On the bright side, Wednesday night looks warm and sunny. Might be time for a Boscobel run!
Sunday, June 23, 2019
NO BUCKNUCKLES!!
With the Weather Witch and her full bladder moving northeast through Iowa and Wisconsin, the ride to Bucknuckles would be a wet one. The early afternoon looks good for a while here, but the rain chances near Alma, Wisconsin are 80%. We'll maybe try to reschedule when and if the Witch quits peeing all over us. In the meantime, a little truism food for thought.
On the bright side, Wednesday night looks warm and sunny. Might be time for a Boscobel run!
On the bright side, Wednesday night looks warm and sunny. Might be time for a Boscobel run!
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
DOZEN TO HOUSTON--BUCKNUCKLES ON SUNDAY
Under partly sunny skies and temps in the low 70's, ten WNR gathered at Casey's hoping to avoid another rain out. We had Howard, David, Chuckles, Beth, and Bob R on bikes with Jim, Wayne, Meryle & Mary, and Chuck (Newbie) on 3 wheelers.
We took off through the construction on west Main and onto HWY 76 north on the edge of Waukon. We followed 76 past Hanover and then west on Bear Creek Drive. At the intersection of Bear Creek and Locust Road we picked up Roger on his bike and Darrel on his trike and our fleet grew to a dozen. Taking Locust Road north to HWY 44 east, we turned back north onto CR 4 just west of Spring Grove. We cruised down CR 4's smooth pavement and sweeping curves through Black Hammer and Yucatan to HWY 76 north again and then onto Houston for a rest at the BP.
After battling the gnats in the BP lot, we continued our journey on HWY 76 south. I had planned to turn west onto CR 10, but the signs at the intersection said "LOOSE GRAVEL". So we kept going south on 76 through Caledonia. Instead of staying on 76, we took HWY 44 west over to CR 17 and turned south there. CR 17 took us over to HWY 76 again just north of Eitzen. We followed 76 on into Waukon avoiding the possible loose gravel on the Lycurgus Road. Bugsy was waiting for us at Gus & Tony's. The conversation there turned to illegal immigrants. Like Congress, we couldn't decide what to do, so we're going to send Bugsy down there to take care of the situation! I had 115 miles on the Wing as I pulled her into the shed.
A SPECIAL WELCOME TO CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) FROM POSTVILLE. HOPEFULLY WE'LL SEE A LOT MORE OF HIM THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER!
BUCKNUCKLES
This Sunday we have another RTE scheduled to Bucknuckles Bar & Grill near Alma, WI. Right now it looks like the Weather Witch is going to pee all over us again! We were planning to depart Casey's at 10 AM that day. Stay tuned to this channel for further developments and announcements.
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| HOWARD & DAVID PLEASED WITH THE RECENT DROP IN GAS PRICES |
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| CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) IS A NEWBIE__WELCOME! |
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| A HARLEY AND A DAMN FINE TRIKE |
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| GOOD TO SEE MERYLE BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN |
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| BETH FINALLY GETS A FREE WEDNESDAY NIGHT |
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| TEN WNR GETTING READY FOR THE HOUSTON RUN |
We took off through the construction on west Main and onto HWY 76 north on the edge of Waukon. We followed 76 past Hanover and then west on Bear Creek Drive. At the intersection of Bear Creek and Locust Road we picked up Roger on his bike and Darrel on his trike and our fleet grew to a dozen. Taking Locust Road north to HWY 44 east, we turned back north onto CR 4 just west of Spring Grove. We cruised down CR 4's smooth pavement and sweeping curves through Black Hammer and Yucatan to HWY 76 north again and then onto Houston for a rest at the BP.
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| ROGER TAKES ON ROCKET FUEL FOR THE V-ROD |
After battling the gnats in the BP lot, we continued our journey on HWY 76 south. I had planned to turn west onto CR 10, but the signs at the intersection said "LOOSE GRAVEL". So we kept going south on 76 through Caledonia. Instead of staying on 76, we took HWY 44 west over to CR 17 and turned south there. CR 17 took us over to HWY 76 again just north of Eitzen. We followed 76 on into Waukon avoiding the possible loose gravel on the Lycurgus Road. Bugsy was waiting for us at Gus & Tony's. The conversation there turned to illegal immigrants. Like Congress, we couldn't decide what to do, so we're going to send Bugsy down there to take care of the situation! I had 115 miles on the Wing as I pulled her into the shed.
