WEDNESDAY NIGHT & SUMMER TRIP

 Some of our braver Wednesday Night Riders headed out last night in an attempt to dodge what looked like a rain threat coming in from the north.

Here's Mike's report.  Apparently the group was camera shy.  He also makes note of the Summer Trip, and what you need to do if you want to go.

Currently WNR has seven people interested in going on a ride to northern Minnesota.  Participating are Richard and Melody, ChucK and Dee, Bill, Ron, and Miike.  Working on the motels currently.  Please let Bill, Richard, or Mike know ASAP if interested in going. The first night will be halfway to Grand Rapids/Duluth area, with the next 3 nights being at the same Hotel.  The fifth night will be somewhere south of Duluth.  A lot of planning is needed in a short time frame.  Everything is subject to change if we can't get motels in the areas we are thinking about.  

Wednesday Night Riders had a good turnout for the evening ride considering the weather conditions.  Eight units.  On two wheels was Lissa, Dee, Bill, and Mike.  Three wheelers were Mark, ChucK, and Richard and Melody with the Slingshot.  Ron followed up with his support vehicle. The group left Waukon after some discussion on a route. Temp on the bike read 82.  Lissa took charge by heading the group East on Elon. Looking to the North, it was quite dark and you could see rain off in the distance.  We turned South on the Lansing/Harpers road.  The sky ahead of us looked good for favorable riding.  The rear view mirror was quite dark.  We turned on to State Forest Road heading West, going through Yellow River Forest, a scenic tour that's always enjoyable.  Lissa led us South on 76 down to Marquette.  We then jumped onto 18 West going through Giard, Froelich, on into Monona. Sky conditions were starting to look gloomy ahead. The group stopped at Kwik Star in Monona and decided we better start back to Waukon.  A few of us put on rain suits as it looked like we were going to get wet.  We chose to take Volney Road North into Rossville, got back on 76 and headed to Uptown in Waukon.  We met Bob and his son John outside of Uptown.  Bob said it rained a little in Waukon, we were fortunate.  We didn't get any rain for our roughly 60 mile loop! Eight of us stopped at Uptown for eats.  Going home was not quite as dry.

Special thanks to Lissa for leading the group to dry land!

SUMMER TRIP PLANS

Since Bob will no doubt be unavailable to make the Summer Trip scheduled for July 27-Aug.1, Bill, Mike, and Richard are planning a trip to take the place of the scheduled one.  Right now their plan is to travel to northern Minnesota, Grand Rapids/Duluth area and stay at the same motel and branch out from there with a ride each day.

This is an excellent idea, but one thing is very important!  If you would like to make this trip, then it's VERY IMPORTANT that you contact Bill, Mike, or Richard ASAP with your intentions, so that motel reservations can be made.  I would say you should let one of them know BY THE END OF THE WEEK at the latest!

I would have loved to make the trip to the International Peace Gardens this year, but I know the doctors do not me wandering that far from home quite yet, since my pacemaker is being very closely monitored at that time.  Hopefully next year we can make the trip that was planned for this year.

PLEASE LET BILL, MIKE, or RICHARD KNOW ASAP.  They will plan on riding Wednesday night, and will be at the Uptown for eats afterward.  If it's raining and they don't ride, they will still be at Uptown.

MYSTERY NO LONGER

Lois was a great leader on the Mystery RTE on Sunday!  Here's her report along with some photos of the journey.  Chuckles was even able to provide some entertainment with a nail in his tire.  Thank God there wasn't a blowout!

With the bank thermometer reading 78 degrees, on a partly cloudy and muggy Sunday, 16 of us gathered at Casey's for our Mystery RTE. On two wheels were Lois, Chuckles, Bill, Jim & Cathy and Mike & Joan.  On three wheels were Richard & Melodye in the Slingshot, Dave, Wayne, Roger, Don & Karrie and Lee & Jill (newbie). Welcome, Jill!

