Motorcycle-specific maps offered by Butler Motorcycle Maps

 The Lizard Head Pass detail, overlaid across eastern Colorado

If you're like me, maps are a disposable item. By the time you fold and refold the typical paper maps of whatever states you're riding through, making them fit in the display area of your tank bag, they're falling to pieces. Why don't tank bag manufacturers design map displays that accommodate a standard-sized map folded along the standard folds?

But that's a whole other discussion. Here's a new product that goes well beyond making that question moot. Butler Maps, out of Eagle, CO, has introduced the first in a line of maps that not only do not fall apart from simple usage, they show the best motorcycle routes in the state in enlarged detail. Heading to Utah, where you've never been before, and want to make the most of your trip? These guys have got you covered.

At the moment they offer Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Listed as coming soon are Montana, Wyoming, Rocky Mtn Region, and So Cal. More presumably to come. Here's the deal.

First off, the maps are waterproof. They're really not paper at all, they're some kind of plastic that is tough and durable and not water-absorbent. That also makes them tear-resistant. Yes, if you really want to you can tear them you can, but it's not something that's going to happen through simple use, as in basic wear and tear.

You can fold them any which way you desire and then when you unfold them they smooth out and lay flat and just fold up like normal. Once again, if you really abuse them they can get beat up a bit; I know this because I tested the one they sent me. It's plastic or polymer or something, and it will stretch, and it's not elastic so it won't stretch back. But if you don't deliberately abuse it I would guess it's going to last you a long time.

And they're good maps; certainly as good as what the state will give you for free at the visitor center. Plus, as I said, they highlight the best motorcycle routes. On the Colorado map, for example, there are details of 23 of the best rides in the state. Included are roads such as:

• Wolf Creek Pass
• Poudre Canyon
• Big Thompson Canyon
• Trail Ridge Road
• Independence Pass

And more. They handle it in an interesting way, at least on the Colorado map. Figuring none of the best roads in the state are out on the eastern plains, they overlaid that part of the state with their detailed routes. So if you're looking for the road to get you from Kansas to the mountains you'll need to look somewhere else. I don't know how they handle this with other states because the Colorado map is the only one I've seen.

On the reverse side there is other motorcycle-specific information. Icons tell you what kind of terrain each route offers, there is a listing of motorcycle shops across the state, additional information about each of the highlighted routes, and other useful data.

Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at the company website, for $14.95 plus $3 shipping, or you can buy them at motorcycle shops listed on the site. You might want to check them out.

Note: The National Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Patty Davis, had an article about something similar awhile back, with maps of Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.