Some people give me a hard time when I say I have a “bucket list”, but seriously, if you have goals, write them down. It’s proven that written goals are more likely to be achieved. Long time followers of the blog know that I have managed to pick off a few of these over time, refreshing this list with new challenges after others are completed.
This is my list as it stands today, in no particular order:
The Kentucky Adventure Tour (KAT)
Incidentally, I stumbled across the DBBB while looking into the KAT on ADVrider. As it turns out, portions of the DBBB and KAT overlap in the northern parts of Red River Gorge. The KAT is a (roughly) 900 mile loop around eastern Kentucky, including the previously mentioned parts of Red River Gorge, Black Mountain (the highest point in Kentucky), Kentucky coal country, and even parts of Virginia and Tennessee. From what I have read, over half of the route is unpaved, and that amount is increasing with each passing month. Similar to the DBBB, “Overlanders” are scouting old, rural, public roads that are legally passable by motorcycle and adding additional sections to the route. Optional “Hard” sections are also available on the loop; it is suggested that these sections should only be attempted by experienced offroaders and typically require proper dirt-oriented machines. I’m hoping that a “dry run” through the DBBB prepares me for the challenges I will face on the KAT with Rosie the Scrambler. From my experience thus far, it’s all fun and games until water is involved. I suspect I may get to the DBBB this year, however it’s going to take about a week’s vacation to traverse the KAT in its entirety.
Key West, FL
I’ve been to Key West a couple times already, via boat. Key West is a cool party town, not sure I’d ever want to live there, but I’ve always had a good time. I’m put under the impression by my co-workers I’m a bit of an extremist; that might explain why I want to ride from coast to coast on a motorcycle. If not in a “C2C Iron Butt challenge”, I still want to ride the causeway all the way to Key West. Hopefully, I’ll find some sweet places to grab some grub on the keys on the way down.
The Bun Burner Gold
After completing a Saddle Sore 1000, the next “rung” on the Iron Butt Association ladder is the Bun Burner 1500. Operating under similar rules to the Saddle Sore 1000, to certify a Bun Burner 1,500 a rider must document a 1,500 mile ride in less than 36 hours. 
That challenge has another level of difficulty called the Bun Burner Silver, documenting a 1,500 mile ride in under 30 hours, and a final tier of difficulty called the Bun Burner Gold (BBG), for completing 1,500 miles in less than 24 hours. Completing the ride on the Scrambler (or similar bike) is going to be incredibly challenging considering the sheer number of fuel stops, however the current record for most fuel stops is 21, I’d like to think I can keep it under twenty and still finish in time. I’ve looked at several maps laying out plans for possible BBG routes and have contemplated combining the southernmost point and the BBG into one ride. If I head far enough east, I can grab gas outside of Pittsburgh and head south to Key West; top off my tank in the Conch Republic and have a beer waiting for me at Sloppy Joe’s, logging just a hair over 1,500 miles in one day. I’d like to think I won’t have to twist too many arms to get someone to meet me in Key West for a long weekend to be my documented “end witness” when I roll up after a ride like that.
Mount Washington
Located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountain in New Hampshire, Mount Washington is the second highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains at 6,288 ft. (Mount Mitchel, 6,684 ft.). The mountain is legendary for erratic weather. In April, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour at the summit, the world record until Cyclone Olivia in 1996. While I don’t think I’m a “High Pointer” just yet, I can’t deny the allure of visiting the second-highest place east of the Mississippi River
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Closely related to Key West, Prudhoe Bay is the other side of the coin as the northern most point (well… almost). After reading several articles about Iron Butt competitors racing from Key West to Alaska, I put Prudhoe Bay on the list. At a minimum I want to ride to Alaska and see Denali.
Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum
The world’s largest motorcycle museum is located near Birmingham, AL. Triumph actually hosted their dealer conference there during Barber Vintage Days the past three years; I was really hoping to go, just wasn’t in the cars. I don’t believe that Triumph will be on site going forward, but that’s no reason not to see Vintage Days. Beyond the festival, Barber Motor Speedway is also on the grounds. The museum houses around 1,200 motorcycles from all over the world; dating from 1904 to present. While I still have hopes of seeing the National Motorcycle Museum, I still see Barber as the better destination.
Moto Adventurer 
This is a great idea. I have a bucket list of sorts in my mind, but I should toss it out there in this format. You have some great locations on here that all motorcyclist should visit once, mainly, the skyway and the BRP. I hope you make it to all the locations and trips on your list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the short list and the “big ones”. I keep a lengthy catalog on my Pinterest board, ultimately I want to visit every state.
LikeLike
Great list. I have been to about half of them and none on two wheels. Currently have my trike on Craigslist so I can take a corvette off the bucket list. If I sell the trike I may get a triple instead of another Harley. My first bike, 55 years ago was a TR6. I loved it. Good luck, stay upright.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully I’ll get to at least one of these this year. My triumph has been awesome thus far, can’t wait to get a triple to see how that goes. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Nice list. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great ride from end to end. It is my favorite moto playground as I don’t live far from it. Key West is a great ride if you take your time and travel on the backroads of the Florida interior. I-95 all the way down is borrrriiinnng! Barber Motorsports is THE vintage moto museum. Try to make the Vintage Festival in October. Vintage bikes everywhere and vintage racing too! That list should keep you entertained for awhile!