With Lois in the lead we began our ride heading East on Elon Rd, noticing a good amount of cleanup done since our post-tornado ride. When reaching Lansing-Harpers Rd, we only hopped on for a short ride, before turning on to Lafayette Ridge. When we reached Great River Rd, we enjoyed the cool shade and passed by IC at Wexford, where they celebrated their 175th anniversary last weekend. As we neared Harpers Ferry the twisted mess and missing tops of trees was still very evident. We continued through Harpers Ferry where we went straight through on 364. There was still some activity on the aptly named 'Muddy Mississippi' after this week's deluge. On reaching 76 we cruised on down to Marquette experiencing an unplanned stop at Casey's there. Chuckles picked up a nail in his rear tire which resulted in a flat. Thankfully, it was the rear tire and there were no injuries, except for the tire. He parked the bike in the corner of a lot, for later retrieval. Taking Lois' bike, with her as a passenger, we continued on 18, the 76 detour, to McGregor where we arrived at "The Station". 

There we were greeted by delightful staff and were thrilled to be joined by Bob & Julie and Dennis & Marlene, especially since Bob had suggested this as a mystery destination. We feasted on delicious sandwiches and nice cold drinks. We chose the inside seating, where it seemed a bit cooler and we were sure to have shade.

From there Chuckles hitchhiked home, with the foursome, to get his trailer and return for the bike. The rest of us followed the Great River Rd to Guttenberg, where we headed to Joe's for some ice cream. Great idea, Don!  It was pretty steamy as we crossed the street so we decided to have a seat in their back room to enjoy our sweet treat.  On departure we continued our swoop, next to the river, until we reached Hwy 52. Traffic coming from the North had their windshield wipers going and I debated on just taking 52 for a direct shot for home. I thought the sky looked brighter to the West so stayed with the original plan and hopped on Gunder Road. We encountered a short 'cool down' shower that wasn't too heavy and didn't take too long to pass. We followed Gunder Rd to Grandview then Hwy 13 past Elkader. We turned down through Farmersburg and took Golden Rd back up to 52.  We cruised past Monona and turned up through Luana where we came out by the old school so it was just a short scoot to Forest Mills Rd that we followed to 76 and back home. I noticed Mark gassing up at Casey's when I cruised through downtown. I suppose he had to check out all the 4th of July hot spots since it's his first year back in Waukon. Hope you can join us next time, Mark.

Feeling thankful for the smooth roads, the good food, the great company and getting home safely.  Odometer showed 130 miles as I rolled into the garage.  I'd call this a good day. God Bless America!

Gathering at Casey's; Bill - "Here's the nail"; Arrival and eats at The Station; Parking by the river and enjoying our ice cream stop; Harley is home.

As I mentioned previously, it is very, very doubtful that I will be able to make the Summer Trip this year.  So, if you still want to have one, it would be a good idea to start very soon on the planning by someone who wants to be a leader and plan the trip.  You may want to go to a different location, and save the Peace Garden for next year.  I'm leaving that up to you guys.

MYSTERY RTE ON SUNDAY

In case you were wondering, the Mystery RTE (Ride To Eat) is still on for Sunday.  Lois has volunteered to lead Chuckles and the rest of the crew to a mystery eating establishment.  She'd tell you, but she'd have to kill you!

REMINDER

LEAVING CASEY'S AT 10:30 SUNDAY MORNING 

GREAT RIDE--DODGED A BULLET

The Wednesday Night Riders met at Casey's last night in anticipation of a ride into Wisconsin and then up to Lansing, across the ferry, and over to the Tiki Bar in Lansing for eats.  Because of the pending weather forecast, we had a variety of vehicles making the trip.

Bob & son, John, arrived in Bob's pickup and took Richard & Melodye aboard.  Bikers were Lois, Chuckles, Mike, and Bill, the leader for the night, with Beth Ellen aboard.  Trikers were Dave and Mark.  Jim & Cathy rode in the Bug, while Bernell & Kathy joined us in their red convertible.  Dee took the shortcut and joined us later at the Tiki Bar.

