Required reading for touring: The Pace
Those of you that have been on runs I've led (which is pretty few in the Miata crowd...) know that I tend to cruise at a pace that's just moderately in the vicinity of brisk.
I'm not a speed junkie. If you want speed, Interstate highways in rural areas are quite efficient routes for speedy travel. When running solo, rural two lane can make for quick travel as well.
However, I enjoy seeing some sites here and there when out for a cruise with no particular time or destination in mind. But I don't see a whole lot of those sites in the midst of curves...
Nick Ienatsch has been writing about a philosophy for safe, enjoyable touring on motorcycles for a long time. The principles he discusses can be readily applied to safe, ticket-free and highly enjoyable touring in four-wheeled conveyances as well.
Take a moment to read his articles. You can find two of them with these links.
Both Articles in one place
November '91
June '93