Highways & Byways
 First you need a good reference guide for these suggestions. In my opinion (and that of a whole lot of other folks) the DeLorme "Maine Atlas & Gazetteer" is the best. It is available practically everywhere (including online), and all map numbers noted here correspond to this system. So, grab your Gazetteer and get ready, 'cause here we go ...
This is Rt. 201. It runs about 90 miles, give or take a few, between Skowhegan and the border station above Jackman. It is by far my personal favorite road in the state (and I ride as many as often as possible). There are a number of great places to stop to take pictures or to take mental snapshots. Also a few choice diners with great breakfasts and lunches. Many sweeping curves, switchbacks and altitude changes all along a 26 mile long chain of ponds and river. Nothing short of breath-taking during peak fall foliage. I can't wait! Maps 20, 30, 39, 40, & 47.
 Ah, Rt. 9. From Bangor to Calais about 110 miles. It may not be the most scenic at parts, but you have not ridden in Maine unless you have hit the "Airline Road". Some parts are better than others, lots of nice, lush forest and sometimes a few too many semis. See if you can find the best pie east of the Penobscot River along the way (have a slice of custard for me). Maps 23, 24, 25, 35, 36 & 37.
The Acadia Loop. Basically this is the route; take Rt. 3 from Ellsworth. Follow it through Salisbury Cove to Bar Harbor and on through Northeast Harbor to Somes Sound - the only fjord on the east coast of the U.S. It turns into Rt. 19 8 briefly, and then to Rt. 102 which follows the west side of the sound down to Southwest Harbor. The Seawall Dining Room is a great stop for chowder and biscuts to warm you up on a cool, autumn day. Finish it up by going through Bass Harbor and Seal Cove before heading back up 102/198 to Rt. 3 in Oldhouse Cove where you started the island loop. Do the National Park road up to the Summit of Cadillac Mt. for a spectacular view from the spot that gets some of the first sunlight in the U.S. Hard to beat this ride on a Sunday afternoon. Maps 24 & 16.
Some other good ones to try
The River Road from Damariscotta to Boothbay is really nice. Map 7.
 Rt. 52 from Camden to Belfast is a fun rollercoaster at times. Map 14 for those of you following along at home.
Rt. 105 from Camden to Windsor. Maps 13 & 14.
Ted Verrill's suggestion for a .
There are so many miles of excellent roads in our great state that it would take hundreds of pages to show them all. My suggestion is to come on by, pick one, and head out. But make sure to let me know if you find the route to Norumbega, I have yet to ride on streets of gold (that weren't created by slippery maple leaves in the fall)! Cheers!
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