PIZZA! PIZZA!

Nine WNR lined up at Casey's on Sunday for our "You Gotta Love Summer" Pizza Run.  Our mission was to sample the renowned tasty pizzas at the Village Square Restaurant in Fountain, Minnesota.  With a near perfect summer day on tap, Roger, Al, and Jim & Cathy mounted bikes while Darrel, Meryle, Carl & Joyce, and Bob R pulled up on trikes.

WHAT WE ARE AFTER

CARL IS ABOUT TO ASK BOB FOR HIS CREDIT CARD!

JIM TRIES TO TALK ROGER & DARREL INTO CALLING IN THEIR PIZZA ORDERS

We departed Casey's at 11AM and headed north on HWY 76 through Hanover and Eitzen and then turned onto CR 17 heading to Spring Grove.  We passed through Spring Grove on HWY 44 and after going past Mabel, we turned onto CR 21 in Canton.  21 took us all the way to Lanesboro where we stopped for a short break and waited for Roger to circle the gas pumps.

CARL SHOWS MERYLE HOW TO TURN ON HIS RADIO

CATHY LOOKS FAMISHED!

County road 21 offered us some fantastic views and as we picked up CR 8 outside of Lanesboro, it didn't disappoint either.  It was a great day for viewing the green, green valleys below.  CR 8 took us into Fountain, and we arrived at the Village Square for our pizza.

WE'RE HERE!

After parking the rides, we went inside and placed our orders.  Of course Jim & Cathy and Al ordered ahead so they got theirs first, but the rest of us were surprised in how quick we got ours.

WE CAME AT A GOOD TIME--NOT TOO BUSY

MERYLE'S PIZZA

While eating, the conversation turned to how much Carl & Joyce were going to have to pay for air conditioning after hosting the folks from Tennessee last week.  The Village Square also is known for it's great homemade pies, but we were all too full of the delicious pizza to try some.  Maybe we should schedule a "pie run" sometime in the future and return here.

After eating, Darrel and Roger took a different route back in an attempt to find Roger's gloves that he lost on the way.  The rest of us took HWY 52 back south through Preston and then turned onto HWY 16 heading east.  IMHO, HWY 16 is the most scenic state highway in southern Minnesota.  The views on either side of the road are great!  16 took us back through Lanesboro, past Whalen and Peterson, and into Rushford where we picked up CR 27/26.  This is another county road where the views are terrific as it passes through Money Creek and onto HWY 76 south.  76 took us into Houston where we stopped for a bit to see if anyone needed a break.  No one did, so we continued on our journey by taking CR 9 over to CR 21 and then turned again onto CR 25 and back over to HWY 16.  Apparently this area had received a lot of heavy rain also, since there was water standing in the fields and CR 21 was still closed and 25 had been just recently opened.  HWY 16 took us through Hokah where we picked up HWY 44 and headed into Caledonia for a stop at the Dairy Queen and Kwik Trip.  Cathy had been stung by a bee that was still in her jacket.  Jim felt so sorry for her that he went across to Kwik Trip to buy himself some iced coffee!

CARL & JOYCE GAS UP WHILE JIM GRABS HIS COFFEE

After Cathy and Bob R finish their ice cream (What's pizza without ice cream?!), we head back south on 76 passing again through Eitzen and back into Waukon.  We racked up about 180 miles with great weather, good food, and very special scenery!

RIDE TO HELL (and maybe back)
Right now making the trip starting next Monday morning are Bob Z, David, Chuckles, Clair, Darron, Jim, and Bob R.  We plan to leave Monday morning and make it to South Bend, IN, the first day.  The second day is our ride to Hell followed by an overnight stay in Gaylord, MI.  On day three our journey takes us through the "tunnel of trees" along Lake Michigan and then into St. Ignace where a ferry ride to Mackinac Island is in order.  After returning from Mackinac Island we will continue on into Ste St. Marie for our overnight.  Day four takes us along the northern shore of Lake Superior stopping for views of the lake along the way.  Nipigon is our overnight stay.  On day five we will continue along the north shore with stops at Kakabeka Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse scheduled.  We will end up in Sturgeon Lake, MN, for the night.  Day six will be our return journey back to Waukon.
WE DO HAVE ROOM FOR ONE MORE GUY if this sounds interesting.  Just let Bob R know!

