HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 As Julie and I get ready to depart for our annual winter get- away to Panama City Beach, Florida, on the 29th with the trike in tow, here's wishing all of our Wednesday Night Riders a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

THIS SAYS IT ALL

 

And you know me--here's some holiday humor....

FOR THE BIKER WHO HAS EVERYTHING!

If the situation works out right, I may post some of our riding adventures during our Florida stay.  We plan to return to Iowa sometime in early March.  Keep April 17th open for PMS!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FINALE? ANOTHER VET HONORED

 A handful (5) Wednesday Night Riders gathered at Casey's Wednesday (when else?) to go on what is most likely the final Wednesday night ride of the season.  Because of daylight savings time and the cooler weather approaching, we moved our Wednesday night ride earlier in the day to 2 PM.  It's dark now at 5.

The five riders who showed were Bill, Chuckles, and Dee on bikes, while Dave M and Bob were on trikes.

THE GROUP GATHERS FOR THE FINALE

The temp was 63 and under bright sunshine, we pulled out of the Casey's parking lot, passed through Waukon, and turned north onto HWY 76.  We followed 76 under very comfortable temps and then reached the Dorchester Drive (CR A16) and turned northeast heading for Spring Grove..  Once we passed into Minnesota, we were on a brand new stretch of blacktop, which was a real improvement from the road conditions before.

We arrived in Spring Grove and passed by the city park that had been beautifully decorated for Christmas.  Just on the edge of town we turned onto CR 27 and followed it back to HWY 27 just outside of Eitzen.  With most of the corn now out of the fields, we had unobstructed views and could see for miles and miles.  Turning north on 76 we arrived in Caledonia and took a short break at the Kwik Trip.

After our break, we passed through Caledonia and took CR 3 on down to Brownsville.  Passing through the shady areas was considerably cooler.  When we arrived in Caledonia we took HWY 26 back along the river heading towards New Albin.  I chose this part of the route even though I knew it would be cooler on the chance that we might get to see some of the swan migration in the Mississippi River reserve area.  We were not disappointed!  There were hundreds of those beautiful white birds resting in the reserve.  If you get a chance in the next few days, make a trip by there.  It's well worth it.

Shortly after passing through New Albin, we turned onto Iowa River Drive (CR A26) and followed the river until we reached Lycurgus Road straight ahead of us.  Onto Lycurgus we went stopping at the junction of HWY 9.  There Bill turned back to Lansing while the rest of us headed into Waukon and being passed by a couple of sheriff's vehicles with flashing lights apparently on their way to some type of emergency.  Arriving at Uptown, I was joined by Lois and Chuckles for eats.  It was a nice enough day that Julie and a number of women were playing cards there after a round of golf.  I had just at 100 miles on the clock outside of Uptown.

NOT BAD FOR THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER IN IOWA!

ANOTHER HONOR

I'm happy to announce that another of the veterans in our Wednesday night group was honored with a "quilt of valor".  Here's Richard receiving a beautiful quilt on Veteran's Day in New Albin.

Well deserved, Richard, and thanks for your service!

On Saturday, Julie and I will be off to Denver to see the kids and grandkids for Thanksgiving.  So here's wishing all our Wednesday Night Riders', their families and friends--A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

TRIO RIDES ON SUNDAY

 With the above average temps in our area, three Wednesday Night Riders who still had their rides ready yet, met at Casey's Sunday afternoon for a late season foray on motorcycles.

Mike arrived from New Albin, Chuckles rolled in on his Harley, and Bob led the way on the GW trike.

CHUCKLES & MIKE ARRIVE

BOB GASSES UP

THE TWO-WHEEL RIDES

The temps had already reached 60 by the time we departed, but there was a pretty stiff wind blowing from the south that kind of "jolted" us at times when we were riding east on the Elon Road.  The last time I was on this road, I saw a number of Amish buggies.  But this time we didn't come across any.

