St Louis/SW IL riders help me out plz

psc · #1 09-14-2009, 08:53 AM

Fellow Riders,

Job opportunity finally came through and I am headed for Belleville, IL just a quick ride over to St Louis. I've only been to the area one time, approx 23 years ago, so I am throwing that out--as I would be an idiot to think times haven't changed. My only memories were that the sun was bright, it was humid, and the people generally seemed friendly.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the riding, surrounding area events, any veteran clubs, and any other tidbits you'd be willing to pass along to a newbie MO/IL rider.

I put about 7-9K a year on a bike up here in the Northwest, so I am hoping the weather will allow me to do the same. I should have boots on ground sometime in Mid-Oct, Early Nov if not sooner. I'm new to the gov't civilian thing, so I am not sure how this crap all works.

Your words of wisdom, thoughts, and comments are appreciated in advance.

Thanks,

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!

turczytj · #2 09-14-2009, 10:47 AM

Welcome to the area.

There isn't much in the way of good riding in IL (flat and boring). However, SE MO has a lot to offer as well as northern AR. Check out this site for details:

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/regions/mo_highlands.html

mpmillion · #3 09-14-2009, 04:59 PM

I'm from STL area and am stationed at Ft Leonard Wood right now. Watch your ass if you plan on commuting in STL...traffic can be insane and not many people watch for bikes. Especially if you are going through E STL, Ill....try to stay away from there.
Other than that....alot of beautiful land around the SE corner of Mo going into Ill. and Kentucky and Arkansas. Very easy to get lost (in a good way) and enjoy the ride.
Not too sure on any MC. I really just ride by myself or a couple of buds of mine.
Take care...

Forgot to mention...STL and the surrounding area is very Pro Veterans....at least in all my experiances. Some guy saw my haircut when I was on leave...asked what I did with who (thought I was a Marine) and picked up my tab at a steak house...didn't even know it till I went up to pay. Others have paid my meal in the drive through of McDonalds before because they saw me in uniform.
Like I said...very friendly town to veterans.

BezerkoBob · #4 09-15-2009, 12:52 PM

Welcome aboard! I am retired Navy and have lived here all of my life. Well, except for the time I spent in the Navy. Drivinig a motorcycle here is no worse than any other "big" city. Ultimately, it's our responsibility to keep ourselves safe. I commute 60 miles round trip everyday, into downtown St. Louis. Yes, there have been close calls. But who hasn't had a few? The best riding around here, as others have said is south. South and west Missouri. I put about 12K per year on my bike. If the roads are dry and salt free, I'll ride throughout the winter.

deucewildwood · #5 09-15-2009, 08:00 PM

I'm from Illinois originally and have lived in Lou since '93. Good news is there is definitely some good loops around this part of the world. I'll mention a couple....1) Wine Country...Route 94 from Route 40...biker stops in Defiance (curve in road with bars on each side....many many bikes on a nice day) on to Washington (nice river town with good eateries and bars...shuts down on Sundays tho) 2) Illiniois River Road...from Alton...north along River to Grafton...you can take a couple ferrys over to Missouri (put your hat back on!)

Also...every Thursday...a local group called the "Hardriders" sponsors a "ride". Its actually 2 or 3 bar stops where bikers gather.

Welcome to St. Louis area.

psc · #6 09-16-2009, 10:47 PM

Thanks fella's...look for a post in the future as soon as I get boots on the ground. I'll be looking for these Hardriders you speak of...and any other M/C R/C's out there.

Thanks again

FXD07 · #7 09-20-2009, 09:43 PM

Alton to Grafton is a cool ride. Short tho. Bon Air Eddies in Alton. Burger and Beer. Got a separate parking lot for bikes.

aggro_jo · #8 09-24-2009, 09:37 AM

Just a FYI, Grafton is ticketing loud pipes again.

Welcome to the area. I commute by bike most days and I live about 5 miles from Scott AFB. If you need any specific info or have any questions when you get here, just hit me up via p.m.

hucks 08 · #9 09-30-2009, 01:14 PM

take rt.3 out of belleville and follow it for about 85 miles ,good burgr and good ride .stop at the duck inn. eat and drink. leave there and go to the next town and turn left at the stop sign. follow that road to the wine trail . good ride all day long good twistys ,not all roads are flat around here .they just dont no where to go. round trip 225 miles from belleville.there is a couple of roads that take you to ponoma ill. 10 miles of barley any sunlight through the trees.good time, we call it the illinois dragon.

Philt · #10 10-06-2009, 06:23 PM

Head out to Washington. Lots of great riding out this way. You can head just about any direction from there and find great roads with lots of good stops. And Washington does not shut down on Sunday as someone else said.
Phil