The weather witch decided to dump on us again on a Wednesday. I haven't kept track, but I think this year is going to set a record for Wednesday night rides that had to be canceled.
LOOSE GRAVEL
I did get in about a 200 mile ride on Tuesday afternoon, which may have turned out to be the only nice day this week. As I was returning home on the two-wheeler, I decided to take the Great River Road (Wexford Road). Sure enough the county had just chip sealed a section of the pavement, but guess what? There they were--"Loose Gravel" signs! I was able to slow way down and make it through the area without mishap. Today I placed a call to the county engineer's office. Brian wasn't in, but I gave a message to his receptionist to pass on to him. "Tell Brian 'thanks' for putting up the loose gravel signs. Motorcyclists really appreciate it. Keep up the good work!" She seemed stunned that anyone would call their office and thank them for something! If you get a chance, it might also help our cause to call the engineer's office and express your thanks also.
RIDE CHANGES
As mentioned in the last post, we are changing the ride on July 8th to July 9th at 10 AM from Casey's. We will be traveling up to Bucknuckles that day instead of Bub's, since we didn't make it up to Bucknuckles last Sunday. Spread the word!
Also, right now I am changing the Couples' Trip on Sept. 16 & 17 from Lake Geneva to Stevens Point. I couldn't get the arrangements I wanted anywhere near Lake Geneva that time of year. We may get to tour another brewery or winery, visit a sculpture park, and take a look at the Wisconsin Korean War Veterans' Memorial in Plover. Should be a good trip!
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017
NO BUCKNUCKLES BUT DAVE'S PIZZA
When the promised 65 degree and sunny weather didn't show up, and it was only 55 degrees, windy and cloudy, our gathered group at Casey's on Sunday morning decided not to make the journey to Bucknuckles and head over to Dave's Pizza in Viroqua instead. Jim & Cathy had just been to Bucknuckles recently and even though we were all looking forward to trying camel burgers, Dennis & Marlene and the granddaughters (Lilly & Helena) in the support convertible and Bob & Julie on the trike decided that Dave's would be a better choice today.
We started out heading toward Lansing on the "super slab" HWY 9 aka Terry E Branstad Memorial Highway and crossed the bridge onto HWY 35 north. We turned east onto HWY 82 in DeSoto and the onto CR N at West Prairie. There were apparently some washouts at various places on N, but each time we were warned with "LOOSE GRAVEL" signs. (Maybe Allamakee County can borrow some of these from our friends in Wisconsin.) CR N took us over to HWY 56 heading east past the three exits to Bud and on into Viroqua where we were able to park right across the street from Dave's. Before we could cross the busy street, however, we had to wait for a large group of cruisers to pass by.
After a thorough sampling of the buffet at Dave's, Dennis & Marlene headed for Holmen to return the granddaughters while Bob & Julie led Jim & Cathy on CR J, M, and C back to HWY 35 and across the Lansing bridge again. Jim & Cathy stopped in Lansing to pick up a birthday gift for Jim's sister Dawn, while Bob & Julie continued on T. E. B. Memorial Highway into Waukon to top off the pizza with ice cream at WW Dairy. Aside from a few sprinkles, we did stay dry, but it certainly could have been warmer and less windy!
CHANGE OF RIDES
Since we did not get a chance to get to Bucknuckles on Sunday as planned, we will now change the ride on July 8th to Sunday, the 9th at 10 AM from Casey's and go to Bucknuckles instead of Bub's as printed on your ride sheet. Hopefully it will be summer by then!! Also there is no Good-Sam I Ride on July 15th.
See you Wednesday night!
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| JIM & CATHY GASSING UP |
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| LILLY & HELENA---ONE BASHFUL; ONE NOT |
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| ACROSS FROM DAVE'S |
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| CAN"T CROSS THE STREET YET |
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| WAITING FOR THE "CRUISERS" TO PASS |
CHANGE OF RIDES
Since we did not get a chance to get to Bucknuckles on Sunday as planned, we will now change the ride on July 8th to Sunday, the 9th at 10 AM from Casey's and go to Bucknuckles instead of Bub's as printed on your ride sheet. Hopefully it will be summer by then!! Also there is no Good-Sam I Ride on July 15th.
See you Wednesday night!
