Most drivers have a favorite stretch of road. Whether it’s scenic or soulful, that road may evoke a pleasant memory. It could provide a quick escape. Some drivers like curves in their roads, others prefer different scenery fields in one short drive.

Retired New York State Trooper Frank E. Broderick prefers to be engulfed by one huge view, like the one from Lewiston-Queenston Bridge en route to the United States, which offers a panorama of Niagara Falls and the lower Niagara River.

“The view is spectacular — the falls, the mist,” said Broderick, 53, who during his 26 years of patroling state highways traveled more than 1 million miles. “It’s almost breathtaking, a postcard type of view.”

Last November, when the Asphalt Institute launched www.favoriteroad.com, it hoped to encourage road lovers across the country to exchange stories and pictures about their favorite roads. Hallowed roadways — including the historic Route 66 from Santa Monica, Calif., to Chicago, and a twisted 11-mile stretch in North Carolina called Tail of the Dragon that features 318 curves—are routinely mentioned.

New York State has but two entries, and both roads are upstate. And while we, too, appreciate Seneca Lake’s Wine Run Loop and the Original Watkins Glen Circuit, isn’t Route 219 equally as pristine? And doesn’t Hamburg’s Route 5 offer the ultimate water ride?

Many Western New Yorkers prefer roads that offer water views. But favored road status depends on the driver as well as the means of transportation.

“I like roads that a lot of people don’t ride on,” said motorcyclist Mark Odebralski, 51, of Forestville. “I’m out there alone with the bike; there’s nothing like it. Your mind’s free. There’s no stress, and you’re just out there riding. It’s amazing the things you can see.”

Ask a trucker, suggested Brian Clark of the Asphalt Institute, the international trade association of petroleum asphalt producers and manufacturers.

“His favorite road may have to offer a smooth ride,” Clark said during a phone interview from Lexington, Ky. “A smooth road helps him deal with fatigue. It’s easier to drive. Hauling a giant load of freight, you need all the help you can get to ease the stress on your body.”

We consulted a handful of local road experts. Here is what they said about our own roads with a view.

Frank E. Broderick of Clarence Center, retired trooper:

• Route 5 along Lake Erie near Rogers Road — “You can see the banks of Lake Erie and the Buffalo skyline in the background.”

• Robert Moses Parkway North — “Along the Niagara River traveling toward Niagara Falls from the Grand Island Bridge, starting at the Power Authority water intakes and ending at Niagara Falls State Park. Toward the end, you’ll see the rapids to your left.”

Neva Hardaway, 60, of Grand Island — coach driver/ Niagara Scenic Tours:

For the past decade, Hardaway has made her way through the Northeast ferrying busloads of passengers to casinos, state parks and raceways. Currently, her vehicle of choice is a 2009 Prevost Coach. She calls it the “Cadillac of Buses.” We caught up with her by phone at Presque Isle Downs&Casino in Erie, Pa., where she had just deposited 54 passengers for a five-hour play day.

• Route 14 South via New York State Thruway (I-90) to Geneva (exit 42)—“Oh my God, it is so beautiful. There’s wineries up and down [Route] 14 going toward Watkins Glen. The overlook of [Seneca] Lake is so beautiful. I love to take people there. I take them to the top of the mountain and they walk down 800 steps, and they see 16 waterfalls along the way.”

• Route 104 from Niagara Falls, spanning six counties and the cities of Lockport, Rochester and Oswego following the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario—“ Route 104 is a beautiful route with beautiful homes, trees and the lake. Just get on that parkway for miles of beautiful scenery.”

• Route 219 South past Springville toward Ellicottville and Salamanca. “That whole section, scenery-wise, is beautiful, especially during fall.”

Heather and Joel Kopp of Cheektowaga — recreational drivers and members of Western New York Shelby & Mustang Club: Joel, 33, an emergency medical technician, is deployed in Texas with the U. S. Air Force on C-130s.

• Route 18 along Lake Ontario from Lewiston to Rochester — “It’s really smooth and kind of curvy,” said Heather, 34. “It’s just a really pretty ride, and it goes for a long time. It’s just fun to go out with a bunch of people and drive. It’s calming. It’s relaxing. We’re not out there to be like young kids and race. We’re more cruisers. If we find a little diner on the way or an ice cream stand, we’ll stop.”

Mark Odebralski, 51, of Forestville — a postal worker who motorcycled 110,000 miles on his black-and-red Yamaha V-Star 1100:

• Route 16 south of Holland to the Pennsylvania state line—“It’s not stop and go. The only lights you’ll hit are outside Arcade and in Holland. The small villages of Franklinville, Machias, Yorkshire, Delevan, the architecture. It’s not really out of the way, but it’s really rural. If you want to get out the city, it’s not that far.”

• Route 240 from Amherst to the Town of Ellicottville community of Ashford in northern Cattaraugus County — “A lot of people don’t like the twisties, but I’m a big fan of curves.”

jkwiatkowski@buffnews.comnull