GREAT NIGHT WITH A GOOD CROWD

With temps in the mid 80's and a comfortable breeze, we had 15 Wednesday night riders arrive at Casey's for our weekly ride.  Bikers were Chuckles, Lois, Bill, and Jim, who joined us enroute.  The three wheelers dominated the group with Bernell & Kathy, Ron & Helen, Terry, Dave, ChucK, Richard & Melodye, and Bob.  Irv roared in with the "support" Vet.

FIRST HERE AGAIN!

SLINGSHOT ROLLS IN

GOOD TO SEE BERNELL & KATHY AGAIN

RON & HELEN BACK FROM NORWAY

TERRY WITH HIS SPYDER

DAVE BACKS IN

HERE COMES BILL

ChucK ARRIVES

NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES TODAY

IRV ARRIVES JUST IN TIME

 With the Yellow River Forest as part of our ride, we cruise through the only stop light in Allamakee County and turn onto Elon Road.  There is some haze in the air from the humidity, but we can still see some great scenery.  Everyone seems to be caught up at the turn onto Waterville Road, so on into the metropolis we went.  Waterville Road also offers some fantastic views of the surrounding country side as we make our way up to HWY 76.

We turn south on 76 until we reach the intersection for State Forest Road (CR B25) and towards the forest we went.  Probably the most scenic part of this stretch is at the very start.  You are at the top of a hill and able to gaze at the incredible views below.  This is really a beautiful part of Iowa where we live!  How lucky can you get!

We take our time riding through Yellow River Forest and being careful for loose gravel that can find its way onto the road.  The speed limit is only 35 mph, and that allows us to gawk around some.  Except for some squirrels who couldn't decide which way to run, we only spotted a few deer way off the road.  State Forest Road ends at Lansing/Harpers road and we traverse down the hill into sleepy Harpers Ferry.

As we arrive in Harpers, we turn back south on The Great River Road.  This smooth stretch of tarmac runs right along the Mississippi River and offers some great views of the mighty river.  GRR ends at HWY 76, and we head south again on it passing Effigy Mounds and along the bluffs on one side and the river and train tracks on the other.  Don't look up onto the bluff, or you will wonder what tree or rock is going to come rolling down onto the road.  We do make it into Marquette without incident and arrive at Casey's there for a break, where Jim suddenly appeared.

SOME PARK IN FRONT...

AND SOME ON THE SIDE

SPECIAL PARKING FOR 'VETS

After our break, the decision was made to take HWY 18 back west.  The other choice would have been to take Pleasant Ridge Road (CR B45) up the hill to Monona.  However, this road has been undergoing some construction, and not knowing its condition, we took HWY 18 to Monona.  

Once in Monona, we passed through town (They could use some street improvement also!) and onto the Volney Road.  Following Volney Road (CR X26) for about 11 miles, we arrived in rosey Rossville and back onto HWY 76 again.  We took 76 back into Waukon, where 10 of us stopped for eats at Uptown.  There we learned about the Snell's trip to Norway.  I ended up with 83 miles on the trike after we made it home.  With the days getting shorter, we will assume our Wednesday night rides will also, but let's get them in while we can!

NEXT WEDNESDAY

Look to go up into the Caledonia area.

WE GET AROUND

Actually the song is "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys, but we do have some Wednesday night riders that did get around this summer.

Nancy made it out to Sturgis.

Dennis & Marlene, Jens & Jane, and Bob & Julie went on a cruise to Alaska.

MENDENHALL GLACIER

WE DID NOT STARVE ON THIS TRIP!

Jim & Cathy and Mike & Joan were able to "hook up" in the Black Hills.

Ron & Helen adventured off to Norway.  Sounded like a great trip.  Ask them about it!

Chuckles & Lois, Dennis & Marlene, Jens & Jane, ChucK & Dee, and Bob & Julie went on the annual Couples' Trip this past weekend to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin.

If you ever get a chance, take HWY 33 from LaValle, Wisconsin, to LaCrosse.  In MHO it is the best motorcycle road in the state, and I've been on them all!