Simply a Nice Ride—Indiana SR 450

Motorcyclists flock to certain roads because there’s a new famous sight and attractions behind every bend. Others, meanwhile, are more understated—they’re simply a good ride.

Indiana SR 450 is one of these roads.

This calm strip of two-lane begins just north of Shoals, IN, roughly 80 miles southwest of Indianapolis. It runs for 25 miles before reaching its other terminus in Bedford.

SR 450 both begins and ends on US 50, so getting on it is easy. Once you leave the larger highway, you’re in for a relaxing ride through beautiful Indiana countryside.

The road follows (more or less) the path of the East Fork White River. While it’s not bound to the river’s meanders, you’ll still go through sweeping curves as you rack up the miles over the gently undulating hills.

Don’t get complacent, though. Between those more gradual turns are a few sharper ones that will keep you awake and entertained. For example, just around Dover Hill you’ll run into a series of 90-degree turns.

As you roll along SR 450, you’ll pass through wooded areas where the trees grow right up to the side of the road. In the valleys of the many creeks cutting across the road, you’ll skirt quiet, postcard-like farms and fields.

The section between Trinity Springs and Williams straddles the ridge of a small mountain range. To the south, you’ll occasionally catch nice views down to the White River between the trees.