HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

To all of the Wednesday Night Riders and friends, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

I got this photo from Jim & Cathy who are in the process of venturing through Texas.

Along with the comment, "I guess I'd better ride!"

I'm sure we are all feeling real sorry for them!

In other news, I heard through the grapevine that a new Harley trike will be joining our Wednesday night fleet.

DRAG-A-LEG REPORT
The new knee is coming along a lot slower than I would like.  I think it was more torn up than the right knee, so there is more scar tissue present.  I go to LaCrosse on the 4th of January and we will see then if they have to do some manipulation.
Depending on the knee our plans include us leaving Iowa sometime in the middle of January and heading to Denver to spend some time with the kids.  From there, and depending on the weather, I plan to head south into Texas where we hope to do some riding in the Hill Country and see the Pacific War Museum in Fredricksburg.  After that we will head east to the condo in Panama City Beach for February and do some riding with our friends there.  After that we will head northeast to South Carolina and visit Julie's sister near Darlington.  Then from Charlotte we will fly into San Juan for our Gold Wing cruise on March 10.  After the seven day cruise we will journey back to Iowa hopefully to some warm spring weather.  Right now I plan to have the annual PMS meeting at Rossville on March 28th.  So you may want to keep that date in mind.
I will try to keep you posted on our journeys, but again, in the meantime, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

DRAG-A-LEG WEATHER & REPORT--MY MOM

While the drag-a-leg weather this fall hasn't been as good as last year, I am still getting reports from some WNR who are continuing to get rides in on some of the warm days.  Apparently Lois has ventured out, and Jim & Cathy said they took a trip up north near Brownsville to see if the swans were down yet.  By the way, on my way back from LaCrosse last Monday I was treated to a spectacular view of the swans just south of Stoddard.  So if you get a chance either by cage or cycle, the white swans are really neat to see.  Hopefully they will be around for a while yet.  Also, on Friday, Dennis, Chuckles, and I ventured over to Oelwein for Dean's open house.  While Chuckles dove into the free refreshments, Dennis and I looked around at bikes, trikes, 4 wheelers, and goodies.  Since the parts were on sale, I did pick up some oil filters, coolant, and polish for the bike and trike this spring.

DRAG-A-LEG REPORT
On Monday I ventured up to Gundersen for my 6 week X-rays and exam on my knee.  Everything was fine on the X-rays, but the bending of the knee needs some work, so I am going to start physical therapy here at the hospital on Wednesday.  My doctor said to try PT for a month, and if I still can't bend it the way I want, I can come back up to Gundersen, and they will bend it for me.  OUCH!  Apparently it's not as bad as it sounds.  The doctor said it would only hurt for a week.  By the way, I am able to drive the pick-up now, so getting around is a lot easier.  

MY MOM
As many of you know by now, my mom passed away Thursday morning at the nursing home in Manchester at the age of 96.  She had been having severe dementia for the last couple of months, so I would consider her peaceful passing as a blessing.  I want to thank all of you who sent cards and memorials or called with condolences.  Our family especially wants to thank Dennis & Marlene for coming to the funeral and Dennis, Jens, Chuck, and Lois for coming to the visitation.  Any memorials that were not specified are going to be given to Mom's church for some much needed nursery changes.  Mom was one who actually started the nursery care there at Community Congregational, so we thought it would be appropriate for her memorials to go there.
It's been a rather rough year for me with losing my brother in September and Mom in November.  I also lost a couple of good buddies I ran around with in high school, and with two knee replacements, I really appreciate the support I received from you guys.

Now it's time to start planning the Rotach winter get away.  Right now, depending on my knee, I am planning on getting out of Iowa near the middle of January and heading for Colorado to see the kids, and then venture south to Texas and ride Big Bend National Park and the Twisted Sisters.  I am also planning on stopping at the Pacific War Museum in Fredricksburg, TX.  Then onto the condo in Panama City Beach for February.  More on that when I know for sure on the knee.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and wishing joyous holidays to all of you and your families.

NEW WNR?! DRAG-A-LEG REPORT

On a trip to LaCrosse just before Halloween, this guy was spotted just as we crossed the bridge and  turned north onto HWY 35.  If anyone can dodge pumpkins like this guy, I'm sure he could ride along with us on Wednesday nights!

HE CAN RIDE AHEAD OF CHUCKLES!

