Serk and Tate's Excellent Adventure (Inzane 2024 trip)

[Serk]

Little chronicle of my and Blake (Tate)'s Inzane 2024 trip.....

Day 1, Friday 6/7/24
Rowlett TX to Atoka, OK
130 boring, HOT miles
Was getting antsy, so left after work and at least made it into Oklahoma...



Day 2, Saturday 6/8/2024
Atoka, OK to Smithville MO
416 miles
My grandparents and other kin are buried in Smithville, MO, and evidently I've more family ties to this area then I realized. We stopped and paid respects to grandma and grandpa's graves, and other relatives of mine going back several generations.



One town over is the tiny community of Ectonvlle, where I have more relatives buried from long ago, but that cemetery is on private land and we didn't have time to try to arrange a visit. But we did get a picture of the sign...



Day 3, Sunday 6/9/2024
Smithville MO to Dubuque IA
419 miles. Mostly nice, except for ferocious cross winds the last 100 miles or so.
We took a lot of back roads to avoid the super slab. While bebop'ing along we discovered the "Welcome Home Soldier Memorial" in Albia IA. Wow. Very moving, very well kept, impressive monument. I recommend it, especially for my veteran friends. Pictures don't begin to give it justice.



https://www.welcomehomesoldiermonument.com/
Click the link for more pics/details/info.

Then, even though I despise Star Trek (Babylon 5 ftw!) since we were so close we stopped by Riverside, IA, the future birth place of Captain James T. Kirk...





From there on in to Dubuque, get checked in, reacquaint with old friends, meet new ones, the usual...







.....to be continued....

[carolinarider09]

Thanks. Enjoyed the pictures and "captions".   Was not aware of the "birthplace" of Capt Kirk.  And the memorial does look like a place we should visit if we get that way again. 

 

[f6john]

Looks like a good showing of early birds! I was able to pick out some familiar faces. Nice of you to share pics so early in the week for those who didn’t make the trip this year, much appreciated!

[LadyDraco]

 

[Jess from VA]

I see you make the son go ATGATT, but just wear the Tshirt yourself.  Good dad.   

In cold and cool, I always wear good gear, but I have struggled all my riding life to do better than Tshirts in the hot.  Mostly I've advanced to long sleeve T's (not for the fall, for the skin cancer).   

Five years ago, I bought a good quality full mesh armored hot weather jacket in snow white (for heat) (with rain liner).  But I've never worn it once.  And the XL that fit me then is way too large and droopy after losing 25 lbs.  A closet queen.   

And, I'm not Asian prejudiced, but virtually all of the textile bike gear out of Asia is wildly sized variant compromised.  You can never order on-line without try out first (unless you like doing returns).  I've lately tried on their gear that fit me properly from Medium to XL.      I'm Asian bike gear prejudiced. 

[Serk]

Day 3, Monday 6/10/2024
Dubuque IA
67 miles

Rode back roads to the Cassville ferry across the Mississippi river. FUN roads, gorgeous scenery, felt more European than Iowan.





We got on the ferry on the Iowa side for the ~1 mile ride to the Wisconsin side across the Mississippi river.





Setting foot on Wisconsin soil for the first time in my life.



I told Blake he needed to "Touch Grass", he did but he's worried he lost a lot of skill in video games due to doing that.



After getting back to the Ground Zero hotel, we made the short walk to the Fenelon Place Elevator, the shortest, steepest railroad in the world, for a fun round trip ride and some gorgeous tri-state views.





After that was the usual Monday night first raffle, opening talk, introducing our adopted charity, Willow droning on and on about random things... Ya'll know, the usual.

The mayor of Dubuque paid us a visit...



Blake (Tate) had his innagural raffle runner duty...



And then the usual retirement to the parking lot for swapping of totally true and never falsified stories amongst some of the finest folks around, and me.....

...Blake must be part spider monkey...



.....to be continued....

[carolinarider09]

Glad you are enjoying the trip. 

[Jack]

Nice turnout!

[3fan4life]

Thanks for bringing along those of us that couldn't make it this year.  

[Serk]

Day 4, Tuesday 6/11/2024
Dubuque IA
.6 miles, walked/staggered

Quiet/lazy/recovery day. Hung out at the hotel, swapped lies. Only excursion was the 0.3 mile shuttle ride to block party, then the 0.3 miles walk/stagger back...

Pics from block party:













.....to be continued....

[carolinarider09]

Interesting place.  Thanks for the pictures.

[bassman]

Thanks for the daily updates.  Looks like a great place.  Careful of the “swaggering” events!

