Camp Courageous Report

In probably some of the worst weather the witch could dig up for this time of year, the trip to Camp Courageous on Sunday was made by just Bob & Julie in the Durango.  We did bring both the pick-up and the Durango down to Casey's in case anyone else wanted to ride along.  However, by 9:15 there we no takers.  Just before we left Gary showed up.  He said he couldn't go, but he sent a generous donation with us.  The campers at Camp Courageous thank you, Gary!

Under misty skies and temps at 45 degrees we headed out for Monticello.  On the way down we saw only one group of motorcylers.  They were bundled up so much that if they fell off they probably wouldn't have gotten hurt!  There were no motorcycles parked at Camp Courageous when we got there.  There was no more moisture in the air, but the temps were still below 50 degrees.  I'm not so sure that it didn't get above 50 on the whole trip.  We dropped off Gary's and our donations and partook in the pancakes & sausage.  The pancakes were gigantic and the sausage was delicious too.  Despite the weather there seemed to be a pretty good crowd.  We visited with a couple of guys from Monticello who complimented us on our high school football team.  One of the guys said he used to have a '79 Gold Wing that he and his wife rode quite a bit.  Apparently a scary accident caused them to stop riding.  We left Monticello and got back in time to watch the final day of the baseball season and see the US get smoked in the Rider Cup golf match.  I didn't bother watching any pro football although plenty of it was on.  I guess I would rather support an organization that helps people with special needs that watch a bunch of over-paid slugs that can't stand for the national anthem!

UPCOMING RIDES
Looking at the extended weather forecast, Wednesday looks to be OK, but Sunday (the chicken run to Rockton) looks to be cold and rainy (what else is new?!!).  We'll just have to wait and see.  I'll keep you posted if we go and what to do about reservations if you want chicken.  In the meantime, thank goodness for baseball playoffs!

I CAN SEE FOR MILES AND MILES

The song by The Who in 1967, "I Can See For Miles and Miles", was appropriate for the six WNR riders on Wednesday night.  With temps in the lower 60's and clear blue skies the views on the ride were spectacular.  On a cool crisp evening, Bob Z, Howard, Chuckles, David, Darrel, and Bob R lined up at Casey's for our weekly ride.  Since last Wednesday was a rain out, the cooler weather wasn't going to bother any of us, since we were dressed for it.

WE BROKE OUT THE LEATHER JACKETS

GASSING UP THE YELLOW TRIKE

AL JUST GOT BACK FROM CHICAGO AND WAS THERE TO SEE US OFF

NOPE, NOT A NEW SUPPORT VEHICLE

We headed out on the Elon Road and looking to both sides, you could see for miles and miles.  From Elon we took Lafayette Ridge Road down to the Great River Road through Wexford, Harpers Ferry, and Waukon Junction and onto HWY 76 heading north.  We then turned onto State Forest Road and followed it through Yellow River Forest and back to the Lansing Harpers Road.  LHR took us back to the Elon Road heading west  into a glaring setting sun.  We turned onto the Waterville blacktop and cruised down through Waterville and back onto HWY 76 heading north again.  We then passed through Rossville and into Waukon and Gus & Tony's.  I had 75 miles on the Wing when I got home after seeing for miles and miles.

NEW ADDITION TO THE GELO FAMILY

Congrats to Jim & Cathy--new grandparents!!



UPCOMING RIDES
This coming Sunday is our annual fall ride down to Camp Courageous in Monticello for their pancake breakfast fund raiser.  We plan to leave Casey's at 9:15 that morning.  If it's not raining, I will be riding the bike.  If it's cold, Julie will probably be driving the Durango down.  If it's too cold for you to ride bikes or trikes you can ride down with her.  It's all for a good cause, so hopefully we have a good bunch going.

The following Sunday, October 7th, is the "Run, Chicken, Run" Run to Rockton for their "nearly world famous" barbecue chicken.  We plan to leave Casey's at 10 AM that morning.  Reservations will be needed for chicken.  More on that in future posts.

A WARM COUPLES' TRIP

I'll give a brief synopsis of the couples' trip this past weekend.  The WNR who participated were Fish's, Rotach's, and Meryle & Mary (M & M's) on trikes, Votsmier's on bikes, and Blocker's with the support convertible.

IT'S GOING TO BE A BRIGHT SUN-SHINY DAY

CHUCKLES STILL TRYING TO GET EAR PLUGS IN

We left Casey's shortly before 8 AM and traveled through Volney, Monona, Froelich, Garnavillo, National, Guttenberg, Luxemberg, New Vienna, with a rest stop in Dyersville.  We then proceeded through Worthington and on into Cascade where we took CR D61 over to HWY 61 through Maquoketa and onto HWY 136 and into Delmar for rest and gas.

