MYSTERY "IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!"

 Ten Wednesday Night Riders arrived at Casey's Sunday morning for what was to be described as a ride "that doesn't get any better than this".  Aboard trikes were Gary & Gloria, ChucK, and Bob & Julie.  Bike riders were Mike & Joan, Dee, Bill, and Jim D.

GOOD TO SEE GARY & GLORIA AGAIN

THE GANG GATHERS

JIM WELCOMES THE GELO'S

With only Bob knowing the "mystery" destination, the group departed Waukon under clear blue skies and comfortable temps in the mid 70's.  We cruised up HWY 76 until just past Eitzen and made the turn west onto Sylling Road (CR 27).  This is one of the favorite roads for our group, since it offers smooth pavement, some sweeping curves, and some great views.  Already we knew this was going to be a "good one", because of the comfortable temps and the clear atmosphere that let us see for "miles and miles"

Our ride up CR 27 took us into Spring Grove and after passing through town, we took another one of our favorites, CR 4 (aka Yucatan Road).  This is another smooth stretch of blacktop that takes us through Black Hammer and Yucatan before arriving back on HWY 76 just outside of Houston.  Once we reach town, the mystery is solved!  We park our rides outside of JT's Corner Bar & Grill ready for our mystery eats.

TIME TO EAT

The waitress was kind enough to move some tables together so all ten of us could sit together.  Since Bob had eaten there before, he recommended the "special" for the day, which was a burger and fries.  Most of the party ordered the special in one form or another, but all agreed that the food was "great".  So the day continued to stay "great"!

THE GANG LOOKS WELL FED

CHUCK REGALES STORIES OF "MOTHMAN"

OUR WAITRESS ACCOMMODATES US BY TAKING A GROUP PHOTO

After a very satisfying meal, we depart Houston via HWY 76 and CR 9.  Since Mike & Joan and possibly others had never ridden down Teschemper Road (aka Thumper), we made our way there via CR 9, 21, and 25.  All three of these county roads are well maintained and offer some fantastic scenery.  Speaking of fantastic scenery, we soon arrive at "Thumper", just before the WXOW towers outside of LaCrescent.  This short four mile unmarked paved trail is without a doubt one of the most incredible scenic rides in the tri-state area.  And with the perfectly clear atmosphere, Thumper did not disappoint today!  The views of the hills and valleys were almost overwhelming.  Fortunately the speed limit is only 25 mph, so you can do a fair amount of gawking and still stay on the path.

Thumper took us back down to CR 21 heading east and after arriving on HWY 16 we rolled on into Hokah for a break and to get impressions on Thumper.  Everyone agreed that it was fantastic, and we could not have hit it on a better day.  After our break we passed through Hokah and picked up CR 18 and cruised down the hills into Brownsville.  Once there we decided to take CR 3 back towards Caledonia.  CR 3 was being resurfaced, and we were warned about the possiblity of loose gravel or oil, but none of that was a problem, so we continued on to CR 24.  To us, this is the "back way" into Freeburg.  It starts out as a two lane paved and marked road that eventually becomes a trail much like Thumper.  It's paved, but narrow with no markings, but still offers some great views.  Once we arrive in Freeburg, the road becomes CR 249 and we enjoy a smooth, scenic cruise on into Caledonia.  Once there, we decide that since Jim & Cathy were galavanting somewhere in Missouri, we would stop at the Wired (Ruptured) Rooster for some treats.

DISMOUNTING FOR THE "ROOSTER"

THERE HE IS!

TIME FOR FANCY DRINKS AND ICE CREAM TREATS

After leaving the Rooster (still crowing), we departed Caledonia via HWY 76.  We retraced our previous route back through Eitzen and once we reached CR A26, Mike & Joan and Bill spilit off for New Albin and Lansing while the rest of us continued on into Waukon on 76.  Bob & Julie had a little over 130 miles on the trike's clock when we parked her.  In all the years I've been riding, it's hard to remember a day of riding that "doesn't get any better than this"!  GREAT ROADS, GREAT SCENERY, GREAT WEATHER, GREAT COMPANY!

STAY TUNED TO THE BLOG FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE UPCOMING SPECIAL RIDE THAT DEE AND CHUCK HAVE ORGANIZED AND THE UPCOMING COUPLES' TRIP.  BOTH COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER.

AN EARLY RIDE DOWN "THUMPER"?!