As I promised, I would inform you when KCRG was going to put the interview with the Foursome on TV. It was on the Thursday night sports at 6 and 10. If you missed it or want to see the expanded version of the story, go to KCRG.com and click on Sports. There is also a link there to watch the documentary itself.
Now that he has been featured in a statewide newspaper and television broadcast, the price for your "fearless" leader's autograph will cost you more money!! (LOL)
Friday, July 24, 2020
Thursday, July 23, 2020
LUCK 13 TO STEUBEN
After all the heat the past couple of weeks, the temps in the mid 70's actually felt a little cool to the thirteen Wednesday Night Riders assembled at Casey's Wednesday night.
Bernell & Kathy on their Spyder, Chuck & Dee on their Harley, Ron on his Harley, Irv on his Harley, and Wayne on the DFT made up the three wheeled contingent. Howard on a Harley, Larry on a Yamaha, Al on an Indian, and Bob on a Wing formed the two wheeler brigade. Dale and Greg supplied the "support" convertible.
We set out to see for ourselves if all roads do lead to Steuben under partly cloudy skies. Taking HWY 76 south and turning south on Forest Mills Road, we buzzed by the Gelo estate and on into Luana. Passing the Luana Bank, we got on HWY 18 east and went through Monona, Froelich, Giard, and Marquette on our way into Prarie du Chien. We really lucked out on the stop light at the bridge by hitting it turning green just as we approached. With everyone safely through the light, we turned into the edge of PDC on Main and then onto CR K along the Mississippi. We followed K to Limery Road and then turned east again. Crossing HWY 35 we continued on Limery up the hill past the orchard and onto HWY 27 heading north. We stayed on 27 through Eastman and then took HWY 179 down the hill into the Kickapoo Valley and sure enough, the roads did lead us to Steuben. Actually, the route on 179 from Eastman to Steuben is a really fun trip. The highway is smooth and offers some neat sweeping curves. I rate it in the top 10 for fun routes we usually ride in the summer.
Arriving at our destination, we frequented Lou's R&R for some thirst quenching.
After a few sodas, we continued our journey by taking CR E back up the hill to HWY 27 again. We turned north passing through Seneca, Mt. Sterling, and Fairview until we we just passed Rising Sun where we turned onto CR B back west. CR B is another fun and scenic drive down to the Mississippi again and HWY 35. Taking 35 north just outside of Ferryville we followed it to HWY 82 west and crossed the bridge into Lansing. Normally we would take the Lansing/Harpers and Elon Roads back to Waukon, but since the county was chip sealing on Lansing/Harpers, we continued on HWY 9 west. Just outside of Lansing, we came across a doe and fawn standing in the middle of the highway. They stood there for quite a while and I thought I was going to have to get off the Wing and herd them away. Finally they moseyed off the road and back into the woods. It always amazed me that with thousands of wooded acres on either side of the road, deer still will stand in the middle of a paved road. And I have friends who hunt deer and say they are "smart" animals!
We continued on the "Are they ever going to get this road done"?, HWY 9 through Churchtown and finally into downtown Waukon. Irv, Howard, Wayne, and Bob stopped at City Club for supper while the rest continued on home before dark. It was hard to believe, but a jacket actually felt pretty good coming back. I had 117 miles on the Wing when I parked her.
NEXT WEDNESDAY
Since Jim, Chuckles, Chuck K, Clair, and Bob will be on the Men's Trip journey to see the Ark in Williamstown, KY, you will have to elect a new leader for the ride next Wednesday. If everything goes right and the Ark doesn't set sail with us aboard, we should be back on the following Saturday.
Bernell & Kathy on their Spyder, Chuck & Dee on their Harley, Ron on his Harley, Irv on his Harley, and Wayne on the DFT made up the three wheeled contingent. Howard on a Harley, Larry on a Yamaha, Al on an Indian, and Bob on a Wing formed the two wheeler brigade. Dale and Greg supplied the "support" convertible.
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| GASSING UP THE SPYDER |
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| GOOD TO SEE THE RED SUPPORT CONVERTIBLE AGAIN |
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| CHUCK & DEE ARRIVE |
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| THE REST OF THE CREW |
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| IS THIS TRUE?! |
Arriving at our destination, we frequented Lou's R&R for some thirst quenching.
