Hoping to Make Mt. Hope

 On a beautiful Wednesday night, we had 16 units and 22 riders show up for what was supposed to be a ride through Prairie du Chien and on to Home A'Gins in Mt. Hope.

Lissa, Lee, David (newbie--Bill Campbell's brother-in-law from Florida), Jim D & Miriam & Honey, Stuart G, Larry G, Al, Darron,  Jim G & Greyson were on bikes.  Roger rode his Spyder, and Wayne & Sandy, Ron, Darrel, Irv, and Bob had butts on trikes.  Cathy G along with Stephanie and Remy were in the support "Bug".

CATHY MODELING THE BUG

A WHOLE FLOCK OF GELO'S WITH HONEY

RON & IRV ON HARLEY TRIKES

AL GIVES THE INDIAN THE "ONCE OVER"

A SILVER GOLD WING ALL THE WAY FROM FLORIDA

WAYNE & SANDY ENJOY A NICE WARM EVENING

THE WHITE SPYDER ARRIVES

DAVID OBSERVES LARRY GIVING STUART THE FINER POINTS OF BIKING

LISSA AND HER COLORFUL HELMET

DARREL GASSES UP OL' YELLER

LEE JOINS US AGAIN

After announcing to everyone that we were going through PDC on HWY 18 and then turn left on CR C, I started off down the Elon Road assuming that everyone heard me.  (It would prove later that I may need to get a bullhorn!).  We rolled along the Elon Road east to the Lansing/Harpers Road and turned south and cruised into Harpers Ferry.  Once there we took the Great River Road up to HWY 76 and turned toward Marquette.  

The warning signs placed on 76 read "Rough Road".  What the hell?  It was actually smoother than it was before!  We continued on the "groovy" pavement into Marquette where we picked up HWY 18, crossed the bridge into PDC, swung around the city on 18 and reached the stoplight near Culvers.  We made a turn east, still on 18, and MOST of us followed 18 to CR C.  The Gelo's, the grandsons, Stephanie, Roger, Stuart, and Darron stopped at Dunkin' Donuts, and for some unknown reason, Irv and Larry headed for Wauzeka.

Most of the original group turned east onto CR C and followed it along the Wisconsin River over to HWY 133.  From there we turned to the west and followed 133 over to HWY 18 again.  CR C proved to be a scenic adventure, but a little bit rough at times, but 133 is nice smooth blacktop that offers some nice views also.  

Once we reached HWY 18, we made a short jog east to CR J and rolled into the metropolis of Mt. Hope.  My original plan was to stop in Home A'Gins bar & restaurant there for a break, but as we passed by, the place looked like it was packed, so we took CR JJ back out of town and back to HWY 18 west.  Following 18 back west, we stopped in Bridgeport at the Cenex for our break.

WE DISCOVER THAT ONLY PART OF OUR GROUP IS HERE

WAYNE & LISSA HEAD FOR REFRESHMENTS

After our break we continued on 18 back through PDC, across the bridge again and passed through Marquette, Froelich, and Giard and into Monona and onto the Volney Road.  We passed through Monona and past Volney into Rossville and followed "pool table smooth" HWY 76 back into Waukon where some of us feasted on the eats at Green Valley. There Irv and David H were waiting for us. I had 125 miles on the trike after I got home.

NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Keep in mind that the rides on Wednesday nights will now leave at 5 instead of 5:30 for the rest of the riding season.  You will also need a new leader for this Wednesday.  Bob, Jim G, Jim D, Al, ChucK, David, Darron, and Clair will be riding in the Smokies.

SPLITSVILLE!

 On a beautiful Wednesday night for riding, we had 17 riders show up at Casey's in anticipation of a cruise over the mountain top into Houston, MN.

We had David in the support Jeep, Irv & Terry in the "support" Corvette, Al, Lois, Chuckles, Dee, and Lissa on bikes.  Bernell & Kathy were aboard their Spyder while ChucK, Darrel, Ron & Helen, and Bob mounted trikes.  Wayne & Sandy showed up to see us off in their van.