A SPECIAL WELCOME TO CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) FROM POSTVILLE. HOPEFULLY WE'LL SEE A LOT MORE OF HIM THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER!
BUCKNUCKLES
This Sunday we have another RTE scheduled to Bucknuckles Bar & Grill near Alma, WI. Right now it looks like the Weather Witch is going to pee all over us again! We were planning to depart Casey's at 10 AM that day. Stay tuned to this channel for further developments and announcements.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
NO RTE RIDE TODAY--HAPPY FATHERS' DAY TOMMARRO
With the radio and TV predictions and looking at the radar, it looks like the Weather Witch (aka Bitch) is going to spoil our plans again for today. I'll look to reschedule sometime later. I would really like to ride over to Protivin sometime and check out The Place. Actually Clair was planning to ride with us today until he saw the forecast. Hopefully we'll be able to catch him next time.
In the meantime HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to all our WNR dads!
See you next Wednesday, I hope!
In the meantime HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to all our WNR dads!
See you next Wednesday, I hope!
Thursday, June 13, 2019
JUST ME & CHUCKLES--RTE ON SATURDAY
Under threatening skies and falling temperatures on Wednesday evening, only Chuckles & Bob R made the ride. We left Casey's and headed south down rough HWY 76 (Terry E Branstad Memorial Byway South) into Marquette. We absorbed a few sprinkles, but nothing major. We crossed the bridge into Wisconsin, around PDC and took HWY 18 east to HWY 60 east. We followed HWY 60 into Wauzeka and stopped at the BP there for a break.
After our stop in Wauzeka we turned onto CR N and headed back west where it looked like the sun was out and the sky was blue. However, we did hit a shower before we got to HWY 27. I planned on following N east again, but when we got to the turnoff, we discovered that N was closed. Since it looked rainy to the south, we turned around on 27 and passed through Eastman. I decided then to turn east on CR D even though the last time I was on it, it was really rough. However, it has been resurfaced and was very smooth all the way down to HWY 35. We took it slower than normal coming down the hill because the roadway was still wet and with new blacktop, the road could be slick. I do want to go back and ride D again when it's dry--smooth and lots of neat curves. When we got to HWY 35, it still looked rainy towards PDC, so we headed north on through Lynxville and Ferryville. The rain was no longer with us, so it was a good decision. HWY 35 took us to HWY 82 and across the Blackhawk bridge into Lansing. Still looking rainy to the south, we decided to take a punding on HWY 9 (Terry E Branstad Memorial Byway North) back to Waukon. By this time the temperature had dropped into the mid 50's, and being a little damp yet, we decided to pass up Gus & Tony's and opt for a hot shower at home. I logged 115 miles on the trike when I pulled her into the shed. Apparently Jim's work on my new reserve coolant tank was successful!
LOOSE GRAVEL
As many of you know I have been pushing the county to put up loose gravel signs on roads that they have been using chip seal. Without any warning riding on the gravel used in chip sealing can cause slipping, particularly on a two wheeler. I am happy to report that there are now signs up, and I have called the county engineer's office to thank them. You may want to consider doing this also. It's for our protection!
RTE ON SATURDAY
Saturday was supposed to be our RTE to the Bagley Hotel for naked ribs. However that place is no longer operating. I then decided to try Gunder since we got rained out from going there earlier in the year. However, apparently that is just a bar now with no food! SO, I decided that we should try The Place in Protivin. If the weather cooperates, we will still depart Casey's at 4:30 on Saturday. I plan to take Bear Creek Drive over to Locust Drive and then down into Decorah and then take the Madison Road over to Ridgeway. So if our Decorah riders don't want to start at Casey's in Waukon, they can meet us along the way. Hopefully the Weather Witch will leave us alone on Saturday.
