Driftless Area Ride - Oct 21 & 22

[sstodvictory]

The color peak of the Mississippi River valley and upland regions North of Mt. Carol, Illinois will probably be mid-October. The Driftless Area ride will be a long-day affair requiring probably 7-8 hours in the saddle......9 hours including brief stops.

The ride will begin at Douglas & Frye in Sterling IL, proceed to Mt. Carol, and then on backroads through the countryside to Prairie du Chien WI. We'll cross the Mississippi to McGregor, IA, take backroads to Dubuque, then cross to Galena, IL and follow a different route back to Mt. Carol. No road will be covered twice for most of the route. You will see the best that the upper midwest has to offer on this ride.

The Driftless Area (http://jove.geol.niu.edu/faculty/fischer/429_info/429trips/Jo_DavStomp/images/Glacstages.jpg) is the name assigned by geologists to the four-states corner region of IL, WI, MN and IA. It is called "Driftless" because, unlike the surrounding areas of the upper midwest, it was completely missed by the multiple glaciations of the past due to its higher elevation. The Driftless Area represents what most of IL would look like had the glaciers not buried everything with outwash and till. Of course it also represents great riding.

I would suggest an early start - 8 AM or 9 AM at the latest.

Anyone up for it? Saturday or Sunday?

Steve

[sstodvictory]

On second thought, I kind of suspect the color peak might pass before October 14, but it should still be scenic, no?

Steve

[daveltb]

Sounds like a great day Steve. Lets hope for good weather. 15th works better for me.

[vic767]

Steve,

I've been wanting to do a ride like this for the last few years. Unfortunately that weekend doesn't work for me. (The wife's birthday is the 15th)

How about doing it the weekend prior and make it a leave Saturday, return Sunday affair? There's bound to be some reasonable hotel/motels up that way. That way we could take our time and maybe leave a bit later on Saturday.

Mark M.

[sstodvictory]

That is a bummer Mark. I'm riding Southern Indiana Oct 7&8, so for me that weekend is out. There's no reason why it couldn't be scheduled then anyway if that's what works for folks.

Alternatively it could be moved up to this weekend, Sept. 30 & Oct. 1. The two-day thing works for me, and we could farther North a bit with no problem.

Others?

Steve

[SIDECAR]

The only weekend that I could do a two day would be the 23rd & 24th. The 23rd is the IVR fall ride date. I wonder if the other chapters would want to make the Fall ride a 2 day event. I think it would be cool:cool: . We would not be able to leave D & F until about 11 or 12 to give time for riders to get there from the Chicago area.
What do ya think??
Tim T...sidecar

[sstodvictory]

You mean Sat & Sun October 21 & 22 don't you Tim?

I could do it that weekend. A late departure would work well for an overnighter in Prairie du Chien. It might leave time on Sunday to add a few roads and still allow the other chapters to reach home in daylight.

Steve

[vic767]

The weekend of the 21st & 22nd would work for me too. I don't know how everyone would feel about making the IVR ride an overnighter, but I'm up for it.

Mark M.

[SIDECAR]

Ya, I was looking at the wrong month:o .

[daveltb]

It could be a good time. Right now I couldn't say yes for sure but I'm interested.

[sstodvictory]

So we seem to have some momentum building for an overnighter Oct 21 & 22. Mark, Tim and I can do it, Dave is a maybe, and Kozy seems intrigued.

If we commit to that date then I'll have an oportunity to time the route, prospect a short putt on the Wisconsin side for Sunday, find our lodging, etc.

Steve

[vic767]

I did some checking last night and it looks like hotel/motel rooms are getting scarce around Prairie Du Chien. We might need to consider extending the trip up to La Crosse.

[frostebyte]

Hi fellas been awhile ! My v92c sprung a leak ( head and base gaskets ) and was down for over a month .
Anyhow all is well now and im ready to go on this 2 day . I made a similar trip to iowa on my harley a few weeks back .
This would be a good test run for the ol vic which is running sweet now especialy with the addition of a power commander !
I hope to hook up with yas again . I was along for the charity ride to starved rock . Blew out the head gaskets on that
one. keep me posted if you can .

hope to ride with yas again

frostebyte

[sstodvictory]

Lodging near the river fills up this time of the year because of touring to see the color change.

A bit away from the river but closer than La Crosse, there are motels in Soldiers Grove, Readstown, La Farge and Viroqua. The route would follow Kickapoo Creek, North from the Wisconsin River through Gays Mills on State Hwy 131. That road is a nice putt!

Click for map & motels (http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&lr=&q=motel&near=Readstown,+WI+54652&sa=X&oi=local&ct=title)

Steve

[sstodvictory]

I've called a bunch of motels in the areas mentioned in my previous post. Assuming as many as 7 rooms might be needed, if some more people indicate they're going, there are a half dozen motels that have the space left at this time. They are filling up fast because of people touring, and from bow hunters.

To do this overnighter I think it may be necessary to reserve a block of rooms somewhere asap, then cancel as needed if we don't need all of them. I'm a little worried about lodging otherwise.

At this time I'm assuming this ride is on for Oct 21 & 22. To make sure we don't get left without lodging, I'm thinking I'll drive up there this Saturday, check them out in person and then reserve a block of rooms in a motel thats clean and has good beds. Anyone think this is a bad idea?

I'll be staying at the Rock Falls Holiday Inn tomorrow evening and drive up and return on Saturday. I can haul one passenger in my car and anyone that wants to come with is welcome. I'll leave the motel at 8 AM.