LOIS SEES DAVE ARRIVE IN THE HAZE

MARK SURVEYS THE SITUATION

BILL, BETH ELLEN, AND MIKE JOIN THE GANG

RICHARD & MELODYE ARRIVE SLINGSHOT LESS

CHUCKLES ARRIVES AFTER SOME EQUIPMENT CHANGES

BERNELL & KATHY ARRIVE WITH TOP UP

Bill led us on some roads that I haven't ridden for a long time.  We started out with the caravan headed down HWY 76 into Marquette, across the river into a torn up Prarie du Chien, and onto HWY 35 heading north. Bill led us north on 35 to Picatee Road and then onto Ducharme Ridge Road. These roads are rather narrow paved back roads that are neat to ride and offer up some great scenery.  We followed DRR over to HWY 27 and turned northerly to CR F.  F is another downhill scenic ride back to HWY 35.  We head north again on 35 and after passing through Lynxville, we turn back east onto CR E and back over to HWY 27.  After a short jog on 27, Bill leads us onto Shortcut Road, then Oak Ridge and Hobbs Hollow? and back down to HWY 35.  We pass through Ferryville, pick up HWY 82, and arrived for the ferry ride over to Lansing.  We hit the ferry perfectly timing wise, and we were able to get everyone on at once.

MIKE SAYS HE COULD HAVE BUILT THIS FERRY

MARK POSES WITH THE NEW BRIDGE

THE YELLOW BUG IS ABOARD

WE CRUISE UNDER THE NEW BRIDGE

WE GET A GOOD VIEW OF THE NEW BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

ALL ABOARD!

We soon depart at Lansing with a short jog over to the Tiki Bar and order our food.  Since the Tiki Bar is known for their fabulous ribs on Wednesday nights (by special order only), some of us got to sample these tasty morsels, and they were great!

DEE ARRIVES FOR THE RIBS--JOHN WAS MY CHAUFFEUR

WAITING FOR THE ORDERS

BERNELL & KATHY ENJOY SOME ADULT BEVERAGES

WE EVEN GET TO SIT TOGETHER

AND THE FOOD WAS GREAT

After eats everyone departed their separate ways hoping to avoid any storms.  From what I have gathered this morning, we lucked out.  North and west of Lansing, it was reported that over 7 inches or more of rain fell.  In fact a section of I90 had to be closed due to flooding.  Lois said she had 92 miles on her bike when she got back to Waukon. 

A GREAT RIDE AND GREAT EATS AND THANKS TO BILL (and Beth Ellen) FOR LEADING!

A COUPLE OF UPDATES

On Tuesday I met with Nikki Rink, the activity director at Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah, after she contacted me about the possiblity of giving trike rides to their residsents.  After our discussion, both ours and their expectations and requirements will work out.  But since trying to choose a time to give the rides during an Iowa summer with the heat being a huge factor, we decided it would be best to wait until fall for some cooler weather.  I did not want to disappoint the residents with the possiblity of having to keep cancelling the rides due to heat.  I did indicate that if everything works out well, we could move their next rides to the spring when we give the rest of the rides.  I am not too crazy about the route that we may have to use there, but it may be the only way to avoid traffic and stay in the residential neighborhood.  Man, I thought Waukon had some rough streets!

Just this morning, I was contacted by a resident of the senior living complex in Spillville who wanted to see if we would give their residents trike rides.  These would all be assisted living folks.  I told the contact that I would touch bases with her in the near future to see if they meet our rquirements, and what kind of route would be available.  Again, the soonest we would give rides there would be this fall.  Apparently she read the great write-up our club got in the Decorah newspaper.

ME AND LOOKING FORWARD

Although I am starting to recover better from all the heart issues I had (new valve and a pacemaker), it will still be a little over two weeks before I am able to ride the trike again. So, the distance for the Summer Trip in late July, early August would be contrary to doctors orders.  That means that I will not be able to make that trip and be that far away from home that early after my treatments.  If the club still wants to have a Summer Trip, you will definitely need a new leader and may want to consider going to a different place other than the International Peace Gardens.  I would be willing to HELP plan a trip if someone wants to step forward and be the leader (s), but that should be done soon!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT & BOB UPDATE

Chuckles & Lois sent the following message concerning the ride for this Wednesday night.  It sounds like the destination is going to be the Tiki Bar in Lansing for ribs or other choices.

 This Wednesday evening we will depart Casey's at 5, as usual, and Bill will graciously lead us across the river for a scenic ride in Wisconsin. We hope to board the ferry on the Wisconsin side, at 7, and have something to eat at the Tiki Bar in Lansing, around 7:30, before heading back to Waukon. Items are available from the menu until closing at 9. Wednesday is 'rib night'. If you would like to have ribs, you need to order in advance since they only prepare that many. A day or two in advance is recommended. The half rack of ribs come with baked beans and coleslaw for $21 plus tax. To order a rib meal you need to call (563) 538-4474.

