This ride, led by Glenn Phillips, was a trip along the Mississippi River, riding the Levee Road and others, to Chester IL.
The meetup was at the QT on Tesson Ferry, with KU of 0930. It was a cool morning, with temps starting in the upper 30’s at day break, but with temperatures rising into the upper 40’s by departure time. With clear skies and temps forecast to be in the 70’s, the ride was set to be spectacular. Here is an overview of the route we took:
A good turnout with a variety of motorcycles all fueled up and ready to go.
What was surprising to me, was how much the Levee Road had been paved. When I rode the Levee Road last, I recall it being almost entirely gravel, crushed limestone to be exact. Here is a photo from October of 2017 showing the Levee Road before pavement:
Now the Road is paved and one glides effortlessly on the elevated path. Overlooking the vast Illinois bottomland to the east, and catching glimpses of the Mississippi River to the west, we rolled our way south towards Chester.
Plenty of history along the trail too:
As you approach Prairie du Rocher, just to the west is the Fort de Chartres State Historic site. The remnants of the Fort are easily accessible and worth a visit. It is hard to imagine at one time, this was the western edge of the United States.
Fort and walls in the back ground:
And a stopping point for Lewis and Clark too:
Further south you will come to the Modoc Ferry access road, check to see the schedule and rates before using it though, as times and rates vary. A great alternate shortcut into Missouri however, if you choose to use it.
The group arrived without incident at Chester for the meal at Reid’s Harvest House, on the east side of town along Hwy 150. Great food, service, and atmosphere, it is well worth the stop if you haven’t had a chance to eat there. Smorgasbord style cafeteria with plenty of options, one should not go away hungry.
After lunch, riders broke up into smaller groups, or solo riders, for the ride back home. I chose to take a quick peak at Kaskaskia State Park, just north of Chester, to see the Fort Kaskaskia site and overlook, then headed back to the Chester Visitors Center on the river, to grab the famous Popeye statue.
It was time to head back, so I chose the bridge from Chester into Missouri, and through a web of alphabet-roads, made my way back home. Thanks to Glen and everyone that came along for a great ride.
