Over the years, we have stayed at many motels on our annual trips. We normally search for older, clean motels that are one level only. Proximity to a restaurant or a bar (within walking distance...) is a plus. As of 2007, we have added a new requirement for our motel accommodations ---- internet access. Of course, cost is always a consideration, but less so now than ten years ago.  We figure we only do this once a year, so what the heck.

2011 - West Jefferson, NC - Hampton Inn (#1) (#2) (HHonors Points)

We were able to schedule a short Spring trip for three days and two nights. We headed to familiar territory and planned a route through North Carolina.  The West Jefferson Hampton Inn was brand new and well within our route.  We used Hilton Honors points for a free stay here.  There are not many restaurants close by, but the hotel itself is very nice.

2011 - Maggie Valley, NC - Holiday Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($72)

We have been to Maggie Valley many times, but had never stayed at Holiday Motel together.  This place is extremely motorcycle friendly. Wash buckets reside on every porch and the place is full of bikers.  A campfire happens every night and is well attended.  An on-site restaurant is very convenient and tasty.

2011 - Ouray, CO - Ouray KOA (#1) (#2) (web site) ($79 for cabin)

For the second year in a row, we headed west for a dual sport vacation.  This time, we aimed ourselves for a third visit to Ouray (1999, 2006, 2011),  the trails and scenery are hard to beat.  We again stayed at the Ouray KOA -- me and Ken in a Kamping Kabin while the rest of the crew parked the camper in spot #7 (best in the campground).  We regularly ate breakfast and dinner at the campground.  The hosts are wonderful.  Highly recommended......again!

2011 - Charleston (Southridge), WV - Hampton Inn (#1) (#2) (HHonors Points)

A vacation day on Friday and a short day on Saturday was all we needed to visit some good roads in eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia.  A late afternoon jaunt to the New River Bridge via route 60 was perhaps the highlight of the two-day trip.  After a couple of stops at covered bridges (1) (2) on the way home Saturday in Kentucky, we were home by 2:00PM.  Oh yeah......the Hampton was nice enough and located right next door to the Quaker Steak and Lube where we we enjoyed the beer, but not so much the dinner .  We also had a rather sub-par breakfast the next morning at the Bob Evans' restaurant that was within walking distance also.

2010 - Colby, KS - Hampton Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (HHonors Points)

We were once again headed west for another dual sport motorcycle trip - this time to Monticello, UT and Moab, UT.  We set a goal of covering 1000 miles the first day out so that we would have some time to ride on the second day when we were to arrive in Monticello. Based on that objective, Colby, Kansas was the perfect target.  With a free Hampton Inn certificate in hand, we made reservations at the just-opened Hampton Inn.  This motel was top notch in every way.

2010 - Monticello, UT - Navajo Trail Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($90)

The owner lived on site and was very accommodating and friendly.  We were able to park the truck and trailer in a circle area near our room.  The room was nice and clean and was unexpectedly cleaned for us on Saturday when we were out riding.  We had to pay the weekend rates which seemed a bit on the high side, but overall it was a decent stay.

2010 - Moab, UT - Moab Valley RV Resort (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (#6) (web site) ($70)

We had planned on setting up a base camp in Moab for (5) nights.  We targeted a cabin or cottage where we could "spread out", grill out for dinner, and play some cornhole in the evenings.  Requirements included air conditioning, refrigerator, and our own bathroom and shower.  This place met all of the above.  The accommodations were tight (see the pictures of the interior using links above) but we made it work.  The swimming pool was a pleasant place to cool off after a hard day's ride.  The price was also pretty good compared to most of the local motels.  We would stay here again. 

2010 - Lawrence, KS - Hampton Inn (#1) (HHonors Points)

With a second Hampton Inn gift certificate in hand, we targeted a location that would leave us 600-650 miles from home to make for a reasonable drive on our last day.  Lawrence, KS met the geographic need and since that town had a relatively new Hampton Inn, we were in business. A late arrival meant that we did not get to take advantage of any of the facilities, but the 6AM breakfast in the hotel put us on the road with our bellies full.  Nice place.

2009 - Kit Carson, CO - Shepp's Motel and Restaurant (#1) (#2) (#3) ($60)

We had originally intended to stay in Limon, CO, but after about 12 hours on the interstate, we decided that we would exit at US40 when we hit Oakley, Kansas and head toward Kit Carson instead.  After completing our first official Iron Butt (1055 miles in 18 hours), we stayed at a small mom-and-pop motel that was the only place in town still in business.  Furthermore, they kept the restaurant open in order to fix dinner for us after our long day in the saddle.  The two owners also took the time to complete our Iron Butt forms and serve as our witnesses.  Thanks!