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| WE ARRIVE |
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| A HEADACHE IN STEUBEN? MUST BE THE ALTITUDE! |
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| EVERYONE'S HERE WITH PLENTY OF PARKING |
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| DOES HE ALWAYS DRIVE WITH ONE FOOT HANGING OUT?! |
We continued on the "Are they ever going to get this road done"?, HWY 9 through Churchtown and finally into downtown Waukon. Irv, Howard, Wayne, and Bob stopped at City Club for supper while the rest continued on home before dark. It was hard to believe, but a jacket actually felt pretty good coming back. I had 117 miles on the Wing when I parked her.
NEXT WEDNESDAY
Since Jim, Chuckles, Chuck K, Clair, and Bob will be on the Men's Trip journey to see the Ark in Williamstown, KY, you will have to elect a new leader for the ride next Wednesday. If everything goes right and the Ark doesn't set sail with us aboard, we should be back on the following Saturday.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
HAPPY DAY TO HAPPY JOE'S
Another near perfect Sunday morning greeted ten Wednesday night riders gathered at Casey's for the "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run. This year our journey would be down to Dyersville for pizza at Happy Joe's. Howard had the only bike, while Meryle & Mary, Chuck (not Chuckles), and Bob & Julie were on trikes. David & Suzanne along with Kenny & Gloria supplied the "support" convertibles.
With sunny skies and temps in the low 80's the group departed on HWY 9 and 76 and then down Forest Mills Road. After passing the Gelo "ponderosa", we turned onto Cherry Valley Drive and on into Postville. Just outside of Postville we left HWY 18 for the Gunder Road and followed it through Gunder and down through Elkader. Outside of Elkader we took HWY 13 south to Grandview Road. Grandview is a good name for this road since the views are grand! The great scenery also continued as we took the Colesburg Road after passing through Garber. After passing through Elkport and arriving in Colesburg we took a short jog on HWY 3 and turned south onto CR X47. X47 was a smooth ride through Petersburg where we passed the beautiful St. Peter & Paul Catholic church. We later learned that this church was undergoing a 2 million dollar renovation! We continued on X47 down to 210th St. (old HWY 20) and turned east. After going through "dead man's curve" and through the viaduct, we arrived in Dyersville. And then after a complete tour of the entire town, we finally found Happy Joe's where we were joined by Clair. Kenny apparently was too tired to continue and he and Gloria returned to Waukon. I still can't believe he passed up food!
Happy Joe's pizza was every bit as good as I remember it, and after everyone finished their share, we bid goodbye to Clair and started for home. I got onto HWY 20 heading east with plans to go through Balltown, but I then remembered that Clair said the road was closed. So we turned around and headed west to HWY 38 north at Delaware. 38 took us through Greeley and then onto HWY 3 and into Edgewood where we stopped at the country club for ice cream treats. However, the largest treat was yet to come. We turned onto the newly refurbished Littleport Road and were treated to some spectacular scenery all the way back through Littleport and back onto Grandview Road. Retracing Grandview and HWY 13 south back through Elkader we continued on 13 to CR B65 west and into St. Olaf. In St. Olaf we turned north again onto CR X28 (Fawn Hollow Road). We didn't see any fawns but a lot of geese as we continued on into Farmersburg and picked up Golden Avenue north up to HWY 18. We then turned west for a short jog onto Volney Road north through Monona and then Rossville. At Rossville we turned onto bumpy HWY 76 north and back to Waukon where we had 174 miles on the trike. (74 of which were probably spent driving around Dyersville!)
Great day! Great pizza! Great scenery! Great company!
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| MERYLE "TOUGHENING UP" HIS BUTT ON THE CONCRETE |
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| MORE MILEAGE GOING ON THE HAHN SUPPORT CONVERTIBLE |
Happy Joe's pizza was every bit as good as I remember it, and after everyone finished their share, we bid goodbye to Clair and started for home. I got onto HWY 20 heading east with plans to go through Balltown, but I then remembered that Clair said the road was closed. So we turned around and headed west to HWY 38 north at Delaware. 38 took us through Greeley and then onto HWY 3 and into Edgewood where we stopped at the country club for ice cream treats. However, the largest treat was yet to come. We turned onto the newly refurbished Littleport Road and were treated to some spectacular scenery all the way back through Littleport and back onto Grandview Road. Retracing Grandview and HWY 13 south back through Elkader we continued on 13 to CR B65 west and into St. Olaf. In St. Olaf we turned north again onto CR X28 (Fawn Hollow Road). We didn't see any fawns but a lot of geese as we continued on into Farmersburg and picked up Golden Avenue north up to HWY 18. We then turned west for a short jog onto Volney Road north through Monona and then Rossville. At Rossville we turned onto bumpy HWY 76 north and back to Waukon where we had 174 miles on the trike. (74 of which were probably spent driving around Dyersville!)
