WE HONOR OUR VETS AND HAVE A GREAT RIDE!

 Memorial Day for The Wednesday Night Riders usually means paying tribute to our fallen veterans and then a ride followed by a cookout.  This year we did all of the above, but had fewer participants.

First of all we had great participation from our WNR members by paying tribute to veterans at the Memorial Day event in Waukon.

CHUCKLES WITH THE KC'S

SUZANNE ESCOURTS THE GRAND MARSHAL

DALE ESCOURTS THE POPPY LADIES

JENS AND JANE ESCOURT THE WREATH LAYERS

BOB Z WITH THE VETS CLUB

JULIE PRESENTS QUILTS OF VALOR RECIPIENTS

JIM DOWNING'S SON (ALSO NAMED JIM) RECEIVES A QUILT

JIM'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW IS ALSO HONORED

After our tribute, our group gathered at Casey's for our annual ride.  Surprisingly we only had nine riders show up on what proved to be a beautiful day and probably the most scenic ride we will take all year.

The two-wheeler contingent included Howard, Lois, and Chuckles.  With three wheels being their choice were Gary & Gloria and Bob & Julie.  In our four wheel convertible were David & Suzanne.

DAVID GETS TO DRIVE THE SUPPORT MUSTANG, BUT NOT IN PARADES

HOWARD GETS READY FOR OUR SCENIC JOURNEY

AL & MARK SEE US OFF

THE GELOS MAKE THE RIDE OFFICIAL

With clear skies and temps in the low 80's we depart Casey's at 1 PM.

TODAY WE RIDE FREE THANKS TO THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

My original intention was to include Tschumper (aka Thumper) Road in our ride,  Thumper is probably the most scenic drive in the tri-state area, but when I journeyed up there earlier, I discovered that the downhill portion of the road had been rerocked.  There was still a fair amount of loose rock still present.  It probably would have been fine for cars and trikes, but maybe not so good for two-wheelers, so we by-passed it, but the alternative turned out to be great.

After a brief detour to the Rotach house, we journeyed out of town on HWY 76 passing on the outskirts of Hanover, Dorchester, and Eitzen.  It was already clear that this was going to be a scenic trip, because you could see in the distance forever.

Just north of Eitzen, we turned west onto CR 17 and wound our way across some peaks and valleys over to HWY 44 just outside of Spring Grove.  However, we turned back east and made our way back to HWY 76 and cruised on into Caledonia.

We kept on 76 through Caledonia and found CR 10 to our liking.  Cr 10 is another smooth stretch of asphalt with some twists and turns that keeps things interesting along with some great views.  Continuing on 10, we avoided the "rush hour" in Sheldon and arrived back on HWY 76.  We motored on it into Houston for our first break.

TIME FOR SOME COLD DRINKS

GARY FIGURES HE NEEDS HIS WALLET

THE MUSTANG IS BACKED IN FOR A QUICK ESCAPE

After our refreshments, we continued our journey by picking up CR 9 just outside of town.  CR 9 east offers smooth blacktop on through Looney Valley and up to CR 11 where we turn a little north.  We pass by two decorated cemeteries and turn onto CR 8.  CR 8 takes us some south to CR 5 and 6 at New Hartford.  CR 5 goes for a short ways and becomes CR 6 and we take that on into LaCrescent.  Those five county roads all make for smooth riding and great scenery.

In LaCrescent we find CR 25 and head back southward again.  We pass by the turn that goes to "Thumper" and continue on what is probably the next best route for some spectacular scenery.  Here's a couple of photos I took the other day, but they really don't do justice to the incredible views we got today.

Continuing on CR 25 and down a long scenic hill, we cross the Root River and end up on HWY 16.  Turning east on 16, we take it into Hokah for our second break at Kwik Trip.

After the break in Hokah, we passed through town and turn onto CR 18 and motored down the hill into Brownsville and onto HWY 26 heading south.  Just outside of New Albin, we turned onto Iowa River Drive (CR A26) and then turned onto Lycurgus Road.  This was by far the roughest road we had been on the whole day.  When we arrived at HWY 9 we headed south back into Waukon for our cookout.  We had about 145 miles on the trike when we pulled her into the shed.  What a day!  What a ride!

 

At the cookout we were joined by Jens & Jane, Dennis & Marlene, and Wayne & Sandy.  It was especially great to have Wayne & Sandy join us.  We were treated with delicious Jet's brats and some scrumptious salads and deserts to top off a great day.

Right now the plan for Wednesday night's ride is over to Protivin.

REMINDER

 Just a note to remind everyone of our Memorial Day ride and cook out at Rotach's afterwards.