ALL TYPES OF RIGS TO BAGLEY--PIZZA RUN SUNDAY

Fourteen riders lined up in five different types of rides to head on the Bagley loop on Wednesday.  With temps in the low 80's and a clearing sky, Larry, Chuckles, Lois, Al, and Bob R brought their bikes.  Ron & Helen and Darrel were on trikes, while Greg (first Wednesday night ride) cruised in on his Spyder.  Dale was in the support convertible and Bernell (newbie) rolled in on a Slingshot (a first for our Wednesday nights).

GOOD TO SEE GREG & THE YELLOW SPYDER AGAIN

HELEN JOINS US AGAIN

We took off down HWY 76 and Forest Mills Road where we picked up Jim & Cathy on the outskirts of the Gelo ranch.  Forest Mills Road took us into Luana and onto HWY 18 heading east through Monona, Giard, Froelich, Marquette, and into Prarie du Chien.  Outside of Prairie we turned west onto CR C and passed through parts of Wyalusing State Park and onto CR X.  X took us along a very muddy Wisconsin River and through Wyalusing and into Bagley.  In Bagley we found CR A heading east again and then onto CR VV and CRV over to North Andover where we stopped at MC Sports Bar & Grill for our break.

WE ARRIVE IN NORTH ANDOVER

MC ALSO SELLS TIRES BESIDES RUNNING A BAR & GRILL

A CLOSE INSPECTION OF BERNELL'S SLINGSHOT

EVEN THE CATS ARE LAID BACK IN NORTH ANDOVER!

After getting drinks and observing the ongoing card game, we departed MC's on CR V and took the roller coaster part of this county road over to CR U.  U took us north onto HWY 35 and we followed it through Bloomington and Patch Grove to HWY 18 heading west.  18 took us back through PDC and over to the Volney Road in Monona.  VR passed us on through Rossville and onto HWY 76 north (Terry E Branstad Memorial South) and into Waukon and Gus & Tony's where Bugsy joined us.  We were treated to a "sun dog" in the sunset on the way back.  I guess it's unusual to see them in the summer.  After some discussion Dale absolutely refused to share his cheese curds with his in-laws.  I had about 130 miles on the Wing parked outside of G&T's.

"YOU GOTTA LOVE SUMMER" Pizza Run is Sunday.  We will leave Casey's at 11 AM on Sunday.  The plan is to eat pizza at the Village Square in Fountain, MN.

Yucatan Road
Last Wednesday on our way to "Thumper" Road, we took CR 4 through Yucatan to Houston.  Cathy took the following photo of our group.

Highways 9 and 76
As many of you know, my "pet peeves" are the conditions of Highway 9 from Waukon to Lansing and Highway 76 from Waukon to Marquette.  Out of frustration, I sent an e-mail to our legislative representative, Anne Osmundson, telling her that the signs shown in the photo need to be placed along these two highways.

  
I'm anxious to hear her response!

WNR GOES TESCEMPERING (THUMPING)

A dozen units lined up at Casey's Wednesday night under sunny skies and 80 degrees.  Chuck (not Chuckles), Darrel, and Irv motored in on trikes.  Bob Z, David, Jim & Cathy, Larry, Chuckles, Al, Darron (first Wednesday night ride this year), and Bob R manned two-wheelers.  Dale & Greg rode in the support convertible.