Great day! Great pizza! Great scenery! Great company!
Thursday, July 16, 2020
FIVE TO BAGLEY
While the day looked like rain, the skies became partly cloudy and the evening became fit for a ride. There were four riders who had enough faith (foolish thinking!) in their leader to keep them dry. We had four Harleys with Irv on a new trike, Ron on his trike, and Howard and Al on their two-wheelers. Bob R had the lone Gold Wing.
Heading east on the Elon Road with temps in the low 70's, we were actually starting to see some blue sky and sunshine. Reminds me of the Temptations lyrics, "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day." We proceeded west to the Lansing/Harpers Road and turned south, and as the name implies, ended up in Harpers. From there we took the Great River Road back south to HWY 76 south. We passed into Marquette and onto a stop light on the bridge under construction. After a green light, we crossed the bridge and passed around Prairie du Chien to HWY 35 south. Passing by Bridgeport, we turned west onto CR C, then south on CR X and CR P to CR A and on into Bagley. All of the above mentioned county roads offered smooth travel and pleasant scenery. In Bagley we picked up CR X and we cruised along the Mississippi and it's back waters passing through Wyalusing. CR X took us past Wyalusing State Park and back onto CR C and back onto HWY 18 heading back to PDC.
We did stop for an ice cream and iced tea break at the Citgo in Bridgeport. From there we back tracked through PDC and Marquette, but we continued on HWY 18 to Luana where we got off onto Forest Mills Road. FMR continued past the Luana golf course and past the Gelo ranch to HWY 76 and back into Waukon and the City Club where Howard, Irv, and Bob polished off patty melts, wine, and chicken strips. I had 111 miles on the Wing when I got home. For a day that didn't look too promising, we really had a very comfortable, scenic ride through northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin.
PIZZA RUN
The "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run is this Sunday departing Casey's at 11 AM. Right now the plans are to travel to Dyersville (taking the route we usually use to go to Camp Courageous) and eat at Happy Joe's. Clair said he would buy! (LOL)
Everyone is welcome to come along, and you don't necessarily have to eat pizza.
I usually don't like to get political, but with all the "Do Gooders" tearing down statues, I though this message provided by Jim & Chuckles was appropriate.
SEE YOU SUNDAY. Weather prediction is partly cloudy with temps in the mid 80's
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| FIRST HARLEY RIDERS |
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| THIRD HARLEY RIDER ON A NEW RIG |
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| FOURTH HARLEY RIDER ARRIVES |
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| "I THINK WE SHOULD HEAD THAT WAY." |
Heading east on the Elon Road with temps in the low 70's, we were actually starting to see some blue sky and sunshine. Reminds me of the Temptations lyrics, "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day." We proceeded west to the Lansing/Harpers Road and turned south, and as the name implies, ended up in Harpers. From there we took the Great River Road back south to HWY 76 south. We passed into Marquette and onto a stop light on the bridge under construction. After a green light, we crossed the bridge and passed around Prairie du Chien to HWY 35 south. Passing by Bridgeport, we turned west onto CR C, then south on CR X and CR P to CR A and on into Bagley. All of the above mentioned county roads offered smooth travel and pleasant scenery. In Bagley we picked up CR X and we cruised along the Mississippi and it's back waters passing through Wyalusing. CR X took us past Wyalusing State Park and back onto CR C and back onto HWY 18 heading back to PDC.
We did stop for an ice cream and iced tea break at the Citgo in Bridgeport. From there we back tracked through PDC and Marquette, but we continued on HWY 18 to Luana where we got off onto Forest Mills Road. FMR continued past the Luana golf course and past the Gelo ranch to HWY 76 and back into Waukon and the City Club where Howard, Irv, and Bob polished off patty melts, wine, and chicken strips. I had 111 miles on the Wing when I got home. For a day that didn't look too promising, we really had a very comfortable, scenic ride through northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin.