After paying tribute to our veterans that gave their lives in defense of our freedom, we will gather at Casey's for our ride at 1:00. After scenic cruising through northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota, we will be returning to Waukon between 5 and 5:30 for the cook out.

Brats will be furnished at the cook out, but you should bring snacks, deserts, or salads to pass and your own drinks.

If you don't want to or can't make the ride, you are still invited to the cook out for good food and friendly visiting.

EVERYONE IS INVITED !

REFRESHING RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE

 With a little cooler weather in store, we had 14 riders show up at Casey's for our Wednesday night ride.  Howard, Chuckles, Lois, Mike, and Dee cruised in on bikes.  On trikes were ChucK, Ron & Helen, Jeff & Amy (newbies), and Bob R (oldbie).  Supporting our riders were Irv in the Vet convertible and David & Bob Z in the Jeep convertible.

IRV & BOB Z DISCUSS CURRENT EVENTS

RON & DEE JOIN IN ON THE DISCUSSION

HELEN & DAVID ARE AMAZED WITH ChucK's ACROBAT MOVES

LOIS & CHUCKLES VISIT WITH MIKE, THE PANCAKE CHEF

At 5 bells the group departs with the "shortcut" to Viroqua as the designated route for the night.  We motored through Waukon on HWY 9 and arrived in Lansing where an "ever alert" motorist tried to back out of a parking space in front of us.  After safely passing through Lansing, we crossed the Blackhawk Bridge into Wisconsin and turned onto HWY 35 heading north.

A smooth stretch of blacktop greeted us as we made our way into DeSoto and turned east on HWY 82.  So much for the smooth pavement!  82 has been needed resurfacing for a long, long time.  Fortunately it wasn't a long trip uphill until we came to CR N at West Prairie and turned back north again.  CR N is one of the Guide's favorite roads.  It winds through some scenic valleys following waterways at times.  We also got to pass through the metropolis of Purdy (Norwegian for Pretty) and the beautiful Bad Axe Lutheran church.  We also passed the graveyard for riding lawnmowers, not exactly a tourist attraction!  We continued the curvy smooth ride on N until we reached HWY 56.

After a short jog on 56, we turned onto CR O, for another scenic journey through the valleys and coulees of southern Wisconsin.  Cruising north on O, we passed through the village of Newton, and then turned east again onto CR Y.  This again is one of the Guide's favorites.  It's claim to fame is that it passes over the top of the dam of the Runge Hollow Recreational Area lake.  CR Y took us over to CR B and we turned south there at the pretty Bethel Church.  CR B is a short but very scenic cruise back to the outskirts of Viroqua.  Once in Viroqua, we made our way to the Kwik Trip on HWY 14 for our break.

GREAT RIDE BUT TIME FOR A BREAK

THE TOP WOULD SOON COME DOWN ON THE JEEP

DEE & ChucK FIND PARKING SPOTS

OUR "NEWBIES" SEEMED TO ENJOY THE RIDE

After a few drinks and some long john donuts on sale, the group departed Viroqua on HWY 14 and turned south on CR J.  This route took us passed the immaculate golf course and onto HWY 27 avoiding some construction.  We continued on 27, and not wanting to repeat the bumpy ride back down HWY 82, we chose to take CR B back west to HWY 35.  This route proved to be a little longer, but much smoother.  It also offers some great scenery.

Down the hill we scooted on CR B to HWY 35 just north of Ferryville and followed it to HWY 82 and turned again to venture across the Mississippi River into Lansing.  We again took HWY 9 back into Waukon.  The Guide doesn't like to go back on roads previously traveled that same night, but the alternate route back to Waukon doesn't offer much as an option right now.  Dump trucks full of fill dirt are passing along Lansing/Harpers road 24/7.  Not a place for motorcycles.

Some of us stopped to eat at Uptown Grill in Waukon.  I had about 115 miles on the trike when I got home.

MEMORIAL DAY RIDE AND COOK OUT

Everyone is invited to our annual Memorial Day ride and cook out.  After paying tribute to our fallen veterans, we will gather at Casey's at 1 PM for our ride.  This will be one of the most scenic rides we will take all year because it includes a cruise down "Thumper Valley".

After the ride around 5 to 5:30 we gather again at the Rotach house for our cookout.  Brats will be furnished, but you may want to bring your own drinks and snacks, deserts, or salads to pass.

This a is always a fun time, so hope to see you there!