LikeLike
Thanks Bob! There are certainly a few others, I just figured these were the newsworthy variety. Hopefully I’ll mark one if these off at some point this year. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Pingback: Preliminary Riding report: Ad hoc Smoky Mountain Trip | Moto Adventurer
Iron Butt, Prudhoe bay, and Devils tower I have not done. I have ridden to all the other destinations. Add New Zealand to that list. Had to fly there. I don’t think there is and end to the bucket list. Don’t forget Anamosa Iowa National Motorcycle Museum.
LikeLike
I’m looking to check a few of these off the list this year. I expect that I will start a “Bucket list complete” page. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
You should add Highway 1 (pacific coast highway) from Morro bay Ca. to North of San Francisco. Its in my back yard. Really nice ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good call Steve. That’s actually on the bucket list, I’ve only published a short list if places I think I can reach in the very near future. West coast locations are also prime destinations; red wood forest, Yosemite, and especially glacier national park.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is also Highway 49 through the gold country. Its known as the west coast tail of the dragon. Its hot in the summer though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Note taken sir! Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a follower with extensive knowledge of all those places. He even has a motorcycle too. Let’s make a plan to tour California next year!
LikeLike
Pingback: Random Blurbs: Urban Adventures | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: 2015 Triumph Dragon Raid: The Preview | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Triumph Dragon Raid 2015: The Mile High Legend – Day 1 | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Triumph Dragon Raid 2015: Day 2 – Tigers Across the Blue Ridge | Moto Adventurer
Thanks Dan! Pacific Coast Highway is definitely on the list, however I’m afraid that family obligations are probably going to keep me on this side is the Mississippi for at least the next year… but you never know!
LikeLike
Pingback: Triumph Dragon Raid 2015: Day 6 – Bridal Veil Falls and the Saturday Night Party | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: New features on Moto Adventurer! | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: The Harley Davidson Museum: The History of Milwaukee Muscle | Moto Adventurer
Mt. Washington & Grand Canyon, should be on everyone’s bucket list. Those two destinations alone, have been a big part of some of my most memorable motorcycle adventures.
The Barber Museum is something that every motorcycle enthusiast should see, and of course most would take that opportunity to see it during Vintage Days. However, I would encourage you not to wait till an event and simply go visit it ‘off season’ or passing thru to some other destination. During non-peak times, you’re likely to be one of a few (if not the only) individual touring the facility, can park right up at the front door, and when you’re the only one there, you will often get special treatment (and see areas that others may not).
I’ve been wanting to get a photo of my bike parked INSIDE Big Muskie for many years, but I chicken out every time I’m there (usually because there are eyewitnesses, but sometimes because I’m scared I can’t get a big bike up into it). I’ve been wanting to get my Baghira out there for that specific purpose, but that’s a very long day on a dual-sport that isn’t tailored several hours of pavement. I’ve also been considering a Big Muskie & full-555 trip on the Tiger, and contemplating making it a 2-day trip with an overnight camping stay at Burr Oak State Park, along with some Hocking Hills stops. This might be a trip I end up doing with an offspring. With shorter and shorter days and cold nights upon us, I think this is going to have to wait till Spring.
I may comment on some of those others at another time. 😉 I don’t know why I never commented on these before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s kind of sad I’ve not reached Muskie Bucket and 555 at this point. I suspect my cousin well drag me over there soon, but he’s fixing his bike at the moment. Days are getting numbered this year indeed, but I’ve seen 70F days in December before.
LikeLike
Pingback: Setting Goals for 2017 | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Building a Motorcycle Tool Kit: Road Trip Preparation | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: The Triple Nickel and Big Muskie Bucket: Checking Items Off the Moto Bucket List | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway and the Kentucky Adventure Tour: Updating the Moto Bucket List | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Triumph Scrambler Project: Stage 2 Upgrades | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway: Triumph Scrambler Adventures | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Riding Your Motorcycle Everyday: Reflections on 90 Days in the Saddle | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: The SaddleSore 1000: An Iron Butt Tour of Appalachia | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Red River Scramble: Where to Ride | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Red River Scramble: 160 Days in the Saddle | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Goals for 2018: Updating the Moto Bucket List | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: Ride Every Day: Reflections On 180 Days in the Saddle | Moto Adventurer
Pingback: March Moto Madness: Scrambler Adventures · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Ride Your Motorcycle Every Day: Reflections on 365 Days in the Saddle · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Finishing the DBBB: Working the Moto Bucket List · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Updating the Moto Bucket List for 2019 · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway: An Adventure Guide · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Ride Every Day: Reflections On 180 Days in the Saddle · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer
Pingback: Musings from the Saddle: Reflections on 2018 · Moto AdventurerMoto Adventurer