2009 - Hotchkiss, CO - North Fork Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) ($65)

There aren't too many lodging options in Hotchkiss and this place did not have a web site, so even though we had reservations, we were a little surprised when we pulled in to discover that this was a combination service station and motel.  You don't see that one too often.  The outside looked a little rough, so we feared the worst.  However, the owner was pleasant and the rooms were actually pretty nice.  It sure didn't look like much from the outside, but we had no complaints.

2009 - Moab, UT - The Virginian (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($100)

The place where we stayed in Moab during our last visit there in 1995 was no longer standing (go figure....).  We selected this motel based on location (central to everything and off the main drag).  We were a bit apprehensive when we pulled in and the parking lot was full of 20-somethings unloading vans and trucks with all of their camping gear and coolers.  As it turns out, they kept to themselves and we had no issues.  The lower level room was nice enough but a bit pricey.  I guess $100 is about the going rate for lodging in Moab, so don't expect to pay too much less.

2009 - Beaver, UT - Best Western Butch Cassidy Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($89)

We have never stayed in a more motorcycle-friendly motel.  The clerk put us in a room that had an overhang right outside the door.  It was shaded in the evening and under cover at night (in the event it had rained).  We really enjoyed the pool as well.  All of this only cost $89!  While cleaning the bikes in our little "garage" area, we made friends with a Vietnam veteran who was on his way home from a Mustang show in Steamboat Springs.  Two thumbs up!

2009 - Torrey, UT - Boulder View Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($72)

This was a very pleasant motel at the far end of town.  Unfortunately for the owners (who live right next door), most of the folks apparently acquire their lodging at the other end of town.  They don't know what they are missing!  Two of the three other motels in town are the big-box variety where you cannot park by the door and may have to use the elevators to get to your room.  That is not our style.   There are two restaurants within walking distance of the Boulder View Inn.  Overall, a very nice place for an overnight on the motorcycle.

2009 - Mexican Hat, UT - Mexican Hat Lodge (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) ($103)

This place had as much character as any motel we've ever experienced.  A converted dance hall and saloon, the rooms were renovated and very nice.  The pool area came in handy as the temperature had soared to the mid-90s by the time we arrived in the late afternoon.  Topping it all off, the bar and grill (home of the Swingin' Steak) was one flight of stairs below our room.....talk about convenience!  Anyhow, although the motorcycle parking accommodations were a bit lacking and the price was a tad on the high side, we enjoyed our stay.

2009 - Red River, NM - Ponderosa Lodge (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($79)

This was out first ever overnight stay in New Mexico.  We had selected a ski town that was still pretty active during the off-season.  The (very thick) gravel parking lot made maneuvering interesting if not treacherous.  This was definitely not a motorcycle-friendly parking lot.  We even had to push each other's bikes out of the parking spot when we left in the AM.  Despite the parking lot and the out-of-order hot tub, the motel was pretty nice, within walking distance of restaurants and stores, and reasonably priced.  Just be careful in the parking lot!

2009 - Emporia, KS - Best Western Hospitality House (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($79)

We made a mid-afternoon decision to go ahead and move our arrival date back home from Saturday afternoon to Friday evening.  That meant we needed to make it from NM to somewhere close to MO on Thursday.  About 600 miles into the day, we decided to call it an evening when we hit Emporia.  There were several motels available.  We picked the one with the indoor pool.  The prices were reasonable and the pool was a blessing after a long hot day on the road (temperatures over 100 degrees in Dodge City....).  Not one of our more memorable stays, but it worked.

2009 - Boone, NC - Hampton Inn (#1) (#2) (HHonors Points)

We arrived when it was dark and left the next morning when it was dark, so we didn't see much of the outside of the hotel. We were too late to take advantage of parking under the hotel awning, so we had to break out the bike covers. The steakhouse next door and the liquor store directly across the street were utilized to their greatest extent.  The room seemed like a high-end Hampton room with very nice amenities.  We skipped the free breakfast in the morning and headed into town for a real southern breakfast including grits.