EIGHT TO EAT

 Our first RTE (Ride To Eat) drew eight Wednesday Night Riders to Casey's on a beautiful Saturday evening.  Jim & Cathy rolled in on their new Wing.  Mike & Joan ventured down from New Albin on their Wing.  ChucK brought his new Wing trike along with Dee on her Kawasaki.  Bob & Julie filled out the group on their Wing trike.

YEP, CHUCK, THAT'S YOURS!

WELCOME TO JOAN--HER FIRST RIDE WITH US

DEE PARKS HER BIKE

MIKE TRIES ANOTHER PUMP--NO DICE!

"I ONCE CAUGHT A FIISH THIS LONG!"

After Mike's second attempt at trying to get gas (oh no, not another Meryle), we departed Casey's under blue skies and temps in the mid 70's.  Our destination was the St. Olaf Tavern for our eats.

We took HWY 76 for a short jog onto Forest Mills Road.  After cruising past the Gelo plantation and skirting the outskirts of the Chuck & Dee berry farm, we motored onto Cherry Valley Drive and cruised into Postville.  We passed through Postville on Tilden St. and onto HWY 18 heading west out of town.  We followed 18 on into Clermont and then turned onto CR B60 also known as Apple Road.  The first part of Apple Road is, and always has been, a rough stretch of pavement.  After about 3 miles of bouncing around, the roads smoothed out and we cruised on into Gunder.  There we picked up the aptly named Gunder Road and had a scenic ride to CR B65 and turned east into St. Olaf and parked outside the famous St. Olaf Tavern.

JIM "DUMPS" CATHY FOR EATS

DEE AND MIKE FIND PARKING SPOTS

After scoping out the interior of the St. Olaf Tavern, we decided that since it was such a beautiful evening, we would eat outside on the veranda.  Their was a group that was kind enough to give up their table to us, and we settled in to order.

A VERY FRIENDLY WAITRESS BEGINS TAKING OUR ORDERS

JOAN WOULD SOON GET A SUPER-SIZED DELICIOUS WRAP

HERE'S THE EIGHT WHO ATE

Everyone agreed that the food was plentiful and delicious.  Bob was the only one to order one of their "world famous" tenderloins, and it did not disappoint!  We then climbed back on our rides and took CR X28, aka Fawn Hollow Road, out of town and into Farmersburg.  We avoided the "rush hour" in Farmersburg and departed on X28, but now it's called Golden Road.  Golden is not the smoothest piece of tarmac, but it did get us up to HWY 18.  There we turned west toward Monona.  Upon reaching Monona, the Postville contingent continued on west, while the Waukon and New Albin group passed through Monona and motored down the Volney Road into Rossville.  We turned onto HWY 76 and on into Waukon, where Mike & Joan found some gas.

It was a great night for a ride with great company and fabulous eats.  Welcome to Joan and hopefully we will see her again on our rides.  We had about 80 miles on the trike when we put her to bed.  Tomorrow we'll stoke her up again for a ride to New Albin for the firemen's brunch.

We are looking to ride to Viroqua on Wednesday, and the following Monday (Memorial Day) is our ride and cookout afterwards.

FEW BLOOMS--BUT GOOD RIDE

 Our designated destination for our Wednesday night ride was to hopefully view all of the apple trees in bloom by touring through the Gays Mills orchards.  With high hopes, we had a dozen Wednesday Night Riders take to the road.

Gathering at Casey's were bikers Lois, Nancy, Dee, and Chuckles.  Those on 3 wheelers were Ron, Darrel, Roger, ChucK, and Bob R.  Irv manned the "support Vet", and David helped block traffic with his "support Jeep".  Mike joined the convoy on his bike in Lansing.

IRV TELLS US ABOUT HIS ADVENTURES WITH HIS TILT WHEELER

LOIS ROLLS IN UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF DARREL

THEN SHE "CUTS OFF" DAVID

GOOD TO SEE NANCY AGAIN

ChucK WATCHES DEE PRACTICE HER DISMOUNTS

CHUCKLES FILLS OUT THE VOTSMIER CONTINGENT

We departed Casey's under overcast skies with temps in the mid 60's.  Actually the sun tried to appear several times on our journey, but the haze from the smoke of the  Canadian fires covered it up leaving a red glow.

We took HWY 9 out of town and cruised into Lansing where Mike joined the parade.  After passing through Lansing, we crossed the Mississippi River on the Blackhawk Bridge and followed HWY 82 into Wisconsin.  After crossing the bridges on 82 we arrived at HWY 35 and took it south through Ferryville.

Just outside of Ferryville we turned east onto CR C.  Apparently C has gone through considerable repair work, because it was covered with many "tar snakes".  Fortunately it was cool enough that they did not bother much with the two wheelers slipping on them.  It may have been a different story on a hot summer day.  We may leave CR C alone for a while.