DEE ADMIRING LISSA'S COLORFUL HELMET

WAYNE & SANDY TO SEE US OFF

THE SPYDER ATTRACTS SOME ATTENTION

ChucK AND AL WAITING ANXIOUSLY

OUR "SUPPORT" CREW

NO, THESE VEHICLES DON'T BURN WOOD!

While trying to depart the parking lot at Casey's, we had to wait for a break in the traffic that was probably headed up to the fairgrounds.  After finding a slot, I led the posse up to the stoplight and purposely waited there for it to turn red and allow everyone to follow up.  Assuming that this had been done, I proceeded onto Main St, through town, and turned north onto HWY 76.  At that point I could see some bike lights behind me, so I assumed everyone was caught up. However, when we reached the turn onto Bear Creek Road, I realized that only three of the units were following us.  So we stopped there at the intersection and waited to see if any more of our group was coming.  As we were waiting there, a vehicle pulled up beside us, and we were informed that a group of bikes and cars had pulled over at the sale barn on 76 outside of Waukon.

Since there were no messages on my phone, we decided to continue riding with Ron & Helen, Bernell & Kathy, and Lissa following.  Motoring up Bear Creek Road, I decided to pull over at the intersection of Locust Road and try to make cell phone calls to some of the rest of the group.  No luck with that, so we continued "our" ride by traveling north on Locust Road.  I determined that now we would not have enough time to complete the route I had planned, so we tried a shorter alternative.

After reaching HWY 44, we turned east and passed through Spring Grove and on into Caledonia where we stopped for a break at Kwik Trip.  While there, I made contact with Chuckles who informed me that they had made their way to Houston via HWY 76 and were at the BP station there.  I was glad to hear that everyone was safe and we would meet them for eats at Green Valley.

Our group backtracked on HWY 76 and into Eitzen and followed Pool Hill Road down the hill into New Albin.  Even though we were separated from the rest of the group, we were still able to enjoy the great riding weather and scenery.  Once in New Albin, we turned south on HWY 26 and sped on into Lansing.  HWY 9 then took us back into Waukon where we were met by the "lost souls" who found their way back from Houston.

I have no idea how many miles the "other" group had traveled, but I had exactly 100 miles on the trike when I parked her.  Even though both groups had pleasant riding, it is still important to remember Rule #1 in group riding--If the unit behinds you drops out, you must drop out also.  This keeps the group together, and makes sure everyone is safe and not lost.

GUYS TRIP

This trip is coming up on August 1st.  We have Al, Jim G, Jim D & Honey, Darron, Clair, ChucK, Bob Z, David, and Bob R going.  I plan to pass out the "hard copies" of the routes we are planning to take to the Smokies next Wednesday night before or after our ride.

CHANGE OF TIMES FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDES

Since the days are getting shorter, and I do not like having to ride in the dark, I would like to start our Wednesday night rides leaving Casey's at 5 instead of 5:30.  We tried this last year and it seemed to work out ok, but if anyone has a problem with that, let Bob R know.  Otherwise we will plan on starting at 5 beginning with the first Wednesday in August.

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Right now the plan is to wind our way over to Mt. Hope for a stop at Home-Agins' and back home again.  Keep in mind that repair work is being done on HWY 76 south with the use of pilot cars and the never-ending use of chip seal, so we will be avoiding that part of the route next Wednesday.  SEE YOU THEN!

PIZZA FOR SEVEN

 We had a wonderful day for our "Ya Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run.  Seven riders showed up at Casey's on Sunday ready to make another RTE.  This time for pizza.

Bikers included Dee, Al, and Jim D.  Trike riders were ChucK, Darrel, and Bob & Julie.

WHAT A DAY FOR A PIZZA RIDE!

