K11 Owners Group

[RI Parker]

Hi.

((I have worked for years in a basement repair shop, so getting out onto the roads in my new job has been a real blast. Following are some of the short side trips that might be fun if you are in the area.))

>>>Now I know it's nothing like the fantastic vistas and roads in the mountians and along the coast, but I'm just suggesting something that might be more fun than interstate travel<<<

Alton to Grafton

From I-270 just on the Illinois side of the river take route 3 north. In a couple of miles there is a visitors center that has info about the Lewis and Clark expedition, recreation of their fort & longboat.
(it's a handy stop,).

From there take 143 west through Alton, past the new bridge. Look for route 100 west (between the two large grain elevators on the left). This 4-lane road is a leasurely trip up the river, past lots of little antique shops, a water park, and Marquette state park. (There is a Grafton ferry to 94 to 370 west to I-70 or) take the Brussels ferry (free) through Golden Eagle Il, to the Golden Eagle ferry (cost something like $7.00) then route B west, route C south back to I-70. If it's harvest time there will be fresh peaches at roadside stands (if the frost don't kill them again this year.)


(View from the Grafton ferry.)


Wilmore to Harrodsburg KY.

There is this sweet creek road going south-west from Wilmore Ky. (Asbury College is here.) From Lexington take 27 south around Nicholsville, to 29 west, 29 joins 68 south(left). There are about 10 miles of twisties to Harrodsburg. I haven't done 152 back to the east, but it might also be fun. Else it's regular two lane roads via Lebanon or Springfield back to the Blue Grass Parkway.
(sorry, no photos of this one.)


64 west of Louisville

The interstate through the Hoosier National Forest has some character, haven't been to the caves that are advertised off to the side. But for sure
>>> check your fuel at either Corydon or Ferdinand<<<
(Ferdinand is at the "Santa Claus" exit). The time zone changes between Ferdinant and Santa Claus. So if you go south to the Santa Claus Land amusement park it's in Central time zone. Looks like a fine lodge on the west side of Santa Claus don't know it much.


Newburgh INdiana

If you are already on I-64 near Evansville IN, take I-164 south to exit 5 then route 662 east. This takes you to some little quaint shops and eateries along the Ohio river with locks, riverside park, etc.


Then back, or whatever, I don't know Angel Mounds State Park, but it might be fun.

When I'm there I'm usually heading up river to Rockport. If traveling here take a right on fifth street and a left at the Methodist church on Main street to a small riverside park to the east.(Can't find the photo). The Mexican resturant that is in the railroad car is an ok stop. There is a new bridge to Owensburo (back through town north) or take 231 back north to I-64 eastward.
_________________
RIP (Roy Parker)

1997 K1100LT w/ 87,000 mi
(aquired just before the snow of 12/21/09.)

[BobZ(IL)]

There are some great roads down there where of you speak, especially the Ohio River scenic area.

And Alton has Fast Eddie's Bon Air. Not to be missed.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

[RI Parker]

There is this small town in lower Illinois. Cave-in-rock IL. Has a ferry (free ferry) to Kentucky (ice bound at the moment). State Park, camping, lotsa stuff.
Nearby are some rock formations and stuff.



Elsewere something called Grand Canyon of Illinois (or something like that, I have been here. The first quarter-mile looks like there is NOTHING, but just wait. Hope you like to walk.). and Pounds Hollow (or pumpkin creek or something). Some of these are on dirt roads, find flyers at the state park visitors center.

Nearby antiques shops and stuff at Elezabethtown Golconda and Rosiclare. Right on the river. Somewhere there is an Amish store.

There is something called HogRock.com biker weekend June 10-13.
(I can't report on this nor the taverns but I'm sure othere will like this.)

For something more quiet, lodging, shop, river overlook at something called San Daminano (catholic retreat center). To drive to it you'd bet this is only a backroad to the gravel pile, but give it a while.



Look for Tower Rock as well. It overlooks the Ohio River west of Cave-in-rock.

If you are heading south about 25 miles to the south is the "Land Between the Lakes" Kentucky. Lakes Barkley and Kentucky.
(Just about any steakhouse, hamburger joint, motel, marina-resort you could want.)

(I'm just now seeing that sometimes the ride is more interesting than the destination, So forgive me iffin I'm just rambeling on and on,, But WOW sometimes the suroundings are fantastic, .)
_________________
RIP (Roy Parker)

1997 K1100LT w/ 87,000 mi
(aquired just before the snow of 12/21/09.)

[ol-Levi]

So many times here in the mid states one can travel for miles right next to some river or the other and NEVER see any of it. Levys and the like.

This is not the case should you be traveling up the Mississippi river Illinois side, from Keokuk Ia north.




A few miles up the road is Nauvoo Il. Just had to see what was up this way.




This is the old town, beautifully kept up. The folks left (were run out of here) went to Independance Mo and ended up in St Lake City.

Sweet ride.

This is from Alton Il on another ride.



The ride from Grafton Il to Alton on the north side of the Mississippi is a sweet ride too. (Had to hurry because of being almost out of fuel, didn't take more pix.)
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97 K1100LT le (Kaw lady) with 119,000 miles.

[SugarHillCTD]

Good memories. A LONG time ago Cathy and I lived in Davenport, Iowa for almost 2 years and we would take our 900F Supersport on various rides within a few hours of the Quad Cities. (Sport touring before the it was called sport touring)

Our favorite was going north along the Great River Road then crossing over the river up to the Wisconsin Dells.

Would love to have the time to wander through the area again- our daughter, Jen the ZX6R rider, would like to go back to the area also- she was born in Davenport.
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.