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2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I just did this ride last weekend. It is a pretty ride and the Rock River at this time higher than normal. The heavy spring rains have caused it to increase in size. There are some nice twist and turns but heading south you are in the shade a little more. This is not a changing ride. If you are looking for a nice ride along the water this is a good one to pick.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I live in Elgin, IL and this is my favorite ride of all time in IL. From the burbs, you can take Hwy 72 or 64 out/back. Summer of 2011 Hwy 2 was under construction, but it's still worth it for a day trip. Gorgeous wind down the Rock River with a great over-look at Lowden State Park (from the Blackhawk statue). It's even a fun run at night. The only negative is that it's completely flat, no hills. Gentle, winding road, but all flat. Great ride for beginners.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I also did this run in the summer of 2007. We did it opposite however as we started in Dixon and went to Rockford. GREAT RIDE!!! Lots of wooded areas, wide open roads, great sceanery and some good spots to stop and eat. And Tom is correct, the Blackhawks statue is deffinatly something to check out!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

When we would ride though the rock river valley we would always stop at Messies bar and grill the only and best biker bar in oregon. They have great food and great service then we would go see the indian statue.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

This ride was beautiful. Streets were smooth and a little curvy. Lined with trees that over hung the road so it was shady at times and nice and sunny sometimes as well. We'll be making this ride again I'm sure!!

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

The ride is scenic and travels along river for most of the trip. Over the last couple of years the roads have deteriorated a bit so it's not as smooth as it used to be. Some of the best parts of the ride are through Castle Rock State park where the is a few nice twists through the limestone cliffs and a great place to stop and take a walk to the top of one of them and look out over the Rock River. Just a few miles south of that is a small town called Grandetour with a old watering hole to stop and refresh. Also the home of John Deere s first blacksmiths shop.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I really love riding this road through the great little towns along the river. Rte 2 really hugs the river in many places. Wonderful small towns to pass through as well, with good food stope.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I've always loved this ride. The little towns along the Rock are great - Byron, Oregon, Grand Detour, etc. Beautiful ride along the river. Rte 2 really hugs the river.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

One of the best rides in Illinois (we really don't have many!). We ride this road often. The road is well maintained and smooth asphalt. Easy ride, great beginner's scenic ride.

5 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Great Ride! Done in August 2012. I logged on here and my first thought was, I have those SAME pictures!

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I bought my first bike in Dixon IL. It was cold and raining but there was no way in Hel that i was going to throw it in the back of the truck.
About 10 minutes into my first ride ever i saw a view of the Rock river and surrounding scenery that mad me think, "This is why I bought a bike." The rest of the route was packed with beautiful sights and breath taking views.
This is a must see and ideal if you don't have a ton of time.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

As amazing as advertised - nothing but classic Midwest towns, sweeping curves, and great views!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

rode this in summer 2007. Great ride! We unfortunately ran out of time to make to Dixon but did make it to Oregon. Nice quite town. the road is great minimal traffic. The Indian statue is awsome!

6 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Very Scenic route. There's a few motorcycle bars along the route for refreshments.

73 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great scenery and very smooth roads. It is a nice ride.

34 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Very enjoyable ride.

149 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I only did this once and nothing really sticks out about it to me.

10 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I use to ride this route all the time. Great ride if even jumping on it from Oregon and heading North. The overlook near the newly refurbished Blackhawk statue at Lowden state park is breathtaking.

217 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

nice ride but it's no Wolf Creek Pass

30 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Definitely one of the better rides in Northern Illinois. Scenic. Relaxing. I think the riding out by Galena is actually a little more interesting and challenging than this, but this is still a really good ride. I rode this route in 2018 and Hwy. 2 was under construction from Dixon to Oregon. So I only got to ride from Oregon to Rockford along the river. Then turned around and came back down to Oregon on the east side of the river. It was a good ride. Recommend.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

I've rode that to Rockfalls and back a few times. Best in the fall when the season is changing. Breakfast in Byron lunch in rockfalls, and back to Bings on south main for dinner.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

The "Blackhawk" statue was not intended to be of Chief Blackhawk. Larado Taft, the sculptor, said it was a composite of several area tribal groups including the fox and sac; with whom Blackhawk is associated.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Did the Rock River Run in November, was a nice trip, road was good and scenery while a bit bleak this time a year was still nice. Two weeks earlier would have been better before the trees lost there leaves.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Pros:
Route is very pretty green with lots of shade. I was nice and cool even in a perforated leather jacket on an 80 F day. Mostly flat terrain, but nice long sweeping corners around the river banks. One deviation I recommend is if you do this as an "out and back" (I did from Chicago area), then consider going on the east bank between Oregon and Byron (they have a drag strip over there if you are so inclined).

Cons:
Northbound route is definitely rougher road.

Will most likely be doing it again! Well worth the day trip out from Chicago.