Nashville and Paducah to the motorcycle races at Springfield IL

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/c/a/600_356372202.jpeg

A group meets at Shoneys downtown on Saturday for 7:00 kickstands up to Paducah, where we join up with folks who have gone to Paducah Friday where everyone can get gassed up and on the road by 9:30. We will stop every 2 hours for fuel and a short break. It is a 400 mile ride from Nashville with Interstate riding between fun sections. Let's face it, Illinois is not exactly the most exciting back road riding state, so we'll just blast through sections of Highway to get to the fun sections. Ride across the highway 45 bridge (a bridge to remember!) then some nice riding in the Shawnee National Forrest, finally getting back on the Interstate near Marion, IL. Saturday night catch the short track races at the Illinois fairgrounds, then Sunday the mile dirt track race where the average speed is over 100 mph. This is the best racing of ANY kind in the world, IMHO. Highlights are: Pits are open Sunday morning, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph, Susuki and Harley-Davidson's will be racing. 22 year old darling of the dirt track, Shayna Texter will be on a factory Triumph this year, joining Nicole Mees for the female contingent. We'll stay at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Springfield Saturday. After the race we'll go to Benton, IL to eat and spend the night at the Econolodge.

Monday we'll take the ferry across the Ohio River at Cave In Rock, visit the historic cave, then have a nice ride through LBL, Dover and back via the twisties around Charlotte TN. Those who like ot camp can camp at the Springfield Fairgrounds. I'd guess there are a few thousand motorcyclists camping. With about 5-10 thousand motorcycles attending the races. You can purchase a parade lap around the track from Illinois ABATE, if you wish. I am open to suggestions and changes to the weekend. My desire is to ride to the races and have fun.