2008 - Kimball, SD - Dakota Winds Motel (#1) (web site)  ($65)

After 985 miles, we decided to stop for the night, relax, and play a few games of cornhole before completing our journey to Wyoming with the dirt bikes on the trailer.  This was a nice little motel that was family owned.  It was clean and reasonably priced.  We ate breakfast before sunrise at the truck-stop across the street.

2008 - Ranchester, WY -Western Motel (#1) (#2) (#3)  ($65)

We had made reservations at the Foothills Campground and Motel in Dayton, WY and even paid a $60 deposit.  However, when we arrived and examined the "rustic" room, we decided to eat the $60 and backtrack five miles to Ranchester where we had seen a nice motel.  It was a good decision.  The Western Motel was very clean and the parking lot provided us a spot for a nightly game of cornhole accompanied by the XM boom box for entertainment.  A quaint and friendly family restaurant in town along with a couple of liquor stores made this a nice find.  We eventually recovered $30 of our $60 deposit from the piece of crap motel in Dayton before we left the area.

2008 - Alcova, WY - Alcova Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) ($100)

These cabins were immaculate.  A full kitchen along with a queen bed, two bunks, and a sleeper sofa gave us enough room to spread out and be comfortable.  The cabins aren't cheap, but we felt like we got our money's worth.

2008 - West Branch, IA -  Presidential Inn(#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($70)

We couldn't find any rooms anywhere due to the floods that Iowa experienced this Spring.  Every hotel and motel within hundreds of miles was full with workers.  We got the last room at this place.  The guy at the desk was very nice and accommodating but the rooms were shabby and not very clean.  We were tired and only needed a few hours of sleep, so we survived.  This motel would not have made the cut if we had not been desperate.

2007 - Ithaca, NY - Economy Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)  ($65)

This place was pretty much a dump. We had no place to park our motorcycles and the room was a bit scary. I guess it's a good thing we got there after dark. After a few brewskis, we probably could have slept anywhere, so it all worked out. This place was not a destination, but just a convenient stopping point. If we had it to do again, we would have stayed across the street at the Grayhaven Motel.

2007 - Rouses Point, NY - Anchorage Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (KMZ)  ($81)  

There wasn't much to choose from in this area, so we selected this place even though they did not have internet access.  There was a nice bar and grill on the premises where we dined that evening.  The rooms were reasonably clean and well kept.  We talked for an hour or so with a couple from Toronto riding a Honda ST1300.

2007 - Godbout, Quebec - Motel Chantal (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) (KMZ) ($79)

We selected this isolated motel due to its proximity to the ferry we would be boarding the next morning at 8:00AM.  There is not much to see or do in Godbout.  We found a diner that was still open when we arrived at 9:00PM and gulped down a couple of  burgers and fries that we managed to order despite the language barrier.  We stopped at the local convenience store and purchased a 12-pack of beer for $24.  Yes, that's right - $24.

2007 - Perce, Quebec - Motel Pigalle (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)  ($108)

I had made reservations for a motel in the wrong town, so when we arrived in Perce, we had to visit the information booth and scramble for a room.  We normally don't stay at places with  interior rooms, but we were kinda stuck this night.  $110 for an interior room on the 2nd floor --- not our normal style.  The room was nice and clean and in the center of town, so we didn't complain too much.

2007 - Charlottetown, PEI - Royalty Maples Cottages (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) (KMZ) ($110)

Cabins always appeal to us, so when we saw this place on the internet, we made our reservations.  The location wasn't the best in the world as it was near a major highway and didn't have much of a view of anything.  The cabin was clean, and although there was no internet access and it was a bit pricey ($110 per night after taxes), it was still a decent place to stay for two nights.

2007 - Bingham, Maine - Bingham Motor Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) (KMZ) ($70)

This was an interesting motel.  The owners were a bit eccentric and ran a very tight ship.  There are lots of rules and regulations, but we figured that's how they keep the place nice.  A couple of ATVers staying in the motel told us they know the owner as "The Colonel".  The night we spent here included internet access and a dip in the hot tub.  We would recommend this motel to others without hesitation.

2007 - Middlebury, Vermont - Sugarhouse Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) (KMZ) ($97)

This motel is actually a couple miles outside of Middlebury.  The owner was a jerk and an extreme bigot.  The motel was run down and the rooms were pretty crappy.  On the other hand, each room had its own fly-swatter.  In other words, if you have a choice.....go find another place to stay!

