Ride report: George Miller mansion loop
The final weekend of February was some of the most beautiful we have all year long. Most of the members of Columbia’s American Legion Riders Chapter 202 got together to enjoy the day. Unfortunately, my school and church schedule meant I missed the group ride. However, the 72’F temperatures were too good to pass up. As soon as I finished up all my homework done for the weekend I jumped on my CFMoto 650 Adventura headed out a Fayette/Moberly/Hallsville loop suggested by the team at the Motorcycle Riding in Central Missouri Facebook page. They routinely post suggested routes throughout the area and I have never taken the chance to give one a try.
The route stuck to back roads in Boone, Howard, Randolph, and Audrain counties. I left Columbia and went through Rocheport before stopping for photos at the Fayette courthouse. From there I headed north to Moberly and discovered the abandoned George Miller mansion. It is listed on the Moberly city website as one of the community’s notable properties. It was built in by German native, Robert Miller in the 1880’s, and was patterned after a castle on the Rhine River. It was the first home in the area with electric lights and indoor plumbing. Unfortunately, it is run down now, but must have been spectacular when it was in its prime.
From Moberly it was time head back south to complete the loop and return home before dark. By the time I got to Sturgeon it was time for a break so I had a nutritious supper of chocolate chip cookies and Coca Cola. Please don’t tell my wife. All together, it was 113 miles over about 2.5 hours counting the cookie stop. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.