[Oss]

that food truck next to the brewery was awesome

Probably the best chicken tenders I have had

I think a good number of us would agree it was excellent food

And of course the ice cream store was very convenient to ground zero

safe winds in Canada and on your way home with your son

[Serk]

Day 5, Wednesday 6/12/2024
Dubuque IA, Dyersville IA
82.6 miles

Joe Boyd memorial ride to the Field of Dreams movie site. I honestly wasn't excited about this, but figured I'd give it a shot. Watched the movie with Blake the night before, it was better than I expected, got a little excited... Usually avoid group rides, but try to make this one...







Met a "Ghost Player", kinda a Harlem Globetrotter's of baseball, they do a lot of fun activities for kids, do some USO stuff, etc. Nice guy, gave some good info about the site, the movie, his adventures... Pretty good gig for a humble boy from Dyersville Iowa (As he himself would say)



Later that night.... there was.... PIE!



.....to be continued....

(Written from a motel outside West Memphis Arkansas, we still ain't home quite yet!)

[scooperhsd]

Day 4, Tuesday 6/11/2024
Dubuque IA
.6 miles, walked/staggered

Quiet/lazy/recovery day. Hung out at the hotel, swapped lies. Only excursion was the 0.3 mile shuttle ride to block party, then the 0.3 miles walk/stagger back...

Pics from block party:













.....to be continued....

I need one of those "No, I will not fix your computer" T-shirts (unless my mere presence does it).

[TJ]

 
Thanks for the write up and Pic's .... 

[Serk]

I'll continue with the day by day updates retro active but..... For those wondering, after 3,171 miles, 8 states, 2 countries, Blake and I are home safe...

...I broke my streak! I didn't wanna say anything and jinx it, but after riding to, but not riding FROM the last 2 Inzanes I attended, I was kinda worried I had a bad luck thing going or something...

[t-man403]

Sure enjoying this thread!

Thanks for taking the time to share your journey!!

[Valkorado]

I'll continue with the day by day updates retro active but..... For those wondering, after 3,171 miles, 8 states, 2 countries, Blake and I are home safe...

 
Nice father/son jaunt right there!   

[Serk]

And now back to the regularly scheduled program... Hope I'm not boring everyone with over-sharing, but:

Day 6, Thursday 6/13/2024
Dubuque IA
0 miles (Technically some fraction of a mile, as we participated in the bike games, but for all practical purposes, zero...)

Lounge around the hotel day. Bike games (Blake and I entered a few, we had fun), bike show, banquet, final hanging out with friends but early to bed, big day ahead of us tomorrow...

Blake getting a good look at the Rune (One day I'll own one, if I'm lucky)



Nice horn on this one:



And the head light and driving lights had skulls on and in 'em:



Few fine folks sitting around solving the world's problems...



Packed house for the banquet:



The pediatrician tells us to not force foods on the kids, but I worry about him getting enough and the right food.... My plate:



His plate:



Oh well, he somehow had enough energy to keep running raffle prizes:



Quick good byes after the banquet, and off to an early bed for our big day tomorrow...

.....to be continued....

[pocket aces]

Thanks for the pics and write ups. How many more years till Tate's riding his own Valkyrie to Inzane?

[Serk]

Thanks. Enjoyed the pictures and "captions".   Was not aware of the "birthplace" of Capt Kirk.  And the memorial does look like a place we should visit if we get that way again. 

 

Definitely, that memorial was better put together than a lot of government ones I've visited, very impressive, and very moving. And one of those "You have to be there, pics don't do it justice" things...

Looks like a good showing of early birds! I was able to pick out some familiar faces. Nice of you to share pics so early in the week for those who didn’t make the trip this year, much appreciated!

I don't know the official numbers, but overall it seemed very well attended. Sorry I didn't keep the flow of pics up during the week, was too occupied doing the things then and there...

I see you make the son go ATGATT, but just wear the Tshirt yourself.  Good dad.   

That's a non-negotiable Mom Rule, I wanna take the kids on the bike they're 100% ATGATT... And one I won't argue with. I should get a mesh jacket, I've seen road rash, and I've seen the relative lack of road rash when proper gear is worn... And with my genetics I'm prone to skin cancer. I at least usually remember to slobber sun block all over my arms.

Funny aside - On day one I'd made it almost a mile from home before I realized I hadn't even packed a jacket. That early morning departure in Ontario when it was 43 I was REAL glad I circled back and grabbed one!

that food truck next to the brewery was awesome

Probably the best chicken tenders I have had

Dangit, now I'm really regretting getting the mediocre pizza from the brewery instead of the chicken... But was trying to keep the kiddo happy... Oh well, the pizza was edible at least, just nothing exciting...

I need one of those "No, I will not fix your computer" T-shirts (unless my mere presence does it).

