With forest fires raging in my home state of Idaho, a leisurely ride through the Canadian Rockies beckoned to me like a tall, cool glass of water. It was August and time to escape the 100-degree heat in Boise, along with the smoke covering the city like a veil.

Trying to go for a theme while you're planning your road trip this season? Here's one: Think about hitting up these shrines to two-wheel culture along the way, especially if you're doing a multiday marathon tour-it'll be more interesting for you and your riding buddies (and your significant other, if you've managed to convince 'em to come with).

For more than 10 years now I've made a point of adhering to an annual tradition with three of my good friends. Every year we embark on a weeklong motorcycle trip that includes . . . just the four of us. Sure, we all met through our wives, but what with kids at home and soccer games and orthodontist appointments to shuttle to, we never managed to find the time to include the gals on our jaunts. In the beginning the excuses were understandable: Our re-entry into motorcycling after a 25-year absence plus our domestic responsibilities meant these had to be guys-only trips. At least that's what we told ourselves to assuage the guilt of leaving the family behind. But now things are different-the kids have flown the nest and our obligations have melted away. And this year the gals announced, "We want to go, too!"

I'm a bit of a free spirit. I have no life and no responsibilities and can do whatever, whenever. But that freedom comes with a price: I have no place to call home, no woman and little coin for living the dream. On the plus side, though, occasionally someone will call me up and ask me to do something that takes a bit of time like, say, ride a Harley across the country.

The world's largest motorcycle rental and touring company has set its sights on the sweet scenic potential of Central America. EagleRider has opened its first location in San Jose, Costa Rica, at the world-famous White House Hotel, Restaurant, Casino & Spa.