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!