Our major summer project — replacing more than 200 feet of fence — was finally finished, and it was time for some wind. Craving a Bloody Mary, I was thrilled to discover a new, extensive option for a custom drink: Pizza 150 in Kickapoo.
Pizza 150, aptly named for its location along Highway 150 in Kickapoo, Ill.
The combination of an overcast sky and cooler July temperatures resulted in near-ideal riding conditions. Soon enough, we were grabbing a couple seats at the bar. Continue reading
With the rare opportunity for a Saturday afternoon ride, we carefully considered our lunch options. Since I was thinking a little outdoor dining sounded good and we had not yet eaten there, Catalpa Grove Tavern was the obvious choice.
Our tires hummed along the highway, and I soon found myself lost in the rhythm of the ride, easing into a peaceful groove. As the last of my cares dissolved in the wind, we rounded the last corner into Toulon and the Catalpa Grove parking lot.
The “outdoor” bar hadn’t yet opened for the day, so we grabbed two stools at the large U-shaped main bar and explored the menu.
The main dining area at Catalpa Grove Tavern in Toulon, Ill., has a large bar and quite a bit of natural light.
Whenever the Midwestern winter holds off long enough for a ride in December, we just gotta take advantage of the opportunity.
On this particular Sunday, the BikerSpot Magazine was hosting Funday at McMahon’s Pints and Plates in Sunnyland. Knowing the ride could be my last wind therapy session for a while, I layered up to make it easier to embrace the slight chill in the air and better enjoy the adventure. Continue reading
It was October 1, and fall seemed to be descending upon us rapidly. But, it was one of those beautifully sunny fall days that made for perfect riding — and the perfect Sunday Funday adventure.
Since BikerSpot Magazine was hosting Sunday Funday at Carrigan’s Pub (a place we had yet to try), we were headed down the valley and across the river to East Peoria. And since it was the ideal autumn afternoon, what better route to take than the curvy, climby road through Detweiller Park?
The road through Detweiller Park is one of our favorite routes down into the river valley.
We hadn’t been to Burnzee’s Bar & Grill in Brimfield since the kitchen was updated, so when I saw it was the week’s Sunday Funday location, our Ride to Eat plans were made.
The day was overcast with a chilly breeze but not bad enough to deter us. I rolled my head back as we glided down the road surrounded by big, open countryside. God, I love being on the bike! Continue reading
We’d been spending much of our time on a major home improvement project, and it finally was done. Well, nearly done. So we declared that this particular Sunday was for riding. Our summer vacation was less than two months away, and I’d barely been on the bike. It definitely was time to get back in the saddle.
Debating where to eat, I realized that I had yet to write about one of my favorite lunch places —Haynes’ on Main in Mackinaw.
The trip to Mackinaw from our house is relatively short, but we took a more scenic route to enjoy the wind time as long as possible. For some reason, I felt the need to cheese for the camera a bit before heading in.
We have arrived at Haynes’ on Main in Mackinaw, Ill.
We saw it coming a week away — 50-plus degree weather in early February! It was just too good to pass up, so I took a mental health day from work and anticipated the ride.
Of course, when the day finally came, it was breezier than the forecast had promised, which meant it was much cooler, too. Unwilling to give up my much-needed wind therapy session but knowing I’d hate being out in the cold, we decided to keep our plans but stay closer to home. The only logical destination was just outside Peoria: Ludy’s Kickapoo Creek Saloon.
While chatting with BikerBob one evening, I mentioned how many potential Ride to Eat destinations don’t serve food on Sundays — the one day a week the husband and I can ride together. Nodding his head in agreement, he casually noted, “Except on Sunday Fundays.” And just like that, I had my lightbulb moment!
To be honest, I’m ashamed to admit I hadn’t previously realized that the magazine actually was the answer to my magazine problem. Coincidentally, the next day was the first Sunday Funday of the riding season, so we made plans to check out Ross’ Roadhouse after our weekly chores were done.
Grabbed a quick selfie at a stop light for my Instagram account.
Watch for this sign when you head out of Cedar Point to avoid missing the turn into The Gunsmoke Grill.
In anticipation of the long Memorial Day weekend, I pulled up the May issue of BikerSpot Magazine online to find some eating destinations requiring longer rides. Viola — just across from my article was a full-page ad for The Gunsmoke Grill in Cedar Point.
Well, technically, it’s not in Cedar Point.
It was a picture perfect Sunday. Bright blue sky dotted with puffs of fluffy white clouds promised a smooth day ahead. Continue reading
While pondering new Ride to Eat destinations recently, I asked BikerBob for some recommendations. He suggested several places that support the magazine, including Knuckleheads Roadhouse in Washburn. Scheduled to host its first BikerSpot Sunday Funday that weekend, Knuckleheads became the obvious choice. But, I will get to those other places he mentioned soon.
It was a glorious Sunday. The forecast called for sunshine and a high of 80 — time to ride!
Parked at the marina in Lacon by the Illinois River.
