I've been asked to lead some noobies on a roadtrip in the northern Illinois area for 3 days or a long weekend. We want to possibly make our starting point Dixon or the Grand DeTour area. any ideas, recommended routes, sites to see, roads to travel, places to eat...

Thanks for any and all suggestions

 

I can't think of any in that area. Rather boring...

 

Go into Wisconsin and take the road that follows the Mississippi River up to the city of LaCrosse then take Hwy 33 east from Lacrosse to Baraboo then head south on Hwy 12 to Hwy 60 and take that west back to Praire du chein. It forms like a triangle. Hwy 60 and Hwy 33 are about the best cycle roads in Wisconsin.

 

Oh contrare! I live near there in Oregon go west on hwy 64 to Savanah turn left on 83 and go about a quarter mile you will find "Poopy's" Bar/ resturaunt,tattoo parlor, store and bike shop - great place a must stop for any biker, also in town is the Iron horse salon, great riding along the Mississippi!!!
From there you can go north to DuBuque IA/Gallena IL area there also is a little town a little farther north called New Diggins WI that is worth checking out.

 

X2 on both places. Heads up on Poopy's, get there hungry since their portions are good sized. In the summer there is usually a band out back with a covered patio/beer garden. Also, camping is available.

 

Poopy's stop is a must.

 

Scenic Ridge Road on the north side of Savannah. Kind of tricky to find, might have to ask. Iron Horse Saloon in downtown Savannah is interesting. Old motorcycles etc. Palisades State Park north of town. Good scenic overlook of the Mississippi. Lots of other good roads places to see also.