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...

SOME SAD NEWS

 I'm sorry to report that Dawn Roney, Dale Roney's wife and Jim and Larry Gelo's sister passed away in Rochester yesterday.

On behalf of the Wednesday Night Riders, we offer our condolences to the Roney and Gelo families.

As service arrangements are made, I will try to post them here for any Wednesday Night Riders who would like to know.

SHORT BUT PLEASANT JOURNEY

 With daylight now getting shorter, so are our Wednesday night rides.  With very comfortable weather for our ride, 11 riders made their way to Casey's last night.

We had two convertibles with Irv & Terry in the Vette, and Rod (not Ron) in his convertible.  Three-wheelers were Richard & Melonye and ChucK.  The rest, Howard, Bill, Mike, Dee, and Bob straddled bikes.

PROPER DRESS CODE FOR A VETTE RIDE

ChucK AND DEE GET PARKED

ROD (NOT RON) ARRIVES FROM MANCHESTER

MIKE ROLLS IN

BILL IS JUST A BLURR!

RICHARD & MELONYE GET READY

GOOD TO SEE HOWARD AGAIN

BILL MEETS A FEW NEW RIDERS

Departing Casey's at 5, we passed through town eyeing the 76 degree temps on the Waukon State Bank signs.  Turning north on HWY 76, we followed it to the turn onto Bear Creek Drive (CR A26).  Right at the turn, we slowed down for a deer that was really dark in color.  Fortunately there were no others with him.

We continued our ride west facing into the sun until we reached Locust Road.  There we let some traffic through and turned toward Decorah.  Locust Road took us into Decorah and turning to the north, we followed College Drive out to HWY 52.  We went straight across 52 and onto Pole Line Road.  Since Pole Line has been resurfaced, it offers a smooth ride with some sweeping curves and decent scenery.  Pole Line ends at HWY 9 just outside of Cresco, so we made our turn east on 9 and scooted for Waukon by passing through Ridgeway and Decorah.  Some of us opted for eats at Uptown when we arrived in Waukon.  It was a very pleasant 89 mile ride!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MELONYE!!

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Looking towards Garnavillo with maybe a quick stop at Pikes Peak if the leaves have changed much.

CLUCK-CLUCK!

 To say that our annual Run, Chicken, Run Run up to Rockton for their "nearly world famous" barbeque chicken was well attended would be an understatement.  We had a total of 18 riders in vehicles of one form or another show up at Casey's Sunday morning.

Along with Dennis & Marlene in their van were Wayne & Sandy, Mary, and Carl & Joyce.  Dee, Mike & Joan, Gary, and Bill (newbie) rode bikes.  ChucK, Darrel, Richard & Melodye, and Bob & Julie were aboard 3 wheelers.

BILL (NEWBIE) GETS ACQUAINTED

DENNIS & MARLENE HAVE A VAN FULL

CARL GIVES DARREL TIPS ON HOW TO GET GAS

After leaving Casey's, the convoy passed through Lansing and crossed over into Wisconsin.  After cruising on HWY 35 north for a while, we turned onto Mundsack Road and followed this one-laner over to HWY 56 and then on into Viroqua for a short break.

REST STOP IN VIROQUA

BILL GETS INTRODUCED TO EVERYONE

We left Kwip Trip and journeyed through the hills and valleys and along the creeks and streams of southern Wisconsin.  We particularly enjoyed the views that the changing leaves on the trees offered us.  Arriving at Rockton, and seeing the crowd, we were happy to have reservations.

A TABLE IN THE SUN

MARLENE HEADS FOR DRINKS

BILL ENJOYS HIS FIRST CHICKEN AT ROCKTON

"I WISH I HAD A DOO RAG LIKE THAT!"

WAYNE LOOKS TO BE AN UNDERCOVER AGENT

After stuffing down the chicken, we continued our journey to our usual stop at Sunrise Orchards outside of Gays Mills.  There our group bought and sampled apples, enjoyed some hot and frosty apple cider, and, of course, had to indulge in the apple cider donuts.  The place was very crowded and extremely warm, so we didn't spend much time in there.  After traversing the hill down into Gays Mills, we all gathered again at the bottom and continued our trek back home.

On a beautiful, but warm, Sunday, we were able to take in some great scenery and also some great food.  It was great to see Mary, Wayne & Sandy and Carl & Joyce again.  Thanks to Dennis and Marlene for the transportation.  It was also good to have Gary along with us again, and a special welcome to Bill from Lansing who plans to join us on Wednesday nights.

That concluded our RTE's (RIDES TO EAT) for the season.  We will continue Wednesday night rides up to the time change, and stay tuned to the blog for any impromptu weekend rides that may take place yet this fall.