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.
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