GATHERING UNDER BRIGHT BLUE SKIES

LARRY & CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) CHECK THE WEATHER

THE SUPPORT CONVERTIBLE READY TO ROLL

IRV & AL TAKE ON FUEL

JIM WELCOMES DARRON TO THE RIDE

Our goal for the ride tonight was to include Tescemper Road (pronounced "Thumper" by bikers) near LaCrescent.  We departed Casey's and headed north on HWY 76 and then turned west onto Dorchester Drive passing through Dorchester and on into Spring Grove.  Outside of Spring Grove we turned north again onto CR 4 passing through Black Hammer and Yucatan on our way to Houston.  However, it looked like the "good old" Weather Witch was going to play her tricks on us again, as the skies toward Houston began to darken.  We turned onto HWY 76 outside of Houston and passed through. I had planned to stop in Houston for a break, but decided to continue our quest for "Thumper" since it looked like we were going to get wet if we stopped.  

Outside of Houston we took CR 9 east to CR 21 where we turned south and followed it to CR 25 where we turned north up the steep hill and then east again where the road is called South Ridge Road.  Continuing on 25, we approached Tescemper (first turn south right before the WXOW tv towers) and turned onto what I consider the most scenic 4 miles of road in the tri-state area.  The speed limit is only 25 mph for a good reason.  It lets you enjoy the absolutely spectacular scenery on either side of the road.  Tescemper (Thumper) took us back down to CR 21 and we turned back east to HWY 16 and on into Hokah's Kwik Trip for our break.  So far due to the "skillful" maneuvering of our fearless leader, we have avoided any rain showers.

TIME FOR A BREAK--ABOUT 74 MILES

BIG "FRAIDEY CATS" PUT THE TOP UP ON THE CONVERTIBLE

After leaving Hokah, the temperature had dropped to 72 degrees and we noticed wet areas on HWY 44 as we headed towards Caledonia.  Passing through Caledonia we got back on HWY 76 south and passed through Eitzen.  We then turned back east on Iowa River Drive and then south again on the Lycurgus Road. and then onto HWY 9 at the Lycurgus Church.  We got off of 9 ASAP onto Iron Mine Drive, over to HWY 76 and on into Waukon and Gus & Tony's.  The sky towards Decorah really looked dark, so we hope Darrel and Darron made it back home OK.

WE ARRIVE AT G &T'S SAFE AND DRY

BUT LOOK AT THE DARK SKY TO THE WEST

Once inside JoAnn joined us.  After listening to the Gelo brothers banter over their pizza order, Chuck (not Chuckles) remarked that maybe it was good that he didn't have any brothers!  It rained while we eating, so the bikes were wet when we came out, but we didn't have far to go.  Hopefully Jim & Cathy and Chuck (not Chuckles) got back home with no problems.
I racked up a little over 130 miles on the Wing on the "Thumper" run.  Depending on weather, next Wednesday may be the Bagley loop.

THE PLACE=THE MYSTERY

A dozen riders lined up at Casey's Saturday afternoon to partake in the much-anticipated Mystery RTE.  We had Gary & Gloria join us on a newly acquired trike.  Like Dale said, "You can never have enough Gelos."  (Did he actually say that!).  Also on trikes were Darrel, Wayne & Sandy, and Bob & Julie.  Roger brought over his Spyder, and Chuckles and Jim were on bikes.  Dennis & Marlene drove the support convertible.

CHUCKLES SHOWS, BUT WE WANTED LOIS INSTEAD

GARY & GLORIA'S "NEW" RIDE

With only one knowing the mystery destination we left Casey's at 3:30 under partly cloudy skies and a comfortable 75 degrees.  Out on 76 south and onto Forest Mills Road we went past the Gelo ranch and turned onto Cherry Valley Drive.  We passed through Postville, onto HWY 18 west, and then turned south on the Gunder Road.  Gunder Road took us through Gunder and then a turn on Agate Road took us down to Elgin.  In Elgin we found a newly paved Golden Road that took us just outside of West Union and on into Casey's there for a short break.