DRAG-A-LEG
When we visited my surgeon, he said the leg looked good and the swelling had gone down.  So now I am able to walk around outside with a cane, and inside the house on my own.  The knee still isn't very flexible and getting in and out of the Durango is a strain, but hopefully through the walking and some exercises at home, it will improve.  Again thanks to all of you who have called, sent cards, or stopped over.  I'm sorry (like hell) that I couldn't provide you with the same great weather you had while I was recovering with the right knee last fall.

LAST WEDNESDAY FOR 2017--WNR FOR CYCLONES!

It looks like last Wednesday may be the last Wednesday night ride for the 2017 riding season.  Here's a report from Lois on that ride, and also WNR in a celebration in Ames.

Well we were able to get in one last Wednesday night ride even though the departing temp was 52 degrees and the returning temp was 48.  Lois on the bike and Darrel on the trike left Casey's for a tour down Forest Mills RD to Luana.  We hopped on 52 for a bit to the  Monona turn off.  We then took Volney RD back through Rossville and 76 back to Waukon where Chuck met us at Gus & Tony's for a bite to eat.  The fields were busy with the harvest going on.  We could smell the corn, but the fields and most of the trees have turned to brown.  We were able to find a few good flashes of color down through the Volney bottoms, and the deer left us alone.

We were able to get 40 miles on before the sun set on the 2017 WNR season.  I told Darrel that if Bob would have been able to ride, he would have been there!

OUR DEDICATED RIDER FROM DECORAH

ANY SIGNS OF A FUR LINED BRA?!

WHAT A GREAT SHOT!!

ANOTHER GREAT SHOT!!

"Helmets off" to Lois and Darrel for their dedication to WNR!!

CYCLONE PRIDE
On Saturday the Iowa State Cyclones upset the number 4 rated college football team (TCU) at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames 14-7.  The reports I received said this feat couldn't have been accomplished without the support of WNR!

DR. DAVID & SUZANNE

SWEET CAROLINE!!


DRAG-A-LEG REPORT
The swelling and soreness in my lower leg continues to hinder my progress.  I am scheduled to visit the surgeon on Monday, so hopefully we can figure something out.

STILL HAVE SOME RIDERS--DRAG-A-LEG 2

As I had hoped a few of you are taking advantage of the good weather while I'm still laid up with my knee.

LOIS REPORTS--A THURSDAY NIGHT RIDER
Since I was on duty this past Sunday, I had the afternoon off, so what better way to spend it than on the bike?  I headed down Forest Mills RD the took Yellow River DR past the Gelo ranch where it looked like Jim & Cathy were busy in the bean field.  The trees were absolutely gorgeous!  I then took 51 to Postville then 18 to Gunder RD all the way to Elkader.  I took 13 north a bit and then 128 through Clayton Center then 52 into Garnavillo.  From there I jumped on Clayton RD until Great River RD which took me down through McGregor & Marquette and 76 back home.  Probably should have gone for an even 100 but I was hungry!  Thanks Drag-A-Leg!  Trying to fill your riding boots, but wish you were here!

LOIS REPORTS ON THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDE
Wow!  Perfect evening for a middle of October ride.  Thanks, Drag-A-Leg!  Lois on the bike & Darrel on the trike headed out Elon and up Lansing/Harpers RD to Lansing where we turned on to Great River Road and took that to Harpers Ferry.  Heading up to Lansing/Harpers RD we got a big old wave as we met Carl on his bike, who found I out later had cruised that direction to visit an old friend.

We turned on to State Forest RD for a leisurely swoop through Yellow River Forest and took 76 back to Gus & Tony's for a bite to eat.  We were able to put on about 60 miles and were treated to some spectacular scenery & fortunately no deer on the road, but a pretty good dust storm where they were combining beans.

Darrel said that last Wednesday he was the only one at Casey's at 5:30, so he took Bear Creek DR and crossed over Locust RD for a cruise through the Bluffton area and back home again.  I guess we'll just keep playing it a week at a time.


DRAG-A-LEG UPDATE
Thanks to all who sent cards and called with well-wishes!  I have a (hopefully minor) setback in my recovery from the knee surgery.  The knee itself seems solid, but the area on the leg below it is swollen and very sore.  This is preventing me from taking physical therapy as I had hoped.  Until the doctors figure out the cause, I'll just be lying around with my leg stuck in the air and juggling ice packs.  In the meantime, I hope all of you get a chance to get out and see the leaves yet this fall.  I noticed how pretty they were getting on our trip back from LaCrosse, but I know they would look better from the seat of a bike, trike, or convertible than from a cage!