In case of rain we will leave Casey's, by cage, at 5pm. 

Bob had a checkup at Gunderesen this morning.  So far everything looks ok, after the struggle he has been through.  With some changes in medications and exercise, hopefully things will turn for the best. If things do work out well, he should be able to ride again shortly after July 12th.

His son, John, and Bob plan to make the eats at the Tiki Bar on Wednesday.  They will either meet you there around 7:30 or travel with you at 5 if it's raining.  (Rain, rain, go away!)

For those of you who provided rides at Wellington Place, Bob has put all the photos that Chuckles took on a DVD, and will give them to you on Wednesday.  Also you may want to look at the Wellington Place web site on Facebook for more photos.

Remember this guy?

 

TWISTER VIEWS

 Again I was happy to see the Wednesday night rides continue with new leaders.  This last Wednesday, Chuckles was in charge of photos and leadership.  (Pretty easy job, right Chuckles?!) I'm pretty sure Lois did the writeup.

They did a great writeup of their Wednesday night trip, so here it is, along with the photos.

  Following some questionable afternoon showers, 14 riders on 11 units gathered at Casey's on a comfortable summer evening with a plan to inspect the remnants of last week's tornado. On two wheels were Chuckles, Lois, Bill, Jim and Mike. On three wheels were Richard & Melodye in the Slingshot, Wayne, David, Mark, Ron & Helen and Chuck & Dee. Fortunately Dee found a ride so she didn't have to miss out as her bike was getting new tires. Gloria happened to stop by and greeted us before our departure.

With Chuckles in the lead, we departed Casey's and headed out on Elon Drive. As we approached the Elon Store we began sightings of tree and building damage and blue tarps still on roofs. Passing a farm, the building and tree damage was more obvious but thankfully the house was spared. We turned South on Lansing-Harpers road and witnessed a larger amount of tree damage, a roof ripped off and a large area that had been bulldozed clear, perhaps another building or grove of trees, but once again the house appeared, thankfully, untouched. Once we reached Harpers, we turned back North up the Great River Road. The mangled, twisted trees on the East side of the road were a sight to see. 

In Lansing, we had a surprise detour of the detour and cruised next to the river passing rib night at the Tiki Bar, the Marina and Car Ferry parking. With the damage now behind us we enjoyed a cruise up 26 toward New Albin, Turning onto Pool Hill/Hwy 2, we passed Trinity Mfg, Mike's home away from home, and cruised to Eitzen, admiring the cattle and crops along the way. It's easy to see that 'knee-high by the 4th' appears to be an obsolete expression.

Once we passed through Eitzen, we took a quick hop onto 76 then turned on to 27 up to Spring Grove for a break. This was another smooth asphalt with nice curves, hills and scenery. Departing Kwik Trip we took 44 West out of town to Locust Road/Hwy 8, following that to Big Canoe, where Ron & Helen headed for home. We followed Bear Creek then 76, where it was suddenly nothing but brake lights when Chuckles slowed the pace for 2 of the 3 deer to cross the road. We continued back to Waukon where 8 of us enjoyed eats at Uptown and the conversation centered around bike repairs and fireworks!

We showed 105 miles on the odometer when it got parked for the night. We absolutely missed Bob but I gotta say, "Chuckles, ya done good"!

There was some discussion of maybe next week, we could cruise down to Prairie and ride the Wisconsin side, take the Ferry to Lansing and partake of ribs at the Tiki Bar before heading home. They reserve ribs in advance only so would need a head count and maybe want to leave at 4 instead of 5. 

Here are some shots from the evening arrivals and Mike's new rear end!

WHICH REAR END IS NEW?!

GOOD TO SEE GLORIA AGAIN

They also added an addendum....

Sorry, Bob, I should have gotten this in the report. Ugh! Thank you!

Next Wednesday, we will still be okay to leave at 5, since it doesn't get dusky until almost 9. We will shoot to board the Ferry about 7 to hopefully be at the Tiki Bar by 7:30 or so. Bill says you can order off the menu but if you want ribs you need to call a couple of days in advance. The ribs are cooked and reserved just for those who call ahead of time.

To reserve an order of ribs, call the Tiki Bar at 563-538-4474, a couple of days in advance.