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
ONLY FOUR!!--BUCKNUCKLES--NEW DRAG-A-LEG
In spite of a near perfect first day of summer, we had only four show up for our weekly Wednesday night ride. Bob R led on his Wing followed by Larry on his Virago while Dale & JoAnn followed in the support convertible. With sun and 74 degrees we departed Casey's at 5:30 heading north on HWY 76. We passed through Eitzen and onto CR 17 west to Spring Grove where we were greeted to Homecoming! Passing through Spring Grove on HWY 44 we headed west to Mabel where we took HWY 43 north. We stayed on 43 north and then took CR 12 west over to CR 23 heading south. I had planned on turning west on CR 18 and over to Canton, but they had chip sealed 18 and "Loose Gravel" signs were posted. (See, folks, some county highway people DO CARE for motorcycle safety!!!) So we continued on 23 down to CR 24 and back to HWY 43 south. We took 43 back into Mabel for a break at the BP station.
After leaving the BP we took CR W40 through Hesper and over to Locust Road. After a short jog south on Locust we took Bear Creek Drive east back over to HWY 76 and then 76 south back into Waukon and Gus & Tony's where Dale treated since Jim & Cathy were gone. I had 105 miles on the Wing at G&T's. It was finally really nice to be riding in comfortable temperatures with very little wind.
BUCKNUCKLES IS SUNDAY
Our second RTE is this Sunday on a ride to Bucknuckes Bar & Grill in the booming metropolis of Praag, Wisconsin. If you have never been to Bucknuckles, you are in for a treat! Burgers including buffalo, camel, and alligator are their specialties. Other foods are also available along with fries and onion rings. The route over and back is very scenic as we cross the river at Winona. Probably 100 miles over (with a stop on the way) and about 120 on the way back (with a stop). WE WILL BE LEAVING CASEY'S AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY MORNING.
DR. DAVID HAS HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
About a week ago David Hahn had hip replacement surgery, so we have a new DRAG-A-LEG for a while. When I called him today, he said everything went fine even though he tried to sneak a deer tick into the operating room! He has been up moving around with a walker and seems to have pain under control, so we wish him well and I would expect to see him riding again before the summer is up.
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| TWO BIKES AND A CONVERTIBLE IN MABEL |
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| OUR SUNNY BLUE SKIES |
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| LARRY SAYS "THIS IS HOW MUCH I MISS JIM!" |
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| DALE & JOANN RESTING AT THE BP |
BUCKNUCKLES IS SUNDAY
Our second RTE is this Sunday on a ride to Bucknuckes Bar & Grill in the booming metropolis of Praag, Wisconsin. If you have never been to Bucknuckles, you are in for a treat! Burgers including buffalo, camel, and alligator are their specialties. Other foods are also available along with fries and onion rings. The route over and back is very scenic as we cross the river at Winona. Probably 100 miles over (with a stop on the way) and about 120 on the way back (with a stop). WE WILL BE LEAVING CASEY'S AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY MORNING.
DR. DAVID HAS HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
About a week ago David Hahn had hip replacement surgery, so we have a new DRAG-A-LEG for a while. When I called him today, he said everything went fine even though he tried to sneak a deer tick into the operating room! He has been up moving around with a walker and seems to have pain under control, so we wish him well and I would expect to see him riding again before the summer is up.
Saturday, June 17, 2017
NEW LEADER ON WEDNESDAY
Since Bob R and Dennis were up north fishing, a new leader was needed for the Wednesday night ride. Here's the report and some photos from Chuckles.
"After a rainy afternoon we were blessed with blue skies and sunshine as Jim & Cathy (in the lead), Lars, Gary & Chuck on bikes; Wayne & Sandy and Dayton & Joan on bikes and Bugsy & Helen in the convertible headed north on 9 to Lycurgus and up to New Albin. Due to a detour in the city, we got to ride on some dirt and gravel. We then went North on 26, then 14 to Caledonia, North on 76 then HWY 10 west to HWY 4 North to Houston. From there we took 76 North to 26 at Money Creek for a stop in Rushford. We took 43 to Mabel, East on 44 to Locust then Bear Creek down to 76 and back to Gus & Tony's for food and stories. It was a great ride with 130 miles of good road. We always miss you, Bob. Hope you're slaying them in Boulder Junction."
Bob is always amazed how you are "lucky" enough to find gravel to ride on when he is gone!
FISHING REPORT FROM BOULDER JUNCTION
Dennis & Bob caught and released close to 150 bass during their two and one half days of fishing.
