WIND FROM HELL COULDN'T STOP US

 Our Wednesday Night Riders Memorial Day festivities started off under sunny skies with a gentle breeze blowing in the morning.  This set excellent conditions for our tribute to our veterans. A large crowd gathered and we had several WNR participate in the parade and ceremony in Waukon.

DALE WITH MRS. AND MISS POPPY

JENS & JANE WITH THE WREATH LAYERS

CHUCKLES IN THE AMBULANCE
LATER ON HE WOULD TRY TO DIRECT TRAFFIC

JULIE PRESENTING "QUILTS OF VALOR"

After our tribute to our veterans, eighteen of us assembled at Casey's at 1 PM for our annual ride.  Al, Howard, Jim D and Honey, Chuckles, Lois, Jim G & Cathy, and Dee brought bikes.  Wayne & Sandy, Carl & Joyce, ChucK, and Bob & Julie mounted trikes, while David & Suzanne provided the support convertible.

SANDY & JULIE MAKE PLANS

AL SHOWS OFF HIS NEW RIDE

HONEY ANXIOUS TO GET STARTED

CHUCKLES & LOIS GAS UP

AL GREETS THE GELOS

PASSING GAS OR GETTING GAS?!

GET JUST ENOUGH TO GET US TO THE CASINO AND BACK

IT RUNS BETTER WITHOUT THE MOUSE NEST!

DAVID GETS TO DRIVE WITH CLOSE SUPERVISION

DEE ARRIVES AFTER SOME WARM-UP MANEUVERS

As we were departing, the wind really started to pick up from the southeast.  We took HWY 76 south to Forest Mills Road and cruised past the Gelo ranch. We were treated to some great lilac smells from the bushes on the east side of the road.  It didn't seem to matter which direction we headed, the wind continued to blast us.  Just outside of Luana, we took HWY 18 east through Monona, Froelich, Marquette, Prairie du Chien, and Bridgeport and then onto HWY 35.  Continuing on 35 through Patch Grove we arrived in Bloomington where the plan was to stop at the One Stop for a break.  However, the place was closed, so we continued on our windy journey down HWY 35 to CR U.

CR U joined up with CR N for a smooth ride through the southwest Wisconsin countryside.  CR N took us back to HWY 35 and we followed it south into Lancaster for a much needed break at the brand new Kwik Trip.

After a break from the heat and wind, we turned north onto CR K just outside of Lancaster.  CR K is a favorite, because it offers a smooth ride along with some great scenery.  This two laner took us to HWY 133 and we took it east on into Boscobel.  While we were heading north, the wind didn't seem quite as strong, so we continued north on HWY 61 to CR S where we turned back west.  Along CR S we were treated to seeing some beautiful purple phlox growing along the road edges.  Following CR S we arrived at HWY 27 and turned south for a short jog into Seneca for a break.

It was here that a little repair work had to be done to the DFT to get her running again, but after some battery bolt tightening, the journey continued down HWY 171 and onto HWY 35.  Passing through Ferryville we continued our journey to HWY 82, crossed the Mississippi River bridge into Lansing where we picked up HWY 9 heading back home.  The ride along HWY 9 from Chuch Town to Waukon brought out the "wind from hell", and keeping the bikes and trikes on a straight line and keeping the helmets from blowing off was a real challenge.  As of now, the wind was really making our butts tired, so it was a relief to pull into the Rotach house for our cookout.  There was 172 miles on the trike.

Here's Jim D's map of our windy route.

Dennis & Marlene and Jens and Jane were waiting for our arrival, and Chuck & Lois picked up Mary, so when everyone arrived, we had a total of 23 brat eaters.  Needless to say, the Rotach patio was pretty well filled.

CATHY IS TRYING TO FIND ROOM

I'D TAKE ANOTHER SHOT OF THAT CHOCOLATE VODKA

After sampling the brats and all the other "goodies" everyone brought and a shot of chocolate vodka, everyone seemed satisfied.  So the "wind from hell" did not spoil our tribute to the veterans or our Wednesday Night Riders festivities. 