PIZZA RUN
The "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run is this Sunday departing Casey's at 11 AM. Right now the plans are to travel to Dyersville (taking the route we usually use to go to Camp Courageous) and eat at Happy Joe's. Clair said he would buy! (LOL)
Everyone is welcome to come along, and you don't necessarily have to eat pizza.
I usually don't like to get political, but with all the "Do Gooders" tearing down statues, I though this message provided by Jim & Chuckles was appropriate.
SEE YOU SUNDAY. Weather prediction is partly cloudy with temps in the mid 80's
Monday, July 13, 2020
"IT'S A BEAUTIFUL MORNIN'"
"It's a beautiful mornin'
I think I'll go outside for a while
And just smile."
The lyrics from The Rascals song from the sixties described Sunday morning at Casey's perfectly! Changing plans for the RTE from Saturday to Sunday couldn't have worked out better for our Wednesday Night Riders. Fourteen of us got ready to depart for Norwegian Hollow Hideaway in Purdy (Norwegian for "pretty"), Wisconsin.
We only had one two-wheeler with Jim & Cathy on board. With butts on trikes were Chuck (not Chuckles), Meryle & Mary, Wayne & Sandy, Irv, Carl & Joyce, and Bob & Julie. David & Suzanne provided the "support" convertible. With temps in the lower 80's and low humidity, we departed Casey's at 10:30 AM.
We took the Elon Road to the Lansing/Harpers Road for a short jog onto LaFayette Ridge Road. Also as the tune by The Who goes, "I can see for miles and miles!" With very little humidity in the air the views were spectacular. LRR then took us to the Great River Road heading north into Lansing. We then crossed the newly repaired Blackhawk Bridge on into Wisconsin and HWY 35 north. We followed 35 to Victory and then took newly paved CR UU up to Red Mound and HWY 82 heading east. A short drive on 82 and we were on CR N passing through Retreat (home of the Retreat World's Fair) and continuing on to Norwegian Hollow Road and soon arrived at our destination.
Shortly after arriving, Clair ventured in from Dyersville and was able to join us.
After our eats, we left Hideaway by backtracking on Norwegian Hollow Road and back onto CR N in the opposite direction. CR N took us through scenic Purdy valley where Bob shood a deer and fawn off the road. We then arrived at HWY 56 and took it through Viroqua onto HWY 14 and then HWY 27 and finally to CR J heading south. CR J is another scenic drive in SW Wisconsin. We left J and got onto CR M that took us to HWY 14 near Readstown. Just west of Readstown we hooked up with HWY 61 heading south to Soldiers Grove. Passing on the south side of Soldiers Grove we found CR C heading west. CR C is known for views of miniature horses, llamas, and a huge variety of wild flowers--plus an occasional deer! C took us down to HWY 35 and into Ferryville where we made the much anticipated ice cream stop. We were joined there by many other bikers and convertibles.
After our treats in Ferryville, Clair and Jim & Cathy headed south into Prairie du Chien so Jim could stop at Dunkin' Donuts. The rest of us took HWY 35 north to HWY 82, then across the bridge again and into Lansing. We then took "much in need of repair" HWY 9 back to Waukon. We had 133 miles on the trike clock when we parked her. It was great to celebrate our 51st on such a beautiful day with spectacular scenery and good friends...."and I'll go outside for a while and just smile."
I think I'll go outside for a while
And just smile."
The lyrics from The Rascals song from the sixties described Sunday morning at Casey's perfectly! Changing plans for the RTE from Saturday to Sunday couldn't have worked out better for our Wednesday Night Riders. Fourteen of us got ready to depart for Norwegian Hollow Hideaway in Purdy (Norwegian for "pretty"), Wisconsin.
We only had one two-wheeler with Jim & Cathy on board. With butts on trikes were Chuck (not Chuckles), Meryle & Mary, Wayne & Sandy, Irv, Carl & Joyce, and Bob & Julie. David & Suzanne provided the "support" convertible. With temps in the lower 80's and low humidity, we departed Casey's at 10:30 AM.
