SR-94 continues east past the towering Sioux Power Plant in Machens and into West Alton, where I stopped to pay my respects to a friend buried in the local cemetery. From here one of my route options would be to head north on U. S. 67, cross into Illinois at Alton to visit the local motorcycle bar, Fast Eddie’ s Bon Air, and then head northwest along the scenic Mississippi River Road.
Instead, I turned south on U. S. 67 to I-270, then back east to take I-170 south past the Boeing plant. I reconnected with I-70 and battled traffic eastward to downtown St. Louis, where SR-100 starts just south of the ever-stunning Gateway Arch.
I started in the morning and rode the route clockwise because timing is critical to minimize traffic. SR-100 partially follows Route 66 with urban driving for 30 miles through“ the woods”( Maplewood, Brentwood, and Wildwood), the Grove, and other fun places to visit for eating and drinking. I stopped at Gus’ s World Famous Fried Chicken for a great meal and eventually made it past SR-109 on the western edge of the metropolis, where I finally got to stretch my motorcycle’ s legs again at highway speeds.
I had seen the rearing stallion statue many times but had never stopped at Stovall’ s Grove Rockhorse Saloon, so I made sure to get a picture this time. Then I continued on to Grey’ s Summit and crossed over I-44. Nearby are other great roads such as Wild Horse Creek
Left: Route 66 runs right through the heart of St. Louis. Top Right: The Longshot Saloon sits on stilts to stay dry during floods. Bottom Right: The 240-mile Katy bicycle trail starts near this building in Machens.
and Secondary State Route T, but today I stayed on SR-100 as I was committed to riding every mile.
SR-94 from St. Charles to“ Jeff City” is one of the best motorcycle roads in the state, bettered only by SR-19 between Salem and Eminence. Riding eastward past the vineyards and local wineries of Augusta and into Defiance is the road that made me fall in love with Missouri riding when I moved here over 20 years ago.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / NOVEMBER 2026 / 47