We continued on C and once we crossed over HWY 27, the tar snakes ceased.  Riding on C we couldn't help notice all the plant life at Star Valley Flowers, a commercial nursery.  CR C came to an end in Soldiers Grove on HWY 131 and we followed it for a short jog and then started down HWY 61 south.  After a few blocks, we stopped at the convenience store there for a break.

 

DAVID OBSERVES ROGER'S FILL UP

NANCY AND LOIS TAKE A BREAK

THE "CREW" FINDS PARKING

After our break we continued south on HWY 61 and then took CR X back west down to HWY 131.  CR X is a favorite short ride.  It's smooth and offers some nice views.  It ends by the Gays Mills High School and we turned south again on HWY 131.  After a short ride into Gays Mills, we made an abrupt turn onto Del La Mater Rd.  

DLM Road is an unmarked paved trail up the hill to HWY 171.  It is about 6 miles long with some interesting curves and not a road to see how well your accelerator works!  There are a number of apple trees along this route and they showed very few blossoms, so it looked like we might be a little late to see the full blooming trees at the orchards.

Del La Mater Rd took us up to HWY 171 where we turned south and ventured past the orchards.  HWY 171 isn't exactly a smooth pool table top, so we took our time enjoying some fantastic views of the valleys below us.  However, most of the apple trees had lost their blossoms over the past few days, probably due to the abrupt changes in the weather and possible wind and rain.

We continued to follow 171 down the steep curvy pavement down into Gays Mills.  At least this section of 171 was smooth which helped us negotiate the trip downhill.  HWY 171 passes through Gays Mills and Mt. Sterling and down the hill to HWY 35.  Just to make the ride complete, just before the junction of 171 and 35 there was a beautiful apple tree and lilac bush in full bloom!

HWY 35 took us back through Ferryville and we crossed the bridge again into Lansing on HWY 82.  In Lansing we followed HWY 9 again back into Waukon since the Elon Road was being repaired with chip seal.  Ten of us stopped at the Uptown Grill for eats.  I had about 110 miles of the trike's clock when I got home.  Even though we didn't get to see a lot of blooming apple trees, it was still a good ride!

SATURDAY

This Saturday is our first RTE (Ride To Eat).  The plan is to leave Casey's at 4:30 and wind our way over to St. Olaf and feast ourselves on their burgers and/or tenderloins.  Right now the weather for Saturday is calling for sunny skies and temps in the 70's, so it should make for a good ride to eat.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Right now the plan is to venture over to Viroqua, so see you at 5 at Casey's.

PLENTY OF SMILES!

 Yesterday (Tuesday) was the day that the Wednesday Night Riders gave some residents of the North Gate Manor Care Facility trike rides.  By looking at all the smiles on the faces of the residents after they rode, the day was certainly a success!

We were able to do 15 rides around the two mile route Bob R planned out.  We cruised out of North Gate and onto Allamakee St. heading south.  After entering town, we turned west onto 3rd Ave.  Following 3rd to its intersection with 5th St. (near east elementary), we turned north again on 5th until we reached 8th Ave.  There we took a short jog on 8th and took 4th St. north back to North Gate.  The planned route took as many right turns as possible to avoid having to cross traffic. 

We couldn't have picked a nicer day for this event.  Sunny skies and temps well into the 70's.

I got a note from Diane, the activities coordinator for NGCC this morning and she said the residents "absolutely loved it".

Here are some photos of the event.  And a special thanks to Julie, our "pit boss", who took photos and handed out the guardian angel pins.

These guys got that "warm feeling" from seeing all the smiles and listening to the excited voices.

RON, CHUCK, and BOB, THE CHAUFFEURS

RON & DELIGHTED PASSENGER

    

CHUCK & PASSENGER READY TO ROCK & ROLL

This next photo is of Bob's passenger, a "young" lady who turned 100 in April.  She told Bob that this was the first time she had ever been on a motorcycle!  See, it's never too late.

PRETTY "SPRY" FOR 100!

RON WITH ANOTHER DELIGHTED PASSENGER

CHUCK IS READY TO ROLL AGAIN

AND "AWAY WE GO!"

The residents weren't the only ones who had smiles on their faces.  Ron, Chuck, and Bob were "all grins" also.  This is the second time we did this event, and it was a rousing success again!  It has proved to be a really worthwhile event and good publicity for the Wednesday Night Riders. I have received many "thank you's" and compliments from the friends and relatives of the North Gate residents.  KEEP 'EM SMILING! 😊