We turned onto the Waterville Road (CR X32) and down through Waterville we went and then continued on up the hill to HWY 76.  The wind was bumping us again on 76 until we started down Sunshine Hill.  We rolled into Marquette and took the bridge over to Prarie du Chien.  We passed through PDC on CR K, and then took Limery Road east back across HWY 35, past the orchards, and onto HWY 27 heading north.  The wind was now pretty much at our backs.

As we neared Eastman, we came across what I can only describe as a semi-free range chicken ranch!  There seemed to be at least 100 chickens in a fenced in pasture on the east side of the highway.  This is the first time I saw it.  We continued on 27 until we reached the turn to CR F, and down the hill we went.  Each time I ride this 4 mile stretch of road is a special treat, and today was no exception.  Since most of the leaves were now off the trees, there was  unobstructed views of the river and the surrounding valleys.

At the end of CR F, we took HWY 35 north along the river and stopped at Ferryville for a break.

BREAK TIME

VIEW OF THE RIVER FROM FERRYVILLE

After visiting with some "locals" about farms in the area, we continued on HWY 35 north to HWY 82.  We had to wait to turn on to 82, because a huge milk hauling semi coming from the north could not make the turn until a passenger car backed way up out of the intersection to let him through.  It seems to me that semi's are getting bigger all the time!

After that short delay, we crossed the Black Hawk Bridge and saw a huge crane that must be involved in the construction of the new bridge.  Once we crossed the bridge, we turned north onto HWY 26 and cruised along the river again.  No wind to speak of, but it was considerably cooler in the shade of the bluffs.  The temp was still at 60!

When we reached the intersection of Iowa River Drive (CR A26) we followed it along the Upper Iowa River over to HWY 76.  There Mike left us to head home, while Chuckles and Bob continued south towards Waukon.  When I came around one of the curves on 76, I must have surprised an eagle who was feasting on a road kill.  I slowed down, and by the time he got airborne, he was only a few feet above my head!  The rest of the ride into Waukon was uneventful, and I had a little over 120 miles on the trike when I parked her.  The wind made the ride a little uncomfortable at times, but still, being able to ride a motorcycle in our area in the middle of November is a real treat!

ANOTHER LATE FALL RIDE...

With the warm weather seemingly holding for the rest of the week, I am planning a Wednesday night (well, actually a Wednesday afternoon) ride.  This Wednesday I plan to leave Casey's at 2 PM, go for a ride, get back before 5, and have an early supper at Uptown.  Anyone who wants to go with me is welcome.  I would think this would be our last Wednesday night ride, but who knows!

SOME LATE SEASON RIDING WEATHER?! WNR HONORED!

 The upcoming weather forecast for this Sunday to next Saturday shows high temps in the high 50's to low 60's, so it's possible for some more riding yet this year.  To start with, I plan to go on a ride Sunday.  I'll be leaving Casey's at 1 PM for anyone who would like to join in.  The rest of the days will be "play it by ear", so if there is some riding to be done, and you have not winterized your ride, stay tuned to this blog.

The Boy Scout Troup 64 is having an omelet breakfast at the Waukon Banquet Center from 8-12 on Sunday.  Warm up before you ride!

Like me, most of our Wednesday Night Riders have a lot of well earned respect for our veterans.  This is why I'm happy to announce that one of our group has received an honor he richly deserves.

Yesterday, at Robey Library in Waukon, Terry Lubahn was honored by receiving a "quilt of valor".  Terry served our nation in Viet Nam.

Julie, from the Patriot Quilters, introduces the recipients.

And Terry is one of them.

HE RECEIVED THIS BEAUTIFUL QUILT

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE, TERRY!!

IF YOU DON'T HAVE 'EM PUT AWAY YET

 I put on about 75 miles today, and was comfortable.  Tomorrow (Monday) is supposed to be in the low 60's, so I plan to put on some miles again.  The two-wheeler is stored for the winter 😞, but since we take the trike to Florida in January, it's still ready to go.

I plan to leave Casey's at noon, and go about 100 miles.  If you haven't stored your ride yet, you are welcome to come along.  It looks like this could be the last one for 2023, so if it's above 50 and ain't rainin', I'm ridin'!

THE FINAL FOUR!