LAST WEDNESDAY-THIS WEDNESDAY-MONDAY

 It looks like the chances for a ride tonight (5/25) look to be slim and none.  However, so far Monday, Memorial Day, looks good for our annual ride and cookout.  More on that later.

I was glad to see that a few riders got out last Wednesday night (5/18) for a spin up to see the apple blossoms in Gays Mills.  Dee was kind (or brave) enough to write up a report.  Jim G also sent some info on the ride itself, and Jim D provided a map.

Here's Dee's report.

Since Bob R has been playing hooky out west, this past Wednesday
>> night's ride was led by the Gelos with Jim holding the reins and
>> Cathy riding shotgun. Following hard on the Gelos' heels was a posse
>> of seven. Howard, Lois, Dee, and Jim D were on their two wheelers.
>> (Jim left mascot Honey warm and snug at home.) ChucK rode his trike,
>> and Irv and Terry L traveled in luxury in Irv's Corvette.
>>
>> The temperature at the start of this ride was about 66F. We all knew
>> the air was going to cool even more as evening approached, so all of
>> us on 2 or 3 wheels made sure to bundle up warmly before leaving
>> Caseys. There was a bit of bragging by a few lucky riders about their
>> heated vests, seats, and handgrips (you know who you are!!!) I (Dee)
>> don't have such luxuries on my little Kawasaki (yet anyways), so I
>> was a bit chilly by the end of the ride. I confess I would have
>> enjoyed the extra warmth from heated gear, but don't tell the others
>> that! 😁
>>
>> From Waukon, we followed Highway 9 to Lansing, crossed the River, and
>> rode south along Highway 35 to Knobs Hollow Road a few miles
>> downriver from Ferryville. Jim then led us on a merry adventure
>> through picturesque twisties and turnies, imposing hills, and
>> secluded woodsy hollers.
>>
>> We toured southeasterly along Knobs Hollow, Oak Grove Ridge Road, and
>> the unimaginatively-named County Road E to the Citron West and Citron
>> Valley Roads, Hughes Road, and Taylor Road which led us northeasterly
>> to the tiny town of Barnum.
>>
>> We followed Highway W into Mount Zion, turned north on 61 to Rolling
>> Ground, and then traveled west on 171 through the apple orchards to
>> Gay's Mills. Most of the apple blossoms had already dropped, but
>> there were still a few blossoms to admire.
>>
>> We made a brief pit stop at The Marketplace north of the original
>> town of Gay's Mills and were back on the road by 7:30 pm to travel
>> west along Highways 131, B, and C back to Ferryville.
>>
>> By that time, we were all hungry and a bit chilled -- the temperature
>> had dropped to about 60F by that time. We all made a dash for the
>> toasty warm Green Valley Getaway north of Waukon for pizza and
>> sandwiches and a few tall tales.
>>
>> From our start at Casey's to the finish at Green Valley, we traveled
>> about 136 miles.
>>
>> --Dee

Here's Jim G's ride report.

Dee sent me her report. Looks good but I will give you the route. 9 to Lansing, south through ferryville to Hobbs Hollow Rd, right on Iak Grove Ridge Rd, left on E for a jog across 27 and back on E. Followed that to left on Citron West road and then Citron Valley Rd, Hughs Rd to right on Tayler Ridge Rd. Followed that to 171. Took a little jog right to  Cr W out of Barnum to Mount Zion and 61. Rode that to 171 into Gays mills.  Took B then C to Ferryville and back home on 9.

Had them a little lost I think👍 We were wondering where the fakawi indians live

Here's Jim D's map.

Here's some photos of the event.

LOOKS LIKE JIM D IS ANXIOUS TO GET STARTED

NICE SUPPORT CONVERTIBLE!

