NEW RIDE!!

 ChucK and Dee are planning an overnight motorcycle trip to the Iowa City area this coming August or September. Want to come with? All Wednesday Night Riders, friends, and family are welcome to join in.

Our plans are to see the Devonian Gorge Park near North Liberty and visit the Hoover Library and Museum in West Branch. We’re hoping to stay overnight in a small inn in the Amana Colonies and we definitely want to enjoy a good supper in the Amanas.

If you're interested in participating or have questions, please reply to this email (coyote@acrec. com) or call the house at 563-864-3201. If I have your email, I’ll send periodic updates and reminders as plans firm up. 

--DeeAnna

***

Tentative Dates

Our preference would be any two consecutive days within August 22-25, but we're open to doing the trip on any two days within these date ranges:

August 22-25 (Thu-Sun)

August 29-September 1 (Thu-Sun)

September 26-27 (Thu-Fri)

If you have a preference of dates, please let us know NO LATER THAN AUGUST 6th!

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Tentative Itinerary

Start: Meet at Casey's, 901 S Main St, Monona, IA. Kickstands up at 8:30 am. Travel to West Branch via Monticello, Dyersville, Guttenburg. Gas stop in Dyersville

Lunch: West Branch area, place to be determined. Let me know if you have a favorite place to eat in this area

After lunch: Herbert Hoover Museum and National Historic Site, 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA

Lodging (tentative): Zuber's Homestead Hotel, 2206 44th Ave, Homestead, IA. About $120 to $180 plus fees per night, breakfast included

Supper: Amana Colonies restaurant, place to be determined. One option is Millstream Brau Haus, 741 47th Ave, Amana, IA, but if you have a favorite, let me know

After breakfast: Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA. Wear sturdy shoes if you want to hike in the gorge

End: Travel to Monona via Elkader, Manchester, Anamosa. Gas stop in Manchester. Lunch too if people are hungry

Round trip distance is about 320 miles. Trip will happen rain or shine

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More Details

Herbert Hoover Museum and National Historic Site

210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA

Museum and Visitor Center: Open Sun-Sat, 9-5

Admission: $10

Historic Site: Open Sun-Sat, 24 hr

Map of site: https://maps.app.goo.gl/umgsHHEzaAHfbGvE8

Website: http://nps.gov/heho/index.htm

Zuber's Homestead Hotel

2206 44th Ave, Homestead, IA

$120 to $180 per night, breakfast included

Website: https://www.zubershomesteadhotel.com/

Tripadvisor: 4.7 stars. Historic long-term hotel with 15 guest rooms. Not handicapped accessible

Millstream Brau Haus

741 47th Ave, Amana, IA

Open Sun-Sat, 11a-8p

German style pub food, 4.5 stars

Website: https://millstreambrauhaus.com/

Brau Haus Kaffee Co

also at the Millstream Brau Haus

741 47th Ave, Amana, IA

Thurs-Sun, 8a-11a

Devonian Fossil Gorge

2850 Prairie du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA

Visitor Plaza has info about gorge and is handicapped accessible.

Visitors can also hike through the gorge -- bring sturdy shoes

Open 7 days, 6a-10p, no admission fee

Map of area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ivECgzVCzrqHxBhM9

Website: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Coralville-Lake/Recreation/Devonian-Fossil-Gorge/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaGZPVJdE4s

I will provide GPX files of the route for anyone who wants them.

I’ll also set up the route in Google Maps and send a link to that.

BUSY WEDNESDAY FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDERS

 Yesterday, Wednesday, kept our unique group of Wednesday Night Riders stretched from Decorah in the morning to Mt. Hope, WI, in the evening.

Wednesday morning was our "feel good" day.  Five of us journeyed over to Decorah to give some of the residents of Wellington Place trike rides.  Ron set up this date with Jill, the activity director, at the rest home.  He was one of the riders on his Harley.  ChucK came over from Postville on his Gold Wing, and Chuckles, on Bob's Gold Wing, rode over from Waukon.  Bob & Julie drove over in their pickup.

While Ron, ChucK, and Chuckles gave rides, Bob took photos and Julie passed out "guardian angel" pins to those residents who particpated.  The route in Freeport was about 2.5 in length and we gave out 15 rides.  The residents were thrilled to go, and it was heart warming for our group.  Probably the best quote we heard from one of the residents that rode with Ron on his Harley was "Take a Cadillac, knock all the windows out, and you would have the same thing!"  All of them were very thankful after their ride.

