HUNGRY AGAIN?!!

Apparently stuffing our faces at Gunder on Wednesday night was not enough to satisfy enough Wednesday Night Riders, so 18 of them showed up for our Mystery RTE (Ride To Eat) at Casey's on Saturday afternoon.  I'm thinking it was just a beautiful day for a ride, and nobody really wanted anything to eat (LOL).

The large group of two-wheelers consisted of Jim & Cathy, Lee, Bill & Beth Ellen, Mike & Joan, Dee, Chuckles, and Lois.  Three-wheelers were Terry, Wayne, ChucK, Dave, Roger, Richard & Melodye, and Bob.

EARLY ARRIVALS

THE GANG GROWS

HERE'S DAVE

ChucK & DEE JOIN THE GANG

HERE'S CHUCKLES & LOIS

THE SLING SHOT ARRIVES

QUITE A BUNCH

LEE DEMONSTRATES THE PROPER GRIP

MIKE DOESN'T BELIEVE IT

JIM LOOKS DOUBTFUL

ROGER ARRIVES

 With Bob being the only one who knew where the mystery ride was going, we departed Casey's with clear skies and the temp right at 80, a perfect day for a ride.

NOW, IF BOB CAN JUST FIND THE STARTER BUTTON!

As we had such a large group, it was important for the leader to pause at certain points to make sure everyone was still with us.  Our first turn was off HWY 76 and down CR X16 (Forest Mills Road).  We cruised past the Gelo territory and on into Luana and then onto HWY 18 heading east.  After passing by Monona, we turned onto CR X28 (Golden Avenue & Fawn Hollow Road) and cruised through Farmersburg and into St. Olaf.  (Some thought we were going to stop at the St. Olaf Tavern--WRONG!)

We turned back east in St. Olaf and followed CR B65 (200th St.) over to HWY 13.  We followed 13 for a short distance south and then turned back east on HWY 128 and sailed through Clayton Center over to HWY 52. Turning southward on 52, we passed through Garnavillo and then jumped onto CR X47 (Kale Avenue).  The scenery really began to pick up as we made our way over to CR C7X (Garber Road) (Some thought we were going to stop at the Stockyard in Osterdock--WRONG).

We meandered down Garber Road until we were back on HWY 52 just outside of Guttenberg.  We motored on into Guttenberg (Some though we were going to stop at Joe's for pizza--WRONG AGAIN!)  At the edge of Guttengerg, we picked up CR X56 (Great River Road) and up the hill we went until we reached 228th St and turned toward Clayton.  We turned onto Front St. in Clayton, and there in front of us was our mystery destination, Clayton Lighthouse.

On such a beautiful day, this small river town was packed, so parking became quite a challenge. But as soon as everyone was parked, we entered the very busy establishment.  However, even as busy as they were, we were quickly seated with a view of the river, and before too long our drinks and food orders were placed.

GUESS WHO ORDERED COFFEE?

FRONT WINDOW SEATING

THE THIRD TABLE

PLENTY OF DRINKS

THE LOOK OF SATISFACTION?

Considering the crowd, the service was as good as could be expected, and there were no verbal complaints about the food.  Mine was delicious, and I had to take some home in a box.

After we departed the Lighthouse, we headed back up the hill and back onto the Great River Road and followed it on past Pikes Peak Park and into a very busy McGregor.  We passed along the river and into Marquette where we picked up HWY 76 and continued past Effigy Mounds where Bob had to dodge a meandering raccoon.  When we reached the top of the hill, we were treated to a spectacular sunset!  A beautiful ending to a great day of riding, friendship, and good food.  I ended up with 105 miles on the Wing.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday night may be a trip over to Mt. Hope, and next Sunday is another RTE (Ride To Eat) for our annual Kickapoo Corners Hot Beef Sandwhich Run.  One thing about being a Wednesday Night Rider, you are not going to starve to death!

HUNGER FOR GUNDER

We had a whopping 17 riders on 12 units show up at Casey's this Wednesday.  Must have been the promise of a food stop at Gunder, usually something we try to do each year when Uptown closes for a week.

Mike & Joan, Lois, Chuckles, Bill, and Jim & Cathy made up the two-wheeled gang.  Arriving on three wheels were Bernell & Kathy, Terry, Mark, Ron & Helen, Richard & Melodye, Dave, and Bob.

THE EARLY ARRIVALS

THAT'S A HARLEY, MARK.  DON'T TOUCH!

FRESH BACK FROM THE SUMMER TRIP

CAN HE EAT WITH A HELMET ON?!

DAVE ARRIVES. WE'LL BE 
HEADING BACK HIS WAY

BILL--JUST IN CASE WE GO OFF ROAD!

WONDERING IF WE'RE GOING TO STOP FOR COFFEE

The sun peeked out for a while, but the rain hads stopped, so we departed Casey's with temps in the mid 70's.  Bob felt well enough to lead this excursion, so we took his "shortcut" to Gunder.

