I went on a 200 mile ride Sunday in the 90+ degree heat. Here is the
article I have submitted for the chapter's newsletter. You get to see
it here first!
Once upon a time there were nine bikers who got together one hot June
day to travel to Carmi, IL, to eat at Two Tony’s Restaurant with plans
to then shop in New Harmony, IN. The lead biker, Dennis and his
co-rider Jackie, arrived to inform the others, “Two Tony’s is no longer
in business.”
“What shall we do?” chimed the others.
After a brief discussion the decision was made to ride the Great River
Road north. Here is where the tale begins. The nine bikers on eight
shiny bikes followed the trail north to enjoy great adventures. In
spite of 90 degree temperatures they were able to remain cool as they
traversed the river road through Alton, Grafton, and Hardin. They
finally came to rest in Kampsville. Here they dined at Louie’s
Kampsville Inn. They enjoyed fish, chicken, pork chops and other tasty
meals with a view of the Missouri River to captivate them.
While enjoying their meal a barge came traveling down the river. A
comment was made by one intrigued rider, “We should go down river to
the drawbridge and watch the bridge be raised for the barge.”
“Great idea!” chorused the others.
So with that Dennis and Jackie followed by Eugene, Sam, Ken, Tom, Barb,
Wayne, and Bill traveled downstream to a shady spot along the river.
They sat patiently and waited…and waited…and waited. The ever-busy Bill
could wait no longer, “I must keep my commitment to my church and
family.” “I have enjoyed the day, but must be going home.” With that he
fledged out on his own to travel the great distance back to Belleville.
The others continued to wait for the barge that would come and cause
the drawbridge to rise. They were soon rewarded for their patience and
stood in awe as the bridge raised and a sailboat? floated under the
bridge. It wasn’t what they were waiting for but it did quench their
curiosity. They now knew how the bridge was raised.
“We shall travel on” one said.
Their travels led them down a new trail for some riders as they crossed
the Brussel’s Ferry. (This is the Ferry part of this Dam Ferry Tale.)
Ken and Wayne both admitted to never crossing a ferry on a motorcycle.
We were all excited to accompany them on their maiden voyage across a
Ferry. Wings and Ferries, this story is getting more interesting as the
day goes on.
On with the tale…
They didn’t get far from the ferry when the conversation on the CB led
to the discussion of the immense heat of the afternoon. Again another
suggestion was brought before the group, “Let’s stop at the Melvin
Price Locks and Dam Museum in Alton.” “It’s air conditioned and really
very interesting, “ said Sam.
“Air conditioning!” “That sounds great!” agreed the others.
So it was another unplanned stop on their trip. (The Dam part of this
Dam Ferry Tale.) The museum was not only air-conditioned but it did
prove to be very interesting. When invited to tour the Locks and Dam
the group came to a quick consensus that they would enjoy such a guided
tour. On this tour they were given the added treat of watching a boat
pass through the locks. The entire process lasted just a matter of
minutes. The lock was flooded to the height of the upstream level; the
boat entered and was locked in. The area was then drained until the
depth reached the downstream level. At this time the boat was able to
leave the lock and continue on it’s travels. What a unique experience.
A beautiful trip up the river road, a tasty meal in Kampsville, an awe
inspiring view of watching a drawbridge be raised, a maiden voyage
across a ferry, and a unique experience of seeing a boat float through
the locks, could only be topped with a stop for ice cream. Yes, this
group could once agree that yet one more stop was needed before they
all reached their final destination of home. As they enjoyed each
other’s company over a frozen custard treat at Bobby’s they discussed
how this Dam Ferry Tale began. How did a group of nine bikers intending
to go southeast end up in the great northwest? It will be a legend told
over and over again by this brave group of riders who ventured from the
intended path.