Overall Route Rating
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3.8 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.8
16 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2009

Rider Reviews

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Guest
February 13, 2010
Nice scenic ride through the countryside with…
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JP Riley
10 McR Points
May 2, 2021
Some of the best riding IL has to offer.…
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Written Directions

In Galena, from the Main St/Rt 20 intersection, head east on Rt. 20. As you cross the river, and head up the hill, Blackjack Rd will be a right turn. From Savanna, go north on Rt. 84 (Great River Rd.) Go through the town of Hanover, and Blackjack Road will turn off to the left. .

Scenery

Rural road that twists and undulates for almost 15 miles. A couple of great views of the Mississippi River if you're headed south. Update contributed by Freebird3767: This route takes you through dozens and dozens of twisties and sweepers along the best that northern Illinois has to offer. Many scenic views of the Misssissippi River Valley, many pulloffs for pictures. The elevation is roughly 1000 ft.and you'll be travelling up and down 500-600' constantly. Summer is great, but fall colors in northern Illinois are amazing. A very fun ride but not for the newbies.

Drive Enjoyment

Lots of hills and turns. Very enjoyable ride, even on a trike. Offers the closet thing to "The Dragon" that Illinois offers. Update contributed by Freebird3767: Roads are all good asphalt and well maintained. Lots of blind twisties so watch for deer.

Tourism Opportunities

Nothing commercial on the road itself. Galena is a unique historical town with museums, shopping, vineyards, and a great shopping area. Savanna has Mississippi Palisades State Park, offering incredible views of the river, as well as small town shopping and restaurants. Check out Poopy's, which is a bar/restaurant/biker gear/tattoo parlor all rolled into one location. 1030 Viaduct Rd. Savanna. Update contributed by Freebird3767: The Ironhorse Saloon in Savanna is a great place to meet for a beer. Historic Galena has many restaurants and pubs and was home to General Grant. Mississippi Palisades State Park has many observation decks for pictures also.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
February 13, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Nice scenic ride through the countryside with occasional views of the Mississippi River. Lots of hills and curves. Most of the road is not lined.Nice shortcut to Galena.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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JP Riley
May 2, 2021
10 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Some of the best riding IL has to offer. Definately not for newbies.
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0 riders found this road review useful
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Vito
July 26, 2019
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
When traveling Northwest from Savanna, going through Hanover, watch for sign to Ski Area (on your left). This is where you pick up Blackjack Road. Road quality is fair to good. Watch for aggressive drivers/riders coming from opposite direction on the twisty road. Great ride!
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