Harley's '08s - Between The Lines - First Look

Rockford will also serve as a major hub during Harley's 105th anniversary rides; a good number of the routes go right through town. That's all well and good, say a few locals we spoke with recently, but for epic scenery and a unique destination, they recommend heading west to Galena, near the Mississippi River. U.S. 20 west from Rockford shunts you through Freeport, site of the famous second Lincoln-Douglas debate, and if you continue west to Rte. 73 into the town of Lena, you'll want to reward yourself with the best soft-serve ice cream west of the Rockies at the Lena Drive Inn.

West again, out of Lena, is the historic Stagecoach Trail, one of the most scenic 40 miles of road in the state. The normally flat topography of Illinois morphs into green hills, with farmhouses and barns that look like a scene out of the 1850s. You'll roll through small, sleepy towns with names like Waddams Grove, Apple River and Scales Mound. The winding two-laner, with its tight turns and switchbacks, should be about perfect for a day cruise or even a weekend rumble.

The end of the trail takes you to the top of Main Street in Galena, where 85 percent of the town is on the national Register of Historic Places. Tour President Ulysses S. Grant's abode or browse the quaint Main Street shops.

Another option? Start in Rockford along South Main Street and ride along the ultra-scenic Rock River, down through Byron, on to Oregon and then Dixon. During the fall you can stop in on Byron's annual, uh, Turkey Testicle Festival. Hey, you asked -AC

The Goods
Starting Point: Rockford, IL
Distance: 87 miles
Eats: Lena Drive Inn304 N. Freedom St., Lena, IL 61048
Best Time of Year: Spring to fall
Points of Interest: Home of President Ulysses S. Grant
resources:
www.kegelmotorcycles.com.
www.gorockford.com

SnowBird Alert:
Arizona If you're looking for a warm-weather destination this winter, there's a new option available in Arizona. Sedona-based WildWind Motorcycle Tours has launched a series of escorted programs through the land of towering crimson cliffs, including Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Canyon De Chelly and "secret paradises known only to us," according to WildWind. Tours begin at $100 for a half-day, and custom tours can be specially built to combine with horseback riding, ATV tours, helicopter rides, hikes and other theme activities. Self-ride, off-season and group rates are available, and WildWind can arrange bike rentals, too. Visit www.wildwindmctours.com or call 602-690-2864.

A Mini Buyer's Guide To
Extreme Cold-Weather Gloves

A wise man once said, "If you can't feel your hands, it's too cold to ride." He may have been onto something: Throttle, brake and clutch operation all require acute motor skills, which can go south if your extremities get too cold. Even with heated grips, you still need the appropriate mitts to keep your hands warm and provide protection should the rubber side go up. According to the manufacturers, the gloves assembled here should keep your hands toasty down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (air temperature), though your results will vary.