Four intrepid Wednesday night riders showed up at Casey's Friday afternoon for what probably looks to be the last ride of the season. With the temp right at 50, but sunny skies offering warmer conditions, the ride was on. Chuckles and Jim showed up on bikes, while Terry and Bob huddled up on three-wheelers.
IF IT'S AT LEAST 50 AND NOT RAINING, I'M RIDING! |
TERRY ALL BUNDLED UP |
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?! |
YEP, LET'S GO! |
With Bob in the lead, we departed Casey's at 1 o'clock, passed through Waukon on HWY 9, and made our way up to Lansing. So far, so good, for the sun did offer more warmth. Checking the outside temp on the Wing showed a "balmy" 55 degrees.
After rolling through Lansing, we turned north onto HWY 26 heading to Brownsville. Knowing that we may have to ride through some shady areas, I still wanted to take this route. I was hoping that the migratory birds might be in the reserve on the Mississippi River south of Brownsville. We were not disappointed. There were hundreds of white birds resting in the calm waters of the reserve. Making up most of the species were swans and pelicans. If anyone wants to see this spectacle of nature, now is the time to go!
After our bird viewing, we entered Brownsville and continued our ride on CR 3 heading for Caledonia. Most of CR 3 was in the sun, and the smooth blacktop made for a great ride into Caledonia. There we stopped at Kwik Trip, so Jim could fill his Wing with airplane fuel and the rest of us could imbibe in warm drinks. Chuckles snapped a couple of photos here.
ZIP UP, BOB! |
TERRY PARKED IN THE SHADE! |
After warming up at Kwik Trip, we took HWY 76 out of town and then stayed on HWY 44 on into Spring Grove. We turned onto Division Avenue (CR A-16) and headed south towards Dorchester. A-16 becomes Dorchester Drive after entering Iowa. We enjoyed a smooth, "warm" ride down the hill into Dorchester. After rolling through the suburbs of Dorchester, we came to HWY 76 and followed it south into Waukon. Bob had 98 miles on the Wing at home. Was it cool? (kind of!) Was it worth it? (definitely!).
Unless there is a dramatic change in the weather, the next time we ride together may be the Spring of 2025. Also, the annual PMS get-together looks to be on April 16th, so set aside the date.
As for now here's wishing all Wednesday Night Riders, their families and friends a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!