Our journey began heading west on HWY 9.  When we reached CR W60 (Old Stage Road or West Ridge Road), we turned south.  Whatever this road is called, the county's use of chip seal had made it even rougher!  It was a relief when we finally reached Yellow River Drive and took a much smoother jog west over to HWY 51.

Following 51, we cruised through Postville (I could still smell burnt chickens) and took HWY 18 west passing through Clermont.  Just east of West Union, we turned onto CR B64 (Golden Road) and made a "golden" ride into Elgin.  We passed through Elgin on B64 and continued a scenic ride up the hill to the metropolis of Gunder and our stop at the "nearly world famous" Gunder Roadhouse. 

We were able to find various parking spots in Gunder.

SOME CHOSE THE CEMETERY

SOME CHOSE THE OLD CREAMERY

SOME CHOSE THE CORN FIELD

AND MOST SAID IT WAS TIME TO EAT!

The staff at Gunder Roadhouse was very accomodating, considering the large gang we had.  They found us seating easily, and the food and service were great!  There was a variety of food served to us, but no one dared to tackle the one pound famous Gunder Burger.  The last person I know who polished off one of those was Carl Thornton.

A WELL FED GROUP

MUST HAVE MADE BILL DROUSY

ANOTHER BUNCH OF SATISFIED EATERS

After vamoosing from Gunder Roadhouse, Ron & Helen and Bernell & Kathy took a "direct" route back home.  Dave stayed in his home territory, while the rest of the pack took the remainder of Gunder Road back up to HWY 18.  This portion of the Gunder Road was famous for the frost heavings making for a rough ride, but apparently the county ground them down, and it made it a little smoother.

Once we reached HWY 18, we breezed into Postville again, this time from the other side, and then turned onto Cherry Valley Drive.  We took this scenic stretch of concrete over to Forest Mills Road and turned north.  Jim & Cathy dropped off at their plantation as we passed by, and the rest of us continued on to HWY 76.  Once there we took the short jog into Waukon to end a good ride with great company and exceptional food.  I'm guessing we racked up about 80 miles for those of us returning to Waukon.

UPCOMING EVENT

This Saturday, August 8th, is another of our "mystery" (I'd tell 'ya, but I'd have to kill 'ya) rides.  The plan is to leave Casey's at 4 that afternoon and find a spot for some supper eats, and get back before dark.  Hopefully Bob will feel well enough to lead again.

HOW ABOUT THIS GUY!!  WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!!

MORE HOSPITAL NEWS--WEDNESDAY NIGHT

As many of you may now know, Dennis Blocker, one of our Wednesday Night Riders group, and a friend to many of us, is currently in the hospital at Gundersen in LaCrosse.

He had some foot surgery scheduled for Friday, and while he was in the operating room at Gundersen, he coded.  He was given CPR and suffered some cracked ribs.  He is recovering, and is currently out of ICU.  Hopefully he will be able to return home soon.

Our well-wishes and prayers go out to Dennis and his family as he recovers!

Also, as many of you know, Uptown Grill is closed this week.  So the plan for Wednesday night will to make our annual stop at Gunder for our eats.  We will still leave Casey's at 5, take a round-a-bout way to Gunder before they close at 8, and return home from there. 

OLD LEADER, NEW VEHICLE

With all the previous leaders gone, Bob rose from his "death bed" to lead the ride this Wednesday night.  He still has to ride a few miles again on his trike to feel comfortable with it, so accompanied by Jerel, Julie's brother, he led the pack with his pick up.

Arriving on the scene at Casey's were Uncle Wayne & Karrie, Roger, Mark, Dave, and Terry, all on 3 wheels.  The only two wheeler was Lee, and the only 4 wheeler held Jerel and Bob.

UNCLE WAYNE, KARRIE, AND ROGER

MARK, LEE, AND TERRY

DAVE ARRIVES FROM SMOKEY POSTVILLE

The destination was to be a romp through Yellow River Forest and then up for a Pikes Peak look.  We started out going east on the Elon Road and then turned south on the Lansing/Harpers Road.  After about 9 miles, we made the turn into the Yellow River Forest.  As we weaved our way along the pavement, the shade in the forest felt pretty good on a mid 80 degree day.  As you ride through the forest, particularly on a two wheeler, you must always be aware of the possiblity of gravel being on the pavement.  There was only one spot where this occured, so slowing down made it safe to proceed.

After meanering through the forest, we arrived at HWY 76 and turned our noses south passing by Effigy Mounds and spotting a young deer near the edge of the highway.  When we arrived in Marquette, we were pleasantly surprised to see the road between Marquette and McGregor was open, so we cruised along the bluffs and into McGregor.  McGregor depends alot on tourist trade, and by the looks of things as we passed along Main Street, the tourists were here.

