IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER!

 If there was ever a time to call a ride "perfect", it would have been Wednesday night as 9 riders gathered at Casey's for a trip to Bagley and back.  We had perfect weather, not too hot or cold, no humidity, and plenty of sunshine.

Our riders for the night consisted mostly of bikes, with Mike, Jim & Cathy, Bill, Chuckles, and Lois all riding in on theirs.  Dr. David and Irv supplied the "support" vehicles, and Bob let the parade on the only trike.

MIKE WELCOMES OUR WANDERING COFFEE DRINKERS

IRV & DR. DAVID ARE READY TO ROLL

BILL SWINGS IN FROM LANSING

CHUCKLES ARRIVES

AND LOIS SKILLFULLY MANEUVERS INTO THE PARKING LOT

After some "meet and greet" time, the group heads out of Waukon heading east via the Elon Road.  With no humidity in the air, we could see for miles and miles, and with everything being green, the views were fantastic.

At the end of Elon Road, we turned onto the Lansing/Harpers Road and scooted down the hill south into Harpers Ferry.  On the way to Harpers, Bob almost came face to face with an eagle when he disturbed the bird feasting on a road kill.  Fortunately the eagle decided to exit away from the roadway.  Once reaching Harpers, we headed south on CR X52, aka Great River Road.  While skirting along the Mississippi River, we could observe how all the rains had swollen it enough to cover most of the islands.

At the end of the Great River Road, we arrived at HWY 76 and cruised down the hill into Marquette.  As we rode along the bluffs along the highway from Effigy Mounds to Marquette, we could see where a good number of rocks had fallen into the ditch.  These were probably dislodged from the recent heavy rains.  Fortunately none of them were on the road or fell while we were rolling along.

Once we reached Marquette, we took HWY 18 across the bridge into Prairie du Chien.  We skirted around PDC on the HWY 18 bypass and ended up on HWY 18 again near Culver's.  Turning south on 18 we passed over the Wisconsin River near Bridgeport and could see that it was bankfull also.  When we arrived at the intersection of CR C, we took it through part of Wyalusing Park and up to CR CX.  CX is a short stretch of blacktop that runs into CR X near the entrance to Wyalusing State Park.  We continued on the loop that X makes all the way around through the village of Wyalusing and into Bagley.  CR X is an interesting stretch of road to say the least.  There is some great scenery, but you can't gawk too much, or you could end up going off the narrow road with no guard rails and down a steep enbankment into the Wisconsin River!  It has always been and still remains a fun road to ride.

Once reaching Bagley, we continued out of the metropolis and picked up CR P.  This is another fun route to ride.  I call it the "roller coaster" because of all the hills along the way, some of them being quite long and fairly steep.  The road is smooth and well maintained which helps make it fun.  At the end of CR P, we backtracked a little onto HWY 35 towards Patch Grove and arrived at the New Horizons Cenex convenience store for a break.  The couple who operate the store are always very friendly, and the guy loves to talk motorcycles.

After the break we returned to HWY 18 and cruised back into Prairie du Chien.  Again we took the bypass around and continued on 18 through Marquette and into Monona onto CR X26, aka Volney Road.  The Volney Road took us into "rosey" Rossville and back onto HWY 76.  We followed 76 on into Waukon to stop for eats at the Uptown.  While waiting to eat, Irv showed us a photo of his new Harley trike.  We can't wait to see it up close on our next ride.

I had racked up 116 miles on the trike on this "perfect" night, and next Wednesday the plan is to ride over to Boscobel for some ice cream.  Also, by next Wednesday, I'm going to need to know who all plans to make the summer trip to Ohio from July 29th to August 4th.  Right now I have ChucK, Dee, Dr. David, Bob Z, and myself planning to go.  So, if you think you might like to make this trip with us, let me know by next Wednesday, so motel reservations can be made.

AGAIN A REMINDER !!