 No, we didn't shoot any 3 pointers, make any lay-ups, or commit any personal fouls (at least I didn't see any), but four of us did make what is most likely the final Wednesday night ride for 2023.

On an overcast but mild (65 degrees) evening, we had four riders make the rendezvous at Casey's last night.  Richard, Ron, and Bob all had their three-wheelers gassed up and Irv arrived in the support Vettte.

RON GASSES UP WHILE RICHARD & IRV OBSERVE

PROBABLY THE LAST FILL FOR THE YEAR

READY TO ROLL

THREE OF THE FINAL FOUR

Knowing it would probably be the last and shortest ride of the season, the four departed Casey's at 5 for a loop taking us through Calmar and back.  We headed down Forest Mills Road and observed the corn the Gelo's have harvested.  After turning onto Cherry Valley Drive, we journeyed on into Postville.  We took Tildon St. through town and the onto HWY 52.  A sharp turn to the north on 52 and we were on our way to Castalia.  We soon came upon two large manure haulers in our lane.  Fortunately we didn't have to follow them very far as they turned into a close by field.

We cruised through Castalia and made our way into Ossian.  Outside of Ossian, we made another sharp turn to the north and headed for Calmar.  Once we reached Calmar we stayed on 52 on into Decorah and onto HWY 9.  There Ron departed for his home (see you in April) while the three of us continued on into Waukon dodging a dog on the highway.  

DARKNESS HAD SET IN

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

NO, I DIDN'T GIVE THE CORN STALKS A RIDE!

We stopped at Uptown for eats and were joined by Chris.  I had about 75 miles on the Wing for it's final Wednesday night foray.  I always hate to see the Wednesday night rides come to a close, but I think we had a really good riding season this year, and I hope everyone who rode with us enjoyed it.  

We welcomed Richard & Melodye, Mike & Joan, and Bill to our group, and while Tom only rode with us once before he had to have shoulder surgery, it sounds like he wants to join us again next season.  Our "little group" continues to grow!

SERVICES FOR DAWN RONEY

As most of you are aware, Dawn Roney, Dale's wife and Jim and Larry Gelo's sister passed away this fall.  Friends may greet the family from 10 to 11 AM this Saturday at First Baptist Church here in Waukon.  Her funeral service starts at 11 that morning.  I'm sure a good number of Wednesday Night Riders would like to stop and pay their respects.  Heartfelt sympathy for the Roney and Gelo families.

MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR!

As of now, the annual PMS (Parked Motorcycle/Motorcar Syndrome) get together will be held at Uptown Grill in Waukon on Wednesday (when else), April 17th, 2024.  More to follow as the time approaches.  If you received an invite by mail last year, that means I have your mailing address.  If you did not get a written invitation last year, and want one this year, then you need to get me your mailing address.

FINALLY--HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

FIVE LEAF LOOKERS

 It what may be the last chance to see the beautiful autumn foliage from the seat of a cycle, Sunday may have been the day.  With the sun out, the trees seem to glow with color, and even though it was somewhat cool (If it's 50 and above and no rain, I ride) five riders showed up at Casey's on Sunday to take advantage.

Chuckles had the only two wheeler, while Dave, ChucK, Richard, and Bob were aboard three wheelers.

THE THREE WHEELERS

CHUCKLES GASSES UP

Departing Casey's at 12:30 we were to start in on one of Bob's top ten rides that would hopefully show us some fall colors.  With all the wind in the area yesterday, we had some doubts about how many trees would be leafless.

Heading north on HWY 76, we were bundled up to be warm enough in the low 50 temps, but the sun sure felt good.  We traversed 76 on through Eitzen and Caledonia and then took CR 10 through Sheldon and back onto HWY 76 just outside of Houston.  We were able to get up close and personal to some really colorful trees along CR 10.  This stretch of pavement has been recently resurfaced, so we had a smooth ride all the way.  We stopped at the BP in Houston for some warm-up, although no one seemed to be too cold.

On our way through Houston, I was able to grab a couple of photos at a home that really must enjoy Halloween.

BOO!

BOO AGAIN!

