Ride report: Oktoberfest in Hermann
American Legion Riders Chapter 202 began the month with a ride to Oktoberfest in Hermann. Hermann is a community settled almost entirely by German immigrants that sits on the banks of the Missouri River. Besides having lots of historic architecture, it is also the home of some great restaurants and wineries. Every fall the local residents celebrate their heritage with Oktoberfest celebrations all month long.
It was still somewhat chilly as we gathered on the east side of Columbia. Once everyone layered up, we set out on the back roads, trying to take in as much scenery as possible. The roads were smooth, traffic was light, and a good time was had by all. Lunch was at Wingz-A-Blazin, an aviation themed brewpub right downtown. It’s not every day that I get to talk airplanes and motorcycles at the same time. Riders and pilots have a lot in common. Both love to tell stories, even if those stories are occasionally somewhat embellished.
The weather had started to warm up by the time we finished lunch so we wandered over to the ice cream parlor for desert, dodging several locals in lederhosen along the way. Once everyone had gotten their sugar rush we loaded back up on our bikes and headed out of town to the west by another set of gorgeous and windy roads. We passed through Jefferson City before making our way north to Ashland for the final stop of the day. We had snacks and beverages at Woody’s Pub and Grub before Lily and I broke off to get gas while the rest of the group headed back to Columbia.
After several hours on the pavement, Lily and I added to our experience with some gravel backroads. We rode out of Ashland and made our way north along the Missouri River. The roads were quiet, the leaves were starting to change, and several people were out fishing. Most importantly, Lily was still smiling at the end of the day. Not a bad way to ring in the month of October.
Huge thanks to Sandi for organizing today’s ride and to Paul for keeping us all together and pointed in the same direction!