This Sunday at noon, we will be leaving Casey's at noon to take the ride that had to be postponed from Memorial Day.  Afterwards we will have our cookout at Rotach's.  Bob will grill up some brats, so if you come (and we certainly hope you do!) bring along your own drinks and a snack, salad or desert to pass. The cookout should start around 4, and again, if you cannot or do not want to make the ride, you can still come and enjoy the company at the cookout.  Everyone is welcome, and it has always been a time for good food and lies!

GOOD WNR PARTICIPATION AT WAUKON MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

 Because of incoming inclement weather, we couldn't do our ride and cookout, but we had a good number of Wednesday Night Riders participate in some ways at the Memorial Day observance Monday morning in Waukon.

Veteran, Bob Z, hitches a ride to Oakland Cemetery.  He would later shoot in the rifle salute in the program.  He didn't hit anyone!

Chuckles is a flag bearer with the KC's

HE ADJUSTS HIS TIE

Dale "rolls in" with the "poppy" ladies.

Jens & Jane get the convertible out of storage and bring the Grand Marshall.

Suzanne shines up her Mustang to bring the Memorial Day Chaplain

Moriah Downing, Jim's granddaughter, gives the "General John A Logan's Memorial Day Order".

Julie introduces those who receive the "quilts of valor" from the Waukon Patriot Quilters.

Also special "kudos" to Chuckles & Lois for having the cemetery in great shape!

Weather permitting, our ride and cookout will take place this coming Sunday, June 2nd.  The plan as of now will be to meet at noon at Casey's for the ride, and gather at Rotach's around 4 for the cookout.  Again, brats & buns will be furnished, but bring your own drinks and a salad, snack, or desert to be passed.  AND AGAIN--IF YOU CANNOT OR DO NOT WANT TO MAKE THE RIDE, COME TO THE COOKOUT!!  We enjoy seeing everyone!

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

MEMORIAL RIDE & COOKOUT POSTPONED

 After looking at the forecast for today, and checking the radar predictions, this area is predicted to get showers and thunderstorms starting around 2 and lasting until close to 7.  Some of the storms have the possiblity of strong winds and hail.  

So, assuming the forecast is close to being accurate, I have decided to postpone our scheduled ride and cookout for today.  I am now looking at doing this event next Sunday, June 2nd.  Maybe starting the ride at noon and finishing around 4 for the cookout.  Stay tuned to the blog for any further details.

Let's hope that some of the communities in our area can get their parades and services in before the rain hits!  I plan to attend the Memorial Day presentations here in Waukon today, and encourage all members  of WNR to participate where they live.

I plan to head towards Bagley if we ride Wednesday night.

WIND, TRIKE RIDES, AND MEMORIAL DAY

 Despite a strong and gusty wind from the west, ten riders gathered at Casey's Wednesday evening with Protivin being the destination.

We welcomed Jim D back from his "winter" home in Florida.  He was accompanied by his granddaughter, Melea, who was a passenger on the back of his bike.  Also arriving on a two-wheeler was Mike, who was able to dodge a rain squall near New Albin.  Irv and Terry arrived in the "support" Vette, as well as Dr. David and Bob Z in the "support" Jeep.  Richard, Ron, and Bob R were all aboard three-wheelers.

RICHARD AND JIM GET REAQUAINTED

RON ROLLS IN

THE SLINGSHOT IS WINKIN' AND BLINKIN'

IRV AND TERRY ARRIVE

MELEA IS ANXIOUS TO GET GOING

DR. DAVID AND BOB Z ARE ALREADY HAVING A GOOD TIME

JIM SAYS "IT'S TIME TO GO."

Under partly sunny skies and a temp of 68 degrees, we pass through Waukon and take HWY 76 north.  We could really feel the western wind gusts as we moved north on 76, countersteering the rides and adjusting the helmets.  Once we reached Bear Creek Drive and turned west, the wind was now in our face.  There were several spots along Bear Creek Drive where the rain and wind from Tuesday caused some washing of gravel out onto the pavement, so the two-wheelers had to be particularly careful.