The shirt is handy at family gatherings! "Hey, can you take a look at this real quick?" My standard reply is "I'm just glad I'm a IT geek and not a proctologist!"

And yeah, I have that same aura, walk in and the computer starts behaving... just like a car that won't make that strange noise when the mechanic is in ear shot...

Thanks for the pics and write ups. How many more years till Tate's riding his own Valkyrie to Inzane?

The triplets turned 13 on Monday, the day we got home, so 3ish more years. He says he wants to ride, but I'll be honest... Much as I want to have the triplets all going along on their own bikes, the memory of seeing in my mirror and hearing over the helmet comms Kali's wreck in West Virginia still haunts me. I won't stop them from riding, but I also won't push 'em too far too fast either...

[f6john]

I’m a master at spending other peoples money, so that said, if they are thinking about riding, you should go ahead and buy a dirt bike now. I never owned one myself but most of the best riders I’ve ever known started in the dirt. I’ll bet there is plenty of room for a motocross track on that 20 acre plot!

[Rocketman]

I need one of those "No, I will not fix your computer" T-shirts (unless my mere presence does it).

And yeah, I have that same aura, walk in and the computer starts behaving... just like a car that won't make that strange noise when the mechanic is in ear shot...

I get accused of having that aura, although the real reason is buried in the "who's on first" routine.  Costello tries to do the same thing Abbott does, but because he doesn't understand what he's doing, there's a subtlety that he gets wrong, and it all goes off the rails from there.  Someone walks in who understands the subtlety, and it works.

[Rocketman]

Nice ride report.  Love seeing the pictures.  Glad ya'll had fun.

[Serk]

Day 7, Friday 6/14/2024
Dubuque IA to Sault Ste Marie Ontario
535 miles



One last look out the ground zero hotel window that'd been my view the last week, then a quick breakfast, few final good byes and Blake and I were off...



Kali's best friend in the Army, Alison is from a small town in Wisconsin; Alison has kinda been our spare daughter while stationed in Texas, spending weekends here, going to ren faire with us, coming to Thanksgiving, Easter and other holidays with us, etc.. She insisted we meet her dad while we were in the area, so I reached out to him, and we agreed to meet at Doc's Harley Davidson for lunch... Interesting place. Didn't go into the Harley store side, but the restaurant was pretty good, and interesting. Just about everything was somehow made out of motorcycle parts.... It wasn't running at the time, but I'd love to see this ceiling fan in action!



I was introduced to the WI beverage (Available other places, but not around here!) Sun Drop



And of course had to get some real cheese curds!



Had a nice chat with Alison's father Ryan for a while, but alas, we had miles to go so off we went.....

Stopped to get a good look at Lake Michigan... Blake had a hard time getting his head around a non-ocean that you can't see across...



And just how COLD that water was!



Made our way to the Canadian customs at Sault Ste Marie. Flying a Texas flag, with Texas plates, I was prepared for the rubber glove treatment, but probably because I was a good boy, they let us in quickly and easily. When I mentioned it was Blake's first time out of the USA, he replied "Oh, so your first time in Canada, eh?" and offered to stamp our passports (Most border crossings won't do that anymore)

Neither of the other two triplets got their passports stamped when we made our border jaunts, so he gets to hold that over their heads.



Also neither of the other two spent more than a few hours in Canada or Mexico, so we got a room in a modest but pleasant motel on the outskirts of town to spend the night outside the USA.

[LadyDraco]

 

[carolinarider09]

We have done several trips around the Great Lakes.  You stay out of the big urban areas and the roads are nice and the people friendly.

I see you went through Newberry, MI.  We stopped there for lunch on one trip.  Nice place.

Thanks for the pictures.

[Serk]

Day 8, Saturday 6/15/2024
Sault Ste Marie Ontario to Gilman, Illinois
532 miles



I was VERY thankful I'd made that u-turn at the very beginning of the trip to go back home and get a jacket this morning...



We couldn't find a "Welcome to Canada" sign, but figured this is practically the same thing...



Food wasn't bad, the company was interesting... Blake was having fun counting the "Eh"'s the locals said...

<Political content>
Did have one gentleman come up to me and ask if that was my bike outside, complimented my Gadsden flag and Texas flag, proceeded to have a bit of a rant against the current leaders of both of our countries. Nice guy, but very excitable...
</Political content>

Made a quick stop at a convenience store to buy Blake a piece of USA forbidden candy, a real Kinder Egg (Banned federally in the USA, $2,500 fine if you're caught trying to smuggle one into the country. I made Blake eat the candy off it before we crossed the border, just to be safe...)



