sstodvictory
08-10-2004, 05:54 PM
For those not attending Sturgis MI, how about a Central Illinois ride on Sat or Sun the 14th or 15th? I know a scenic route that would take most of a day, following paved backroads along the Sangamon and Illinois rivers (Ride 1).
Ride 1:
We could meet in Monticello, which is on I72 between Champaign and Decatur. The route starts 8 miles North of there and snakes along the Sangamon river to Springfield on roads that aren't even on most state maps. There's a quaint pub along the way which shouldn't be missed and which serves good pizza. From Springfield there's a Northward ride on Hwy 97 (scenic in itself) to get onto some great little roads along the Sangamon again, leading to the Illinois River. From there its North along the river to Peoria.
Ride 2:
I also have an ambition to explore the Kaskaskia River from North of Shelbyville to South of Vandallia, but that means riding in discovery mode which isn't everyone's cup 'O tea. One encounters dead ends sometimes and has to double back. The basic method is to forget about the map and just trend towards the treeline (which is obvious along every river in central IL) whenever a route choice has to be made. If done with a partner, the method is to swap leads every once in a while and just be content to follow where ever you're led.
Any takers for either of these two rides? The weather forcast looks good and either day is fine for me.
Steve
Ride 1:
We could meet in Monticello, which is on I72 between Champaign and Decatur. The route starts 8 miles North of there and snakes along the Sangamon river to Springfield on roads that aren't even on most state maps. There's a quaint pub along the way which shouldn't be missed and which serves good pizza. From Springfield there's a Northward ride on Hwy 97 (scenic in itself) to get onto some great little roads along the Sangamon again, leading to the Illinois River. From there its North along the river to Peoria.
Ride 2:
I also have an ambition to explore the Kaskaskia River from North of Shelbyville to South of Vandallia, but that means riding in discovery mode which isn't everyone's cup 'O tea. One encounters dead ends sometimes and has to double back. The basic method is to forget about the map and just trend towards the treeline (which is obvious along every river in central IL) whenever a route choice has to be made. If done with a partner, the method is to swap leads every once in a while and just be content to follow where ever you're led.
Any takers for either of these two rides? The weather forcast looks good and either day is fine for me.
Steve