DRAG-A-LEG REPORT

Since I didn't get any reports of any riding last Wednesday, I am assuming that no one rode while my left knee was getting carved up, so I will give you an update on my drag-a-leg status.
According to my surgeon, the knee replacement was a success.  [What else are they going to tell you!]  He did say, however, that the knee was a mess.  He couldn't believe I was still walking on it.  Lots of arthritis, spurs, and loose particles, so even though I don't need to wear a knee stabilizer like last time, he said the recovery may take longer and be more painful. I guess time will tell.  Hopefully for you guys my extended recovery will mean more good riding weather like it did last year!  I know the PT people at the hospital can't wait to get their hands on me.
In the meantime I'll try to keep you posted on my progress.  Right now I'm at home under Julie's care, and like last time more people are feeling sorry for her than me!  I also have my electric recliner [Morris] and my walker [Orville] to help me out again.

'

LUCKY SEVEN ENJOY BONUS RUN

On a bright sunny and somewhat windy Sunday, seven WNR enjoyed our Bonus 2017 Ride.  Four bikes with Jim & Cathy, Howard, Lois, and Chuckles aboard and one trike with Bob & Julie departed Casey's at noon for a pleasant ride through northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota.  Heading north on HWY 76 we turned west onto Bear Creek Drive and over to Locust Road.  We turned north again on Locust for a short jog onto CR W40 and through Hesper and Mabel onto HWY 44 west.  We followed 44 and 52 to Canton and CR 21 north through Henrytown.  We turned east off Cr 21 onto CR 12 and then north again on CR 23.  23 took us through Highland and Bratsburg and onto HWY 43 south.  Following 43 for a short distance we turned east again onto CR 10.  CR 10 becomes CR 13 which I call the "mountain run" because it takes us down a steep hill with a couple of switchback turns and on into Houston.  The "mountain run" offers some spectacular views of the Houston valley below.  We stopped at the Houston BP for a break and visit with other bikers enjoying the great fall day.

GOIN' BACK TO HOUSTON

READY TO DEPART HOUSTON

After our break we took HWY 76 south for a short distance and turned west onto CR 4.  CR 4 took us through the Yucatan valley and Black Hammer and back to HWY 44 just outside of Spring Grove.  We followed 44 into Caledonia for our second stop at the DQ there where we visited with more bikers.

ENJOYING THE DQ

After the DQ we went back through Caledonia and found CR 14 east back down to the Mississippi River and onto HWY 26 south.  We followed 26 through New Albin and then turned back east on Iowa River Drive and then onto Lycurgus Road to HWY 9 west.  9 took us back into Waukon for a pleasant 130 mile trip that will be Bob R's last for the year.  With Bob's knee surgery approaching on Wednesday and if his recovery is like last year, WNR should have a lot of extended fall riding.

5 UNDER FULL MOON--DRAG-A-LEG--BONUS RUN

On a beautiful early fall evening, five of us gathered at Casey's for our Wednesday night ride.  Irv joined us again on his Harley trike with Darrel also on his trike.  Lois, Howard, and Bob R rode two-wheelers.

LOIS WELCOMES IRV FOR THE RIDE

LOIS IS THE "ROSE" AMONG THORNS

With temps in the mid 60's we departed Casey's under sunny skies and took the Old Stage Road into Decorah.  In Decorah we picked up HWY 9 west and then turned onto HWY 52 south just outside of town.  52 took us through Calmar, Ossian, and into Castalia.  Just outside of Castalia, we took Centennial Road back north to HWY 9 again.  We headed east on 9 where we were treated to a great view of a full moon rising!  We turned north again onto West Ridge Road and then east gain when we reached the Old Stage Road.  From there we coasted on into Gus & Tony's by the light of the full moon.

BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON

I had just over 72 miles on the Wing when I got home.

DRAG-A-LEG AGAIN

The ride Wednesday will be Bob R's last Wednesday night ride until next spring.  He will be undergoing knee replacement on his other knee next Wednesday, the 11th.  So you will need a new leader(s) to finish out the Wednesday night rides this year.  Look on the bright side.  The last time he had his knee replaced you had the best fall weather in the last 50 years while he was recovering!  So he is expecting you to be able to do a lot more riding yet this fall.  He will try to keep you posted on his progress after the operation.