"After a rainy afternoon we were blessed with blue skies and sunshine as Jim & Cathy (in the lead), Lars, Gary & Chuck on bikes; Wayne & Sandy and Dayton & Joan on bikes and Bugsy & Helen in the convertible headed north on 9 to Lycurgus and up to New Albin. Due to a detour in the city, we got to ride on some dirt and gravel. We then went North on 26, then 14 to Caledonia, North on 76 then HWY 10 west to HWY 4 North to Houston. From there we took 76 North to 26 at Money Creek for a stop in Rushford. We took 43 to Mabel, East on 44 to Locust then Bear Creek down to 76 and back to Gus & Tony's for food and stories. It was a great ride with 130 miles of good road. We always miss you, Bob. Hope you're slaying them in Boulder Junction."
Bob is always amazed how you are "lucky" enough to find gravel to ride on when he is gone!
FISHING REPORT FROM BOULDER JUNCTION
Dennis & Bob caught and released close to 150 bass during their two and one half days of fishing.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
A COUPLE OF WINDY RIDES
Does Mother Nature ever breathe IN??!!
The last couple of rides for WNR have been breezy to say the least!
Our first RTE was Saturday where 20 of us were present at the Bagley Hotel for ribs and other assorted goodies. Starting from Casey's on our Naked Rib Run were 16 of us. Darrel and Roger on three wheelers over from Decorah. Bob & Julie, Wayne & Sandy, and Dayton & Joann were also aboard three wheelers. Meryle & Mary were in a van while Dennis & Marlene and Dale & Dave were in support vehicles. Jim & Cathy were the only ones on a two wheeler. We picked up Carl & Joyce on their trike in Monona on the way, and Chuckles & Lois joined us on their two wheelers at Bagley.
After departing Casey's we passed through Luana, Monona, Giard, Froelich, and finally getting some relief from the wind descending into Marquette. We crossed the Mississippi bridge and on through PDC. We then proceeded through Wyalusing and on into Bagley.
Full of food we departed Bagley and passed through Brodtville, PDC, Monona, Rossville, and back into Waukon. A good time was had by all!
HOSPICE RIDE
Mother Nature didn't give us much break from the wind on Sunday either. However we had a good showing of WNR to help support the ride for the Winneshiek Medical Hospice. Besides Nancy who helped organize the event and Chuckles and Lois who helped out also, we had Wayne & Sandy, Dennis & Marlene, Dayton & Joann, and Bob & Julie participate in the ride. After serving us a fantastic breakfast, we headed out for about a 115 mile run with some great northeast Iowa scenery. The wind kept getting stronger throughout the afternoon, but we all made it back to Spillville for some more eats and door prizes. It sounds like the proceeds from this year's ride and sponsors topped the previous years and all for a good cause.
Here's a couple of photos of the group from Chuckles and Bob's cameras.
The last couple of rides for WNR have been breezy to say the least!
Our first RTE was Saturday where 20 of us were present at the Bagley Hotel for ribs and other assorted goodies. Starting from Casey's on our Naked Rib Run were 16 of us. Darrel and Roger on three wheelers over from Decorah. Bob & Julie, Wayne & Sandy, and Dayton & Joann were also aboard three wheelers. Meryle & Mary were in a van while Dennis & Marlene and Dale & Dave were in support vehicles. Jim & Cathy were the only ones on a two wheeler. We picked up Carl & Joyce on their trike in Monona on the way, and Chuckles & Lois joined us on their two wheelers at Bagley.
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| WELCOME TO ROGER ON HIS CAN AM |
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| WAYNE GETTING PLENTY OF HELP GASSING UP |
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| THE GANG ARRIVES AT THE BAGLEY HOTEL |
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| DO I HAVE TO STRIP TO GET NAKED RIBS?! |
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| CHOW TIME! |
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| GETTING READY TO HEAD FOR HOME WITH FULL BELLIES |
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| THAT'S A REAL HEAD-SCRATCHER, CHUCKLES! |
HOSPICE RIDE
Mother Nature didn't give us much break from the wind on Sunday either. However we had a good showing of WNR to help support the ride for the Winneshiek Medical Hospice. Besides Nancy who helped organize the event and Chuckles and Lois who helped out also, we had Wayne & Sandy, Dennis & Marlene, Dayton & Joann, and Bob & Julie participate in the ride. After serving us a fantastic breakfast, we headed out for about a 115 mile run with some great northeast Iowa scenery. The wind kept getting stronger throughout the afternoon, but we all made it back to Spillville for some more eats and door prizes. It sounds like the proceeds from this year's ride and sponsors topped the previous years and all for a good cause.
