Mid-Mo Motor Rtes E, 124, 240, 3, 41, Hwys 24, 40 • 157 miles
6
Boonville, Notley Hawkins
TAKE IN ALL THAT MID-MISSOURI has to offer on one of our longest rides. This trail and its alternate route have endless opportunities for good food, fun shopping, gorgeous natural scenery and fascinating landmarks. You’ll find lots of Midwestern charm and plenty of great views. The route is packed with conservation areas, most of which have camping available. Start your journey on Route E, also called Stadium Boulevard, in Columbia. Head northwest on North Route E toward the small town of Harrisburg, and make a left to get on Route 124. The road is pretty straight, which makes for a smooth start to your central Missouri tour. Route 124 meets up with Route 240 right before Fayette, home to the Morrison Observatory. Be sure to stop at the biker-friendly Hawgs & Heifers Bar; a trip to Fayette on two wheels wouldn’t be complete without it. From Fayette continue north on Route 240. In five miles, you’ll reach the intersection of Route 3. To loop around and get a longer ride make a right onto Route 3. But if you’d rather cut your day short, choose the alternate route and continue following Route 240 into Glasgow and across the Missouri River where
you eventually connect with Route 41. If you decide to take Route 3 you’ll connect with Route 129 in Roanoke. In Salisbury, take the left onto Highway 24 and enjoy the ride to Brunswick, where you can see the World’s Largest Pecan and appreciate this small town along the Grand River. Just outside of Brunswick, and after crossing the Grand River, make a left onto Route 41. Cross the Missouri River in Miami, Missouri. Here, the Van Meter State Park can be a nice side trip to stretch your legs or soak up some Native American history. The trip down Route 41 is uninterrupted for about 15 miles after Miami until you reach Marshall. From there, Route 41 makes a left and merges with Route 240 for a short time, and passes by Arrow Rock—a blast from the past. The entire town is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Continue on and make a left onto Santa Fe Road to ride into Boonville. This little river town has a lot of history to boast, from the Civil War to the railroad. Cross the Boonslick Bridge on Highway 40 and drive through farmland. Make a final stop at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport for a well-deserved glass of red or white.
26 • 2015 Missouri Motorcycle Guide
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8/13/15 8:45 AM