mountains fading in my mirrors, I pointed the motorcycle north and continued the adventure.
Harley-Davidson Museum
No motorcycle trip to the Midwest would have felt complete without visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. As someone who has spent thousands of miles on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, this was a destination I had wanted to experience for a long time.
Walking through the museum is like taking a journey through more than a century of motorcycle history. From the earliest Harley-Davidson models to modern touring motorcycles, every exhibit tells the story of the people, engineering, and culture that built one of the world’s most recognized motorcycle brands.
Whether you’re a lifelong Harley rider or simply appreciate motorcycles, the museum offers something for everyone. The displays are beautifully organized, and it’s easy to spend several hours exploring everything from rare motorcycles and racing history to military bikes and custom builds.
For me, visiting the Harley-Davidson Museum was the perfect way to conclude an adventure that had already included incredible roads, unforgettable scenery, and reaching the summit of Pikes Peak.