After passing through McGregor, we turned at St. Mary's Church and onto CR X56 (Great River Road).  Passing by the former winter resting grounds for the Barnam and Bailey Circus, we arrived at the turn into Pikes Peak State Park and rolled into the parking lot.

PLENTY OF ROOM FOR PARKING

ROGER FOUND ANOTHER CAN AM BUDDY

We all took the short hike over to the observation deck after some used the rest rooms for relief.  As in previous trips up here, the view was fantastic!

THE GANG ON THE OBSERVATION DECK

CO-PILOT, JEREL, TAKING IN THE BEAUTY

After departing Pikes Peak, the plan was to continue on the Great River Road and arrive in Garnavillo for some refreshments.  However, that plan was foiled.  When we reached the turn to head into Garny, the signs said "Road Closed" and the workers there had their hands up.  So back we went, past Pikes Peak again and on into McGregor.  Taking HWY 76 (hasn't been repaired in decades) out of town, we nearly dusted some turkeys who decided to cross in front of us.

At the end of bumpy 76, we arrived at HWY 18 and made our way back west and into Monona for a refreshment break at the Casey's there.  After a short break, we followed CR X26 (Falcon Avenue/Volney Road) north on into rosey Rossville.  There we turned onto HWY 76 and cruised on into Waukon, while Lee and Roger headed for Decorah.  Six of us had eats at Uptown.  I did not keep track of the miles, but it was probably close to 100.

Right now I have no restrictions on my activities.  It's whatever I feel comfortable doing, but since it's been quite some time since I straddled the trike, I need to spend some time becoming familiar again and see how long I can go.  

Thanks again to everyone who has expressed concern and offered prayers for Julie and my recovery.

NORTH TO YUCATAN

Thanks to Lois for the following report on the Wednesday night ride and also to those who led the ride.  Here's her report plus some photos of the event.

Lois, Ride Reporter Pro tem

We had a wonderful turnout this evening, with 20 riders and 15 units participating on a very comfortable Wednesday night.

Our two-wheel riders included Bill, Chuckles, Lois, Dee, Mike & Joan, Jim & Kathy, and Lee & Jill. The three-wheel group consisted of Wayne, Dave M., Ron, Mark, Terry, ChucK, Richard & Melodye in the Slingshot, and Bernell & Kathy in the convertible.

As others have led recent rides and several members are currently organizing the upcoming summer trip, I volunteered to lead tonight's excursion. We departed from Casey's under partly cloudy skies and proceeded up Hwy 76 until turning onto Dorchester Dr which had been newly blacktopped. We followed this up to Spring Grove and went West on Hwy 44 to Hwy 4. We cruised through Blackhammer and what a surprise, about half way through, that this road had just been blacktopped, as well. It was a real treat to ride this smooth black road with sweeping curves. We didn't need no stinking lines here either but they did have reflectors down the center. It didn't matter much for us but sure would be a help for any night driving. When we got to the end of Hwy 4 we drove a short stretch up Hwy 76 and turned onto Hwy 16 just East of Houston to our break destination of Kwik Trip in Hokah. Who would have thought a week ago that tonight it would feel good to put the liner in my jacket.

Leaving Hokah we cruised Hwy 44 past Caledonia then took Hwy 76 South passing Dorchester and Bear Creek where Ron cut across to get back to Decorah. We turned on to Iowa River Drive and then Lycurgus Rd to Hwy 9 then back to Waukon where some stopped for eats at Uptown.  

As we were cruising up Lycurgus Rd, I was starting to put the ride report together in my head, thinking about how beautifully green everything is for this time in July, how there was lots of hay down and alot that had already been made and how this week it felt good to ride in the sun compared to last week we sought shade. Then also thinking about the wildlife sightings of a couple of rabbits and minimal roadkill except for one big old racoon. I thought it was pretty good to have only seen one deer until suddenly I spotted 2 more just off in the ditch. Driving a short distance farther 2 ran out in front of me and as I was squeezing the brakes one slipped and fell and scrambled back to it's feet to get out of the way. Chuckles said he saw 2 run out ahead of ChucK but it appeared he had spotted them in plenty of time and was ready for their high speed crossing. Others noticed more off in the fields and standing on gravel roads.

Rolling into the garage, I had 113 miles on the odomoter from tonight's outing and felt grateful to have had another safe and enjoyable ride.

Bob, we miss you and it's easy to sense from our conversations that both you and Julie are held in our prayers. Here's a few pics that Jim got for us.

CASEY'S

CASEY'S

CASEY'S

CASEY'S

CONVERTIBLE

ENGINEERING

HOKAH

INSPECTION

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO SENT CARDS AND WELL-WISHES TO JULIE AND ME.  HOPEFULLY WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY AND WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN YOU SOON.

SAFE TRAVELS TO THE GANG GOING ON THE SUMMER TRIP NEXT WEEK!