I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM....

 WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

At that's the way it looked in the Casey's parking lot as the group gathered for our annual Labor Day "Double Dip" Ice Cream Run.  I'm sure the beautiful day had something to do with it, but when we have 22 riders arrive, ice cream must have some thing to do with it!  The 22 riders broke our one ride record by four.  The most riders we had ever had before on one ride was 18!

Trying not to forget anyone, we had 10 riders on 8 bikes.  That group was made up of Chuckles, Lois, Mike, Jim & Cathy, Dee, Bill & Beth Ellen, and two imports from Wisconsin, Bob P and Luther.

Composing the massive three-wheeled gang were Richard & Melodye, Dave M, David R (Porky) & Elaine (Babe) from Wellsburg, Wayne, ChucK, Roger, and Bob & Julie.

We even had a "support" convertible with Dr. David & Suzanne aboard.

Here's some shots of the pre ride gathering in the Casey's lot.

"PORKY" & "BABE"

The first dip journey was to take us up to Caledonia where the "highly recommended" Wired (Ruptured) Rooster Coffee Shop was to offer us a big selection of dipped ice cream.  We arrive at the Rooster...

only to find out the "big selection" was the CLOSED sign on the door!  So we decided to move onto Houston where Bob knew (or hoped) some ice cream might be available.

We exited Caledonia on HWY 76 for a short distance and then took CR 10 through the metropolis of Sheldon and onto HWY 76 just outside of Houston.  We took 10 instead of 76 to Houston since Bob prefers the more sweeping curves, great views, and smoother blacktop.  We rolled into the River Valley Convenience Store in Houston and "overwhelmed" the nice lady on duty with our ice cream orders.  It was a very busy place, and after she called in her daughter to help, they handled the crowd very well. And we got our first dip!

The best part of the ride was to follow.  Just outside of Houston, we turned in an easterly direction on CR 9.  We followed 9 over to CR 21 and turned more southernly.  Both CR 9 and 21 meander along the Root River and offer some good views.  After a ways on 21, we turned back northerly on CR 25 and up a steep hill we went.  CR 25 is another jem that is well maintained and offers some excellent views of the valleys below.  Because of the tall corn in places, we were not able to catch all the great views, but it is still a nice route.  

The best was yet to come when we turned off of CR 25 at the WXOW towers and proceeded down Tschumper Road (Thumper Road for short).  This is only a one lane path of semi blacktop, but to most of us it is the most scenic four mile stretch of road in the tri-state area.  On a day like today, it did not disappoint.  The views were breathtaking!  A great ride down the hill takes us back to CR 21 and we make our way eastward to HWY 16.  A short trip down 16 takes us into Hokah for a brief stop at the Quick Trip there.

CHUCKLES TRIES TO TELL DAVID WHERE WE ARE

After a brief stop, we continued with our convoy down CR 18 from Hokah to Brownsville.  Once in Brownsville, HWY 26 became our route back along the Mississippi River to New Albin.  It was disturbing to see the number of catipillar tents in the trees along the river.  Outside of New Albin, we took CR A 26 (Iowa River Drive) for a smooth ride westerly to CR X30 (lycurgus Road) and then onto HWY 9.  Most of us took HWY 9 back into Waukon for our "second" dip at WW Dairy.

TIME FOR DIP #2

LUTHER SEEMED TO ENJOY THE RIDE

THE ICE CREAM WAS WORTH THE WAIT!

DENNIS & MARLENE MET US THERE.

There were about 115 miles on the trike at WW Dairy.  It sounded like everyone enjoyed the trip and the "double dips".  A special welcome to Luther from Wisconsin and to "Porky" & "Babe" good to see you again.

TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY NIGHT) if the weather cooperates, we may make tracks for Viroqua.  It's time to leave Houston alone for a while.

ON A SAD NOTE

Word has come to me that Terry's dad, Ernie Lubahn, has passed away.  More on the visitation and service to come.  Condolences to Terry and the rest of the Lubahn family.