Here's a couple of photos of the group from Chuckles and Bob's cameras.
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| THE FIRST STOP AT THE CHROME FARM |
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| THE CHROME FARM BOSSES |
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| LOIS TAKING A BREAK |
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| WHICH ONE IS CHUCKLES?! |
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| TWO HARD WORKERS "COOLING OFF". |
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
ALL ROADS LEAD TO STEUBEN--RIB RUN--HOSPICE RUN--JIM RETIREMENT
Our finest Wednesday night so far found lucky number 13 WNR gathered at Casey's for a ride to Steuben. With Bob Z, Howard, Gary, Larry, Jim & Cathy and Bob R on two-wheelers, Meryle & Mary and Wayne & Sandy on trikes, and Dale & JoAnn in the support vehicle.
On our journey to Steuben we traveled through Rossville, Monona, Froelich, Giard, Marquette, Prarie du Chein, and Eastman. When we arrived in Steuben, we ventured into Jo's Country Bar for refreshments.
After leaving Steuben we took CR E to HWY 27 and on through Seneca where they are advertising a strawberry supper served with roast beef on the side! Mount Sterling came next where we turned west on HWY 171 and arrived at HWY 35 just outside of Ferryville. On through Ferryville and Lansing and then into Waukon and Gus & Tony's where we joined by Stephanie (Jim & Cathy's daughter ) and her son (Jim & Cathy's grandson). Bugsy also showed up. I had about 115 miles on the Wing pulling into G&T's.
NAKED RIB RUN
Our first RTE ride is Saturday to the Bagley Hotel for "naked" rib night. If you don't want the "all you can eat" ribs, other items are on the menu. But if you do want ribs, we need to let them know how many are coming. Bob R will be calling in reservations on Friday morning. Right now I have Dennis & Marlene, Wayne & Sandy, Jim & Cathy, and Meryle & Mary going. If you want to ride along and want ribs, then you need to let Bob R (563-568-7277) know by Friday morning. We will be leaving Casey's at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. We will be back before dark with bellies full of ribs or other good food!
JIM S RETIREMENT PARTY
HOSPICE RIDE
This Sunday is the Winneshiek Medical Hospice Ride starting at the Inwood in Spillville with a breakfast and then a ride coming back to Spillville for an afternoon lunch. I plan on leaving Casey's at 9:30 that morning and riding over to Spillville, so anyone wishing ride along is certainly welcome! Nancy helps organize this ride, so let's show our usual WNR support!
YOU WILL NEED A NEW LEADER NEXT WEDNESDAY, AS DENNIS AND BOB R WILL BE UP IN BOULDER JUNCTION, WISCONSIN, HAMMERING SMALL MOUTH BASS.
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| IT'S FINALLY WARM ENOUGH FOR WAYNE & SANDY |
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| JoAnn's FIRST WEDNESDAY--IN SUPPORT VEHICLE |
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| WE EVEN DRAW 'EM IN FROM FLORIDA!! |
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| GAS IS SURE CHEAPER IN IOWA THAN IN FLORIDA!! |
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| GARY TRADES A MOWER FOR A BIKE!! |
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| THE "LUCKY" THIRTEEN |
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| OUR GROUP ARRIVES IN STEUBEN DOUBLING THE POPULATION |
NAKED RIB RUN
Our first RTE ride is Saturday to the Bagley Hotel for "naked" rib night. If you don't want the "all you can eat" ribs, other items are on the menu. But if you do want ribs, we need to let them know how many are coming. Bob R will be calling in reservations on Friday morning. Right now I have Dennis & Marlene, Wayne & Sandy, Jim & Cathy, and Meryle & Mary going. If you want to ride along and want ribs, then you need to let Bob R (563-568-7277) know by Friday morning. We will be leaving Casey's at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. We will be back before dark with bellies full of ribs or other good food!