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| ME & CHUCKLES IN WAUZEKA |
LOOSE GRAVEL
As many of you know I have been pushing the county to put up loose gravel signs on roads that they have been using chip seal. Without any warning riding on the gravel used in chip sealing can cause slipping, particularly on a two wheeler. I am happy to report that there are now signs up, and I have called the county engineer's office to thank them. You may want to consider doing this also. It's for our protection!
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| SIGN ON FOREST MILLS ROAD PHOTO FROM JIM |
RTE ON SATURDAY
Saturday was supposed to be our RTE to the Bagley Hotel for naked ribs. However that place is no longer operating. I then decided to try Gunder since we got rained out from going there earlier in the year. However, apparently that is just a bar now with no food! SO, I decided that we should try The Place in Protivin. If the weather cooperates, we will still depart Casey's at 4:30 on Saturday. I plan to take Bear Creek Drive over to Locust Drive and then down into Decorah and then take the Madison Road over to Ridgeway. So if our Decorah riders don't want to start at Casey's in Waukon, they can meet us along the way. Hopefully the Weather Witch will leave us alone on Saturday.
Monday, June 10, 2019
GOOD REPRESENTATION OF WNR AT HOSPICE RIDE
Ten Wednesday Night Riders took part in the Annual Winneshiek Medical Hospice Ride on Saturday. Gary, Carl & Joyce, Chuckles, Lois, Roger, Ron & Helen, Bob R, and, of course, Nancy. After a free-will breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, we mounted up at 10:30 and started our run.
With a police escort, we traveled through Decorah and onto HWY 52 north. We then turned east onto the North Winn Road (part of it was newly paved) and on into Hesper. There we took CR W40 into Mabel and with the police directing traffic, we crossed HWY 44 and straight onto HWY 43 heading north. Following HWY 43, we turned east again on CR 10/13. I call this the "mountain loop" into Houston, because there are some switchbacks going down a long hill and some beautiful views of the countryside below. After arriving in Houston, we stopped at the city park to draw our poker hands and have drinks and snacks.
After departing the park, the police had HWY 76 blocked off in town so we could turn onto HWY 16 and head east into Hokah. Again in Hokah the police had traffic blocked so we could turn onto CR 18 and into Brownsville where we picked up HWY 26 south and to the Shellhorn Tavern for our second stop.
After leaving the Shellhorn we continued south on HWY 26 into Lansing and up the hill to Mt. Hosmer Park for our third stop.
Back down the hill from Mt. Hosmer, we crossed HWY 9 again with police blocking traffic and then took CR X52 into Harpers Ferry. From Harpers we turned north onto CR B52 and then west onto State Forest Road, through Yellow River Forest and back to HWY 76. We followed 76 to CR X32 and turned right on into Waterville for our fourth stop at the Winchester.
After a free-will lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, and coleslaw, we departed the Winchester and headed north to pick up the Elon Road. Just then, the rain that had been threatening all day, hit us with a pretty good shower. I guess it's only appropriate that we get rained on in Waterville! The Elon Road took us through the torn up Main Street in Waukon, and again with police blocking traffic, we were able to continue on through town and onto the Old Stage Road. We continued on into Decorah and our final stop at Topping Goliath Brewery where Bugsy caught up with us. At Topping Goliath we were treated to some more snacks and were able to purchase drinks from a large selection of beverages. Also in wrapping up the day, Ron and Bob won door prizes, and Lois hit the jackpot with a $100 gift certificate to Elliot Jewelry. Chuckles used the silent auction to pick up a new helmet and some gloves. The ride was scenic, well-organized, and benefited a good cause. Looking forward to next year! I had 155 miles on the Wing for the total ride.