Steve

[SIDECAR]

Steve, Sounds like a plan. With maybe 6 Bikes going at present and maybe 1 or 2 2 up , 7 rooms may be about right.
Tim

[Red SC Rider]

Hmmmmm, something I'll be thinking about. I' ll keep you posted.

[SilverStreak]

I'm considering too. Keep me posted on the hotels so I can make a reservation just in case.

[sstodvictory]

I drove the entire route on Saturday. Man what a blast!

I've reserved a block of 8 rooms (15 beds total) in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. I looked at two of the rooms. They are clean, smell nice and have good mattresses. They serve food (pizza/sandiwiches), and there's a restaurant, Tazzee's, a few steps away that also serves Sunday breakfast.

Country Gardens Motel & Lounge
100 W. Sunbeam Blvd.
Soldiers Grove, WI
(608) 624-3254
(608) 624-5254

The rooms will be held for us until Oct 19 at which time they will no longer be held.

Please call this place up and confirm your reservation before October 19 and mention my name "Stoddard".
Since we can accomodate many more than 8, if you post here after you've confirmed, and say if you can accomodate a room mate, I'll update this list with that info.

.
Rm 2) ONE Full bed no smoke: Steve Stoddard

Rm 4) TWO Twin beds smoke:

Rm 5) TWO Twin beds no smoke:

Rm 6) TWO Twin beds smoke:

Rm 8) TWO Full beds no smoke: SIDECAR

Rm 9) TWO Full beds no smoke:

Rm 10) TWO Full beds smoke:

Rm 13) TWO Full beds smoke:

Twin bed rooms $48
Full bed rooms $58

Steve

[sstodvictory]

Here is the mileage and time I logged for the Driftless Area Ride. This is traveling time only, not counting any stops for gas or other.

On the return trip we'll stop at Pikes Peak Overlook, and also ride past Cabellas......another stop if the group wants it.

I recommend an 11 AM departure from Douglas & Frye on Saturday. That should put us in Soldiers Grove with 1-2 hours of daylight left - an opportunity to ride a few local roads for those who crave more of the curvies.


Sterling to Soldiers Grove
191 Miles
3.8 Hrs

Soldiers Grove to Sterling
196 Miles
3.9 Hrs

Steve

[sstodvictory]

I've received news that sonicbluerider (Dennis), of Dubuque, plans to ride with us on Saturday, not to do the overnighter however.

We'll call him at departure time and meet him at the Citgo gas station near the North end of Hazel Green.

Travel time from Sterling to Hazel Green will be about 55 minutes.

Steve

[sstodvictory]

Of the 8 rooms set aside at the Country Gardens Motel in Soldiers Grove (previous post #19), mine is still the only reservation they show as confirmed.

As a courtesy to the motel folks, its probably best not to leave them hanging if its avoidable.

Thanks,

Steve

[SIDECAR]

Booked room #8.
Tim

[SilverStreak]

Looks like I may have some out-of-town visitors that weekend so won't be able to make it. Wish I could - I'm sure it will be a blast!

[SIDECAR]

Would like to know who is going to make the Ride?
I will be there.
Tim T...sidecar

[sstodvictory]

The greater chance of precipitation has shifted from Sunday (yesterday) to 80% chance on Saturday (today's forecast). Personally, I'm willing to pay a charge for an unused room in order to keep my options open to the last minute.

On Friday if its looking like one day will be lousy but the other might be OK, then in that case I think it would make sense to revert it back to a long day ride.

Any opinions?

Steve

[BigJim]

What a difference in forecasts for Sunday.
Decatur: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.
Carpentersville: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.

As much as I would love to take my newly aquired TC out for a ride I think I will pass.

[Red SC Rider]

I'll be there Sat for the senic ride, about half way, then it's a major hwy or the slab back home. Let's hope the weather is better than what the forcast is calling for now.

[SIDECAR]

Well with the chance of rain now at 60% . I don't think I will be there on Sat.
I will have to see what Sunday brings.
Tim

[vic767]

I just checked weather.com. Saturday: 80% chance of rain all day with a high of 50 degrees. Colder with AM rain on Sunday. I am afraid I don't have the gear for riding in these conditions. I will have to bow out as well.

Mark M.

[vic767]

I just called the hotel to cancel. They have a 24 hour notice cancellation policy. If you haven't already cancelled it may be too late. I don't believe they mentioned it when I made the reservation. They didn't like it but the manager said they would honor my request to cancel....they better!

[sstodvictory]

Understood, and I'm glad you're all backing out of the overnighter, cause that's what I was wanting too.

Presently its looking pretty clear for Sun-Tues, with Sunday's risk being whether Saturday's rain is going to push into that day or not. If its looking good on Sat afternoon, I'll be staying in Sterling that night in preparation to leave Sunday at 8:00 AM. I'll do the original long day ride plan if anyone wants to join me. Figure 8.5 hours, 9 max.....Prairie Du Chien and back.

Have fun on your Saturday ride, Red SC Rider! :biglaugh:

Steve

[sstodvictory]

OK, I've canned my plans for Sunday. What an ill-fated ride this has been.

Steve

[Red SC Rider]

When I saw the weather report today, (60 - 80% chance of rain) and saw that others had cancled I said no too. Then when I had finished mowing 2 lawns (5 PM) did I realize that it hadn't rained all day! Here's hoping you have good weather on Sunday.

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