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| "WE'RE NOT NORWEGIAN. CAN WE STILL GO?" |
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| BLUE MUST BE THE COLOR FOR THE DAY |
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| .....OR RED |
We took the Elon Road to the Lansing/Harpers Road for a short jog onto LaFayette Ridge Road. Also as the tune by The Who goes, "I can see for miles and miles!" With very little humidity in the air the views were spectacular. LRR then took us to the Great River Road heading north into Lansing. We then crossed the newly repaired Blackhawk Bridge on into Wisconsin and HWY 35 north. We followed 35 to Victory and then took newly paved CR UU up to Red Mound and HWY 82 heading east. A short drive on 82 and we were on CR N passing through Retreat (home of the Retreat World's Fair) and continuing on to Norwegian Hollow Road and soon arrived at our destination.
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| ACROSS THE BRIDGE AND INTO HIDEAWAY |
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| ONLY A FEW SMALL TROUT IN THE POND |
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| BOB & JULIE CELEBRATE 51st WITH FRIENDS |
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| SUZANNE & CLAIR MEET EACH OTHER |
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| CLAIR'S REPLACEMENT RIDE--A BLUE ONE THIS TIME |
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| ICE CREAM TIME |
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| CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) GROOMING UP FOR TREATS |
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| "IT'S HARD TO EAT ICE CREAM WITH A MASK ON" |
Saturday, July 11, 2020
TODAY'S (Saturday) RIDE
Due to the current and predicted weather conditions, our ride (RTE) scheduled for today (Saturday) has been postponed until tomorrow (Sunday). We will plan to leave from Casey's at 10:30 AM and our destination will be Norwegian Hollow Hideaway in beautiful Purdy (Norwegian for pretty) Wisconsin.
In the meantime.....
In the meantime.....
Thursday, July 9, 2020
HOUSTON--HERE WE COME!!
It was hard to believe, but before we took off from Casey's heading for Houston, MN on Wednesday evening, the temps in Houston, TX and Houston MN were the same--91 degrees!
Despite the "balmy" temps, we had eight WNR assemble for our Wednesday night cruise. David supplied the "support" convertible. Chuck (not Chuckles) and Wayne were on trikes, while Jim & Cathy, Chuckles, Larry, and Bob R straddled bikes.
It felt good to get started with some breeze now on us. We headed north up HWY 76 past Dorchester and Eitzen and then turned west onto CR 17 and followed it to HWY 44 just outside of Spring Grove. Passing through Spring Grove we found CR 4 (the "Yucatan Byway") and headed north again on some smooth but very warm blacktop. After Bob slowed down for a stubborn pheasant, we continued our journey on CR 4 through Yucatan and onto HWY 76 just outside of Houston. We took 76 on into Houston for a stop at the BP for some hydration.
After hydrating, we headed back on HWY 76 for a short jog to CR 10 and followed again some smooth asphalt through Sheldon and back to HWY 76 and 44 just outside of Caledonia. Passing through Caledonia we picked up CR 5 heading south. Following CR 5 to its junction with CR 14, we began our journey down the "infamous" but scenic 14. Bob pointed out some deer near a pond a ways off the road and then pointed to the accident "spot" last August. CR 14 took us down to HWY 26 and we followed it south through New Albin and then onto Iowa River Drive heading back west. At the junction of IRD and Lycurgus Road, we took Lycurgus to HWY 9 near the Lycurgus Church. We then took the "supposed" being repaired HWY 9 back into Waukon for a meal at City Club where the conversation turned to prices for corn and the tearing down of national statues.
It was a "warm", but pleasant ride through scenic northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. I had 115 miles on the Wing when I put her to bed.
GUYS' TRIP
Here's a sneak preview of the route we are going to take on the Guys' Trip.
https://youtu.be/olf8oDGh4QM
If you are still interested in going, be sure to let Bob R know by the 14th!!
SATURDAY
This Saturday we will be leaving Casey's at 10:30 AM for another RTE. The schedule says Larry's Lookout, but right now it says carryout only and since we were just up in the Winona area, we will pick a new, but interesting spot to go. I'm waiting for a report from Jim on the bridge condition at Lansing before deciding. But we will be going somewhere, so everyone is invited to come along--Casey's at 10:30 AM Saturday.
Despite the "balmy" temps, we had eight WNR assemble for our Wednesday night cruise. David supplied the "support" convertible. Chuck (not Chuckles) and Wayne were on trikes, while Jim & Cathy, Chuckles, Larry, and Bob R straddled bikes.
