FINALLY!!

It took to the last Wednesday in April for the "Weather Witch" to give us a decent Wednesday night ride.  Under balmy 60 degree temps, seven WNR gathered at Casey's.  We had Chuck (not Chuckles), Carl, and Irv on trikes.  Dee was there to show off her "new" ride, a Kawasaki W 800.  Howard, Chuckles, and Bob were also on bikes. 

HOWARD INSPECTS THE RIDES

THE GUYS DISCUSS THE LONG WINTER

CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) AND DEE ARRIVE

DEE IS SPORTING A "NEW" RIDE

We departed Casey's at 5:30, passed through Waukon and got on HWY 76 heading north.  Because of the stop light and some slow moving farm machinery, we got separated some distance from each other.  But by the time we turned east onto Bear Creek Road, everyone had caught up.  We followed Bear Creek over to Locust Road and then took it north onto HWY 44 just east of Spring Grove.  We passed through Spring Grove and onto CR 17 about three miles east of town.  CR 17 south took us back to HWY 76.  My plan was to take Pool Hill Road west to HWY 26 near New Albin and follow 26 to Lansing and then take HWY 9 back to Waukon.  

But since it was beginning to "cool" off, and the ride along the river from New Albin to Lansing would have been in the shade, I decided to keep on 76 back south.  We left 76 near Waukon and took Mt. Olivet Road past the cemetery to Prairie Drive and the Bugsy Car Depot.  We turned west on Prairie back to 76, to Main St, and on to the City Club.

THE CITY CLUB FOR FOOD

We racked up approximately 75 miles and an hour and a half of seat time, which was probably enough for the first ride for some.  It was great to get "back in the saddle again" on Wednesday night!  Hopefully next Wednesday (Cinco de Mayo day) will be nice to us again, and maybe a "little" warmer.

Bob & Julie to Camp Courageous

Bob & Julie represented WNR at Camp Courageous on Sunday morning for their omelet breakfast fund raiser.  We met Charlie Becker (CEO) at the gate and gave him ours and Jim & Cathy's donation.  He was very grateful.  We continued on and received our omelet, sausages, and apple sauce via drive through.  Rather than eat in the car, we proceeded back down the road and pulled into the new building by the pond.  There we were able to go inside and eat.  Everything was still hot and delicious!  We were also given a packet of special Camp Courageous coffee.  Knowing how well Jim hates coffee, we saved it for him!

I don't think the temps ever got above 50 on the way down or back.  We only saw one motorcycle the whole time, so I guess taking the "cage" down there was a good idea.  Hopefully this fall when they have their pancake breakfast, Covid will be over and the weather cooperates for a cycle/convertible trip down there.

On the way down and back, I noticed that the county had done their famous chip seal work on some of the pavement on the Volney Road, and I could see a lot of the loose gravel on the road.  And there were no "Loose Gravel" signs posted.  I called the county engineer's office this morning and told them I was not happy that no signs were put up to warn motorcycles.  We will see what happens next, but if you plan on riding on the Volney Road--BEWARE!

So far it looks fairly good for Wednesday night.  Hopefully we can get our first ride in for this year!

Cold Wednesday Nights and Camp Courageous

 So far the Weather Witch has blown her cold breath all over our Wednesday nights.  Next Wednesday looks to be warmer, if she doesn't decide to pee all over us!

This year Camp Courageous is holding their omelet breakfast fund raiser.  But still because of Covid, it is a drive-through.  There is no eating there on the grounds, so it is not exactly conducive to motorcycles. Besides the temps are still supposed to only be in the low 50's that day. Right now Julie and I still plan on going down there on Sunday with the Durango.  We plan to leave Casey's at 9:15 that morning, so if anyone wants to ride along with us or bring your own vehicle, we'll see you there.

13th PMS GET-TOGETHER WELL ATTENDED!

 Apparently close to 40 Wednesday Night Riders were tired of being "cooped up" or were "hard up" for entertainment, because at our 13th Annual PMS (Parked Motorcycle Motorcar Syndrome) Get-Together drew close to 40 attendees!  Hopefully everyone had a good time and no one was too offended by the video.  I think Jim said it best in his e-mail back to me, "It was great getting out and seeing everyone again."  Again, The Old Rossville Store staff provided us with great food and hospitality.

Just a couple of items that I forget to mention in my remarks:

On the 2021 ride sheet that was sent out with your invitation had a couple of dates that needed correction.  I am not going to send out another whole sheet so if you want to make the following corrections they are:  The Guys' Trip starts on July 26th, not the 25th, and the Bonus Run is on October 10th not the 11th.

Also, I have been in contact with Good Sam concerning the trike rides we offered for their residents.  That event had to be cancelled last year because of Covid.  I did get a call back from them about this year, and they have to wait on their decision until the Covid protocols allow their residents to participate in events like this.  Also, there has been some change in administration at Good Sam.  There is now a new director, and it will be up to him if he wants to proceed with the trike rides.  I will keep everyone informed about this as soon as I hear more from them.

Here are some "non-embellished" photos from our PMS event.