Following Bear Creek Drive, we arrived at Locust Road and journeyed south on it on into Decorah.  Once there, we rode in town on College Drive and onto a very rough portion of Pole Line Road.  Pole Line Road crosses over HWY 52 and continues along the Upper Iowa River for some time.  There were no canoers or tubers on the river today.  Pole Line Road is a good stretch of asphalt offering some challenging curves and some nice views of the surrounding countryside.  We followed PLR all the way to HWY 9 and then stayed on 9 on into Cresco.

Once in Cresco we found CR V58 (aka Dvorak Memorial Highway) and headed south towards Protivin.  Along the way, we did notice a considerable amount of water sitting in the farm fields and did notice some tree damage from yesterday's weather.  V58 is a pretty straight shot into Protivin.  We passed the new fire station in town and arrived at the convenience store at the edge of town for our break.

THE GROUP MILLS AROUND FOR A WHILE FIRST

DR. DAVID AND BOB Z GET SOME TREATS

MIKE GETS READY TO DEPART

After our break, we turn east onto CR B16 (still named Dvorak Memorial Highway) and make our way into Spillville.  Each time I pass through Spillville, I am awed at the sight of St. Wenceslaus Church.  What a beautiful structure!  The amount of craftmanship it took to built that church a long time ago is phenominal!

At the edge of Spillville we continue east with the wind now pushing us along.  Once we arrive at HWY 52, we turn towards Decorah.  About five miles along this journey, two deer appear on the highway in front of us.  One just scrambles for the right had ditch, while the other just stands in the middle of the road.  After I "stare him down", he moves over into the left hand ditch.  Now we have to proceed very cautiously, because one of them might try to cross the road to join the other.  Fortunately we were able to proceed on into Decorah without any further interruptions from Mother Nature's creatures.

Once in Decorah, Ron split for home, and the rest of us took what I call Old Stage Road (CR A52) east toward Waukon.  The first part of this road is rather rough as it passes through Freeport, but then it gets considerably better later on.  OSR also offers up some outstanding views and also has some challenging curves.  We did pull into Waukon and arrived at the Uptown Grill for eats shortly before 8 PM.  I had 108 miles on the clock when I got the trike back home.  A little battle with the wind at times, but still a good ride!

TRIKE RIDES FOR SENIORS AT NORTHGATE CARE CENTER

On Monday, Ron, ChucK, and Bob, representing Wednesday Night Riders, delighted some of the residents at Northgate Care Center in Waukon by giving them trike rides around town.  These folks are always glad to see us coming and they thoroughly enjoy the rides.  We also get a "warm feeling" doing this event, and it is good publicity for our WNR.  Thanks to Julie for taking photos and handing out the rider pins.  Here's a few of the photos she took of the event.

As a bonus, thanks to Ron, the local radio stations are going to devote one of their UP BEAT broadcasts to Wednesday Night Riders doing these events.  We are scheduled to give the trike rides to Good Sam residents on June 12th, and we are looking forward to that.  I know the Good Sam folks can't wait!

MEMORIAL DAY RIDE AND COOKOUT

As a reminder, Monday is our Memorial Day ride and cookout at Rotach's afterwards.  After paying tribute to our lost veterans during the past wars, we will depart Casey's at 1 PM for a cruise through the backroads in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.  After we are done with the ride, which should be around 5 PM, we will have a cook-out at Rotach's house.  Brats and buns will be furnished, but bring your own drinks and a snack, salad, or desert to pass.  IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THE RIDE, YOU ARE STILL INVITED TO THE COOKOUT!  It's always a good time to see everyone together again!

SEE YOU ON MONDAY!