BONUS RUN

We set next Sunday as a time for a bonus run depending on the weather.  If it is a nice day, I plan to ride from Casey's at noon that day.  I don't know where I'll be headed, but one stop for sure will be the DQ in Caledonia.  If anyone wants to join me, I'll see you at Casey's at noon on Sunday.  Everyone is welcome.

FOURTEEN CHASING CHICKENS

On Sunday we had 14 show up for our "Run, Chicken, Run" Run to Rockton on Sunday.  Jim & Cathy, Chuckles, Lois, and Wayne M were on bikes.  While Wayne F, Meryle & Mary, Dayton & Joan, and Bob & Julie boarded trikes.  Dale and Mike followed in the support convertible.

MARY SPORTING THE NEW WINTER DOO RAG

THIS RIDES BETTER THAN OUR COMBINE!

WE WOULDN'T LET MERYLE HELP THIS CUTIE FILL HER CAR WITH GAS

MY COAT'S BETTER THAN YOURS

We took off under 59 degree temps and a pretty stiff breeze from the southeast and headed out on the Elon Road to the Lansing/Harpers Road and down into Lansing.  After crossing the bridge into Wisconsin and picking up Chuckles & Lois, we headed south on 35 and then east on CR B.  We followed B to HWY 27 and heading north we then turned on to CR J east again.  J ran into CR M and we stayed on M to HWY 14 near Readstown where we stopped for a break at the BP there.

WAYNE BLEW THE "COBBS" OUT OF HIS BIKE

WE MAKE "MAD" DASHES FOR THE RESTROOMS

JIM SHARES HIS BLUEBERRY DONUT HOLES

JOAN TELLS ABOUT HER TRIP TO THE CHIROPRACTOR

In Readstown we got onto HWY131 for a short ways and turned onto CR I heading east again.  At the intersection if I and CR A, we took A north to HWY 82 and then onto CR V.  At the intersection of V and CR P, we took P west over to HWY 131 and south into Rockton.  As soon as we turned onto 131, we could smell the chicken being barbecued.

COOKING UP THE CLUCKERS!

And after a short wait in line, we dove into the "nearly world famous" barbecued chickens.

LOIS LOOKS LIKE SHE GOT CAUGHT STEALING SOME OF CHUCKLES' FOOD!

After our fill of chicken, we headed back down on 131 south back to Readstown where we took HWY 61 south to 171 west and into Sunrise Orchards.  There we sampled their delicious apple donuts, cider, and slushes.  Also Jim & Cathy loaded up on apples, and Wayne F filled his trunk with donuts for Sandy.  If the donuts weren't enough, we made a stop at the convenience store in Ferryville for ice cream.  One scoop was enough!  We then journeyed back across the bridge into Iowa and back to Waukon.  I had about 188 miles on the trike when we got home.  It turned out to be a beautiful fall day, but really no color in the leaves yet.

"REFRESHING" FIRST WEDNESDAY FALL RIDE--CHICKEN RUN

Seven riders on three bikes and three trikes made up our crew for the first Wednesday night ride of the fall.  Meeting at Casey's on bikes were Howard, David, and Bob R.  Sporting trikes were Dayton & Joan and Darrel.  We were also joined by Irv on a Harley trike.  WELCOME!

IRV JOINS US ON A HARLEY TRIKE

THE OTHER HARLEY TRIKE

DARREL ON THE THIRD TRIKE

Since the days are getting shorter, our 100+ mile evenings are a thing of the past.  Now it's a challenge to find a route that will give us a good ride and get us back before dark.  This Wednesday we headed south on 76 (another highway Iowa should be proud to have!).  We then turned on the Waterville road and followed it to the Elon road.  We then turned east and followed the Elon road, Lansing/Harpers road, and Lafayette Ridge road down to the Great River road and followed it north into Lansing.  In Lansing we took HWY 26 north to New Albin and onto Pool Hill road heading to Eitzen and fighting the bright sun.  In Eitzen we picked up 76 heading south to CR A26 (Iowa River Drive).  Iowa River Drive took us to Lycugus Road and then onto HWY 9.  We turned south on 9 and on into Waukon and Gus & Tony's where their hot soup was the hit on the menu.  I had 85 miles on the Wing when I got home.  The temps varied from 65 to 55, so it was a "refreshing" ride for all of us!