Special thanks to Jim & Cathy for leading on some roads that I'm sure were "first timers" for most everyone following.  Thanks to Dee for the write-up and adding her personal touches.  Thanks to Jim D for the map.  Now everyone should be able to take that same route without getting lost!  (LOL)

MEMORIAL DAY

On Monday, Memorial Day, it's time again for our annual ride and cookout.  After paying tribute to our veterans, we will depart Casey's at 1 PM for a great scenic ride that will end up back in Waukon around 5 PM.  We will then gather at the Rotach house for our cookout.  Brats and buns will be furnished, so bring along your own drinks and something to pass like snacks, salads, or deserts.  If you can't make the ride, please feel free to show up for the cookout.  I would like someone to contact Mary (563-568-4070) to see if she would like to ride along and come to the cookout afterwards.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

GOOD BURGERS IN GUNDER!!

 Our first RTE (Ride To Eat) drew 16 Wednesday night riders for a trip to the newly reopened bar & grill in Gunder.  It is now called the Gunder Roadhouse.

Thirteen hungry riders gathered at Casey's for a 4:30 departure.  We had Ken & Gloria and David & Suzanne in convertibles.  Jim D, Howard, Clair & Doris (all the way from Dyersville), and Dee showed up on bikes. Darrel, ChucK, and Bob & Julie were on trikes.  Dennis & Marlene along with Mary took the short cut.

"I caught a fish this long!"

"Do you think Bob can get us there?"

"Maybe we should take off without those two guys!"

Glad to see Doris looking healthy again!

Good to see Clair again!

Leaders getting ready to roll.

We departed Casey's at 4:30 after calling in confirming the number for our reservations.  The weather forecast was for a slight chance of a shower, no wind, and temps in the low 80's.  As soon as we started out, the sky darkened and some raindrops pelted us as we left Waukon.  Taking Bob's "shortcut" to Gunder, we took 76 south to Forest Mills Road, cruised past the Gelo plantation, and then onto Cherry Valley Road.  Again the storm clouds looked like they could dump on us at any time.  We continued on into Postville and picked up HWY 18 and headed into Clermont.  We turned south in Clermont onto Canoe Road and on into Elgin.  The sky looked somewhat clear, but the wind that wasn't supposed to be blowing was kicking up dust storms in town.  With only about seven miles to go, it looked like we might avoid getting wet.

Exactly an hour after leaving Casey's we arrived in Gunder where Dennis, Marlene, and Mary were waiting for us.  After breathing a sigh of relief from avoiding the storms, I looked at the weather screen on my gps, and the message came up, "You lucky bastard!" (LOL).

Howard directs traffic in the Gunder parking lot.

Dennis, Marlene, & Mary greet the rest of the group.

After entering the Gunder Roadhouse, we found they had a large table and menus all ready for us.

Now, what to order?

While a number of us sampled the burgers, others ordered different items or specials from the menus.  Everyone agreed that the food was delicious and there was plenty of it. As far as I know, no one tried to tackle the famous one pound Gunder burger.  I also thought considering the number of us, the service was very good.

With full bellies, we departed the Gunder Roadhouse to find that the wind had died down and the temps had cooled considerably.  There were some threatening skies, so we beat a path for home.  After leaving Gunder, we took CR W64 north up to HWY 18.  This stretch is by far the worst part of the Gunder Road.  It was a real test for shock absorbers!  We took 18 back through Postville and then got on HWY 51 heading north.  Our next turn was onto Yellow River Drive heading east before reaching CR W60 (aka Old Stage and W Ridge Road) and heading back north to HWY 9 and back into Waukon.  We racked up 75 miles on the trike without getting wet and enjoying a great RTE.

NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Bob & Julie will be heading to Denver for the high school graduation of their grand daughter, Lilly.  That means that you will need a new leader for the Wednesday night ride.  If Bob was leading, he would probably make the run to the orchards in Gays Mills, since there is a good chance the apple trees would be in full bloom.

