HUNGER FOR GUNDER

We had a whopping 17 riders on 12 units show up at Casey's this Wednesday.  Must have been the promise of a food stop at Gunder, usually something we try to do each year when Uptown closes for a week.

Mike & Joan, Lois, Chuckles, Bill, and Jim & Cathy made up the two-wheeled gang.  Arriving on three wheels were Bernell & Kathy, Terry, Mark, Ron & Helen, Richard & Melodye, Dave, and Bob.

THE EARLY ARRIVALS

THAT'S A HARLEY, MARK.  DON'T TOUCH!

FRESH BACK FROM THE SUMMER TRIP

CAN HE EAT WITH A HELMET ON?!

DAVE ARRIVES. WE'LL BE 
HEADING BACK HIS WAY

BILL--JUST IN CASE WE GO OFF ROAD!

WONDERING IF WE'RE GOING TO STOP FOR COFFEE

The sun peeked out for a while, but the rain hads stopped, so we departed Casey's with temps in the mid 70's.  Bob felt well enough to lead this excursion, so we took his "shortcut" to Gunder.

Our journey began heading west on HWY 9.  When we reached CR W60 (Old Stage Road or West Ridge Road), we turned south.  Whatever this road is called, the county's use of chip seal had made it even rougher!  It was a relief when we finally reached Yellow River Drive and took a much smoother jog west over to HWY 51.

Following 51, we cruised through Postville (I could still smell burnt chickens) and took HWY 18 west passing through Clermont.  Just east of West Union, we turned onto CR B64 (Golden Road) and made a "golden" ride into Elgin.  We passed through Elgin on B64 and continued a scenic ride up the hill to the metropolis of Gunder and our stop at the "nearly world famous" Gunder Roadhouse. 

We were able to find various parking spots in Gunder.

SOME CHOSE THE CEMETERY

SOME CHOSE THE OLD CREAMERY

SOME CHOSE THE CORN FIELD

AND MOST SAID IT WAS TIME TO EAT!

The staff at Gunder Roadhouse was very accomodating, considering the large gang we had.  They found us seating easily, and the food and service were great!  There was a variety of food served to us, but no one dared to tackle the one pound famous Gunder Burger.  The last person I know who polished off one of those was Carl Thornton.

A WELL FED GROUP

MUST HAVE MADE BILL DROUSY

ANOTHER BUNCH OF SATISFIED EATERS

After vamoosing from Gunder Roadhouse, Ron & Helen and Bernell & Kathy took a "direct" route back home.  Dave stayed in his home territory, while the rest of the pack took the remainder of Gunder Road back up to HWY 18.  This portion of the Gunder Road was famous for the frost heavings making for a rough ride, but apparently the county ground them down, and it made it a little smoother.

Once we reached HWY 18, we breezed into Postville again, this time from the other side, and then turned onto Cherry Valley Drive.  We took this scenic stretch of concrete over to Forest Mills Road and turned north.  Jim & Cathy dropped off at their plantation as we passed by, and the rest of us continued on to HWY 76.  Once there we took the short jog into Waukon to end a good ride with great company and exceptional food.  I'm guessing we racked up about 80 miles for those of us returning to Waukon.

UPCOMING EVENT

This Saturday, August 8th, is another of our "mystery" (I'd tell 'ya, but I'd have to kill 'ya) rides.  The plan is to leave Casey's at 4 that afternoon and find a spot for some supper eats, and get back before dark.  Hopefully Bob will feel well enough to lead again.

HOW ABOUT THIS GUY!!  WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!!