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| DELICIOUS EGG BAKE AND CINNAMON ROLLS! |
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| HOUSTON IS THE HOME OF THE INTERNATIONAL OWL CENTER. ANOTHER TRIP TO SEE IT?! |
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| NANCY, CHUCKLES, AND LOIS MAKING THEIR WAY INTO THE PARK |
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| RON & HELEN SAMPLING THE SNACKS |
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| SHELLHORN TAVERN ON HWY 26 |
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| BIKES & TRIKES FILL UP THE PARKING LOT |
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| CHUCKLES HIDING BEHIND HIS HELMET. LATER ON HE WOULD BUY A|NEW ONE |
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| ROGER'S NEW RIDE |
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| RON & GARY EYEBALL OUR "SUPPORT VEHICLE". |
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| WAITING TO BLOCK TRAFFIC FOR US |
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| LOIS NEGOTIATES THE SHARP CURVES UP THE HILL |
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| BIKES & TRIKES AT MT. HOSMER |
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| PICKING UP POKER CARDS |
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| RON COMPARING RIDES |
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| TWO "OLD HIPPIES" TRYING REAL HARD TO ADJUST! |
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| DON'T STEP BACKWARDS!! |
Back down the hill from Mt. Hosmer, we crossed HWY 9 again with police blocking traffic and then took CR X52 into Harpers Ferry. From Harpers we turned north onto CR B52 and then west onto State Forest Road, through Yellow River Forest and back to HWY 76. We followed 76 to CR X32 and turned right on into Waterville for our fourth stop at the Winchester.
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| PLENTY OF PARKING IN WATERVILLE |
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| NANCY HEADS FOR THE WINCHESTER |
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| ROGER COMPARES RIDES |
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| WE DOUBLE THE POPULATION OF WATERVILLE |
After a free-will lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, and coleslaw, we departed the Winchester and headed north to pick up the Elon Road. Just then, the rain that had been threatening all day, hit us with a pretty good shower. I guess it's only appropriate that we get rained on in Waterville! The Elon Road took us through the torn up Main Street in Waukon, and again with police blocking traffic, we were able to continue on through town and onto the Old Stage Road. We continued on into Decorah and our final stop at Topping Goliath Brewery where Bugsy caught up with us. At Topping Goliath we were treated to some more snacks and were able to purchase drinks from a large selection of beverages. Also in wrapping up the day, Ron and Bob won door prizes, and Lois hit the jackpot with a $100 gift certificate to Elliot Jewelry. Chuckles used the silent auction to pick up a new helmet and some gloves. The ride was scenic, well-organized, and benefited a good cause. Looking forward to next year! I had 155 miles on the Wing for the total ride.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
LIFE IS SHORT--EAT DESERT FIRST!!
That's what 15 WNR did at our stop at Joe's in Guttenberg. Bob Z, Howard, Larry, Al, Chuckles, Lois, David, and Bob R departed on bikes. While Irv, Ron & Helen, and Wayne & Sandy took trikes followed by Dale & Greg in the support convertible.
After leaving Casey's at 5:30 we headed south on HWY 76 to Forest Mills Road and on past the Gelo ponderosa. We turned off FMR onto Cherry Valley Road and on into Postville and east on HWY 18. After a short stint. we turned south onto the Gunder Road, past the Gunder Tavern (now just a bar--no food) and into Elkader. Taking HWY 13 south we soon turned onto Grandview Road through Communia and Elkport and then into Garber where we took the Garber Road and into Guttenberg where the gnats were waiting for us. The route from Elkader to Guttenberg is one of the more scenic routes in northeast Iowa. We made our ice cream stop at Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream Shop.
After leaving Joe's, we followed the street running along the swollen river and past the pretty river park. Outside of town we picked up CR X56 and rolled past Clayton and Pikes Peak and down into McGregor. Outside of McGregor we took HWY 18 west into the sun and on to Monona where we took the Volney Road north. After watching a deer dance in front of us just outside of Rossville we arrived at HWY 76 and headed north on into Waukon and Gus & Tony's. At supper the conversation turned to "How many Gelo's ride with us?" Dale said "One is too many!" Nice route, good weather, good number of WNR's =great ride! I had 122 miles on the Wing when I got her home.
SUNDAY IS THE HOSPICE RIDE
The following newspaper article gives all the info about the ride, except they got the day wrong. It's on the ninth, but that's a Sunday, not a Saturday! I plan to attend the breakfast and will be passing by Casey's a little after nine that day, if anyone else wants to ride along. Hopefully we get a good number of us to support this worthy cause.