ELEVEN MAKE PANCAKE BRUNCH

 Eleven Wednesday Night Riders made the run on Sunday to New Albin to support the New Albin Fire Department with their annual pancake brunch fund raiser.

Nine riders gathered at Casey's for a 10:00 departure.  Richard & Melodye were ready in their Slingshot, while Chuckles, Lois, Dee, and Gary rode bikes.  ChucK was on his trike, and Bob & Julie led the parade on their trike.

A HAPPY BUNCH OF PANCAKE EATERS

After departing Casey's, we continued on HWY 9 into Lansing and then took HWY 26 north into New Albin and arrived at the fire station at about 10:45.  We were met there by Darrel and Roger to bring our total participants to eleven.

Once inside we were treated to a veritable feast.  We were able to get as many pancakes as desired, eggs fixed any way we wanted, plenty of sausage, and a drink.  However, the biggest treat for us was to see  a "world famous" pancake maker in action.  GREAT JOB, MIKE!

HE'S JUST A BLUR!

After our "fill", eight of us continued on the scheduled ride.  We proceeded out of New Albin on HWY 26 up to Brownsville where we took CR 18 west up the hill into Hokah.  We then followed HWY 16 for a short jog and onto CR 21 which borders the Root River for a ways.  All along these county roads, we were treated to the purple wild flowers growing along side of the roads.  We followed 21 over to CR 9 and then into Houston for a break at the BP convenience store there.

DARREL, ROGER, AND DEE ARRIVE FOR THE BREAK

After the break, our traveling group was reduced to six.  We left Houston on HWY 76 and then took CR 10 heading east.  Now we were just down to four as Roger & Darrel took CR 4 towards Spring Grove and a shorter way back to their homes.  With Dee and ChucK in tow, Bob & Julie continued on CR 10, which is a treat to ride.  It's smooth, offers some great curves and hills, along with some great scenery.  Even though it was overcast, the temps still remained in the low 70's.

After arriving back on HWY 76, we followed it through Caledonia, down through Eitzen, and back into Waukon.  We had about 120 miles on the trike at home.  GREAT EATS (I'm sure the New Albin Firemen appreciate our patronage), GREAT RIDE, and above all GREAT COMPANY.

UPCOMING

TRIKE RIDES

Our trike rides for the Northgate Care Center residents is still on for today at 1:00.  If you would like to come and observe or help with photos or handing out pins, you are certainly welcome!

MEMORIAL RUN & COOKOUT

Our annual Memorial Day ride and cookout is this coming Monday, the 27th.  After paying tribute to those who gave up their lives preserving our democracy, we will go on a ride afterwards.  We plan to leave Casey's at 1 PM and venture through the beauty of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest Wisconsin.  After the ride, which should end somewhere near 5:30, we will have a cookout at Rotach's.  Brats and buns will be furnished, but bring your own drinks and a snack, salad, or desert to pass.  IF YOU CANNOT OR DO NOT WANT TO DO THE RIDE, YOU ARE STILL INVITED TO THE COOKOUT!!  It's always a good time to see everyone again!

NICE NIGHT NINE TO WAUZEKA

 On a nearly perfect evening (except for some light Canadian smoke), nine Wednesday Night Riders arrived at Casey's for our weekly ride.  Surprisingly, and for the only time I can remember, there were no two-wheelers along.  Irv & Terry arrived in the "support" Vette, along with Dr. David in the "support" Jeep.  Richard & Melodye brought their Slingshot, and Ron & Helen, ChucK, and Bob rode trikes.

