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US 12: West's best motorcycle road?

Phil Herring's photo
Seattle Motorcycles Examiner
US 12 from Lewiston, Idaho, to Lolo, Montana
When you see this sign you've already ridden many miles of curves

Looking for a road to ride all day long, with nothing but curves, great scenery, light traffic, and no boring parts?  Head for Lewiston, Idaho (or for those of the eastern persuasion, Lolo, Montana).

There you'll find a highway designated US 12, arguably the best motorcycling road in the west.  Oh I know, Washington 20 has its fans, as do the rides around Mt. Helens and some choice bits of Oregon, but nothing compares to the pure stamina of US 12.  It simply does not stop.

Be patient for the first 7 miles after Lewiston, and after it crosses the Clearwater River you're off and running.

12 eases you in gradually.  Some nice sweepers and good scenery through Orofino, just enough time to get in the groove before the twistiness gets serious.  Though there are some blind curves, 12 also grants you ample opportunities to pass that VW Vanagon which always seems to be in front of you.

The 209 miles of US 12 between Lewiston and Lolo is made of short curves, graceful curves, narrow curves, fast and slow curves, steep curves, banked curves, and some sharp enough to be called technical.

Which means that glorious sign above isn't the half of it.  

Construction alert:  Right now, US 12 is undergoing one of the nastiest construction projects imaginable.  It looks like they're installing drain pipes under the highway to ease erosion.  What this means to you is bumps -- much like speed bumps -- every 100-200 yards... for 23 miles.  If you're headed there this week make sure your chiropractor is riding pillion.

Other articles in this series: 
When brakes break
5,000 mile ride starts tomorrow

 

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, Seattle Motorcycles Examiner

Phil Herring commutes to Seattle on his Yamaha FZ1 in all weather, year-round. For fun, he collects twisty mountain passes. His obsession with 2-wheelers is a borderline medical issue.

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