NO, CHUCKLES, THIS IS NOT OUR MYSTERY DESTINATION

After a brief break, we passed through West Union and turned onto HWY 150 heading south.  150 took us through Festina and Calmar before we turned onto HWY 325 and into Spillville where a huge crowd was gathered for the fireworks show at dark.  Passing on through Spillville we turned onto the Dvorak Memorial Highway and rode it onto Protivin and The Place, our mystery destination.  

PARKING IN DOWNTOWN PROTIVIN

ROGER SAYS, "WE MUST HAVE TAKEN THE SHORT-CUT TO GET HERE!"

We go inside and place our orders.

It took a while, but when we got our food, it was very good.  In fact, it was the biggest fish sandwich I had ever seen!  There was a very good crowd inside, and I think they probably could use some more help serving food.
After leaving The Place we headed north out of town on Willow Avenue and followed it on into Cresco.  In Cresco we turned onto HWY 9 east and followed it though town.  On the outside of town we went straight ahead onto Pole Line Road.  PLR proved to be a nice smooth ride into Decorah, but we did spot a few deer on the way.  Fortunately they were quite a ways from the roadway.  In Decorah we picked up HWY 9 again and Darrel and Roger dropped out to head home.  The rest of us followed HWY 9 back to Waukon.  We clocked 133 miles on the trike on a very pleasant Saturday afternoon.

BAKER'S DOZEN AVOIDS RAINDROPS--MYSTERY RTE SATURDAY

Thirteen Wednesday Night Riders gathered at Casey's on Wednesday evening for a 4th of July eve adventure on bikes, trikes, and convertibles.  With bikes were Lois, Jim & Cathy, Howard, David, Chuckles, Lars, and Bob R, while Wayne & Sandy, Chuck (not Chuckles), and Irv rode in on trikes.  Dale piloted the support convertible.

LOTS OF PRERIDE CONVERSATION

GOOD TO SEE LARS AGAIN

CHUCKLES--NO BUNGEES

LOIS AIRS OUT

IRV'S BACK FROM MINNESOTA

With rain clouds still showing up on radar, we headed out east on the Elon Road.  The 'Loose Gravel" signs were still up, but the heavy rains earlier in the week probably washed away the chips, so the road was safe to ride.  At the end of the Elon Road we turned north onto the Lansing/Harpers Road for a short jog before we headed east again on Lafayette Ridge Road.  Following LRR east, we intersected with the Great River Road and took it south through Harpers Ferry and all the way up to Branstad Memorial south (HWY 76).  HWY 76 took us past Effigy Mounds and down into Marquette where we picked up HWY 18, crossed the Mississippi River bridge and then on through Prairie du Chien.  Outside of PDC, I had planned to take CR C and CR X over through Bagley, but looking at the sky and the radar, I decided to turn east instead and onto HWY 60 at Bridgeport.  It turned out to be a good decision because we found out later that a pretty good storm passed through Bagley.  We'll save that route for another time.

HWY 60 took us into Wauzeka.  We had been on 60 last week, but going in a different direction this time.  In Wauzeka we stopped at the BP for treats and to check out their door chimes.  After our break we took CR N west out of Wauzeka (still avoiding any rain) and weaved our way up to HWY 27 near Eastman.  HWY 27 north took us through Eastman where just outside of town we turned west again onto CR D.  This road had recently been repaved and for six miles down to HWY 35 it is going to be a biker's favorite--smooth as glass, excellent scenery, and plenty of sweeping curves.  When we got to the bottom of the hill in Charm, we turned north again on HWY 35 and passed through Lynxville and Ferryville and to HWY 82 across the Blackhawk bridge into Lansing.  That's where the good roads end, because of the stormy looks on both sides, we had to take Branstad Memorial north (HWY 9) back to Waukon.  Actually I think 9 may be a bit less rough going from Lansing to Waukon than from Waukon to Lansing.  That highway is still a "joke" however.

At any rate after our teeth quit chattering, and our eyeballs stopped rolling, and we checked the bikes for loose parts, we arrived at Gus & Tony's.