2007 - Westfield, NY - Theater Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) (KMZ)  ($61)

We did not have reservations for our last night, but wandered across this place around dusk and decided to stay.  For $60, we got a clean room, unlimited ice, a gazebo in the courtyard (where we ate calzones for dinner), and an out-of-service drive-in theater to explore in the evening.  This complex had been a functioning drive-in theater/motel as recent as the late 1990s.  This motel was a good value.

2006 - Oakley, Kansas - Kansas Kountry Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) 

We knew this would be about as far as we wanted to drive since we were hauling the dual sport motorcycles to southwest Colorado. We knew that if we stayed in Oakley, we’d have an easy drive the next day to make it to Ouray.

2006 - Ouray, Colorado - Riverside Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) 

We had been to Ouray many times and had investigated this spot thoroughly on the internet as well. The location was perfect. We could walk to breakfast at a nearby campground and it was only one mile into town. We stayed in a camping cabin. We took advantage of the hot tub and a fire pit loaned to us by the owners. A great choice........... 

2006 - Lawrence, Kansas - Bismarck Inn (#1) 

Nothing spectacular.........just a place to catch a few zzzzz’s before completing our journey home the next day. We were able to find a spot in the parking lot for a few friendly games of cornhole.

2005 - Henderson Harbor, NY - Aspinwall Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (web site)  ($67)

 We knew this would be our first night’s accommodations and had investigated the motel’s web site extensively. We were not disappointed. The owner met us at the door and walked us to our rooms which were clean and comfortable. The price was right, too.

2005 - Portland, Maine - Falmouth Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) 

As we rolled into town at dark without reservations, there weren’t too many choices. The place we had stayed in 1994 was apparently a victim of the wrecking ball. We settled for the Falmouth Inn. Prices seemed a bit on the high side for the accommodations, but beggars can’t be choosers and we were beggars this night.

2005 - Peggy’s Cove, NS - Clifty Cove Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (web site)

We arrived just before dark. This would have been a great spot to pick a seat by the water, grab a few cold ones, and watch the sun set.

2005 - Cheticamp, Nova Scotia - Laurie’s Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)

A last minute change in plans landed us in Cheticamp for the night. This motel suited us well with a lower level room and an on-site restaurant and bar. Dinner and breakfast were both decent.

2005 - Port aux Basques, Newfoundland - Hotel Port aux Basques (#1) (#2)

This hotel was not our typical choice for lodging, but Port aux Basques is not exactly a tourist mecca and there were few choices. The interior room (we had to walk through the lobby with all of our gear) was nice, but small. Breakfast was mediocre.

2005 - St.Anthony, Newfoundland - Haven Inn (#1) (#2) (web site)  ($85)

This was one of the motels that we had picked based on the web site. When we arrived, our room was waiting. We had asked for and received a lower level room that faced the parking lot. The on-site restaurant served us dinner and breakfast the next day.

2005 - Farmington, Maine - Farmington Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site) (KMZ)

We stopped to ask a fellow rider at a roadside stop down the road if there was any lodging in Farmington. He recommended the Farmington Motel. We were not disappointed. The owner was hospitable and the room was clean as advertised.

2005 - Bath, New York - Super 8 (#1) (#2) (KMZ)

This type of motel is not our usual style, but we were just trying to get home and didn’t want to take a chance on riding past dark and then not being able to find a room on a Friday night. The owner was friendly and helpful. The room was reasonably clean.

2005 - Maggie Valley, NC - Smoky View Cottages (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) 

These cabins right along the creek were ideal for the "Boys Weekend".  The four of us slept in a two bedroom cabin and had plenty of room.  The surroundings were very peaceful.  Nice place........

2005 - Clinch Mountain, TN - Krystal's Clinch Mountain Cabins (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site) ($75)

We have been up and over Clinch Mountain dozens of times, but this time we slowed down and looked at the new cabins.  At $75 per night, we took a chance.  It was a nice place complete with hot tub inside the cabin.  Highly recommended..........

2004 - Cozad, Nebraska - Circle S Motel (#1) (#2) (web site) (KMZ)  

This was our second stop at this motel. It’s location, a full day’s drive (when hauling the bikes), makes for a good destination. Nothing fancy, but a relatively inexpensive stay with a couple of good breakfast restaurants close-by.

2004 - Pinedale, Wyoming - Half Moon Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (web site) (KMZ)

After quite a bit of research on the internet, we selected this motel for our week-long stay based on price and availability. The quarters were a bit cramped, but the refrigerator was a nice touch and the location was perfect for our trip.

