Renee and I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Weekend! If you are riding this weekend and want some new ride ideas, we have you covered!! Just check out our Route Index to find a ride in your area.
Land of Lincoln Route:
If you want to attend the Hugellandschaft Adventure Ride, but you are not into gravel, we have the paved alternative for you!
Since the Driftless area just touches the northwest corner of Illinois, we have only created one Driftless Area Illinois route; The Land of Lincoln Route. While most of Illinois is flat or contains gently rolling hills, this part of the state displays the same contours as the rest of the Driftless Area. Two of the areas more popular roads are Blackjack Road and Stagecoach Trail. Both are featured on this route.
In addition to all of the great roads, this route is also home to many historical sites and museums. Galena, obviously, has great historical significance, but don’t overlook the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth, and the Blackhawk Battlefield Park near Stockton. The route also takes you past Charles Mound which is the highest natural point in Illinois.
The Land of Lincoln Route also boasts 2 waterfalls; Apple Canyon Falls and Thunder Bay Falls. There are also many scenic parks such as Mississippi Palisades State Park and Point Rock Park in Mount Carroll.
While this route is mainly in Illinois, it does take a brief excursion into Wisconsin to visit Hazel Green and New Diggings as well as to explore Wisconsin Rustic Road #66.
Renee and I will be attending the Hugellandshaft Adventure Ride. If you have any questions about the Land of Lincoln Route, or any other route, stop by and visit us.
Click Here for more information about the Land of Lincoln Route.
Springfield MO Route:
The Springfield MO Loop was created with the 2022 BMWMOA Rally attendees in mind. This 4 hour ride starts near the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield and heads South for a short distance before turning onto historic Route 66. Following Route 66, this loop weaves Northeast and follows the Interstate to Marshfield. In Marshfield, Route 66 moves away from the Interstate and the scenery becomes more rural.
Eventually the route leaves Route 66 and turns to a gentle, curving ride for several miles. The scenery alternates between farm fields and wooded areas. As the ride progresses East, the hills start to get taller and the valleys deeper, so the curves start to get a bit tighter. Eventually, the Springfield MO Loop enters a corner of the Mark Twain National Forest and the road is lined with thick trees on both sides.
After crossing Highway 95, riders will wind South before eventually turning onto Highway 38 to start the trip back West. Even though Highway 38 is a main thoroughfare, it is just as twisty and curvy as the previous county roads. Upon returning to Marshfield, the Springfield MO route leaves Highway 38 and jumps onto county roads again for more fun before eventually returning to Springfield and the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
Click Here for more information about the Springfield MO Loop.
2 Great Events That Need Your Support:
1. June 11th - Illinois Bikers Against Bullying Ride/Rally - Utica, IL
Join the Illinois Bikers Against Bullying on the 1st Annual Awareness Ride and Rally. Take a scenic ride to Jamie's Outpost in Utica, Ill. There you will receive a complimentary burger and fries. The cost to ride is $30 per bike and all proceeds will go towards raising awareness of the effects bullying has on our children.
For more information about this event, please visit their Facebook Page.
2. June 18th - Battle Brothers Homeless Veterans Ride - St. Charles/Aurora, IL
The Battle Brothers event team have worked hard to put together a ride with more for less, More fun less money. This is also a great cause to support as all proceeds go towards the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, a Great Cause to Support!
Registration starts at 9:00 am at Evergreen Pub 1400 W. Main St Charles and is $25 with no passenger fee. There will be live music during registration, a Bike Blessing at 10:45 am and then Kick Stands Up at 11:00 am
During the ride there will be one stop. When you go inside to buy a drink, you will get a raffle ticket and winner will be chosen before the ride continues.
The ride ends at the Aurora Athletic Club and the afterparty begins. There will be more live music by Southern Jack, free food, and several vendors. Drinks are available and there are sure to be specials available that day.
Renee and I will be among the vendors at this event. Feel free to stop by, we are happy to meet fellow riders and answer any question they might have. We are also happy to support this cause and we look forward to seeing you all there!
For more information about this Great Event, please visit their Facebook Page.
Driftless Challenge:
Only 1 week left in the May 2022 Driftless Challenge. There are only a few entries, so your chance of winning is really high. But you have to enter to win!
Click Here for more information about the Driftless Challenge!
See you soon!
Ride Safe
Renee and Dale