Southern Illinois: Ohio River Scenic Byway

It felt like summer, but it was the end of April. Temperatures forecasted to reach into the mid 80's all weekend, but the southerly winds were strong, and since I was heading south, I knew I would be fighting the wind all day. My trip starts from home in East Central Illinois, and I headed south on Illinois Rt. 1. I decided early to take a more scenic route, so as I wind along the some of the more familiar sections of road, I detour from time to time just to "see what's down that road".

At Norris City, IL, I make a left turn and continue to follow IL Rt. 1. The crosswinds hit me now and I nudge the electric windscreen up a bit to try and cut the turbulence. Fuel economy thus far has been below average, but still averaging about 36 mpg; in spite of the wind.

Map of Illinois section of the Ohio River Scenic Byway

Cave in Rock Ferry Landing

As I get closer to the end of IL Rt. 1, the terrain gets a little more interesting, with rolling hills and some sweeping curves. Then I find myself in the town of Cave In Rock, IL. I swing on down by the ferry landing to make sure the Ohio River is still there, then decide it's time to find a toilet. Back one block I find a diner with a handful of bikes: couple of GoldWings, a cruiser, and a 2005 ST1300 (just like mine). A toilet flush later and I'm chatting with these riders and find they are camping at Lake Glendale for the weekend. Looking at the decals on my bike and my T-shirt they ask about the Moonshine Lunch Run. They've never heard of it! I give 'em the GPS coordinates (it's on the sticker, I don't like GPS) and we saddle up. Some cross into Kentucky via the ferry, while a few others head West. My 7.7 gal fuel tank on the ST1300 is far from empty to I head west also on the Ohio River Scenic Byway.

I catch up with some of them a few miles along and we come upon a large car wreck, 3 or 4 cars involved in a rear-end collision with a "Rides Mass Transit" mini bus. Coupla ambulances still there but mostly they were cleaning up the crash area. I didn't see any motorcycles involved.

At Golconda, IL I part company with those guys as they head towards Glendale and I take the Scenic Spur that goes along the levee and overlooks the Ohio River.

Golconda, IL

Back on the Ohio River Scenic Byway now I came to a startling realization: this road is a GEM!! I've lived a good portion of my life in Southern Illinois but never been on this road. It's wonderfully smooth and super-black asphalt twists and winds through beautiful countryside, and glimpses of the Ohio River are seen to my left. It seems I'm the only one on this road, I think I saw less than 10 cars for about 45 minutes.

I pass through Bay City, IL and see the General Store where some scenes from "U.S. Marshalls" were filmed, and plan to stop there the next time. Cruising along I almosts missed New Liberty and before I knew it, I was at IL Rt. 45 in Brookport. Brookport has a steel deck bridge crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky but unless you are a motorcyclist with nerves of steel, I don't recommend you cross it. The grate is wide enough you can drop a soda can through it! It's been several years since I have crossed it on a motorcycle, so I pass on it and head into Metropolis, the home of Superman, and my hometown also. I grew up in Metropolis and I'm visiting my Aunt and helping her with some projects around the house this weekend.

I get back on the road Sunday to head north toward home. The wind is still strong, but now its at my back, and it's smooth sailing. Fuel economy moves up to about 45 mpg with the tail wind and it's a beautiful day again. Along IL 145 I see that someone has heard of me and dedicated a road in my honor...

"My" road.

As I zip along more familiar roads on the way home and listening to some great music on the bike's radio I keep thinking that if all rides were a good as this one, it's going to be a great summer!