RIDE AFTER THE RAIN

 After receiving a much needed rain in the area (anywhere from 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches), a surprising number of riders showed up a Casey's for our Wednesday night ride.  We had 17 riders in 14 units!

Bike riders were Howard, Jim Z (all the way from Knoxville,TN), Jim G & Bella (Bella goes from Houston,TX to Houston, MN), Lois, Chuckles, Mike, and Dee.  Rolling in on 3 wheelers were ChucK, Darrel, Richard, and Bob R.  We were supported by David & Bob Z in the Jeep and Irv & Terry in the Vet.  To everyone's surprise, Ken dropped by in his convertible.

WE WELCOME JIM Z ON OUR RIDE

MIKE CRUISES IN

CHUCKLES, DAVID, AND LOIS

JIM EXPLAINS TO HIS FATHER HOW TO RIDE A HARLEY

THE SLINGSHOT MAKES ITS APPEARANCE

OL' YELLER TAKES ON FUEL

MIKE OFFERS REVERSE PARKING

JIM G & BELLA (THE GRANDKIDS' NANNY)

IRV & TERRY HOP OUT OF THE VET

KEN (SHORT HAUL) SHOWS UP TO BLOCK TRAFFIC

With the "mountain ride" to Houston as our goal, we leave town under mostly cloudy skies and 72 degrees.  We motor through Waukon and turn onto HWY 76 heading north.  After a brief stop at a light monitoring bridge repair, we make our way to Bear Creek Dr. (CR A26) and head east.  Everything seems to be greener after the rain.  At the end of A26, we turn north again onto Locust Road (CR W38).  Compared to the rest of the county roads in Winneshiek County, this one is actually smooth.  We find CR A14 and take a teeth rattling drive into Hesper.  After avoiding the "rush hour" in Hesper, we turn north again onto CR W40 and bump our way into Mabel.

We pass through Mabel and after looking at some rather dark clouds, we keep heading north on newly resurfaced HWY 43.  I had heard that 43 had been resurfaced, and I was looking forward to riding it again.  It did not disappoint!  It turned out to be a ride that offered a smooth surface, some challenging curves, and some great views.

We continued our journey on 43 until we reached CR 10.  This county road changes to CR 13 when it crosses the county line.  From its start at HWY 43 it raises in elevation to what I refer to as "top of the mountain".  At its peak and just before it starts to descend, the view from there down into the valleys surrounding Houston below is breathtaking!

Going down the "mountain side" on 13 is kind of like skiing downhill.  Instead of going straight down, the road weaves back and forth with some fairly sharp curves.  Even though there are some great views, you have to pay attention to the road kind of like the Dragon.  Again, this road is in great shape and was fun to dive down into Houston where we stopped at River Valley Convenience Store for a break.

After our break, and noting that we have avoided any lingering rain, we continued our journey by taking HWY 76 south out of town.  There were several wet spots on some of the roads which indicted that some rain had fallen rather recently.  We could have taken 76 back to Caledonia, but my favorite route is through Sheldon on CR 10.  This is another smooth stretch of asphalt that offers up some nice curves and great scenery.  It's a little longer, but I think it's well worth it.  CR 10 terminates on HWY 76 just outside of Caledonia, and we motor though town and stay on 76 through Eitzen and back to Waukon for good eats and conversation at the Uptown.  I had 113 miles on the trike after one of my favorite rides.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, the 16th, is another of our RTEs (Rides To Eat).  This one is our "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run.  We will leave from Casey's at 11 AM and ride until we find some pizza to eat.  Right now it looks like we may journey up to Fountain, MN, to check out the eatery there.  Like always, everyone is welcome!

HOW ABOUT THIS!!

CONGRATS!!

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Next Wednesday looks to be a trip to Hawkeye.