Under sunny skies and temps in the low 80's, we departed Casey's passing through Waukon and onto HWY 9.  We cruised through Churchtown and down into Lansing.  We then crossed the river on the Blackhawk Bridge into Wisconsin and onto HWY 35 south.  Passing through Ferryville, we turned back east onto HWY 171 and headed up the hill to Mt. Sterling and then south on HWY 27.  We soon came to CR S where we turned east again and followed it through Petersburg and all the way over to CR F.  Turning south on F we avoided the "rush hour" in Excelsior.  F took us down to CR M and turned us back east to HWY 60.  We followed 60 over to the junction with HWY 80 and arrived at Honkers Bar, Motel, Supper Club, and Restaurant located in the outskirts of Muscoda.  Figuring if we ate too much pizza or had too much to drink, we could always stay overnight!

WE ROLL INTO HONKERS

Six of us ordered pizza and found it to be cheezy and delicious!

After leaving Honkers, we took a short jog south on HWY 80 and passed though Muscoda, a nice, clean little town.  At the junction of 80 and HWY 133, we turned west onto 133 and passed through Blue River and on into Boscobel.  In Boscobel we turned onto HWY 61 and headed north out of town.  When we reached HWY 60 we took a short jog west to CR E and cruised on it through Steuben (all roads lead to Steuben) until we came to HWY 179 and traversed the hill up to HWY 27.  Once there we turned north to CR F and began our descent down the hill.  CR F is also one of the most scenic five mile stretches in this area. F ends at the bottom of the hill at HWY 35.  Traveling north on 35 we passed through Lynxville and on into Ferryville where we stopped for the usual ice cream to top off the pizza at the Arco Convenience Store.

After our break in Ferryville, we continued north on HWY 35, turned west onto HWY 82, and over the bridge again into Lansing.  From there it was just HWY 9 back to Waukon again.  We racked up 147 miles on the trike on this ride.  GOOD WEATHER, GOOD FOOD, GOOD RIDE!

Here's Jim D's map of our journey.

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Right now the plan is to ride down Mt. Houston.
 

Twenty-Two Treated To "Thumper Road"

 On a warm and sunny Wednesday night, 22 Wednesday Night Riders arrived at Casey's in anticipation of a ride down "Thumper" (Tschumper) Road.  This is without a doubt the most scenic three mile stretch of road in the tri-state area making it worth the drive up though  La Crescent to ride it.

Showing up at Casey's on bikes were Terry, Dee, Al, Jim D & Honey, Larry, and Lois.  With trikes were Irv, ChucK, Wayne & Sandy, Darrel, Ron, David M, and Bob R.  Our "support" contingent included David H and Bob Z in the Jeep, Jim & Cathy & the grandsons in the "Bug", Dale & Greg in the red convertible, and Kenny (Short Stretch) in his convertible.

WELCOMING LOIS BACK

TERRY AND BOB Z BACK IN THE FOLD

LARRY WANTS TO MAKE SURE HE GETS IN THE PHOTOS

LARRY CHECKS OUT ChucK

LARRY GREETS THE REST OF THE GELOS

DARREL WELCOMES DAVID M  AGAIN

KEN PUTS IN JUST ENOUGH GAS TO GET HIM BACK HOME

DALE IGNORES THE GELOS

We depart Casey's at 5:30 and pass through the only stop light in Allamakee County and continue on HWY 9 up to Lansing.  We turned north in Lansing and onto HWY 26 and followed it all along the Mississippi River passing through New Albin, Reno, and Brownsville.  HWY 26 ends at HWY 16, so we took 16 on into LaCrescent to the stop light (Houston County has more than one!) at 3rd St. and turned left past Kwik Trip.  Third Street took us over to S Elm (Apple Blossom Drive) where we turned left.  Following Elm to 7th St. we made a right turn onto what is actually CR 6.  We were only on CR 6 for a short jog before we turned left onto CR 25 and headed up a long but scenic hill.  At the top of the hill are the towers for WXOW TV, and just past the towers is the turn onto Tschumper (Thumper) Road.  The actual speed limit on this scenic stretch of blacktop is only 25 mph, but riding at this slow speed lets you take in some breathtaking views!  Down the three mile hill we went trying to take in the spectacular scenery and stay on the road.

