 Great accommodation at My River Home marina |
 Bluffs across the MR in Illinois between Grafton and Alton |
25/8/2011 Machens to Portage De Sioux
D10, T.5, Total 4756
To describe my state as buggered would be a gross understatement. Needing a coffee, food and sleep in that order I left the trail and headed to Portage Des Sioux, a small riverside town across the river from the Grafton Alton Road.
Stopping at the towns' only shop, an hour was spent there drinking coffee and a couple of bacon rolls.
Trying to find a spot to set up was difficult as all the river front land is privately owned with marinas etc.
One place wasn’t keen, so the marina My waterfront Home was visited. Finding the owner, Mike, a really nice guy, said he had just what I needed. He had just finished some floating motel rooms. For a very reasonable price I was accommodated.
He was hosting a big biker weekend with bands etc, and wanted to know if I wanted some work. Had I not been committed elsewhere, this would have bee a great experience. Up to 2000 harley Riders are expected.
Interestingly, other people spoken to who ride bikes said as soon as they cross the Illinois state line, off come their helmets, they are compulsory in Missouri.
The facilities were great, washing was done ,both me and some clothes. I pulled the curtains and slept from 1100 to 1600hrs.
Feeling somewhat refreshed, the chain on the bike was replaced ,the old one had stretched one and a half links.
The Sram quick link makes this job easy.
Mike had said come and meet his lady friend at the bar on site. Anna was keen to know a bit about Australia.
Anyway a great meal was had at the Longshot bar and Anna knew a bit more about Australia and me about Praire Des Sioux, upon my departure. Typical of these environments, it was laid back and everyone was friendly.
Leaving early, as more sleep was required. Pleased with the decision to ride during the night, I could take it easy as Alton was only some 20 miles away across the bridge into downtown.
D10, T.5, Total 4756
To describe my state as buggered would be a gross understatement. Needing a coffee, food and sleep in that order I left the trail and headed to Portage Des Sioux, a small riverside town across the river from the Grafton Alton Road.
Stopping at the towns' only shop, an hour was spent there drinking coffee and a couple of bacon rolls.
Trying to find a spot to set up was difficult as all the river front land is privately owned with marinas etc.
One place wasn’t keen, so the marina My waterfront Home was visited. Finding the owner, Mike, a really nice guy, said he had just what I needed. He had just finished some floating motel rooms. For a very reasonable price I was accommodated.
He was hosting a big biker weekend with bands etc, and wanted to know if I wanted some work. Had I not been committed elsewhere, this would have bee a great experience. Up to 2000 harley Riders are expected.
Interestingly, other people spoken to who ride bikes said as soon as they cross the Illinois state line, off come their helmets, they are compulsory in Missouri.
The facilities were great, washing was done ,both me and some clothes. I pulled the curtains and slept from 1100 to 1600hrs.
Feeling somewhat refreshed, the chain on the bike was replaced ,the old one had stretched one and a half links.
The Sram quick link makes this job easy.
Mike had said come and meet his lady friend at the bar on site. Anna was keen to know a bit about Australia.
Anyway a great meal was had at the Longshot bar and Anna knew a bit more about Australia and me about Praire Des Sioux, upon my departure. Typical of these environments, it was laid back and everyone was friendly.
Leaving early, as more sleep was required. Pleased with the decision to ride during the night, I could take it easy as Alton was only some 20 miles away across the bridge into downtown.