GOOD TO SEE RON & HELEN AGAIN

GOOD SUPPLY OF SUPPORT VEHICLES

ChucK FINDS PARKING

RICHARD & MELODYE ARRIVE AFTER A WEEKEND WEDDING FOR THEIR DAUGHTER

HELEN ASKS ABOUT DEE

RON IS WELCOMED BACK

The group rolled out of Casey's under a light haze, but temps in the mid 70's. with the destination being Wauzeka.  After learning that the Volney Road was covered with gravel (thanks to Dennis for that info), we took Forest Mills road south past a row of sweet smelling lilac bushes and then on past the tilled up land on the Gelo estate.  Cruising on FMR, we were greeted by the mayor of Hardin and on past the Luana Golf Club, we arrived in the town of Luana.  There we hooked up with HWY 18 and headed east skirting Monona, Giard, Froelich, and Marquette and across the bridge into Prairie du Chien.

We took the 18 bypass around PDC and then arrived at HWY 18 again near Culvers.  We followed 18 east to the junction of HWY 60 and then followed 60 all the way into Wauzeka and a stop at the BP convenience store there.  Hwy 60 is a great stretch of smooth asphalt bordering the Wisconsin River, so it made for a great ride into Wauzeka.

WE PARK AND RICHARD CHECKS ON A LOOSE REAR FENDER

After our break, we backtracked for a short distance in town and then took CR N out heading west.  CR N offers up some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, and for the most part, is in good shape.  CR N took us to HWY 27 and we turned north there.  We made our way on 27, passing through Eastman, and hooking up with CR D just outside of town.  CR D is another favorite of your tour guide.  It is a smooth downhill stretch of new pavement that offers up some fantastic views of the coulees in the driftless area.  The speed limit is only 45 MPH, and there is absolutely no reason to try to go any faster.  Sit back and enjoy the scenery, but be alert for the many curves!

At the end of CR D is HWY 35 and a town sign listing Charme.  As many times as I have arrived at that location over the years, I have never seen Charme!  HWY 35 north took us through Lynxville and Ferryville and up to HWY 82 where we could cross the Mississippi River again.  I would have to admit that this portion of HWY 35 is getting rough, so if we had to do it over again, I would probably have taken 35 south back through PDC and then HWY 76 back to Waukon.

However, we crossed the repaired Black Hawk Bridge into Lansing, and marveled at all the equipment and cranes being used to construct the new bridge.  HWY 9 took us back into Waukon where some of us dined at the Uptown.  There the conversation turned to the accuracy or maybe the inaccuracy of weather forecasting.  I had 115 miles on the Wing when I got her home.  Great ride inspite of the hazy conditions!  Next Wednesday the plan is to journey over to Protivin.

UPCOMING

This Sunday, the 19th, is the New Albin Fire Department pancake brunch fund raiser from 7 AM to 1 PM.  I plan on leaving Casey's that morning at 10 AM, so anyone who wants to go up as a group is welcome to ride along.  We will get to see a "semi world famous" pancake maker in action!  Afterwards I plan to continue with a ride up into Minnesota.  This is a RTE (Ride To Eat) with a worthy cause.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

On this Monday, the 20th, the Wednesday Night Riders (Ron, ChucK, and Bob) are scheduled to give trike rides to some residents of the Northgate Care Center in Waukon.  The rides are scheduled to begin at 12:30, and hopefully, the weather holds out.  If you would like to come to Northgate and observe or help with handing out pins and taking photos, you are welcome.  We usually meander down to WW Dairy afterwards for some well-deserved ice cream.  We are looking forward to this feel-good event that gives good publicity for our group!

Also, we are sceduled to give trike rides to some residents at Good Sam in Waukon on June 12th.  More on that later.

ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDERS??!!

EIGHT ATE WAS GREAT

 For our first RTE (Ride To Eat) for the Wednesday Night Riders, we had six show up at Casey's Saturday afternoon.  The six-some consisted of Chuckles, Lois, and Dee on bikes, while ChucK and Bob & Julie were on trikes.