Getting back into the USA the customs agent was impressed and surprised that we'd ridden all that way from Texas, and were riding back the whole way, but otherwise no drama getting back into the States...

Made it to the Mackinac bridge, the weather was glorious, the winds were calm, the traffic wasn't bad. There is construction, only one lane each direction is open; northbound gets the grate, southbound gets the pavement.

Gorgeous ride, although from what I hear we lucked out on weather, wind and traffic...



After that we were in "Just get home" mode...

Stopped in Gary Indiana first before Chicago, bought an M4 from some dude behind the 7-11, had Blake sit backwards on the back of the bike as my tailgunner through Chicago, but we survived it! He only had to shoot 3 attackers he said, luckily we were just on the outskirts or it would have been far worse!

Once you get away from that city, Illinois seems like a decent place. Made it to Gilman for the night.

[Serk]

We have done several trips around the Great Lakes.  You stay out of the big urban areas and the roads are nice and the people friendly.

I see you went through Newberry, MI.  We stopped there for lunch on one trip.  Nice place.

Yup... Loved the ride around the UP, only problem were the groups of Harleys going painfully slow and difficult to get around and noisy to be behind, otherwise loved it up there!

We stopped in Newberry, ate at McDonalds (I promised we'd eat at more local places on this trip, but the ability to walk in, use my phone and tap tap tap get what I want and something I know the kid will eat is just too hard to pull away from, especially on "Mile Eating" days...)

Did comment to the Mother in Law that we were in Newberry, just the wrong one...

[Serk]

Day 9, Sunday 6/16/2024 (Happy Father's Day!)
Gilman, Illinois to Forrest City Arkansas
477 hot boring miles broken up by a few small thunderstorms



Superslab. Boring. Hot. Thunderstorm. More hot. Meh.... Just getting home...


Day 10, Monday 6/17/2024 (Happy 13th birthday triplets!)
Forrest City Arkansas to Home sweet home Rowlett, TX
398 hot boring miles broken up by a few small thunderstorms

Yay... Nice tight thunderstorm lined up on the freeway perfectly...



I usually ride with the visor totally removed from my helmet, had to pull under a bridge and dig it outta the trunk and put it on just so I could see...



And more joy... had the temporary bridge currently in my mouth disintegrate while eating. Yay...



But we eventually made it home...



Luna was VERY happy that I was home!



So anyway, thanks for following along and humoring me while I blather on and on! We had a blast! Triplets are already arguing over who gets to go next (Kaelynn is the planned one but the boys are jockeying for position anyway.)

Had an incredible time, getting to Inzane, at Inzane and headed home. Thanks again to those who helped make it happen, helped make Blake feel welcome and put up with my blathering in the parking lot! Can't wait to do it again!

[Oss]

What a wonderful bucket of memories you have made with your son (and yourself)

Sorry about the bridge (your mouth) but very happy you had a no wind condition crossing UP to lower Michigan on the Mackinac bridge   Maybe next time you will get to ride the grate   

[NewValker]

Thanks for showing us your trip, totally looked forward to the next update every morning over coffee!

Craig

[old2soon]

    Like I'd mentioned to My adopted Grandson as others have mentioned he had No idea How Many Grandparents he'd inherited!  And seemed Very Well behaved given the circumstances. Not quite a teenager around all those "adults" well some of us REFUSE to grow up or act our age!  Looks like One FANTASTIC Father Son interaction! Would like to see his friends reaction when back in school and what did you do this past summer comes up?  Glad y'all back home and SAFE My tall Texas Friend!  RIDE SAFE.

[henry 008]

Thanks for taking us along, indeed you made some great memories with your son. 

[bassman]

Thanks for the ride along....enjoyed it VERY much !

[old2soon]

      When I roll outa Il. for my Home in The Missouri Ozarks I'll detour via Marsellies Il Sandbox Veterans Wall Of HONOR and after paying my Respects and PRAYERS gonna ease on over to Albia Ia. to see that Veterans Welcome Home Memorial you visited Serk!  So THANK YOU for That! Ross-da prez-has expressed interest in doing that ride with me!  Been awhile since My Brother and I have ridden anywhere together, and I Do ENJOY sharin wind with Him.    RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

Thanks for the comments all! Settled back into boring rituals of daily life over here... I did update my states ridden in map though, still too many holes but:

[f6gal]

Thanks for the comments all! Settled back into boring rituals of daily life over here... I did update my states ridden in map though, still too many holes but:

I might get to add Alaska!!  Maybe going there for work for 3 weeks in July, I just have to rent a bike for a day.

[Oss]

That is what we did Connie
rented an 06 wing getting off the ship years ago
Had a great time
Eagles swooping down overhead is quite the rush