Sioux Falls, SD to Branson, MO in June 2012

[jesse v]

Hi all,
I'm planning my first tri-state motorcycle trip for the end of June 2012.  Going from Sioux Falls, SD to a family reunion in Branson, MO.  Bike is an '04 Suzuki SV1000S and I'll be traveling with my dad on his VTX1800 (or he could be riding his 1300... anyway...)

So far I think I want to go through Iowa on the Loess Hills scenic byway (http://byways.org/explore/byways/2187/travel.html).  I've ridden of portion of this byway before and really enjoyed it... it seems to be the only option for getting through Iowa with my sanity intact.

From that point (Hamburg, IA), I'm kinda clueless.  Any thoughts on getting from there to Branson?  Most of my searching on STN gives me tons of loops and stuff east and south of Branson, but no help with planning a fun route to get there.

THanks,
Jesse

[xsPain]

I can't help in any real way (I am not generally helpful in any case), but if you can't find a good, fun way to get there, why not just blast through had take more time where there are fun roads or stuff to see and take pictures with your bike in front?

[jesse v]

I really want to avoid "blasting through" for 13 hours.

[Bounce]

One question... why Branson? No one goes there but old people and has-been stars.  

Can't wiser heads prevail in the selection of a reunion location?

[jesse v]

... really...  

[xsPain]

please bear in mind I am not helpful, have no idea of your available time frame and have proven myself able to get lost in a truly massive scale.

From Hamburg you can follow the Missouri river, there are a couple roads on either side. Won't be continually twisty but might be scenic and will take you to Kansas City (eat at Arthur Bryant's, unless a local tells you of a better place). From there you probably won't find any twisties until you get near the Ozarks, but at least you can get off the Einsenhauer, and state and local roads can surprise you.

Lastly, just as a philosophical note, there's nothing wrong with blasting through an area you aren't interested in if it allows more time where you want to be. Especially if time is an issue. I've piled a lot of miles on doing just that. Think about how you want to spend the trip.

[naustin]

My experience is that any two lane road is interesting enough.  Use google earth to view the broad area you'll be crossing and the identify any rivers or large wooded areas, which in the mid-west typically indicate non- tillable terrain.  Try to plot a route that connects all such areas.  

Have fun and don't forget to stop for pie!

[jesse v]

Thanks XS and naustin.  Yeah, just keeping along natural wonders oughta be planning enough.  

[jesse v]

So far, I know I'll be doing this route http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/road/2743517/ through the Loess Hills, followed by HWY 275 to Rockford.  

From that point, I want to get to Kansas City before turning in for the night.  I'm at a total loss of interesting roads between Rock Port and Kansas City.  I think we'll be blasting that portion of the trip.  I could hit this little do-hicky once I get there http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mo_h_gp.html

I'll continue planning the next day of the trip (KC to Branson) later this week.

[naustin]

Ive been on interesting roads that were dead straight and billard table flat.  At that point, what is interesting becomes dependent on your frame of mind.  You have to get all philosophical, n'shit.

[sleazy rider]

/nods

I am in the midst of crossing east on the Plains in South Dakota right now.  Anyone that says that's a boring ride needs to get off the interstate and look again.  So damn many interesting sights to behold and enjoy, it's such a shame to waste the concrete on slabs.  

Jesse, just point it in the direction and GO!  When you find yourself needing to get back on schedule, find a freeway and git.

Fwiw, I'm just north of you right now in Huron!

[TTaM]

please bear in mind I am not helpful, have no idea of your available time frame and have proven myself able to get lost in a truly massive scale.

From Hamburg you can follow the Missouri river, there are a couple roads on either side. Won't be continually twisty but might be scenic and will take you to Kansas City (eat at Arthur Bryant's, unless a local tells you of a better place). From there you probably won't find any twisties until you get near the Ozarks, but at least you can get off the Einsenhauer, and state and local roads can surprise you.

Lastly, just as a philosophical note, there's nothing wrong with blasting through an area you aren't interested in if it allows more time where you want to be. Especially if time is an issue. I've piled a lot of miles on doing just that. Think about how you want to spend the trip.

Don't eat at Arthur Bryant's. Oklahoma Joe's is the best BBQ in the city, and its at a gas station.

Don't take my word for it:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oklahoma-joes-bbq-and-catering-kansas-city


My office is in KC, so I'm in town rather frequently and this seems to be the local choice. There is always a line out the door.

[jesse v]

/nods

I am in the midst of crossing east on the Plains in South Dakota right now.  Anyone that says that's a boring ride needs to get off the interstate and look again.  So damn many interesting sights to behold and enjoy, it's such a shame to waste the concrete on slabs.  

Jesse, just point it in the direction and GO!  When you find yourself needing to get back on schedule, find a freeway and git.

Fwiw, I'm just north of you right now in Huron!

True.  I like your mindset.

[xsPain]

Don't eat at Arthur Bryant's. Oklahoma Joe's is the best BBQ in the city, and its at a gas station.

Don't take my word for it:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oklahoma-joes-bbq-and-catering-kansas-city


My office is in KC, so I'm in town rather frequently and this seems to be the local choice. There is always a line out the door.

I'm always willing to defer to better local knowledge, and am totally looking for an excuse to head over there and try it.

[jesse v]

Welp, we're leaving today... My dad and brother-in-law on Honda VTX's, and me on my SV1000.  We're gonna blow it to Sioux City, then meander through the Loess Hills till we get to Rock Port, MO.  After that, it's very up-in-the-air, but....

Most likely following some of these routes:  http://www.motorcycleroads.us/regions/mo_glaciated.html

 US36 to Bethany, MO

SR13 to Lexington.  (Might call it a night at this point.)  

Then, HWY13 down through Clinton, MO and SR123 (see this map:  http://www.motorcycleroads.us/regions/mo_mountains.html)

Then SR 125 past Springfield, and following the rest of the routes above to Branson, and then Still Water Resort where the FAMILY FUN will begin    (Just kidding I love my family.)

[sleazy rider]

Have fun, take pics.  Share.  

[Bounce]

If you go to Bryant's, then step back by the cash register for some real fun. You can skate on the floor because it's so slippery from the grease.

[jesse v]

Only pics I have so far... Just before leaving.  At the reunion now in Branson.  I'll be going through the Ozarks alone tomorrow in Arkansas.  I'll take more pics there.  Woot!

[stromgal]

Are you sure your father wasn't Hugh Laurie?  

[jesse v]

Are you sure your father wasn't Hugh Laurie?  

Hahaha.  No, he rides a cruiser  Funny though... I love House (err... loved) and he hates it.  He also kinda looks like Rick Springfield.

[jesse v]

This morning's Ozark run, as promised:

Coffee in Harrison, AR.  I walked in this place, felt awkward cuz nobody was there besides one guy behind the counter, and said, "Oh sorry, are you open yet?"  He says, "No, we open in a week."  Then he made me 2 double espressos while we talked about his new venture into the coffee shop business.  This place is seriously good; amazing espresso and this guy knows his coffee.




The "Arkansas Dragon":




As far south as I went:  Dover, AR:


I did this loop, plus south on 123 to Dover (pic above) and back before finishing the loop:  http://www.sundaymorningrides.com/road/1763525/

[stromgal]

Well, YOU look like HL circa 'Jeeves & Wooster'.