2004 - Rock Springs, Wyoming - KOA Campground (#1) (#2) (web site)

This place was not much more than a parking lot with gravel, but the Kamping Kabins are always nice. We took advantage of the swimming pool in the evening.

2004 - Adair, Iowa - Adair Budget Inn (#1) (#2) (web site)

We have stayed at this motel before. It is a decent day’s ride/drive from Cincinnati on the way back home, so that’s why it keeps coming up on the list. We were asked to stop throwing cornhole in the parking lot this year because we were “making too much noise”.

2003 - Savannah, Tennessee - Savannah Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5)

We happened upon this motel on our Natchez Trace Parkway weekend adventure. The owner was hospitable, the room was clean, and the price was right.

2003- Cozad, Nebraska - Circle S Motel (#1) (#2) (KMZ) (web site)

After a long day’s drive hauling the K1100LT and Concours on the trailer, we were ready to stop and Cozad, Nebraska was upon us. The only motel that fit our needs was the Circle S Motel. Although the pool was already closed, we sat around and had a few brews before bedtime.

2003 - Lander, Wyoming - Horseshoe Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5)

We stayed five nights in this motel. It was our home base for our Roaming Wyoming tour. A grocery store within walking distance and an on-site bar were appealing to us. The price was very reasonable as well. Sadly, our stop in Lander in 2004 revealed that the Horseshoe Motel had been demolished.

2002 - Maggie Valley, NC - Abbey Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site)

Internet research panned out again in selecting this motel used as a base camp for our fist couple of days. Located strategically close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the motel is clean and reasonably priced. It’s a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the town....which can be good or bad depending on your preferences.

2002 - Spruce Pine, NC - Mountain View Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)

This small mom-and-pop motel was motorcycle-friendly and very accommodating. The on-site restaurant served us dinner and breakfast the next morning.

2002 - Bryson City, NC - Riverbend Lodging (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)

Another lodging spot garnered from internet research, we were not disappointed. Although a severe thunderstorm hampered our outdoor activities, the view of the adjacent river and the atmosphere was magnificent.

2002 - Suches, GA - Two Wheels Only Motorcycle Resort (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)

We stayed in one of the upstairs bedrooms. The owners were friendly and very talkative. The atmosphere in the motorcycle-oriented resort was magnificent. We’d do it again next time we are in the area.

2001 - Oakley, Kansas - Kansas Kountry Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

We picked a spot where we wanted to be at the end of our first day of riding --- 1000 miles from home. The Kansas Kountry Inn fit the bill and there were vacancies for the evening. With advance reservations, we were able to ride until it was nearly dark. Decent room, decent price.

2001 - Canon City, CO - Cactus Rose Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site)

This little gem was obtained via internet research. The decor is Old Western and the accommodations were nice. We took advantage of the hot tub out back in the evening. Nothing fancy here, but overall a very nice motel.

2001 - Lake City, Colorado - Alpine Moose Lodge (#1) (web site)

Nothing real fancy, but the view from our back porch was magnificent. The panoramic view of the Lake City area was worth the price of admission. An on-site restaurant and pub suited us well in the evenings. This motel has changed owners since 2001. When we stayed there, it was called the Quiet Moose Motel. The 2004 version is called the Alpine Moose Lodge. The pub is gone. The restaurant is up-scale. The view from the lower level rooms is still magnificent.

2001 - Ouray, Colorado - KOA Campground (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (web site)

This was our second visit to the Ouray KOA Campground. Unlike most KOAs, this site is surrounded by trees and wooded areas with a creek running through the middle of the campground. In 1999, we had a camper. This time, we stayed in the Kamping Kabin. The hot tub, clean showerhouse, and excellent breakfasts in the morning made for a nice stay once again.

2001 - Hinton, Oklahoma - Hinton Country Inn Motel

This was a real cheesy place to stay, but the location was right, we were tired, and it was getting dark. It served the purpose, but that’s about it.

2000 - Cumberland, Maryland - Uncle Tuckers Inn (#1) (#2) (#3)

This was an interesting motel. There is a micro-brewery and oven-fired pizza restaurant on the premises. We spent a good portion of the evening on the front porch swilling the home brew we purchased at the restaurant.

2000 - West Haverstraw, New York - Green Inn Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

This was a pretty tacky place. Taxi cabs in and out all night and a shower that actually pretty scary. This was certainly one of the lesser motels we’ve ever stayed at.

