Sport-Touring.Net - Moving to Oswego, IL from Pacific NW, And Decent Riding Roads?

I like what Murph says. His FJR 1300 or a ST1300 are beginning to look like the "ideal" bike for this part of the country. You have the shield, bags, shaft and better comfort to hit the super-slabs before you get to the nice stuff in NW Il up through Wi. Then it has enough sport for the majority of riders. My FZ1 is great but does not smooth out the slab seams, truck wind gusts over the long haul. Yes, one can begin to understand the appeal of the big Harleys that take advantage of the interstate system's limitations.

I just hit the Galena area for the first time recently and finally found some great,worthy roads. But, you do have to enjoy the few good, not great, rides closer like around the Illinois River closer to Oswego around Ottawa / Starved Rock or out to the Rock River along SR 2 south of Rockford unless you have more time. Those were my best rides until I feasted at Galena. Now, I have to figure about 150 miles to get out to the great stuff, ride the curves until I drop and save enough time to get back by sunset. The sleepover helps but gets costly and eats the entire weekend. So I am trying my first 600 mile single day this weekend. The 700 mile overnighter wasn't bad.

When I only have 2 hrs, I know every curve, quiet road, and know how to ride the 30 mph housing development with gusto at 6AM. Even these limiting rides will still put a smile on my face.

Good luck on the move. I think everyone has been honest in their assessment that you will be giving up some great riding. If you have any interest in big cities, you are miles away from one of the best and will find some good things about the Midwest, just not state-of-the-art riding. Let us know how the adjustment goes.

Update 7/1/07: Well, I had to go back and feast on a single day ride and managed 585 miles through these great roads. I hit some of the other region's roads missed before and repeated favorites several times. Twelve hours start to finish including around an hour for food and gas was the day. Coming home in I90 traffic I was reminded why using the superslabs as quick access to these roads is a pact with the devil. Traffic was packed around 5PM and I could not avoid all the turbulent air stirred by SUV's and trucks and my shoulders and neck are pretty sore from the buffeting. At speeds of 70+ either you choose your own pace and watch nuts run up your back or try to stay in the pack that will result in you getting a ticket. It seems that the police basically leave this tollway madness alone as I saw only one among hundreds of vehicles. Derinda road originating in Elizabeth is around 18.5 miles long with 54 curves, another 12 or so jogs with postings of 30-50 mph. A great road among many in the area.

Topic: Moving to Oswego, IL from Pacific NW, And Decent Riding Roads? (Read 2922 times)