OLD LEADER, NEW VEHICLE

With all the previous leaders gone, Bob rose from his "death bed" to lead the ride this Wednesday night.  He still has to ride a few miles again on his trike to feel comfortable with it, so accompanied by Jerel, Julie's brother, he led the pack with his pick up.

Arriving on the scene at Casey's were Uncle Wayne & Karrie, Roger, Mark, Dave, and Terry, all on 3 wheels.  The only two wheeler was Lee, and the only 4 wheeler held Jerel and Bob.

UNCLE WAYNE, KARRIE, AND ROGER

MARK, LEE, AND TERRY

DAVE ARRIVES FROM SMOKEY POSTVILLE

The destination was to be a romp through Yellow River Forest and then up for a Pikes Peak look.  We started out going east on the Elon Road and then turned south on the Lansing/Harpers Road.  After about 9 miles, we made the turn into the Yellow River Forest.  As we weaved our way along the pavement, the shade in the forest felt pretty good on a mid 80 degree day.  As you ride through the forest, particularly on a two wheeler, you must always be aware of the possiblity of gravel being on the pavement.  There was only one spot where this occured, so slowing down made it safe to proceed.

After meanering through the forest, we arrived at HWY 76 and turned our noses south passing by Effigy Mounds and spotting a young deer near the edge of the highway.  When we arrived in Marquette, we were pleasantly surprised to see the road between Marquette and McGregor was open, so we cruised along the bluffs and into McGregor.  McGregor depends alot on tourist trade, and by the looks of things as we passed along Main Street, the tourists were here.

After passing through McGregor, we turned at St. Mary's Church and onto CR X56 (Great River Road).  Passing by the former winter resting grounds for the Barnam and Bailey Circus, we arrived at the turn into Pikes Peak State Park and rolled into the parking lot.

PLENTY OF ROOM FOR PARKING

ROGER FOUND ANOTHER CAN AM BUDDY

We all took the short hike over to the observation deck after some used the rest rooms for relief.  As in previous trips up here, the view was fantastic!

THE GANG ON THE OBSERVATION DECK

CO-PILOT, JEREL, TAKING IN THE BEAUTY

After departing Pikes Peak, the plan was to continue on the Great River Road and arrive in Garnavillo for some refreshments.  However, that plan was foiled.  When we reached the turn to head into Garny, the signs said "Road Closed" and the workers there had their hands up.  So back we went, past Pikes Peak again and on into McGregor.  Taking HWY 76 (hasn't been repaired in decades) out of town, we nearly dusted some turkeys who decided to cross in front of us.

At the end of bumpy 76, we arrived at HWY 18 and made our way back west and into Monona for a refreshment break at the Casey's there.  After a short break, we followed CR X26 (Falcon Avenue/Volney Road) north on into rosey Rossville.  There we turned onto HWY 76 and cruised on into Waukon, while Lee and Roger headed for Decorah.  Six of us had eats at Uptown.  I did not keep track of the miles, but it was probably close to 100.

Right now I have no restrictions on my activities.  It's whatever I feel comfortable doing, but since it's been quite some time since I straddled the trike, I need to spend some time becoming familiar again and see how long I can go.  

Thanks again to everyone who has expressed concern and offered prayers for Julie and my recovery.