Road Atlas for North America?
 

What maps do people recommend for travelling around North America/Canada?

Australia and New Zealand have the excellent Hema 'Motorcycle' editions by Peter Thoeming which are a good size to carry on the bike and offer a surprisingly good level of detail with regards to back/dirt roads as well as 'recommended' routes.

I suspect that such a book of the USA/Canada would be too big but what's the next best thing?

Thanks

Adam
Short Way Round

Without a doubt...use the Michelin Road Atlas...

Inside cities, it has its shortcomings with individual streets...BUT its detail for highways, scenic roads, etc. are excellent.

Assuming that you are travelling now and do not wish to overload your carry on luggage, or your bike . Therefore I can suggest that if you buy Rand McNalley Road Atlas of North America and you will have adequate detail . These things are sold everywherre in the US and CAnada and will have pretty well all the roads of interest on individual state maps and grouped provinces in Canada and a single oversimplified map for Mexico. These books although fairly large for bike use are cheap especially , under $10 if you buy them on specials at department stores or truck stops. Fold it up , mangle it, no matter. If you want really small details you may have to buy specialized maps , but the RM books should suffice for any first time visitor

I chose the Michelin
 

I went to Barnes & Noble (the BIG bookshop chain) today and had a look at both maps.

For me the Michelin won hands down. The main reasons being its physical size and arrows to next page (Unlike a UK road atlas one page doesn't necessarily lead to the next!).

Thanks for your input guys.

Adam
Short Way Round

Hi Adam, most if not all states have tourist or 'Welcome Centres' on their state lines where a mojor road enters. They give free excellent maps of their state and usually have 'coupon books' also. Ride safe.

Thanks Mike, I'll keep an eye open for them.

Also check out:

MotorcycleRoads.US - Your one-stop resource for great motorcycle roads & trips in the US
Motorcycle Roads & Trips - The Best US Motorcycle Rides & Routes
BestBikingRoads Motorcycle Touring Motorcycle Routes Motorcycle

for online help in choosing roads.

trucker atlas is great to have. You ve got every truck stop listed. So you ve got a place to do you clothing, get a shower and update your website.