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| CHUCKLES GASSES UP |
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| WE ARE GOING TO HAVE GELOS ON THIS TRIP |
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| ARE WE EVER GOING TO GET STARTED! |
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| IT'S CERTAINLY WARM OUT! |
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| CHUCKLES GETS PARKED |
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| ....AND THE GIVES WAYNE TIPS ON TRUNK CLOSING |
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| OUR THIRD GELO--YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY! |
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| LOOKING FORWARD TO AIR CONDITIONING!! |
GUYS' TRIP
Here's a sneak preview of the route we are going to take on the Guys' Trip.
https://youtu.be/olf8oDGh4QM
If you are still interested in going, be sure to let Bob R know by the 14th!!
SATURDAY
This Saturday we will be leaving Casey's at 10:30 AM for another RTE. The schedule says Larry's Lookout, but right now it says carryout only and since we were just up in the Winona area, we will pick a new, but interesting spot to go. I'm waiting for a report from Jim on the bridge condition at Lansing before deciding. But we will be going somewhere, so everyone is invited to come along--Casey's at 10:30 AM Saturday.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
GUYS' TRIP
The annual Guys' Trip for the Wednesday Night Riders group is going to be Monday, July 27th through Saturday, August 1st this year. Bob R needs to know by the 14th on who plans on going so reservations can be firmed up.
The tentative intinerary is as follows and may change some due to covid 19:
Day One--Waukon to Kentland, IN (Red Roof Inn) with a stop on the way at the Route 66 or Pontiac/Oakland museums in Pontaic, IL (363 miles)
Day Two--Kentland, IN to Georgetown, KY (Motel 6) with a stop at the Ark Encounter (it is open at present) in Williamstown, KY ($40 admission +$10 parking and a free lunch with online reservations). We went to Hell last year so we're making up for it by going to the Ark. (299 miles)
Day Three--Georgetown, KY to Shepherdville, KY (Motel 6) with a ride through Natural Bridge State Park (open) and a possible stop at Maker's Mark Distillery if time-- (not open for tours yet) (327 miles)
Day Four--Shepherdsville, KY to Effingham, IL (Econo Lodge) Possible return to Makers Mark if open and no time yesterday. Also a stop Ft. Knox and/or George Patton Museum (open) is on the agenda. (333miles)
Day Five--Effingham, IL to Beardstown, IL (Americas Best Value Inn) Stops in Springfield for most of the day including the Lincoln Library/Museum/Monument/etc (open for now) (136 miles)
Day Six--Beardstown, IL to Waukon (285 miles)
AGAIN--LET BOB R KNOW BY THE 14th IF YOU PLAN TO GO!!
As of now Chuck (not Chuckles) and Bob R are on the "go" list.
The tentative intinerary is as follows and may change some due to covid 19:
Day One--Waukon to Kentland, IN (Red Roof Inn) with a stop on the way at the Route 66 or Pontiac/Oakland museums in Pontaic, IL (363 miles)
Day Two--Kentland, IN to Georgetown, KY (Motel 6) with a stop at the Ark Encounter (it is open at present) in Williamstown, KY ($40 admission +$10 parking and a free lunch with online reservations). We went to Hell last year so we're making up for it by going to the Ark. (299 miles)
Day Three--Georgetown, KY to Shepherdville, KY (Motel 6) with a ride through Natural Bridge State Park (open) and a possible stop at Maker's Mark Distillery if time-- (not open for tours yet) (327 miles)
Day Four--Shepherdsville, KY to Effingham, IL (Econo Lodge) Possible return to Makers Mark if open and no time yesterday. Also a stop Ft. Knox and/or George Patton Museum (open) is on the agenda. (333miles)
Day Five--Effingham, IL to Beardstown, IL (Americas Best Value Inn) Stops in Springfield for most of the day including the Lincoln Library/Museum/Monument/etc (open for now) (136 miles)
Day Six--Beardstown, IL to Waukon (285 miles)
AGAIN--LET BOB R KNOW BY THE 14th IF YOU PLAN TO GO!!
As of now Chuck (not Chuckles) and Bob R are on the "go" list.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
NO GELOS--NO VOTS!!
For the first time in recent memory, I cannot remember a Wednesday night ride that did not include at least one Gelo or one Votsmier. However, we are still counting it as an "official" ride. Under overcast skies and temps in the low 80's, ten WNR gathered at Casey's hoping to be able to avoid a possible rain shower.
