In 2004, we tried to get a tradition started: of heading to Arkansas, hooking up with Gene and Brad, and heading to Sedalia, Missouri for the races. Unfortunately, after 2005 the race disappeared from the schedule.
But we did have fun for our second annual group trip to Sedalia.
Pam and I left Chicago and rode down to Litchfield. We saw a motel for a good advertised price, and decided to try it. The Best Value Inn was clean and cheap. We walked over to Ponderosa for a steak, and then got some sleep. In the morning, we met one of the other riders staying at the motel. He was on a Route 66 trip: had rented a Harley the day before in Chicago and was on his way to California along the old road.
But we did have fun for our second annual group trip to Sedalia.
Pam and I left Chicago and rode down to Litchfield. We saw a motel for a good advertised price, and decided to try it. The Best Value Inn was clean and cheap. We walked over to Ponderosa for a steak, and then got some sleep. In the morning, we met one of the other riders staying at the motel. He was on a Route 66 trip: had rented a Harley the day before in Chicago and was on his way to California along the old road.
Pam and I headed through St Louis and down I-44 to Cuba, Missouri to catch one of my favorite Midwestern roads: Missouri Route 19.
Route 19 is a curvy little road that passes through the Mark Twain National Forest in that area south of I-44. There are a few small towns, but mostly it is just a smooth road through the forest, with few places with cross traffic.
It is a much calmer road than Deals Gap, with straight sections joining the curves, and the curves are much better suited for road boats than are the ones in the Gap. There are plenty of curves, though. Not too much traffic, either. South of Steelville the road gets very nice.
Lots of curves.
Interesting scenery, including a few Missouri mules.
This bridge was above a small park. We pulled off for a short break and read the information offered.
The Road King relaxing in the parking lot. You can see the place is not crowded!
There are a few canoe rental places, so it is possible that the road is more busy on weekends.
Once south of US 60, 19 has a lot of roller coaster sections in addition to the curves.
We turned west on US 160. US 160 is another nice road. It is the alternate to US 60, which has become a four-lane divided highway along most of it’s length through Missouri. 160 is still a two lane that hugs the contours of the Ozarks.
There were a few sawmills along here, harvesting trees from the forest.
West Plains, Missouri, a typical southern Missouri town.
We turned south at MO 5, headed into Arkansas, and Gene’s place. We sat on the deck, relaxing and watching the hummingbirds.
Brad’s back is feeling pretty good, so he is going to ride to Sedalia this year. Brad and Laura meet us Genes the next day, and we set off for Missouri, with Gene leading the way in his little Ford…flying low.
Gene leads us up to US 60, then across to catch US 65 in Springfield. It’s a nice day for a ride. Brad and Laura are happy to be out on the bike.
Chris Carr’s sponsor, Ford, has a nice display of four-wheeled machinery on display. We check it out, then enjoy a night of racing in Missouri.
The next morning, we have a good breakfast in the atrium of the motel, and then say good bye to Gene, Brad and Laura and head east for home.
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