BACK TO NORMAL

 Last week's weather has departed, at least for a little while.  So without temps in the high 90's, a lucky 14 riders showed up at Casey's ready for our regular Wednesday night ride.  This time under sunny skies and temps in the mid to upper 70's.

Mike, Jim D, Jim G & Cathy, Howard, Dee, and Bob rode bikes.  ChucK, Ron & Helen, and Darrel were aboard trikes.  Irv "roared" in with his Vette, and Richard & Melodye arrived in their Slingshot.  Lois even came in her pre-surgery boot to see us off.

ADMIRING JIM & CATHY'S NEW SEAT

LOIS INFORMS ABOUT HER UPCOMING SURGERY

IRV TELLING HOWARD HOW HOT IT WAS LAST WEEK

THE SLINGSHOT--ANXIOUS TO GET ROLLING

After pulling out of the Casey's lot at 5, we proceeded out to HWY 76 and then a short jog to Forest Mills Road.  We cruised by the Gelo plantation and on into Luana.  There we picked up HWY 18 heading east.  We took the detour into Farmersburg, passed through there into St. Olaf (smell the tenderloins!) and over to the Gunder Road.  We followed the scenic Gunder Road on into Elkader and followed the detour around the town onto HWY 56.  (As a side note--with all the detours and road construction taking place this summer, finding good routes to take on Wednesday nights had been a real challenge!)

Passing through Elkader on HWY 56, we turned to the west onto CR C2W (Domino Road) and took a scenic, but sometimes bumpy ride into Volga suburbs and stopped at the Volga Valley Convenience Store for our break.

HOWARD & DARREL ARRIVE

JIM D ALSO HAS A CUSTOM SEAT

RON OPTS FOR SOUR ICE CREAM

IOWA'S SMALLEST WATERFALL?!

We depart Volga and head north on CR C24 (Bush Road).  Again we were treated to some incredible northeast Iowa scenery.  At the end of Bush Road, we made a short jog south on D Avenue and then turned west again onto CR C24, this time called Kornhill Road (whoever named it must have been a poor speller).  Kornhill took us on into Iowa's best known speed trap, Fayette.  Following carefully through Fayette on HWY 150, we made our way north to West Union.  There we turned east back onto HWY 18 and made our way through Clermont and on into Postville.  Some riders departed for home from there while the rest of us continued on through town on HWY 51 heading back north.

We left HWY 51 at Yellow River Drive and headed east.  After seeing a deer cross in front, I slowed way down waiting to see if another was coming.  Looking into the ditch, I saw the second deer running ahead of us.  I waited until it decided to cross the road before I continued.  Yellow River Drive took us over to CR W60,Old Stage Road (there are apparently two of them) and rode it north up to Old Nine and turned east again and on into Waukon where six of us chowed down at Uptown.  I had 114 miles on the Wing when we arrived.

NO LABOR DAY RIDE

With temps predicted to reach near 100 degrees, I thought it would be in the best interest to call off the ride scheduled for Monday.  Only in Iowa could you call off an ice cream ride because the weather was too hot!

INSTEAD

A Navy WWII ship has arrived in LaCrosse and is open for tours.  Some of us have decided that we are going to ride up there on Saturday and take a look.  We plan to leave Casey's at 9 AM Saturday morning, and eat food and/or ice cream at some place on the way back.  Everyone is invited to go along.  The link to this event is posted below.

https://www.lstmemorial.org/cruise

TRIP TO ARKANSAS

Jim G and ChucK have planned a trip for anyone who wants to go to Arkansas leaving on Sept. 17 and back on Sept. 23.  The Votsmiers had planned to go, but with Lois's upcoming surgery and recovery, they unfortunately had to drop out.  Jim says before he cancels the room reservation (two queen beds), he would like to see if anyone else would like to go along instead.  If interested you can contact Jim at 7403361216 or jimgelo63@gmail.com

WE ALL WANT TO WISH LOIS THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME ON HER UPCOMING SURGERY AND HOPE FOR HER QUICK RETURN TO OUR WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROUP!

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Looking to head up towards Gays Mills.

From some of my friends in Florida!

A LITTLE "TOASTY"

 With the air temp at 102, I really debated taking our usual Wednesday night ride, but I've always said, "If it's above 50 and not raining, I'm riding."  I first thought that no none else would be showing up at Casey's, but Irv and I arrived at about the same time.  Shortly thereafter Richard & Melodye showed up with their Slingshot, and then Chuckles arrived on his bike.  That made five either "hard core" or "crazy" riders.