IS SANDY REALLY GOING TO SHED HER JACKET?!

Continuing on 136 we passed through Charlotte, Goose Lake, Sixmile, and part of Clinton and crossed the river into Illinois at Fulton.  We then headed north on HWY 84 to Savanna and Poopy's Pub (the most visited biker bar in Illinois) where we feasted on little and regular poop (delicious burgers and fries).

WHICH "POOP" LOOKS GOOD?!

POOPY'S IS ALWAYS BUSY!

After full bellies and a few souvenirs, we headed for Galena, passing through Marcus, Blackhawk, and Hanover.  Finding parking places in Galena was a challenge even for motorcycles.  While M & M's and Rotach's took a tour trolley, the rest of the crew went on their own to see some of the sights since the next trolley didn't leave for another hour.  From the trolley, we saw many of the historic buildings in Galena.

YES, THAT'S ULYSSES S GRANT, THE MOST FAMOUS RESIDENT

We left Galena, passed through East Dubuque and  arrived at the Econolodge in Dubuque for our over night stay and "snacks and lies" party.

LOTS OF SNACKS AND PLENTY OF LIES!!

The next morning (Chuckles Birthday!) we left the motel for a visit to the National Mississippi River Aquarium & Museum.

SANDY'S FAVORITE EXHIBIT!

THE HARBOR

After an entertaining museum visit we cut back over into Wisconsin and passed through Kieler and Dickeyville and on into Potosi where we stopped at the brewery for lunch.  The restaurant was crowded and we had to wait a while for our food, but it was delicious!

HE DOESN'T LOOK A DAY OVER 70!

We left Potosi on CR U (one of my favorites) and passed through Beetown, Bloomington, Patch Grove, Bridgeport, Prairie du Chien, and into the Casey's store in Marquette for treats and a rest.  We then continued up HWY 76 through Rossville and back home to Waukon.  We had 323 miles on the trike when we pulled her into the shed.  A video for the participants will be published soon.  It was exceptionally warm for this time of year and except for Chuckles getting "bit by a dog", it was a great trip!

WHILE BOB WAS GONE

With the leader up fishing this week, WNR were still able to ride.  Here's a report from Lois.

On a practically perfect late summer evening, David led Bob Z., Lois and Al on bikes, Darrel on the trike and Greg in the support vehicle.  We left Casey's heading north on 76 until just outside of Caledonia.  There we hopped on 44 until we made our way to black, smooth 3 all the way to Brownsville.  Then we took 26 back south until Iowa River Drive and Lycurgus Road to our final destination at Gus & Tony's.  Still some hay being cut but noticeable drying in some of the corn and bean fields.  The wildlife stayed off the road, but we had a few pauses and passes with farm equipment.  Had 82 miles on Suzy when I parked her for the night.

UPCOMING RIDES

This weekend--Couples' Trip to Galena--Leaving Casey's at 8 AM

Next Wednesday--Casey's at 5:30

Wednesday, Sept. 26th--Casey's at 5:30

Sunday, Sept. 30--Camp Courageous--Leaving Casey's at 9:15 AM


Jim Satterfield hasn't been able to ride with us because someone punched a hole in his gas tank.  If you know of anyone who can repair this type of damage, let me know.

ELEVEN SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

After being postponed from Monday, our Labor Day Double Dip Ice Cream Run took place Sunday on a picture perfect day.  Showing up with ice cream fever were Al, Lars, Jim, Lois, and Howard on bikes while Wayne & Sandy, Carl & Joyce, and Bob & Julie rode in on trikes.

GATHERING ON A BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SUNDAY

CARL & JOYCE GASSING UP

AL, THE NEW GRANDFATHER, FILLS HIS TANK

LARS GETS HIS FIRST CHANCE FOR A RIDE

We depart Casey's at 1 PM and head out north on HWY 76 and onto Bear Creek Drive heading west.  BCD leads us over to Locust Drive north again for a short jog and onto CR W40 west through Hesper and on into Mabel where we were lucky enough to miss their Steam Engine Days parade but lucky enough to see some of the classy old tractors.  Just outside of Mabel we took HWY 43 north and passed through Chance, Bratsburg, and Rushford Village and wound our way into Rushford and the Creamery for our first dip of ice cream.

