AMA members pen guide to great rides

AMA members Dan Bard and Jennings Glenn have well over a half a century of motorcycling behind them, and as residents of West Virginia and Maryland, they've scouted out some great places to ride, from the mountains to the shore. Now, they're sharing some of their favorites in the form of a guidebook.

Great Roads, Great Rides is spiral bound, so you can slip it into the map pocket of your tank bag and go. The book details 30 rides, ranging from one-day outings to four rides that will take you at least three days.

Every turn in each trip is listed in a mile-by-mile route sheet, accompanied by a map. To help you choose, there is a summary of each ride in the front of the book, and a chart in the back that lists each ride and its length, the states it passes through, the type of terrain and the kinds of special features found along the way, such as state parks and historic sites.

All told, Bard and Glenn have described more than 8,000 miles of great riding. The focus is on Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania, but they also make incursions into Ohio, Delaware, North Carolina, New Jersey and New York. The book lists the laws in each state that apply to motorcycles.

You can see a sample route, or order a copy of Great Roads, Great Rides, online at the authors' website, www.greatroadsgreatrides.com. Or, write to Great Roads, Great Rides, 11306 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. The cost is $24.95, which includes shipping, or $45 for two copies. The authors also plan to post updates on the routes on the website, as conditions change.