OPEN AIR VETTE

OPEN AIR SLINGSHOT

OPEN AIR BIKE

TEMP CHECK--ARE WE HARD-CORE OR JUST CRAZY?!

With 5 of us now at the start, and no one saying "I'm not going.", we depart, with Bob taking the lead on his trike.

"IF YOU'RE CRAZY, FOLLOW ME!"

The priorities for this ride would be "let's go a little shorter, and look for shady roads."  So we cruised through town and took HWY 76 north.  Again, the never-ending bridge repair caused us to stop for a light before passing on.  Fortunately it was a short wait and we were able to park in the shade of the bluffs.

After we crossed the bridge under repair, we made a turn to the east onto Iowa River Drive.  We were able to ride through several shady stretches along this river route, but the temps were still in the mid 90's in the shade.  Iowa River Drive took us near New Albin where we turned south onto HWY 26 and cruised along the Mississippi River into Lansing.  This stretch of highway also offered some shade at times.

We passed through Lansing where we spotted a couple of other "crazy" bikers.  On both of these first routes, I had to slow down for deer.  If you're riding near streams in hot weather, you need to be looking out for deer who are leaving their habitats and crossing roads to get to water.

On through Lansing, we picked up CR X52 (aka Great River Road) and made our way towards Harpers Ferry.  On our way we passed by the now defunct Lansing Power Plant, and I was stunned by the amount of dirt that has been hauled in to cover the coal pits.  If you ever get a chance to ride by and see this site, I'm sure you will be amazed also!

X52 did offer up some shady areas as we cruised on into Harpers Ferry and a "get hydrated" stop at Barry's Minimart.  The air conditioning in the store felt great, and Barry even escourted me into his freezer to let me cool off.  Actually it was too cold in there for comfort.

NO AIR CONDITIONING IN THE JAIL!

TIME FOR REHYRATION

We pulled out of Harpers and got back on the Great River Road taking it all the way up to HWY 76.  Again, riding along the river bluffs allowed for some cooler temps.  After arriving at 76, we turned back north and then turned onto CR B25 and a ride through Yellow River Forest.  This route provided us a considerable amount of shade from the overhanging trees.  My favorite way to come into Yellow River Forest is off HWY 76.  The view from there is fantastic!

After passing through Yellow River, we turned onto Lansing/Harpers road and then west onto Elon Drive.  After a short jog on Elon, we turned onto Waterville Road and followed it through town and all the way back to HWY 76 and then into Waukon for a stop at Uptown. I had exactly 100 miles on the Wing when we arrived at Uptown.  Needless to say, the drink for the night was WATER!

Next Wednesday it should be cooler, and we'll head to Volga.                                                      

A WINDY AND HEART-WARMING WEDNESDAY

 This Wednesday turned out to be a very busy but fun time for our Wednesday night rider group.

The first event of the day took place at 10 AM when part of our group gathered at the Good Sam home here in Waukon to offer trike rides to some of their residents.  This was the second time this summer for our trike rides.  The first being earlier in the season for the seniors at Northgate Manor.

Giving the rides were trikers, ChucK, Ron, and Bob.  Special thanks also goes out to Julie, who took photos and handed out the guardian angel pins.  We also appreciated Chuckles being there to help with the loading and helmet fitting.

To say this event was a success would be an understatement!  The compliments and thank-you's we received were heart warming to say the least.  Several riders were in the 90's, and told us this was their first ride on a motorcycle, and they thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  There were 15 riders and several of them went around a second time.  The route we used departed from Good Sam, went east on Main, turned south onto 4th St. SE circling the golf course, and stopped on Rossville Road.  We then turned north on Rossville Road and followed it up to 3rd Ave. SE where we turned east, passed by the golf course again and returned to Good Sam via 1st St. SE.  The route was designed to make as many right turns as possible to avoid crossing traffic.  It was a windy morning, but no one complained.

Here's a few photos that Julie took.  Check out the smiles!

WHAT A GREAT MORNING!

Our second event of a busy, windy Wednesday was our weekly Wednesday night ride. We had 13 riders show up at Casey's aboard 10 units.

