Putting out a feeler: Illinois and Iowa Miataturbo tour
 

A month or so back on a whim I just went on a drive and found what I feel is a great circuit of small towns, open spaces, and nice long curvy roads. (by curvy I mean higher speed curves, If there is interest I will drive it again and look for tighter stuff in places to give a little variety)

What I did was start on Route 20 heading West and I took it to Galena IL. From there I drove to Dubuque Iowa and followed Rt 52 south to Savannah IL and then back home. All told, it took about six hours with only stops for gas.

I'd be willing to lead a trip from the Elgin area and end officially with dinner in Savannah. From there we can caravan back East but it's pretty much a straight shot on Rt. 64 and I would figure most of us would stick together till we get closer to wherever home is.

For Iowa Members, they can start somewhere in Iowa and meet us in Galena to double back to Dubuque...

The last Windy City Miata Club event I went on had 35 cars and to be honest that was a bit much to keep together so I would prefer to open it to forced induction Miatas (or members of Miataturbo) before I open it up to outside groups like WCMC.

If the weather holds (dry, no salt on roads) I'd be in for doing it this year or we can try and do it sometime in the spring.

Any interest? Reply with ideas, comments, and if you would like to attend this year, next spring, or either.

I live in Ohio now but grew up in Eastern Iowa.

The roads you speak of, they are pretty darn good.

So people in the area, check it out if you've never driven these roads. It should be a good tour...

I'll be down for a springtime run.

Spring time fore sure. The place I am working at it in a heap of shit merging with another LTL carrier and I am not sure how much if any vacation time I will have.

I would get in on this.

Last month I did from Davenport all the way up the river to Yellow River State Forest, hiked and camped a night, then blasted back. This took me through Dubuque and Guttenberg on the Iowa side of the Great River Road, and it was pretty damn good.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1382542122

Also, there is a nice loop south of there, between Dubuque and Savanna.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1382542122

***Edit: Avoid spirited driving on these roads during the Whitetail Rut***

Ok, how about this... Start off near Rockford on US20.

Take 20 West to Galena, then to Dubuque. Follow 52 South all the way to Davenport. From there take 88 East (or some other local road) till you get to Dixon IL. From there, follow Rt. 2 up the river to Rockford area. Total miles around 300 and about 5.5 hours without stops for gas, food and bathroom/stretch breaks.

For people who have never done this circuit I think you will be really pleased. I do the Route 2 from Dixon to Rockford trip just to burn gas sometimes and it is a pretty good road.

http://goo.gl/maps/iQWUF

If the weather holds I am thinking about doing a dry run of this route or a similar one this weekend. Anyone interested in coming?

Honestly there is nothing special about the roads South of Savanna (Sabula) on the Iowa side. You'd be better off cutting straight over on 52, then extending the loop North of Dubuque, something like this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...1&d=1383166002

Balltown is a must for a miata cruise :rofl:

I may be interested in tagging along. Depends on if anyone in the family decides to do something this weekend. It also looks like it would be about an hour drive for me to just meet up

My wife has to work all weekend so I am off the hook --- I would rather do this than finish mudding the new sheetrock in my basement. The Sat/Sun weather forecast is looking pretty good...

Which day would you rather go? I imagine that Scrambles would meet us in Dubuque?

Anyone else in? Aric, are you looking to drive, or be a passenger?

I could meet in Dubuque or Savnana/Sabula depending on your route. Sunday would probably be better, but whatever.

Based on Aric's location I figure we try and leave Rt 20 in Marengo IL. I'd prefer to start somewhat early that way we are mostly driving in daylight.

It's about 2:15 straight shot from Marengo to Dubuque with no stops. If we leave early maybe we can have a late breakfast in Dubuque?

From there drive Scrambles' route that ends near Little Maquoketa River - 1:45

Next head down to Savanna, Il - 1:15

Here is a proposed map. We can shop about an hour off the end by skipping the river road from Dixon IL to Byron, but if we can do it I think it's worth the drive. I have done it before and riding along the river through Oregon IL and stuff is really nice.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=M...7,8,9&t=m&z=10




Also, either of you two have CB radios or motorola handhelds? I have both.

Negative.

I will probably meet you guys in Dubuque, do the North Iowa loop, then head Sounth and peel off at Savanna to head home. Did I miss it if we've decided on Saturday or Sunday?

I am thinking Sunday unless I hear otherwise...

I am going to post a new thread about this since it looks like we will at least try with a few cars...

If anyone is near Savanna you must take Ridge Road from Savanna to Elizabeth. Check it out on YouTube. It's a shorter version of Tennessee dragons tail. 17 or so miles of twists, turns and scenic hills.

Ok, it's 2014...

So far we look like we will continue to be unseasonably cold but I am wondering when everyone would like to see this get-together and cruise happen? April, May? Any weekends better or worse than others? Do you prefer Saturdays or Sundays?

I should have my engine back in by April, so I'd be down for a cruise then assuming we've thawed out a bit. I'm pretty much a little bitch when it comes to cold weather, so I'm not very inclined to do much if it's below 40.

Sundays tend to be better for me most weekends.

i agree on Sundays...

Sundays work best for me also. I work on Saturday like a lame ass.