David and Bob Z accompanied us in Suzanne's support convertible. Our Winneshiek contingent was represented by Ron & Helen on their Harley trike and Bernell & Kathy on their Spyder. Irv and Chuck (not Chuckles) were on Harley trikes. Howard on his Harley and Bob R on his Gold Wing were the only two wheelers on the ride.
The plan was to head to Guttenberg and Joe's for some ice cream, so we headed out on HWY 9 west and turned onto Old Stage and cruised through Fishville where we were hailed by the contingent at Wayne & Sandy's. For some reason the county decided that this road needed to be chip sealed, but the consensus of the group felt it made it worse. After the bumpy ride down Old Stage, we turned back west on Yellow River Drive and arrived at HWY 51. We took it south into Postville where HWY 18 guided us to the Gunder Road.
There were a number of threatening storm clouds in the area, but so far our skillful leader was making the right turns to avoid them. We continued on the Gunder Road on into Elkader where we took a short jog on HWY 13 and picked up Grand View Road heading southeast. towards Garber. When we arrived in Garber, we took the appropriately named Garber Road on into Guttenberg. The Gunder Road, the Grand View Road, and the Garber Road offer some of the best scenery in our area. Again I was amazed at how green and lush the countryside seemed.
Once in Guttenberg, we motored through town and parked outside of Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Emporium again without getting wet. There we were able to pick from an assortment of over 20 flavors of ice cream. The atmosphere near the river in Guttenberg was quiet and peaceful, so we were able to take our ice cream outside and eat it there and not even be bothered by bugs.
After our treats at Joe's, we headed out of town and after a small degree of separation, we all found Clayton Co. X56 (Great River Road) and headed north towards McGregor. After stopping at the stop sign outside of Pikes Peak Park, Bob R had to stop and stare down a deer to keep it from crossing our path. We then continued undisturbed into McGregor. We passed through McGregor and Marquette and onto HWY 76 north. Just outside of Marquette, we had to pass around a stalled semi in the middle of the highway. That was the third stalled vehicle we passed on the trip!
We continued up a rough 76 (Terry E Branstad Memorial Byway South) to Waukon. While the rest of the group split off and headed west, Irv, Howard, and Bob R continued on into town for a meal at City Club. We arrived "high and dry" with the sun peeking through in a few places. I had 116 miles on the Wing arriving home. Another successful Wednesday night ride in the books!
David and Bob Z accompanied us in Suzanne's support convertible. Our Winneshiek contingent was represented by Ron & Helen on their Harley trike and Bernell & Kathy on their Spyder. Irv and Chuck (not Chuckles) were on Harley trikes. Howard on his Harley and Bob R on his Gold Wing were the only two wheelers on the ride.
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| "I can count one one hand the number of nice Wednesdays we've had." |
There were a number of threatening storm clouds in the area, but so far our skillful leader was making the right turns to avoid them. We continued on the Gunder Road on into Elkader where we took a short jog on HWY 13 and picked up Grand View Road heading southeast. towards Garber. When we arrived in Garber, we took the appropriately named Garber Road on into Guttenberg. The Gunder Road, the Grand View Road, and the Garber Road offer some of the best scenery in our area. Again I was amazed at how green and lush the countryside seemed.
Once in Guttenberg, we motored through town and parked outside of Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Emporium again without getting wet. There we were able to pick from an assortment of over 20 flavors of ice cream. The atmosphere near the river in Guttenberg was quiet and peaceful, so we were able to take our ice cream outside and eat it there and not even be bothered by bugs.
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| CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) ENJOYING A TREAT |
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| "I SHOULD HAVE GOT A DISH!" |
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| HOWARD KEEPS THE DOOR SHUT |
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| BOB Z SAYS, "IT AIN'T DAIRY QUEEN, BUT IT AIN'T BAD." |
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| BERNELL SAYS, "BOY, THAT WAS GOOD!" |
We continued up a rough 76 (Terry E Branstad Memorial Byway South) to Waukon. While the rest of the group split off and headed west, Irv, Howard, and Bob R continued on into town for a meal at City Club. We arrived "high and dry" with the sun peeking through in a few places. I had 116 miles on the Wing arriving home. Another successful Wednesday night ride in the books!
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