Special thanks to Ron for making the connection, planning the route, and giving the rides.  Thanks to Chuckles for taking Bob's place giving rides, and to ChucK for doing the rides.  Thanks to Julie for taking the morning to pass out the pins and compliment the riders.  All in all, it was a great morning!

Here's some of the photos that Bob took.

Then later in the day, Dee was gracious enough to lead the regular Wednesday night ride.  Here's her report.

Hi, Bob --

Here's my trip report for last night's ride.

I am working on a proposal for an overnight trip to the Iowa City area
to see the Devonian Gorge and the Hoover Library. I'll send that on to
you when it's ready, probably later today or tomorrow.

--DeeAnna

***

Since our fearless leader Bob R is still on the injured reserve list
with back troubles, other riders are volunteering (or being
volunteered!) to step into Bob's large boots to lead the Wednesday Night
Rides. At the end of the previous week's ride, ride leader Chuck V
challenged my ChucK and me (Dee) to plan and lead this week's ride.

I dearly enjoy riding along the scenic, peaceful Highway C that meanders
northeast along the Wisconsin River in gentle curves and low swoopy
hills. We haven't gone that way yet this year due to heavy rains and
flooding in past weeks. Although rivers are still running high, I
verified that Highway C is open and safe for travel and planned a route
along C for this week's ride.

I'll admit I was nervous about being a novice ride leader, so I forgot
to take pictures. I do know the ride included 11 people and 10 units.
Folks riding two-wheelers: Richard and Melodye together on their vintage
Goldwing, Bill from Lansing, Mike from New Albin, Chuck V, Lois V, Dave
from Gunder, and me. Ron from Decorah and my ChucK were each riding
their trikes. Last but not least, Irv trailed the cycles in his handsome
Corvette. My ChucK agreed to be the sweep rider near the end of the
group. He and I kept in touch using our intercom system.

We left Waukon on Highway 76 traveling past Effigy Mounds into
Marquette. We took Highway 18 across the Mississippi River bridge
through Prairie du Chien and then continued east out of town to Highway
C. We wended northeast on C to Highway 133 and then took 133 south to
Highway 18. After a  short jog on 18, we turned south again on Highway J
going through Mount Hope.

Highways J and A led us south and west into the small burg of
Bloomington and the intersection of A and Highway 35. Highway 35 north
led us to Patch Grove and the Cenex convenience store just north of
town. The Cenex station is a nice place for a break. The Cenex staff
told us if we called ahead next time, they would have food ready for us.
There is limited seating indoors, but they have several picnic tables
outside. Their special for the day was chicken wings, and I have to say
the wings did look good.

After our pit stop, we returned to Waukon via Highway 18, Volney Road
(X26), and Highway 76. Dave and Ron eventually peeled off to travel
directly home. Those of us going to Waukon inadvertently got split into
two groups, one trailing the other by about 5 minutes, but everyone
arrived in town safely around 8 pm. After a quick pause to visit, Bill
continued on to Lansing. The remaining eight of us went to the Fiesta
Vallarta restaurant for supper. The round trip starting at Casey's and
ending at the restaurant was about 117 miles.

Special thanks to Dee for leading this week, and anyone who has done it knows it is not an easy job!  Hopefully my back will be good enough to at least "go along" next Wednesday.

Also, "safe travels" to Jim, Darron, Dr. David, Bob Z, Chuckles, Mike, Dee, and ChucK as they depart on the Summer Trip for Ohio on Monday morning.

PIZZA OR NOT/ CHUCKLES LEADS

 Our annual "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run took place on Sunday, the 14th.  We had 8 Wednesday Night Riders gather at Casey's at 11 to hunt up some pizza.  Chuckles, Lois, and Dee brought bikes.  Richard & Melodye arrived in the Slingshot, while ChucK and Bob & Julie were astride trikes.

CHUCKLES REFUSES TO LISTEN TO LOIS

THE SLINGSHOT CAN HOLD A LOT OF PIZZAS

BOB & JULIE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY

ChucK ROLLS ON BY

DEE ARRIVES

AND ChucK JOINS HER

Although no one else knew it, Bob planned to make the B &B Bowling & Restaurant in Preston our spot for pizzas.  We made our way past the only stop sign in Allamakee County and took HWY 76 north.  We turned onto the Dorchester Road (CR A16) and cruised past the Dorchester suburbs and on into Spring Grove.  This stretch of road is much better riding now that the Minnesota portion has been resurfaced.