2000 - Boston, Massachusetts - Courtyard by Marriott (#1) (#2)

We only stayed here because we were meeting a friend and attending the Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Pretty generic.........

2000 - Jackman, Maine - Comfort Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5)

A bit off the beaten path, we didn’t expect to find much to choose from in Jackman. There wasn’t. However, the Comfort Motel was just fine for us. A little like sitting in your living room, the rooms were down-homey and well-kept.

2000 - North Woodstock, NH - Carriage Motel (#1) (#2) (web site)

With many motels to choose from in North Woodstock, we settled on the Carriage Motel and were not disappointed. The prices were reasonable and we were within walking distance of restaurants.

2000 - Milford, New York - Brookside Motel (#1) (#2) (#3)

We ran across this little motel quite by accident. The grass and gravel parking lot was different. The rooms were nice, but the motel was a bit isolated from restaurants and other activities.

1999 - Ouray, Colorado - KOA Campground (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

We called ahead and based on the web site and reassurances from the owners, made our reservations for a weeks’ stay while riding our dual sport motorcycles in the mountain passes. We were not disappointed. This KOA is unlike most others and has many amenities.

1998 - Lincoln, Nebraska - Harvester Motel (#1) (#2)

This was a rather non-descript motel. We arrived in the rain and left in the rain the next morning. The food in the motel restaurant was rather mediocre as well.

1998 - Sundance, WY - Sundance Mountain Inn (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (web site)

A nice little motel located at a very convenient spot. The indoor pool and hot tub were a welcome sight after a long day in the saddle.

1998 - Choteau, Montana - Big Sky Motel (#1) (#2) (#3)

Located right along the main road, we purchased Subway and sat at a picnic table near our room for dinner. We sat on the front porch that night and watched traffic while doing some damage to the cooler full of beer.

1998 - St. Mary, Montana - Red Eagle Motel (#1) (#2) (#3) (web site)

This little motel had an awesome view of Glacier National Park and was within walking distance of several restaurants and stores. We ate at the motel restaurant and were not disappointed.

1998 - Culbertson, Montana - Diamond Willow Inn (#1) (#2) (web site)

This motel had just been renovated after flood damage. I don’t remember a river or creek nearby, so I’m not sure what flooded, but we were told the beds were new and the rooms had been refurbished. They must have been REALLY crappy before.

1998 - Floodwood, Minnesota - Stardust Motel (#1) (#2)

Another low-rent motel, we had to bang on the owner’s door at dusk to find out if there were rooms available. Of course, there were. Since we had no reservations or any idea what lie ahead of us, we took the opportunity to stay here since dark was approaching. Not much to speak of, but it was cheap if nothing else.

1998 - Houghton Lake, Michigan - Chalet Motel (#1)

Over the 14 years that we have been making our annual motorcycle trips, this motel is perhaps the worst one we have ever encountered. Driven by budget, we selected this flea-bag for our last night’s stay before heading home to Cincinnati the next morning. Fittingly, this motel was no longer in existence last time we rode through Houghton Lake.

1997 - Ithaca, New York - Wonderland Motel (#1) (#2)

Pulling into town as the sun was setting, we found this place at the edge of town and did a little negotiating with the owner for a slight discount. Not much to speak of, but it sufficed on our first night of the trip.

1997 - South Alburg, Vermont - Goose Point Campground (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

Overlooking Lake Champlain, this spot would have been awesome if it had not rained all night. Quite soggy...........

1997 - Ashland, Maine - Camp (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

When we stopped in town to get gas, the locals pointed us to a little park by the river where campers were welcome. There were no facilities available and it got a bit chilly that night. The local law officers stopped by to let us know they would keep an eye out for us. All in all........not bad.

1997 - Perce, Quebec - Motel Rocher (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5) (#6) (web site)

This quaint little motel had a magnificent view of the big rock and we took full advantage of that fact during our evening wind-down........

1997 - Rimouski, Quebec - St. Laurent Motel (#1) (#2) (#3)

Conveniently located and priced within our budget, this was a decent place to spend the evening. We were able to take a stroll to a nearby park and observe low tide in the local bay.

1997 - Eden Mills, Vermont - Lakeview Camping Area (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

We were able to park our bikes under cover to keep the dew off at this location. The accommodations were decent and we enjoyed the view of the lake.