Also note that we have a RTE scheduled for June 15th. The ride was planned for ribs at the Bagley Hotel, but that establishment is no longer open. I then thought we could go to Gunder instead, but that has changed to just a bar now and no food. WE WILL STILL MEET AT CASEY'S AT 4:30 THAT DAY, but we will have to find a new place to eat. I'll keep you posted.
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| THE GROUP GATHERS |
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| CHUCKLES & HOWARD COMPARE RIDES |
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| ADDING FUEL TO THE INDIAN |
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| HOWARD & BOB Z ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE |
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| GOOD TO SEE WAYNE & SANDY BACK |
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| DAVID GETS ACQUAINTED WITH RON & HELEN |
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| THE NEW TRIKE TAKES ON FUEL |
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| ONE TOO MANY GELO'S??!! |
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| SANDY ARRIVES AFTER A DUEL WITH A BIRD |
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| JOE'S DRAWS A CROWD |
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| IRV FIGHTS OFF THE GNATS |
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| GETTING READY FOR OUR TREATS |
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| THE SUPPORT CONVERTIBLE ROLLS IN |
After leaving Joe's, we followed the street running along the swollen river and past the pretty river park. Outside of town we picked up CR X56 and rolled past Clayton and Pikes Peak and down into McGregor. Outside of McGregor we took HWY 18 west into the sun and on to Monona where we took the Volney Road north. After watching a deer dance in front of us just outside of Rossville we arrived at HWY 76 and headed north on into Waukon and Gus & Tony's. At supper the conversation turned to "How many Gelo's ride with us?" Dale said "One is too many!" Nice route, good weather, good number of WNR's =great ride! I had 122 miles on the Wing when I got her home.
SUNDAY IS THE HOSPICE RIDE
The following newspaper article gives all the info about the ride, except they got the day wrong. It's on the ninth, but that's a Sunday, not a Saturday! I plan to attend the breakfast and will be passing by Casey's a little after nine that day, if anyone else wants to ride along. Hopefully we get a good number of us to support this worthy cause.
Also note that we have a RTE scheduled for June 15th. The ride was planned for ribs at the Bagley Hotel, but that establishment is no longer open. I then thought we could go to Gunder instead, but that has changed to just a bar now and no food. WE WILL STILL MEET AT CASEY'S AT 4:30 THAT DAY, but we will have to find a new place to eat. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
NEW LEADER--NICE RIDE--HOSPICE RIDE
While Bob and Dennis were up in Boulder Junction doing a lot of fishing and not much catching, the Wednesday Night Riders led by Jim & Cathy had a nice run.
Here's his report and some photos.
The Winneshiek Medical Hospice Ride is going to take place on Sunday, June 9th. This is an event that WNR has supported since its start. Nancy helps organize the event and there is always a good ride and good food. There will be a free will breakfast at the Winneshiek Medical Center cafeteria from 9 AM to 10:30 and the ride leaving the center at 10:30. Both cars and bikes are welcome. More details in the next post, but make plans to attend.
Here's his report and some photos.
On a cool cloudy Wednesday night Howard, Dave H, Al, Irv, Jim, and Cathy set out to see if we could make it to Boscobel and back without getting wet. Took Hwy 9 to Lansing, crossed the dike into Wisconsin and proceeded south on 35 through Ferryville. Picked up Hobbs Hollow Road which connects to E. Followed E through Steuben and eventually ended up at Kwik Trip in Boscobel for our break. I noticed a lot more bugs hitting the windshield and my helmet after Steuben. The gnats are back and really annoying when you stop. So after a rather short break we mounted up and proceeded to 133, then Co C , back to 18 through Prairie. Had to dodge a pile of deer on C. They may have more than we do! Took 76 to Harpers road, then back home on the Elon road. We did notice some showers to the north west on the way into Waukon but didn't even get a sprinkle. Howard said he showed 126 miles on the odometer. It was a nice ride.
The Winneshiek Medical Hospice Ride is going to take place on Sunday, June 9th. This is an event that WNR has supported since its start. Nancy helps organize the event and there is always a good ride and good food. There will be a free will breakfast at the Winneshiek Medical Center cafeteria from 9 AM to 10:30 and the ride leaving the center at 10:30. Both cars and bikes are welcome. More details in the next post, but make plans to attend.
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