"RUN, CHICKEN, RUN" RUN IS THIS SUNDAY

We will be departing Casey's at 10 AM Sunday morning for a scenic your through southwest Wisconsin and on to Rockton for their "nearly world famous" barbecue chicken.  If you want to go along and want chicken you will need reservations.  Bob R will call them in if you let him know by Friday, otherwise you can call the Rockton Bar (608-625-4395) yourself and make reservations.  Tell them you're with the Waukon Wednesday night group.  Right now I have reservations for Bob & Julie, Dale (2) and Dayton & Joan.  If it's cold on Sunday morning, there is a good chance that a car will be making the trip also.  On the way back we plan to stop at the orchards near Gays Mills for apples and donuts. Everyone is welcome!  This is our last "special" ride of the season.

A DOZEN TO CAMP COURAGEOUS--CHICKEN RUN

An even dozen WNR attended the Camp Courageous pancake breakfast fundraiser this Sunday.  We started out at Casey's with seven.  Gary was on his Harley; Meryle & Mary and Bob & Julie on GW trikes, and Dennis & Marlene bringing the support convertible.

NICE DOO RAG!

BILLY B SEES US OFF

GASSING UP THE SUPPORT VEHICLE

IS GARY TELLING A FISH STORY?!

We departed Casey's at 9:15 with unusually warm early fall temperatures and passed through Monona where we picked up Carl & Joyce on their trike now making nine of us on the trip.  Since we had limited time to get there, we took the more direct route down HWY 52 through Garnavillo and into Guttenberg, where we stopped for a brief break at Casey's.

GARY VISITS WITH A GUY WHO HAS A BIKE LIKE HIS

WE ADDED CARL & JOYCE TO THE GROUP

CHUCKLING AT CARL

We continued on HWY 52 out of Guttenberg and through Millville and Luxemberg where we took HWY 136 south through Holy Cross, Dyersville, and Worthington.  Just outside of Cascade we took HWY 151 south to Monticello and onto HWY 38 south to 190th St. and on into Camp Courageous for the pancakes.

THEY SAVED US OUR PARKING SPOTS

GOOD GRUB!

Just before closing, we were joined by Jim, Cathy, and Dale who just rolled in from Springfield, Illinois.  That made 12 of us in attendance.

WE PICK UP SOME "STRAGGLERS"!

After polishing off the pancakes and sausage, Mary, Marlene, Joyce, and Julie ventured over to the new building to eye the quilt sale while Meryle and Carl went to check out the new horse.  We all then gathered at the new building and started to make our way back.  Dale said he wanted to go back on his own to get some gum out of his teeth!  The rest of us took HWY's 38 and 151 back to just outside of Cascade where we took CR Y17 into Epworth where we gassed up.  Passing through Epworth we took a series of smooth and scenic county roads back to HWY 52 and on to Eichman's near Sherrill for a break.  

READY TO DEPART EICHMAN'S

We then continued our scenic journey up through Sherrill, Balltown, North Buena Vista, and into Guttenberg for ice cream at Joe's.

EAT AT JOE'S

READY FOR ICE CREAM ON A WARM DAY

SOME SHADE BY THE RIVERSIDE

IS MERYLE GOING BACK FOR MORE ICE CREAM?!

After ice cream at Joe's, we continued through Guttenberg and then took the river road all the way into McGregor.  Just outside of McGregor we took HWY 18 west to Luana and then Forest Mills Road past the Gelo ranch and on into Waukon.  I had 242 miles on the trike.  GOOD ROADS, GOOD FOOD, GOOD SCENERY, GOOD COMPANY, GOOD CAUSE!!

"RUN CHICKEN RUN" RUN
It's hard to believe, but it's time again next Sunday for our last special ride of the season--THE CHICKEN RUN TO ROCKTON.  We will depart Casey's at 10 AM next Sunday and head to Rockton for their "nearly world-famous" barbecue chicken.  Everyone is welcome on this ride, but if you want chicken, you need to have a reservation.  If you are going along and want the chicken, let Bob R know by Friday, or if you want to reserve on your own, you can call 608-625-4395 and tell them you are with the Waukon Wedneday Night group.