Just outside of Houston, we picked up CR 9 and headed east on into Winona County.  We then took a jog north onto CR 11 and then back east again on CR 8.  Along these two routes we were treated to some fantastic yellows from the birch and aspens.  CR 8 took us back east past New Hartford and on to CR 5.  This stretch turns into CR 6 near Pine Creek and down the hill we went into LaCrescent.  CR 5 and 6 are both scenic and smooth routes, and we were still enjoying many colors.

Just outside of LaCrescent, we turned onto CR 25 and up the hill we went to catch CR-258 aka Tschumper Road (aka Thumper Road).  Many have described this 4 mile stretch of road "the most beautiful road in Minnesota", and they will get no argument from me.  The views of the rivers, bluffs, streams, and valleys from atop this road are fantastic especially in the fall!  It was probably a special treat for Richard, since it was his first time meandering down the hill.  The speed limit is only 25, and that's for a reason.  It needs to be that slow moving along to enjoy the views and do a little bit of gawking at the beautiful scenery.  This route is definitely worth taking a couple of times a year.  Our next trip down it may be on Memorial Day next spring.

Thumper Road ends at its bottom onto CR 21.  We then took 21 east for a short stint over to HWY 16 and followed 16 into Hokah where we stopped at the Kwik Trip for a break.  After our break we passed by Hokah Hardware (a division of Horsfalls!) without stopping and took CR 18 south down the hill into Brownsville.  Even this route offered up some beautiful trees.  In Brownsville we journeyed onto HWY 26 and followed it all along the river through Reno and New Albin and on into Lansing.  HWY 9 then took us back into Waukon where I had about 130 miles on the Wing.

Here are a few examples of the type of colors we saw on the trees on this trip, and also a few more Halloween characters.

I would say with the upcoming weather, the leaf looking is going to be short-lived from now on, so I would say it's now or never if you want to enjoy the fall colors.  I'm really glad we went!

AND FINALLY

SOME CHANGES

 First of all, the Waukon Indians play tonight, not tomorrow.

Secondly, because of the weekend weather forecast, I plan on riding on Sunday instead of Saturday.  The temps for the two days are about the same, but it is supposed to be more sunny on Sunday, while Saturday is said to be mostly overcast.  Still leaving Casey's at 12:30

Finally, and I know this is very short notice, but I'm going out on a ride today (Friday) at 12:30 from Casey's.  So, if you have nothing better to do than stick by your computer or phone for e-mails waiting for the blog, then you are welcome to come with me.

And we will be back in time to see the Indians beat the Knights!

FOURSOME TOURS THE COUNTY

 With only a very few Wednesday night rides left, four riders took advantage of the 65 degree temperature and rolled into Casey's for a trip around Allamakee County.

Howard and Mike showed up on bikes, while Richard manned the Slingshot, and Bob straddled his trike.

THE GANG'S ALL HERE

We left town via Elon Road and then turned onto Waterville Road (aka CR X32) and scooted down the hill into town.  After a sharp right turn in Waterville we ascended the hill back up to HWY 76.  This stretch of road into and out of Waterville is always a pleasure to ride.  It offers smooth sailing and some excellent views of the surrounding valleys.

Once we reached 76, we turned south for only about four miles and arrived at State Forest Road (aka CR B25) and made our way onto it.  The next miles on through Yellow River Forest offered up some great views.  The speed limit through the park is only 35 mph, but I don't know why anyone would want to go faster on this twisty scenic path!  I did have a fairly close call with a hawk that flew out of a tree along side of me and then buzzed just above my head for a few yards.

After enjoying our ride through the park, we arrived at the Lansing/Harpers Road, and meandered down the hill into Harpers Ferry.  At the stop sign in Harpers we turned onto the Great River Road (aka CR X52) and followed it for the 14 miles into Lansing.

Once in Lansing we took HWY 26 along the river up towards New Albin.  This highway has recently been resurfaced with blacktop, but only about 1/2 inch thick, if that.  I have no idea why one would resurface a highway with only that much of a layer and expect it to last.  At least it is smooth for now.