We were finally able to "catch our breath" at the bottom of the hill and turned south onto CR 25.  We cruised along 25 over to HWY 16, turned right and journeyed on into Hokah and a stop at the Kwik Trip for a break.

THE JEEP AND CONVERTIBLE ARRIVE

THE BIKES AND TRIKES GET PARKED

WE TAKE UP A LOT OF PARKING SPACE

ChucK DOESN'T NEED HIS ROCK!

 After our break we passed by Hokah Hardware (Horsefall's #2) and turned onto CR 18 and scooted down the hill into Brownsville.  CR 18 also offers some nice views of the surrounding valleys.  When we arrived in Brownsville, we turned west onto CR 3 pointing our way over to Caledonia.  CR 3 is a nice smooth blacktop with some sweeping curves to keep riding interesting.  We passed through Caledonia (another stop light!) and arrived at HWY 44/76.  Turning south we split off onto 76 and passed by Eitzen, Dorchester, and Hanover and into Waukon for our eats at Green Valley Getaway.  This time we were able to order whatever we wanted off the menu and not just pizza.

Overall, this is one of my favorite Wednesday night rides.  For the most part the roads are in good shape and the scenery is incredible.  And this time we hit it on a perfect night!  I had 120 miles on the clock when I parked the Wing in the shed.

Here's Jim D and Honey's map of our trip.  Honey does not want to stop at the Kwik Trip in Hokah again!  No dogs allowed!  Maybe we need to try to pass her off as a small sheep?!

PIZZA! PIZZA!

This Sunday is our annual "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run.  We will depart Casey's at 11 AM that morning and we should be able to get in a nice ride and enjoy some good pizza.  Right now I'm leaning for Northern Lights Pizza in Montfort. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

GREAT MYSTERY RTE!

 With Jim & Cathy "volunteering" to lead in Bob's absence, the Mystery RTE on Saturday went extremely well.  Special thanks to them for guiding the Wednesday Night Riders.

Here's Jim's report along with some photos.

With temps in the 70s and low humidity it was the perfect day for a

motorcycle ride. On 2 wheels we had Jim D, group mascot Honey,   his

granddaughter Melea, Al , Dee,  Jim and Cathy. On 3 wheelers we had

Daryl, Roger, and Chuck K. With nobody knowing where we were  going

except Jim  Cathy and one other, who was sworn to secrecy, we headed out

on Elon Dr to Lansing. Hopped across the dike to Wisconsin. We then took

82 to UU with plans of taking Missel Rd over to 56. We were greeted with

a road closed sign so continued on UU back to newly blacktopped 35. It's

really nice! Took that to Mundsack Rd, Followed that across Hwy 56 up

through Organic Valley on Newton and Wire hollow Rd  on through

Chaseburg  Then 162 to 14 for a pit stop in Coon Valley. The hunger

pains were starting to hit so we headed out on P to X to 33. Followed 33

to Ontario and Riversend bar and grill. After dining on amazing bbq

ribs, chicken, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches we were all content

and decided to continue our ride. We headed south on 131 following the

Kickapoo river valley.  North of Readstown we turned off on U to Church

Rd, crossed 14 to X then took Trout Creek Rd to 61. we followed 61 south

to Marietta Rd, Valley View Rd, CR E to Steuben. All roads do lead to

Steuben! From there 179 to 27 and then into Praire du Chien for an ice

cream stop at the Porch. After everyone polished off our ice cream,

Chuck, Dee, Roger, and Daryl headed over to the IA side to go home. The

Jim's and Al headed up the Wisconsin side back to Waukon. I had 219

miles on when I rolled past Caseys. Great weather, good conversation

with fellow bikers, excellent  food, and beautiful scenery. It really

doesn't get any better than that!