Roger, Darrel, Bernell, Ron, and Bob were on their trikes.  Ron and Bob for the 2nd time today.  Jim & Cathy and Mike showed up with bikes.  David had the "support" Jeep, Irv and Terry roared in with the new Vette, and Richard & Melony shot in with a Slingshot.

"WHERE THE HELL IS THE HOOD LATCH?"

THE TRIKES BEGIN TO GATHER

THE "VETTE" FOLLOWED BY JIM & CATHY

THAT ROAR YOU HEAR IS FROM THE BIKE, NOT THE VETTE!

MIKE MAKES HIS ENTRANCE

MELONY CHECKS OUT THE SLINGSHOT

MUST BE A FUNNY STORY

CHECKING OUT CATHY'S REAR!

With the temp at 80 and a brisk south wind, we departed Casey's at 5 and cruised through Waukon and on to HWY 76 heading north.  We actually had to stop for the second only stop light in Allamakee County before we could cross the bridge on 76 that seems to be under constant repair.  We continued on 76 being constantly bumped by wind gusts until just outside of Eitzen, we turned west onto CR 27.  This a smooth stretch of asphalt with sweeping curves that takes us into Spring Grove.  We then turn back to the east onto HWY 44 and take this route through Caledonia and into Hokah.  Taking CR 18 out of Hokah, we roll down the hill into Brownsville for a break.

THE "SUPPORT" UNITS AND THE SLINGSHOT TAKE A BREAK

..

ALONG WITH THE TRIKES

After our break, we take CR 3 out of Brownsville and make our way back up to Caledonia.  Apparently the county decided that CR 3 needed some tar snakes.  If fact, the paper was still covering the snakes (sneaky), so we took our time to let the two wheelers work their way around them to avoid any slipping.  When we reached Caledonia again, we passed by a very busy fairgrounds and then on through town and back to HWY 44 again.  HWY 44 west took us to HWY 76 again and heading south we turned onto CR 2, aka Pool Hill Road, passing through Eitzen.  Down the hill (no pool) and into New Albin we went.  Since we passed very near Mike's house, he left us there and the rest of us took HWY 26 for a short jog before turning onto CR A26, aka Iowa River Drive.  This is a repaved section of road that offers some interesting curves and some great scenery as it meanders along the Iowa River.  We then turn south onto Lycurgus Road and make our way over to HWY 9.  HWY 9 took us back into Waukon for eats at the Uptown.  There we were greeted by Chuckles, Lois, Claire, and Doris.

I racked up 120 miles on the Wing, not counting the trike rides earlier.  It was very windy, but an old guy that I used to ride with said, "It's a motorcycle, expect wind!"

"FEEL GOOD" TRIKE RIDES IN THE MORNING, FOLLOWED BY A GREAT RIDE IN THE EVENING--WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT!

THANKS!

THANKS TO ChucK, Dee, Chuckles, David, Bob Z, and Mike for the gift cards you gave me after the "Guys Ride".  Bob's Fairly Reliable Guide Service appreciates it!

COUPLES' TRIP

So far I have Gelo's and Votsmier's signed up for the Couples' Trip on September 9 & 10.  If you want to go on this trip, I need to know by the end of the week.  I'll then determine if there is enough people going for me to continue planning the trip.

A MYSTERY TO MOST!

 Apparently the scheduled Mystery RTE on Saturday remained a mystery for all but 3 Wednesday Night Riders.  I think we have to move from this date since Fish Days in Lansing is going on along with numerous other activities in the area.

However, the threesome did have a nice ride and some good food.  Here's the report from Lois.

The mighty three (well, 2 anyway) gathered for a beautiful ride to eat in spite of the wind and 86 degree temperatures. Chuckles led Lois and Jim D on two wheelers to TJ Shooters, in New Vienna, the eNVy of Iowa, my hometown.  

We headed out taking Forest Mills Rd to Luana then a short jog on Hwy18 to Gunder Rd. This may have been a bit repetitive for Jim D, since he had been to the Gunder Roadhouse for lunch with the HOG group earlier in the day, but of course, no complaints. We followed that down to Elkader where we hopped onto Hwy13 and across 128 through Clayton Center then Hwy 52 south through Garnavillo. We followed that until the "Sears Church" where we turned onto X47, Kale Rd. From there we had many twists, turns and great views going onto Garber Rd, Osterdock Rd, Colesburg Rd and Petersburg Rd, passing through or near each of those communities, finally arriving at our destination.

