4 TIMES AS MANY

 This Wednesday we had four riders as compared to last week when we only had one.  On a very pleasant 65 degree evening, Bob R was accompanied by Mike R (newbie), Larry (famous brother of Jim), and Irv in the support Corvette.

MIKE READIES FOR HIS FIRST RIDE WITH US

IRV ROLLS IN WITH THE SUPPORT VET

A GELO SHOWS UP AND MAKES THE RIDE OFFICIAL

Since Bob was alone last week, he decided to take the guys on the same route he rode before, but in the opposite direction (bassackwards).  We rolled out of Casey's at 5 and proceed down HWY 9 heading west.  When we reached the point on the highway where there is a passing lane, we pulled over into the right lane to let any following vehicles get by.  This worked well until one "butthead" decided he wasn't going to let some of us back in, and this caused some of us to brake down to let him by.  It just proves my theory that there are more stupid people around, and every one of them drives!

After this incident, we turned onto Centennial Road, still being followed by two vehicles.  I figured they would turn off somewhere along the road, but no.  They even followed us when we turned onto Sand Road.  When we reached an open stretch, they safely passed us.

We continued on into Ossian where we found HWY 52 to our favor, and turned on to it and scooted into Calmar.  At the 4 way stop intersection in Calmar, another driver pulling a trailer waived us though so we could stay together.  I guess there are still some considerate drivers out there.

Passing through Calmar, we picked up HWY 24 and cruised into Ft. Atkinson.  Once there we turned onto CR B45 and headed east.  I would say B45 could use some repair work.  After a short bumpy 6 mile journey on B45, we arrived at HWY 150 and turned south passing through Festina just in time to avoid the rush hour there.  We continued on 150 until we reached the Great River Road turn and took it east again.  This is a scenic stretch of pavement that passes over the Turkey River at least five times.  All along the way we saw farmers busy preparing the fields for crops.  I also had a hen pheasant leisurely stroll across the road in front of me.

The Great River Road took us over to HWY 18 and we turned on it into Clermont and a stop for a break at the Casey's store there.

LARRY FINALLY FIGURED HOW TO GET HIS NEW HELMET OFF

After a short break, we continued west on HWY 18 and motored on into Postville.  There we cut through town and found our way over to Cherry Valley Drive and passed through the local farming area over to Forest Mills Road.  This time I had a rooster pheasant stroll across the road in front of me.  I hope he wasn't on a mission to find the hen I saw before!  These two birds were the only wildlife I observed on the whole journey which surprised me.  Usually when there are that many farmers in the fields, they tend to scatter deer and other creatures towards the roads.

After reaching Forest Mills Road, we turned north and passed by the Gelo ranch and on to HWY 76.  After a short jog on 76, we took HWY 9 back into Waukon.  I had about 90 miles on the Wing when I got her into the shed.  It was a very enjoyable Wednesday night ride, and hopefully Mike enjoyed it and will be along with us again soon.

CAMP COURAGEOUS

I forgot my camera, so I don't have any photos of our journey down to Camp Courageous on Sunday to support their fund-raising omelet breakfast.  With the weather refusing to cooperate again for the journey on bikes, Dennis was kind enough to drive his van with Marlene, Jens & Jane, and Bob & Julie aboard.  Before we left, Jim & Cathy were kind enough to drop off a donation for us to take down with us.  All the way down, you could feel the strong wind bump against the van.

Even with the lousy weather, a good crowd came to support the event.  I didn't see the any of the HOG riders that usually come down, so I don't know if they made it or not.  It was certainly not a day for motorcycling, but I'm glad we were able to support such a worthy organization.  Maybe this fall will offer up a better day for biking down there for the pancakes.

And Finally