BOB & JULIE ARRIVE

CHUCKLES ROLLS IN

FOLLOWED BY LOIS

DEE MAKES SURE ChucK HAS EVERYTHING

FULL TANK, AND NOW EMPTY BLADDER

A WEDDING PROCESSION--HOPEFULLY RICHARD & MELODYE'S DAUGHTER

Our destination for the RTE is Little Miami Bar & Restaurant in Freeburg, Mn.
Under sunny skies and temps in the high 60's, we depart Casey's at 4:30, proceed through Waukon, and take HWY 76 north up to CR 17 north of Eitzen.  CR 17 is a smooth coast through the farm land in southern Houston County and a view of a nice-looking small Lutheran church.  17 ends at HWY 44 just east of Spring Grove, and we turn in an easterly direction on 44 and cruise into Caledonia.

While passing through Main St. in Caledonia, we spot a familiar looking Gold Wing parked in front of the "Ruptured" Rooster Coffee Shop.  So we pull over, and sure enough, out of the door pop Jim & Cathy with a load of coffee.  Apparently Cathy got a gift certificate to the Rooster for Mothers' Day, and they couldn't wait to spend it.  The rest of us continued on our journey to Freeburg.

We turned south for a short diatance on CR 5 before we came to CR 249.  This 8 mile ride into Freeburg is a real treat, especially on motorcycles.  It is a smooth stretch of tarmac with some fantastic scenery.  The paved portion of 249 ends in the metropolis of Freeburg, and we find our way to its suburbs and arrive at Little Miami.

PROBABLY NOT A TURKEY HUNTER!

Once inside, we arrange a table that seats eight, but then discover that there is an adjacent table that seats six, so we grab it instead.  Then to our amazement, Jim & Cathy show up, and we move back again to the table for eight.  We "threatened" the group sitting next to us, that we might grab their table too!

OUR RTE GANG

This ride was actually tabbed as a "burger run", but Bob was the only one to order a burger.  Chuckles got what you would call a "variety" plate.  It did seem to take quite a while to get served.  It looked like the place was pretty busy and could use more help.

After our meal, we loaded up to depart Freeburg and miss the "rush" hour.

LOOKING AT WARMER CLOTHES

GEARING UP, SINCE IT IS COOLER HERE IN THE VALLEY

THE "LEAD" MACHINE GETS READY

The last time I was in Freeburg, the only way back out that was paved was backtracking on 249 to avoid to avoid gravel.  But according to ChucK and Dee, CR 24 had since been chip sealed and was no longer gravel, so we decided to take it out of town.

DEE TELLS US THAT IF CR 24 IS NOT PASSABLE, DON'T BLAME HER!

We take our chances with 24, and find that it has been chip sealed.  Riding on it was way better than gravel, but not as good as regular pavement.  We took our time on the 5 mile stretch up to CR 3, and turned east again heading to Brownsville.  CR 3 ia a well-maintained county road that offers up some decent scenery of the driftless area of southern Minnesota.  After we arrived in Brownsville, we took HWY 26 back south along the river.  The temps were now in the low 60's as we rode in the shade of the river bluffs.  There was an amazing sunset view that was being crisscrossed by jet streams.

We continued on 26 through New Albin and then took Iowa River Drive (CR A26) over to Lycurgus Road (CR X20) and followed it to HWY 9.  There were cars parked by the Lycurgus Church that were maybe waiting to see the "northern lights" later.  HWY 9 took us back into Waukon, where I ended up with about 90 miles on the trike.  Our first RTE was a fun ride and eat!  Thanks to Dee and Chuckles for some of the photos.

NEXT WEDNESDAY

If the weather looks good next Wednesday, the plan will be to head for Wauzeka.

NEXT SUNDAY

We have another RTE (Ride To Eat).  This time we will head up to New Albin to feast at the New Albin Fire Department pancake brunch.  This is our chance to see one of our Wednesday Night Riders, an "almost world famous" pancake maker, in action! The menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, and beverage. The plan is to depart Casey's at 10 AM on Sunday morning, stop for the brunch in New Albin, and possibly continue with a ride afterwards.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME, AND IS ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT A GREAT GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS!