Wednesday Night Riders: NEW RECORD SET

On a near-perfect Wednesday night, a WNR record for number of riders was set. We had 20 individuals on 11 bikes, 3 trikes, and a convertible. The previous record was 16, set 2 summers ago. With Bob Z, Howard, Carl, Wayne M, David, Lois, Nancy, Greg, Jim S, Jim & Cathy, and Bob R on bikes; Meryle & Mary, Wayne & Sandy, and Dayton & Joan on trikes; and Dale & Mike in the support convertible we struck out for Gays Mills under partly cloudy skies and 78 degrees. We took HWY 9 (a highway every Iowan should be proud of!) to Lansing where we crossed the bridge and headed south on HWY 35. Nearing Ferryville, we picked up CR B and headed east, CR B is a curvy and scenic road that took us through Rising Sun and Towerville and on into Gays Mills where we took a break. When one of the clerks in the store asked about the number of bikes, I asked her, " If this was Sturgis?"

After some refreshments, including a half gallon of chocolate milk, we headed south on HWY 131 where we went through Bell Center and Petersburg and picked up CR S heading west. CR S is also a curvy scenic drive that follows Halls Branch Creek to HWY 27 south and into Seneca. Following 27, we picked up CR F and headed west again to HWY 35. CR S is one of the most scenic 7 miles in southwest Wisconsin. Turning south on 35 we took CR K through the outskirts of Prairie du Chien and onto HWY 18 and across the bridge into Marquette. In Marquette we picked up HWY 76 north (another highway Iowans should be proud to have!) Having enough of 76 we turned onto CR X32 and proceeded through Waterville and on to the Elon Road. Turning west we proceeded into Waukon and our usual stop at Gus & Tony's where Bugsy was waiting for us. It's amazing that we can put on about 120 miles and the worst stretches of road we traveled were the two state highways leading into town!

WARNING
The county has decided that Lycurgus Road need to have some of that tar spray and gravel put on the bumps to make the bumps up instead of down. However, in their infinite wisdom, they left a whole lot of loose gravel on the roadway making it very dangerous for anyone on a motorcycle. There is no warning and for some reason they refuse to put up "Loose Gravel" signs. It seems to me with all the liability concerns they seem to have with 4 wheelers on the county roads, this loose gravel is just an accident and a law suit waiting to happen. So avoid the Lycurgus Road for a while until the gravel either washes or blows off the road!

HAPPY TRAILS
Jim & Cathy are headed for Sturgis tomorrow to join the million other bikers there for the 75th Anniversary. Be careful, and you don't have to worry because you can't eat the pasties there!

I RIDE
Next Saturday, August 15th is the Good Sam I Ride. Registration is at Good Sam at 8 AM with the "Blessing of the Bikes" at 8:45 and the ride starting at 9. Wednesday Night Riders have always been supportive of this important fundraiser, so let's all try to be there. Besides you get a breakfast and a lunch included. Since we all know how we like to eat, that should make the journey worthwhile in itself!

Here's some shots of the record crowd from Wednesday night.