WE ARRIVE AT THE CREAMERY

HOWARD CHECKING THE TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH RUSHFORD

After polishing off our first dip we headed east out of Rushford on scenic CR 27 through Money Creek and onto HWY 76 heading south toward Houston.  Just outside of Houston we took CR 9 east over to CR 21 east and up the hill north on CR 25.  CR 25 took us over to the most scenic stretch of road in the tri-states, Tschemper Road.  Taking our time and enjoying the views we followed Tschemper pass down the hill back to CR 21.  Heading west on CR 21 we then came to HWY 16 heading west and took it into Hokah for a short break at Kwik Trip and a chance for Jim to buy his mother some donuts.  We left Kwik Trip and then took CR 18 south down to the river at Brownsville and HWY 26.  HWY 26 follows along the river south through Reno and New Albin and over to Iowa River Drive west.  IRD connects with Lycurgus Road and onto HWY 9 where we headed back south into Waukon and WW Homestead Dairy for our second ice cream dip.

WW DAIRY IS ALSO THE CHEESE CURD CAPITOL OF IOWA

AND LOIS IS HAPPY TO BE HERE

SHE SHOWS JULIE HER "EASY" SWEATSHIRT

TIME FOR OUR SECOND DIP

LARS' BIKE MAKES IT BACK ON FRESH GAS

SANDY CHECKS OVER THE D F T

Chuckles joined us for our second dip and then we all departed for home.  Great day, great ride, great ice cream!  I had 145 miles on the trike when I pulled her into the shed.

Jim is heading to Houston, TX, this Tuesday on the Wing to hopefully meet a new grand child.  He and Cathy then plan to bike back.  Have a safe trip to and back, you guys!

Carl & Joyce are venturing back to Niagra Falls on a bus for their second honeymoon!  After 62 years, it's about time!  Have a good trip you guys and no going over the falls in a barrel.

Also, as many of you know by now, Al has a new grand daughter.  Congrats!!

UPCOMING RIDES

Next Wednesday from Casey's at 5:30.  You will need a new leader.  Bob and Jens will be up in Boulder Junction, WI, hammering small mouth bass.

Next weekend, Sept 15 & 16 is the couples' trip to Galena, IL.  We have 5 couples going.  Sandy is bringing cheese curds and Bob is bringing meat sticks for snacks at the motel on Saturday.  The rest can bring snacks and beverages of your choice.  We always seem to have plenty.  We will depart Casey's at 8 AM on Saturday.

Sunday, Sept.30 is our ride to Camp Courageous for their pancake breakfast fundraiser.  We will leave from Casey's at 9:15 that morning.  The ride to and from is very scenic!  Good ride--good cause!

MIST BUSTERS

After checking the computer, smart phones, and radar on the Wing, it looked to be a decent night for riding.  Three WNR showed up at Casey's to temp the weather witch.  Al on his Indian and Jim and Bob R on Wings were tired of sitting around for the past rain filled days and were determined to get in a ride.

EVEN THE DOGS THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

TWO "MIST BUSTERS" READY TO RIDE

To the south looked good, so we headed out on HWY 76 and down Forest Mills Road, past the damp Gelo bonanza, and onto Cherry Valley Road heading for Postville.  Outside of Postville we turned south on the Gunder Road and then west on CR B56 on into Clermont.  On the edge of Clermont we took CR W51 into Elgin.  In Elgin we turned on Mill St. and found CR B64 and headed for West Union.  B64 has been recently paved and made for a smooth scenic ride.  It started misting as we made our way into Casey's in West Union for a break.

CASEY'S OFFERS A MIST SHELTER

After our break it looked pretty dismal in any direction, so we headed down CR W42 north heading for Ossian.  As we passed the Turkey River crossing on W42, we noticed that the river had come way out of its banks and flooded a nearby bean field.  We also had to slow for some deer on the way into Ossian.  We continued on W42 until north of Ossian where we took W46 east over to Centennial Road and north again to HWY 9.  We then took 9 east back into Waukon and Gus & Tony's.  The mist continued to follow us from West Union to Ossian, but let up on HWY 9 into town.  I ended up with about 80 miles on the Wing when I got home.  We ain't afraid to ride in no stinking mist!

UPCOMING RIDES
Our make-up Double Dip Ice Cream Run is this Sunday leaving Casey's at 1PM.  Everyone is welcome again, and hopefully the weather witch is done peeing on us!

Couples' Trip is Sept. 15 & 16.  We have five couples signed up and have room for one more.  Let Bob R know soon.

THE RAIN SCREAMS FOR ICE CREAM!!

NOT ME!!

After checking the radar, it looks like the horse_ _ _ _ weather is here to stay.  So unless you're like the guy above, the double dip ice cream run is called off for today.  We will reschedule it for next Sunday at 1PM from Casey's.  Hopefully the weather witch will have dried up by then.  I may also pass out the itinerary for the Couples' Trip then also, since I will be gone the following Wednesday (the 12th).  We do still have room on the Couples' Trip if you want to go along.

Hopefully we will be able to ride Wednesday.  I guess it's easy to be pissed off at the weather, but I really feel sorry for the farmers trying to hay, and for the merchants in our small river towns who depend a lot on this weekend for income.