On though Spring Grove we went on HWY 44 heading west.  We cruised through Mabel and on into Canton on what is now HWY 52.  We then made a turn north again on CR 21 and just missed the "rush hour" in Henrytown.  CR 21 is pretty much a straight shot on up to CR 12 where we made our way west again back onto HWY 52.  We followed 52 in a northerly direction into Preston and arrived at our pizza joint.

PLENTY OF PARKING

ON A NEWLY PAVED LOT

We made our way into the bowling alley/restaurant and placed our orders.  Even though it was a "pizza" run, only Chuckles and Bob sampled the pizzas.  The others succumbed to the rib special and speciality sandwhiches.

ONE BIG ASS TROUT

PIZZA OR NOT

After our meal, we loaded back up ready for "Bob's shortcut" back home.

THE SLINGSHOT GETS READY TO ROLL AGAIN

RELOADING

AREN'T WE STOPPING FOR ICE CREAM?!!

Back we went onto HWY 52 and then made our way onto HWY 16 heading east.  HWY 16 is one of the most scenic state highways in southern Minnesota and attracts a lot of motorcyclists.  Around sweeping curves, over scenic hills, and along some high ridges, we made our way into Rushford and to the Creamery Pizza and Ice Cream store.  Actually our "pizza run" last year was to this spot.  After finally making our decisions from over 30 flavors of ice cream, we sat in air conditioning to finish our treats.

Before we were able to depart Rushford, we had to wait for "hot rod" ChucK to fill up with "go juice".  We then made our way to CR 26/27 and cruised on one of the best "secret" motorcycle routes.  We cruise along some high ridge tops, and ride atop some fairly steep  hills while meanering along several creeks and rivers.  We sped past the extremely busy swimming pool (more great views) at the Money Creek Haven Camp Ground and arrived in Money Creek on HWY 76.  Heading south on 76, we rolled through Houston, and then took CR 10 cross country arriving at 76 again just outside of Caledonia.  CR 10 is another great ride.  On through Caledonia and Eitzen on 76 took us back into Waukon where we had 125 miles on the trike.  Next year I guess we'll have to change the name of the ride to "Any Dang Thing You Want This Summer" Run!

SPECIAL THANKS TO CHUCKLES FOR LEADING AND LOIS FOR REPORTING

Last Wednesday, Bob was on the DL (Disabled List), so Chuckles led the pack on our regular Wednesday night ride.  Here's a report from Lois along with some photos.

From Lois, interim (and late) reporter:

Holy Hump Day!  WNR riders came out of the woodwork on a nearly perfect summer evening with comfortable temps and, finally, no rain predicted!

Gathering at Caseys were 14 units with 17 riders.  On two wheels were Chuckles, Lois, Mike, Dee, Lissa & Bobby. On three wheels were Dave M, Irv, Terry, ChucK, Roger, Ron & Helen and it was great to see Bernell & Kathy again.  Richard and Melodye supported the group in the Slingshot.

After a struggle to get out of Casey's lot at rush hour, Chuckles led us with the destination of Arlington.  We rolled up to 76 then into Rosy Rossville where we took X26, Volney Rd, to Monona.  There we hopped on 52 for a short jog to X28, Golden Rd, cruising through Farmersburg and St. Olaf where we slowed for a lady with 3 dogs on leashes.  We headed out of St. Olaf on B65 then onto X16  to Elkader. There we took 56 West then C2W to Volga and on into Arlington for a rest stop.    

We departed on W51 through Wadena and Elgin then on to B64 to Gunder.  Since we were driving right through Gunder, some of us decided to stop for something to eat at the Gunder Roadhouse, while others kept on rolling.  After we were generously thanked with hopes we would return again, the closed sign was flipped as the last of us walked out the door.  As some of us threw on an extra layer for the cooler ride home, we took B60 then on to W64 and 18 to Postville then Cherry Valley to Forest Mills until we reached 76 back to Waukon.

Beautiful, comfortable ride with wonderful, lush green views of corn tasseling and the smell of hay ready to be made.

We had 108 miles on the bikes as we rolled into the shed.

We missed you, Bob, and hope for a full, speedy recovery!

 

     

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