TWISTER VIEWS

 Again I was happy to see the Wednesday night rides continue with new leaders.  This last Wednesday, Chuckles was in charge of photos and leadership.  (Pretty easy job, right Chuckles?!) I'm pretty sure Lois did the writeup.

They did a great writeup of their Wednesday night trip, so here it is, along with the photos.

  Following some questionable afternoon showers, 14 riders on 11 units gathered at Casey's on a comfortable summer evening with a plan to inspect the remnants of last week's tornado. On two wheels were Chuckles, Lois, Bill, Jim and Mike. On three wheels were Richard & Melodye in the Slingshot, Wayne, David, Mark, Ron & Helen and Chuck & Dee. Fortunately Dee found a ride so she didn't have to miss out as her bike was getting new tires. Gloria happened to stop by and greeted us before our departure.

With Chuckles in the lead, we departed Casey's and headed out on Elon Drive. As we approached the Elon Store we began sightings of tree and building damage and blue tarps still on roofs. Passing a farm, the building and tree damage was more obvious but thankfully the house was spared. We turned South on Lansing-Harpers road and witnessed a larger amount of tree damage, a roof ripped off and a large area that had been bulldozed clear, perhaps another building or grove of trees, but once again the house appeared, thankfully, untouched. Once we reached Harpers, we turned back North up the Great River Road. The mangled, twisted trees on the East side of the road were a sight to see. 

In Lansing, we had a surprise detour of the detour and cruised next to the river passing rib night at the Tiki Bar, the Marina and Car Ferry parking. With the damage now behind us we enjoyed a cruise up 26 toward New Albin, Turning onto Pool Hill/Hwy 2, we passed Trinity Mfg, Mike's home away from home, and cruised to Eitzen, admiring the cattle and crops along the way. It's easy to see that 'knee-high by the 4th' appears to be an obsolete expression.

Once we passed through Eitzen, we took a quick hop onto 76 then turned on to 27 up to Spring Grove for a break. This was another smooth asphalt with nice curves, hills and scenery. Departing Kwik Trip we took 44 West out of town to Locust Road/Hwy 8, following that to Big Canoe, where Ron & Helen headed for home. We followed Bear Creek then 76, where it was suddenly nothing but brake lights when Chuckles slowed the pace for 2 of the 3 deer to cross the road. We continued back to Waukon where 8 of us enjoyed eats at Uptown and the conversation centered around bike repairs and fireworks!

We showed 105 miles on the odometer when it got parked for the night. We absolutely missed Bob but I gotta say, "Chuckles, ya done good"!

There was some discussion of maybe next week, we could cruise down to Prairie and ride the Wisconsin side, take the Ferry to Lansing and partake of ribs at the Tiki Bar before heading home. They reserve ribs in advance only so would need a head count and maybe want to leave at 4 instead of 5. 

Here are some shots from the evening arrivals and Mike's new rear end!

WHICH REAR END IS NEW?!

GOOD TO SEE GLORIA AGAIN

They also added an addendum....

Sorry, Bob, I should have gotten this in the report. Ugh! Thank you!

Next Wednesday, we will still be okay to leave at 5, since it doesn't get dusky until almost 9. We will shoot to board the Ferry about 7 to hopefully be at the Tiki Bar by 7:30 or so. Bill says you can order off the menu but if you want ribs you need to call a couple of days in advance. The ribs are cooked and reserved just for those who call ahead of time.

To reserve an order of ribs, call the Tiki Bar at 563-538-4474, a couple of days in advance.