Once we reached Iowa River Drive (aka CR A26), Mike scooted to home for a meeting, while the threesome continued the ride on IRD.  Actually we did encounter a few sprinkles as we made our way over to the Lycurgus Road (aka CR X20) and then on to HWY 9 at Lycurgus.  There was no significant rain on us yet, but the western sky looked dark, so once we arrived in Waukon, Howard and Bob put their bikes in sheds, and then joined Richard at Uptown for eats.  I had 76 miles on the Wing when I parked her.  This was definitely an enjoyable and worthwhile ride!

NEXT WEDNESDAY (WHICH WILL BE OUR LAST)😢

The plan is to run a loop through Postville, Ossian, Calmar, and Decorah and back.

THIS SATURDAY

Hopefully there will be some more nice fall days left this year to get in some more riding and leaf-looking.  One of these will be this Saturday for a ride through northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota including the famous "Thumper" road near LaCrescent.  The temps look to be in the upper 50's (warmer in the sun!).  We plan to depart Casey's at 12:30 that afternoon, right after the presentation at the Veteran's Museum in Waukon.  Everyone is welcome.  Dress warmly for guaranteed beautiful scenery!  We will be back in time to see the Waukon Indian football team beat LaPorte City Union!

6 PACK HITS THE ROAD

 This Wednesday night we had 6 riders show up at Casey's early enough to avoid the predicted rain.

Irv & Terry roared in with the Vette.  Richard and his Slingshot made the gathering.  And finally, Mike, Bill, and Bob were on bikes.  It was nice of ChucK and Dee to see us off!

DEE EXPLAINS THE "NO RIDE" SITUATION

ChucK REFUSED TO RIDE ON THE BACK OF DEE'S BIKE

DEE'S "ALTERNATE" TRANSPORTATION

THE SLINGSHOT LOOKS KIND OF ANGRY!

THAT ROAR YOU HEAR IS NOT THUNDER, IT'S THE VETTE!

The original plan for the ride was to head south to the Garnavillo area.  However, as "good" weathermen do, we looked at the sky and decided that going north would be our best bet.  So we took off heading through town with partly sunny skies and temps in the mid 60's.

We took HWY 76 north to Dorchester Drive (aka CR A16).  We were pleasantly surprised that Minnesota had resurfaced their portion of this route, so we were able to ride new, smooth blacktop all the way into Spring Grove.  I had avoiding taking this route before, because the Minnesota portion was so rough, but it's not that way anymore.  I'll have to include it in more of our trips next year, because it does offer some nice scenery.

After we reached Spring Grove, we turned east onto HWY 44 and followed it to CR 17 where we turned back south.  CR 17 ridden from this direction starts with a great downhill section that offers great views of the surrounding countryside.  This stretch of blacktop ends at HWY 76, and we made a short turn south and passed through Eitzen on Pool Hill Drive (aka CR 2).

Down the hill we went passing by one of the largest sheep and goat herds I remember seeing.  Pool Hill also offers some excellent views of the valleys in this part of two states as we pass through Minnesota and on into Iowa.  Pool Hill takes us to the outskirts of New Albin and we turn south again onto HWY 26.  My original thoughts were to turn onto Iowa River Drive, but most of us (Mike being the exception) have not been on this newly resurfaced road, so we stayed on it on into Lansing.  So far, so good with the rainfall.

Once in Lansing, Mike and Bill departed while the rest continued on HWY 9 into Waukon.  As we approached Church Town, it started to sprinkle some on us, and not wanting to get wet and chilly, we hurried on into Waukon.  I parked the Wing at home (about 80 miles on the clock) and took the pick-up back to Uptown to join the other three.

Knowing that our Wednesday nights are now limited with the approach of Daylight Savings Time, it was great to get another one in!  However, I am looking at the weekend of Oct. 21-22 to get in another day ride, so I'll keep you posted.  Right now both days look to be in the 60's for temps.

NEXT WEDNESDAY

I'm looking for a cruise through Allamakee County including Yellow River Forest Drive.

AND FINALLY!

On Sunday I did the scripture reading at church.  It was the story of Moses getting water from a rock.  All the time I was reading, here's what I was actually thinking...