JIM S RETIREMENT PARTY
HOSPICE RIDE
This Sunday is the Winneshiek Medical Hospice Ride starting at the Inwood in Spillville with a breakfast and then a ride coming back to Spillville for an afternoon lunch. I plan on leaving Casey's at 9:30 that morning and riding over to Spillville, so anyone wishing ride along is certainly welcome! Nancy helps organize this ride, so let's show our usual WNR support!
YOU WILL NEED A NEW LEADER NEXT WEDNESDAY, AS DENNIS AND BOB R WILL BE UP IN BOULDER JUNCTION, WISCONSIN, HAMMERING SMALL MOUTH BASS.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
SEVEN RIDE TO YUCATAN
While it was one of our longer rides on Wednesday night this year, this Yucatan is actually a spot in the road on CR 4 in Houston County, Minnesota.
Seven of us did gather at Casey's Wednesday night. Darrel brought his trike over from Decorah to join Jim & Cathy, Howard, Larry, and Bob R on their bikes, and Dale drove the support vehicle.
We departed Casey's at 5:30 with a temp. of 70 and a rather stiff breeze out of the west. (Does Mother Nature ever breathe in?!)
Heading up HWY 76 north through Hanover and the turned west past Dorchester and Bee and on into Spring Grove. Just west of Spring Grove we turned onto CR 4 (I call it the Yucatan Highway) CR 4 takes us through Black Hammer and Yucatan and over to HWY 76 again. We take 76 into Houston (not Texas) for a break.
After the stop in Houston we continued our journey towards Hokah with a side trip onto CR 25 and CR 21 and back to HWY 16. In Hokah we turned onto CR 18 and down the hill on into Brownsville.
At Brownsville we picked up HWY 26 heading south along the river through Reno and New Albin. Outside of New Albin we turned onto Iowa River Drive and then took Lycurgus Road over to HWY 9 (the Terry E Branstad Memorial Highway) and into Waukon and Gus & Tony's where we were joined by Bugsy. It was rather windy at times, but still a very pleasant ride. I had about 115 miles on the Wing at the end.
UPCOMING RIDES
A week from Saturday, June 10th, is out second RTE. We plan to ride to the Bagley Hotel and feast on their all-you-can-eat naked ribs. We will depart from Casey's at 4:30 that afternoon. Let Bob R know by next Wednesday if you plan on coming. They like to have reservations so they can prepare the ribs.
Then on the next day, June 11th, Sunday, is the Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice Ride starting from the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville from 9AM to 11AM. I'm looking to leave from Casey's at 9:30 AM that morning, if anyone else would like to join in. Since our Nancy H is one of the organizers of this worthwhile event, WNR as been very supportive in years past, so let's make sure 2017 is no exception.
Seven of us did gather at Casey's Wednesday night. Darrel brought his trike over from Decorah to join Jim & Cathy, Howard, Larry, and Bob R on their bikes, and Dale drove the support vehicle.
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| THE GELOS AND IN-LAW |
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| DARREL ARRIVES |
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| DARREL SEES THE GELOS BUT DECIDES TO GO ALONG ANYWAY! |
Heading up HWY 76 north through Hanover and the turned west past Dorchester and Bee and on into Spring Grove. Just west of Spring Grove we turned onto CR 4 (I call it the Yucatan Highway) CR 4 takes us through Black Hammer and Yucatan and over to HWY 76 again. We take 76 into Houston (not Texas) for a break.
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| OUR TABLE IS RESERVED AT THE BP IN HOUSTON |
After the stop in Houston we continued our journey towards Hokah with a side trip onto CR 25 and CR 21 and back to HWY 16. In Hokah we turned onto CR 18 and down the hill on into Brownsville.
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| A HOMEOWNER IN BROWNSVILLE HAS AN INNOVATIVE WAY OF CONTROLLING THE RAINFALL!! |
UPCOMING RIDES
A week from Saturday, June 10th, is out second RTE. We plan to ride to the Bagley Hotel and feast on their all-you-can-eat naked ribs. We will depart from Casey's at 4:30 that afternoon. Let Bob R know by next Wednesday if you plan on coming. They like to have reservations so they can prepare the ribs.
Then on the next day, June 11th, Sunday, is the Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice Ride starting from the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville from 9AM to 11AM. I'm looking to leave from Casey's at 9:30 AM that morning, if anyone else would like to join in. Since our Nancy H is one of the organizers of this worthwhile event, WNR as been very supportive in years past, so let's make sure 2017 is no exception.
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