This is the route they took.

UPCOMING RIDES

Wednesday Night-  It looks like it might be time to explore "Thumper" Road up near LaCrescent.

Next Sunday--It's time for our annual "You Gotta Love Summer" pizza run.  We plan to depart Casey's at 11AM that morning and journey out for some pizza.  So far our destination hasn't been determined, but we will have a good ride and a good time.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

GOOD SAM TRIKE RIDES--As many of you know I have been trying to line up trike rides for some of the residents of the Good Sam home here in Waukon.  This attempt was started over three years ago before covid intervened and we never did get a chance to do something good for our community.  Now for the good news!  I have been in contact with management at  Good Sam and they are excited to have us do this.  We will be shooting for a Tuesday or Thursday in September.  I will be providing more details on this, but I would like those who own trikes to look at their September schedules and see if you would be available to help with this event.

A DOZEN TO VOLGA CITY

 The forecast was for 4% rain chance, so under mostly cloudy skies and temps in the low 80's, 12 riders gathered at Casey's for our Wednesday night ride.

We had Jim D along with James and Honey on his Harley.  Also on bikes were Al and Larry L (newbie).  Running trikes were Irv, Darrel, Wayne & Sandy, and Bob.  Manning the support convertible were Greg & Dale.

Jim D, James, Honey, and Irv

Larry L gets acquainted with the group

HI, DALE!

AL WELCOMES JAMES

Even though we had no Votsmiers or Gelos, we took off anyway heading west on HWY 9.  We then turned to the south on Centennial Road and followed it to Sand Road.  Sand Road led us into Ossian and we passed on through and took CR B32 on into Festina.  The population of Festina was double tonight as the park and ball diamond were packed with fans.  When we came to the junction of HWY 150, we turned south passing by Eldorado, through West Union and into Fayette where we took Cornhill Road east to G Avenue.  Turning south on G we came to the intersection of HWY 187.  There we took a short jog towards Arlington and then decided to pass by Arlington on CR 2W.  2W took us to the south of Arlington and we headed for Volga.  Just outside of Volga, we were welcomed by a close to the road fireworks display!  Once into Volga, we stopped at the newly remodeled Volga Valley Convenience Store for a break.

AL IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE WE ARE AT!

JAMES IS READY FOR AN ICE CREAM CONE

After our break, we backtracked for a short distance and found CR C24 to our liking.  After passing along the edge of Deep Creek and the Volga River, we turned north onto CR W51 and passed through Wadena and on into Elgin.  In MHO, the ride from Fayette to Elgin along the route we took offers some of the best scenery in northeast Iowa.

After reaching Elgin, we turned southwest still on W51 and on into Clermont.  At the intersection with HWY 18, we turned east and cruised into Postville.  Just coming into Postville, we hit the 4% rain for about 30 seconds!  We then turned north on HWY 51 where a deer passed between Bob in the lead and Irv following.  After our venture on 51, we turned onto Yellow River Drive and followed it to CR W60 where we turned north.  W60 took us across HWY 9 and over to Old HWY 9 where we turned east into Waukon.  Since it looked like there would be time yet to get to Green Valley Getaway, we hustled up HWY 76 to Iron Mine Drive and then over to Green Valley Road.  After arriving at the crowded restaurant, we were only able to order pizza, but that seemed to satisfy everyone. I had about 120 miles on the trike when I got her home.

With out any Gelos on the ride, we couldn't decide if we could count it as an official trip.  So we took a vote.  Dale cast the deciding vote to count it even though there were no Gelos with us!

MYSTERY RIDE TO EAT IS SATURDAY

Our first "mystery ride" is this Saturday, the 9th.  The plan is that the leader is the only one who knows where you are headed for eats on this trip.  Since Bob will be out of town, Jim G has "volunteered" to be the mystery leader.  The ride will leave Casey's at 10:30 that morning and everyone is welcome.  Have a fun and safe trip!