We enjoyed not having to cook supper and took a pretty direct route back home to arrive before dark, since the trip there took a bit longer than expected. We pulled onto Hwy 136/52 until Monona then took Volney Rd to Hwy 76 back into Waukon.

Had 149 miles on the bikes when we pulled into the garage. Here's a peek at the evening's stops.

Lois

RIDE TO EAT AT CASEY'S

RIDE TO EAT NEW VIENNA

RIDE TO EAT AT TJ SHOOTERS

Looks like it was a fun time.  Too bad there weren't more to join you! Thanks for your participation.

TRIKE RIDES FOR GOOD SAM RESIDENTS

This event has now been officially moved from today (Monday) to Wednesday at 10 AM.

COUPLES' TRIP

The annual couples' trip is scheduled for September 9th and 10th.  I have not set a destination or made any trip plans yet, and I am not going to go through all the work doing that if there is very little interest in couples going on this trip. SO, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING THIS TRIP, THEN YOU NEED TO LET BOB KNOW BY THE END OF THIS WEEK!

LEADER HAS RETURNED

 We arrived back in Waukon last evening from our family reunion at Osage Beach, Mo.  I did notice that the Wednesday night ride continued last week with Chuckles leading the pack.

I have not heard anything back yet on the Mystery Ride that took place Saturday, so I'll give you Chuckles run down of the Wednesday night ride.

Though we always miss our fearless leader, 16 of us on 11 units gathered at Casey's on a clear, comfortable Wednesday evening to explore NE Iowa. On two wheels were Chuckles leading the pack, Lois, Mike, Dee and Jim D & Melea.  On three wheels were ChucK, Darrel, Richard and Ron & Helen.  Supporting on 4 wheels were Dale & Greg and Irv & Howard. 

We started out on Hwy 9, turned on Old Stage and smiled as we passed the previous Fishville.  We followed that to Yellow River Drive then took 51 through Postville.  Next we turned on Hwy 52 and cruised through Castalia, Ossian and Calmar.  It still amazes me how lush and green the corn and beans look in spite of the lack of rain this growing season.  Next we turned down B16 picking up W14 in Spillville and taking it through Ridgeway up to Pole Line Rd.  We then took Bluffton Rd, where else, but for a stop at the Bluffton Campground Bar for cold drinks and snacks.  It was a nice, big place with pleasant staff and the locals raved about the food.  

Thankfully we were in Ron's old stomping grounds and he knew we could keep following Bluffton Rd and come out on Hwy 52 by Burr Oak.  As we took our next turn on North Winn Rd our Decorah trikes kept going straight.  There we passed Seed Savers and got to 337th St, passed Winneshiek Wildberry Winery and stopped for a 3 fawn parade.  When we got to Locust we took Big Canoe/Bear Creek, stopping for one unpredictable deer, to Hwy 76.  Thankfully we knew ahead of time that Uptown Grill was closed for a few days of vacation and crossed on Iron Mine Dr to Green Valley Rd and Green Valley Getaway for some nourishment and hydration.  

I had 120 miles on the bike when I pulled it in the shed.  Here's a look at the happenings.

BLUFFTON BATHROOM

BLUFFTON CREW

CASEY GATHERING

CASEY'S CREW

CASEY'S SUPPORT

GREEN VALLEY

GREEN VALLEY VETTE

Thanks to both Chuckles and Jim G for leading while Bob was away.

TRIKE RIDE FOR GOOD SAM RESIDENTS

This ride was to take place tomorrow. But with the weather forecast showing high temps in the low 60's and 80% chance of rain, it has been postponed to Wednesday at 10 AM with Ron, ChucK, and Bob as drivers.  Again anyone who would like to observe this event and possibly take photos is welcome.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

If I recover from the trike rides on Wednesday, the destination for the regular ride that night will be the Caledonia/Brownsville area.

GUYS' (AKA SPECIAL) TRIP

 As I mentioned last time, I would include a few of the many photos that were taken on our trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

THE SHIPWRECK MUSEUM AT WHITE FISH POINT

THE BELL FROM THE EDMUND FITZGERALD

UPPER TAHQUAMENON FALLS

AT SOO LOCKS

VIEW FROM TOWER OF HISTORY IN SS MARIE

CHUNK OF COPPER ORE FROM QUINCY MINE

DICK BONG (WW II ACE OF ACES) P-38 LIGHTNING FIGHTER

AND FINALLY