I traveled to the 49 continental states when I retired on a motorcycle by the interstate system. Now I ride the state roads for learning this country that I live in an meeting the folks at restaurants, service stations and motels. Luckily so far not at hospitals or jails.

When checking the atlas for ride ideas I noticed the upper half of Iowa was crossed by two roads. One was US-20 and the other was US-18.

I left this monday to pick up the northern most road US-18 first because by the second day the return would be the shortest distance home from Sioux City which was my first day goal.

I went into Iowa on I-80 and north to Dubuque,Ia. Dubuque is an old city along the Mississippi. The road I took through it is 52 which goes through the old down town. Very interesting old brick building from the 1800's. But stop lights at every block for seemingly endless miles. ETIMS kicked in at all of them.

The reward comes just after leaving town. The road winds through the most senic area in the midwest. It is the massive bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The area reminded me of the Black Hills only deciduous trees instead of conifers.

Many beautiful house along the bluffs with those fantastic views. A couple of overlooks along the way. Guess who forgot to pack the camera.

Once on 18 and more level ground I was passing through a small town but on the right was a long huge factory with hundreds of cars in the lot. Finally a sign at the entry said Snap-On. Never knew they had a factory in Iowa.

The rest of the ride to Sioux City was routine. Many of the farmers were starting to harvest the corn and soy bean crops. I did notice that there must have been recent heavy rains as many areas were covered with silt over the grass and weeds in ditch lines.

Arrived at a Super 8 off US-20 on the out skirts of town. It had what I look for a gas station next to the motel and a restaurant across the street. There was 530 miles on trip A,

Got filled up after checking in and the gas was $1.999/gal. Then a buffet at KFC.

At 7am I pulled onto US-20. The ride was uneventful but it seems that it was continuous road repairs all the way across the state. 3 pm I pulled into my driveway at 3pm and 390 miles.

That concludes my Iowa adventures with 5 roads crossing and three north and south. Also the end of this seasons trips. Will plan next years this winter.

 

Rt. 20 is the longest continuous road in the US. it just south of here so when I was heading to Sturgis last year I took 380 up to 20 instead of 80 across Iowa. Nothing fancy just alot less traffic. I didn't mind it at all though.

 

I always prefer 2 lanes to Interstate. Since riding my motorcycle, I have even started taking more 2 lane with my car too.
To me it's more about the quality of the ride, not just the quantity of miles.

 

You had some scenic riding when you went north of Dubuque.
Every now and then, I "think" I want to take a trip somewhere but after a day of riding in the hills and green countryside, I figure I'll stay close to home.


You could ride the hills in Wisconsin because just about all the roads are hard surface.
No gravel.


Glaciers of years ago missed the NE section of Iowa and left us with great hills and riding.
Just wait when the leaves start to turn. Very pretty.


(I live in Dubuque so I'm familiar with the hills and brick buildings.)
Always funny to bring a Californian to Dubuque. They love the brick buildings as they don't see them in earthquake country.

 

A good road out of Dubuque is the Great River Road (between 52 and the river), very scenic ride.



Then take 52 to Guttenburg and get back on the GRR to Marquette. Pikes Peak Park is a nice stop.

 

I have business in Le Mars IA (basically Sioux City) and I'm taking the bike. I've done Hwy 20 a few times. Pretty dull. How's 18? Is it much slower than 20? Better shape?

 

Hwy 18 is going to be a slower ride time wise.
Heading west out of Prairie du Chien towards Charlies City has the elements
for a cool ride with rolling hills & curves, its been 3-4 yrs since I've been on it
and if it hasn't been worked on, it'll be a good test for your shocks.

And from Clear Lake to Spencer can be a busy road.

 

The Snap on plant is in Algona, home of the Freedom Fest Rally 4th of July weekend. Good times. Right now the northern part of the state has got a lot of rain and flooding is a major issue.

 

Good info - thanks!

 

I tell people all the time how great the riding down in Iowa is. We been east coast to west coast north to south and still think north\east iowa mn\wi is some the best riding this country has to offer, valley,cliffs,river views,twistys that climb out of valleys etc..

IMO...the best trips are the ones where you never see a interstate or highway


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