1997 - Allegany, New York - Unknown (#1) (#2)

I can’t remember the name of this place, but I do remember that we spent too much time sitting at the bar that night and that it was extremely foggy in the morning. With the pictures as proof, the fog was not a result of too many drinks the night before, but a result of the weather.

1996 - Fayetteville, West Virginia - Camp (#1) (#2)

We hadn’t planned on camping right out of the chute, but we found a nice little spot by the abandoned bridge at the bottom of the valley. I have been back to this same area since, and the abandoned bridge is now operational.

1996 - Winchester, Virginia - Unknown

I can’t remember anything about this place other than the fact that we negotiated with the owners based on prices we had received at one of their competitors.

1996 - Roanoke, Virginia - Colony House Motor Lodge (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

In need of brake repairs, we found this little number located straight across the street from the local K-Mart. We pulled our bikes onto the sidewalk in front of the room and did a little maintenance work while consuming our favorite adult beverages. We also found time to take a dip in the pool.

1996 - Highlands, North Carolina - Unknown (#1) (#2) (#3)

This motel had a nice little setup on the hill. If memory serves me correctly, we dined at a local mom-and-pop place that allowed us to bring in our own barley pops.

1996 - Bryson City, North Carolina - Scenic View Motel (#1) (#2) (#3)

We wandered onto this place at the top of the hill overlooking town and decided it looked like us. We made it down the street to a mexican restaurant where we dined with a few other fellow riders and waited out a severe thunderstorm. We sat on the motel porch drinking beer until they turned off the lights and asked us to go to bed.....

1996 - Pikeville, Kentucky - Days Inn (#1) (#2)

Not much to choose from in this part of the world, but we were just looking for a place to sleep. There was a local Mexican restaurant at the motel or maybe it was just nearby, but it was pretty bad either way.....

1995 - St. Louis, Missouri - Knight’s Inn

We arrived after dark and left before it got light. It was just a place to catch a few winks......

1995 - Limon, Colorado - Preferred Motor Inn (#1) (#2)

Ken had stayed in Limon before, so we knew there would be a spot for us to spend the night. This motel was pretty decent, but located in a tacky part of town. When I came through Limon in 2004, this motel was no longer open for business.

1995 - Grand Junction, Colorado - El Palomino Motel (#1) (#2) (web site)

After surviving a torrential rainstorm (which would make it our last with open face helmets), we pulled into town to look for a room. There were not many available, but we snagged the last room at the El Palomino. This place was pretty centrally located and there were many dining choices within a short distance.

1995 - Moab, Utah - Prospector Lodge (#1) (#2)

We found this little gem just as we were preparing to leave town. There were no rooms available for anything less than $150, but we tried this one last place and found a room that had not been rented because there was a hole in the ceiling leaking water into a bucket. No big deal to us.....

1995 - Garden City, Utah - Greek Goddess Cafe and Motel (#1) (#2)

A fairly quaint motel and restaurant pretty much in the middle of nowhere, this place was unique. The dinner that evening and breakfast the following morning were average, but we’re not that picky.......

1995 - Livingston, Montana - Livingston Inn Motel (web site)

This little spot even had a laundromat on site. We washed a few pairs of jeans and did our normal damage to the better part of a couple of 12-packs. The motel was close to town and numerous restaurants, bars, and stores.

1995 - Rapid City, South Dakota - Amber Inn (#1) (#2)

We were looking for a place close enough to ride to Mt. Rushmore for the evening ceremony. This place fit the bill.

1995 - Adair, Iowa - Adair City Park (Camp)

With no rooms for miles (the Iowa State Fair was apparently in progress) and darkness already upon us, we were pointed to the city park where camping was available and the price was right. It was free!

1994 - Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania - Unknown

1994 - North Adams, Massachusetts - Redwood Motel (#1)

1994 - Portland, Maine - Pine Haven Motel (#1) (#2)

1994 - Coobscook Bay, Maine - Coobscook Bay State Park (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

1994 - Bangor, Maine - Riverview Motel (#1) (#2)  

1994 - Conway, New Hampshire (Camp)

1994 - Lake Placid, New York - Unknown (#1) (#2)

1994 - Ashtabula, Ohio - Dave and Ed Motel

1993 - Erie, Pennsylvania - Holiday Inn

1992 - St. Louis, Missouri - Adam’s Mark

1992 - Little Rock, Arkansas - Comfort Inn

1992 - Houston, Texas

1992 - Memphis, Tennessee - Days Inn

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