This is the tree in our back yard!

It might be a good idea to get there before the "never ending" wind blows all the blossoms off.  Bob should be back for the Wednesday night ride on the 25th.

Also keep in mind we have a ride and a cookout scheduled for Memorial Day.  More on that later.  BE SAFE!

WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING?!

 With temps in the lower 90's, fifteen Wednesday Night Riders gathered at Casey's for the second ride of the season.  Last week the temps were still in the 60's for highs and down to the upper 40's for lows.  Quite a change!

We had Dee, Marie & Kaleb, Al & Kia, Lois, Jim & Cathy, and Jim D & Honey on bikes.  Straddling trikes were Ron & Helen, ChucK, Darrel, and Bob R.

GOOD TO SEE RON & HELEN & DARREL AGAIN

DEE LEADS CHUCK INTO TOWN

HONEY GETS SOME ATTENTION

STILL TOO WET TO PLANT

With Bob R in the lead on the Gold Wing trike, we passed through steamy Waukon and headed north on HWY 76.  We turned west onto Bear Creek Road and followed it along the river to Locust Road.  We did not see much field work going on yet as we passed some large farms.  Turning back north on Locust, we cruised on up to HWY 44 and then turned east and followed it into Spring Grove for a break from the heat.

TIME FOR COOL DRINKS AND CONVERSATION

KALEB QUENCHES HIS THIRST

EVEN HONEY LOOKS WARM

After our break we passed through Spring Grove where their "music in the park" night drew a huge crowd.  We continued on past the park and then turned onto CR 27 and wound our way back to HWY 76.  After a short jog south, we turned onto Pool Hill Road and passed through Eitzen on our way east to HWY 26 at New Albin.  While we didn't spot much for wildlife as we traversed down the hill, we did pass by a huge sheep farm.  When we arrived at New Albin, we headed south into Lansing where we picked up HWY 9 and motored into Waukon for a meal at Green Valley Getaway.  I had 89 miles on the clock when I herded the trike into the shed.  The shoulder survived the trip quite easily!

Thanks to Jim D, here's a map of the route we took.

OUR NEXT RTE

This Saturday, May 14th, is our first RTE (Ride To Eat) for the season.  It's officially (or unofficially) our "Burger Run".  The plan is to journey on over to Gunder (They have reopened.) and sample their burgers (maybe even a "Gunder burger").  We will depart Casey's at 4:30 that afternoon and plan to arrive in Gunder at around 5:30.  Looking forward to trying this place out again, and seeing who might try to tackle the Gunder burger.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME, so come hungry and see you at 4:30 on Saturday!

OPENING DAY!!

 Finally a decent Wednesday night!  Time to ride!  With Bob R still on the mend, Chuckles was the designated leader.

Here's the report from him and Lois along with some stats from Jim D.

The weather witch finally cooperated and allowed 4 of us to embark on our first WNR of the season.  Chuck, Lois, Al & Jim D. departed Casey's after a welcome send off from Bob Z. and Bob R. who was finishing up a round of self-therapy on the Gold Wing trike.  We headed out on 76 to Iron Mine Dr., where we cruised past the Tweedy Ranch, to Hwy 9.  Next we turned on to Lycurgus Rd. then Iowa River Dr until we were back on 76.  We took that to Eitzen then Co Rd 2 over to New Albin then 26 down into Lansing where we stopped for a stretch and to put on an extra layer.

From there we took Great River Rd then across on Lafayette Ridge.  After a short jog on Lansing-Harpers Rd we cruised Elon Rd back to Waukon.  Bob R. met us up at Lid's where we filled our bellies on pizza, burgers & fries.  It felt great to be on the road again and to tally up 77 miles!

BOB Z SEES US OFF

WHO'S THAT IN THE DISTANCE?

BOB R--NOT QUITE READY TO LEAD YET

BREAK TIME

GOOD LOOKING NEW LEADER

TIME TO EAT