NOW THE SUN STARTS COMING OUT!!

CHUCK (NOT CHUCKLES) ARRIVES WARM & DRY

JIM & CATHY PLACE A PIZZA ORDER!

IRV SHAKES OFF THE EFFECTS OF HWY 9

Once inside Gus & Tony's, we find Bugsy waiting for us again.  Lois entertained the troops with jokes while the conversation turned to wives who talk to the passenger window while their husband drives the car. We also found out that a rain had passed through Ferryville after we were there.  I had 116 miles on the Wing when I got home still dry.

SATURDAY IS THE LONG-AWAITED MYSTERY RTE
We will plan to depart Casey's at 3:30 Saturday afternoon for our MYSTERY RTE (RIDE TO EAT).  I'd tell you where we're going, but I'd have to kill you!  Rain date is Sunday at the same time.  Right now the Weather Channel has a 50% chance of rain on Saturday (scattered thunderstorms) and a 20% chance on Sunday.

Finally to all Wednesday Night Riders and their friends and families, HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE 4TH!

BUCKNUCKLES ON HOLD--CLAYTON INSTEAD

Five Wednesday Night Riders gathered at Casey's on Sunday morning with a RTE planned to Bucknuckles in Prague, Wisconsin.  Jim & Cathy, Chuckles, and Al brought their bikes, while Bob & Julie came on their trike.  It was 84 degrees with about 90% humidity.

THE HUMIDITY WAS DOING A TUNE ON MY CAMERA LENS

AL GOT TENNIS ELBOW POLISHING THE INDIAN RIMS

THE BEAN SPRAYERS GET DONE ON TIME TO GO

After looking at the radar in the Bucknuckles area, it was going to be stormy to say the least.  So a decision was made to head south and go to Clayton.  Clayton was going to be our Mystery RTE next Saturday, so we'll have to come up with a new Mystery Run before then.
We departed at 10 O'Clock heading west on HWY 9.  We then turned south on CR W60 through Fishville and down onto Yellow River Drive heading west again.  YDR took us over to HWY 51 where we turned south and passed through Postville and onto HWY 18 east. Travelling east on 18 we passed by Monona, Giard, and Froelich before turning south again on HWY 52.  Garnavillo was our next destination and we turned back east there on CR C17 (Clayton Road).  Clayton Road actually took us to 228th St. and down the hill into Clayton.  

WE ARRIVE IN CLAYTON

After getting to Clayton, it was interesting to know that Jim, Cathy and Julie had never been to this quaint little river town before.  So, on a recommendation from Chuckles (actually Lois), we decided to lunch at Bill's Boat Landing.

This proved to be an excellent suggestion (thanks, Lois) because the food and service were excellent.  I would highly recommend this establishment after a scenic drive down to the river!

FIVE WELL-FED WEDNESDAY NIGHT RIDERS

After our meal we took an unnamed road back to CR X56 and retraced our way back west and then south into and through McGregor and Marquette and onto HWY 76 north.  We continued north to CR X52 and down the hill into Harpers Ferry where we stopped at Barry's MiniMart for ice cream (what's a RTE without a stop for ice cream?).  After our treats we headed up the hill on the Lansing/Harpers Road and then turned onto State Forest Road and through Yellow River Forest.  While still trying to figure out why snowmobiles were allowed, but ATV's and UTV's were not, we made our way back to HWY 76 (Branstad Memorial south) and back into Waukon.  Our decision to change routes today proved to be wise, since shortly after arriving in Waukon some wicked weather hit the area.  I had a little over 100 miles on the trike when we pulled into the shed.

MYSTERY RTE IS STILL ON FOR NEXT SATURDAY, JULY 6TH.  Leaving from Casey's at 3:30 that afternoon.  Destination is still a mystery!!

WE HAVE ROOM FOR ONE MORE GUY ON THE GUY'S TRIP TO HELL JULY 29-AUG 3.  FIRST COME--FIRST SERVE!