When the October weather in Wisconsin is sunny, beautiful, and in the 70’s, ya just gotta play hooky! That’s what Loth (98T), Jim C (Jim C), and I did, this past Friday and Saturday…
Our friends, Barb and Don (new to the Valk, and the VRCC this past summer), emailed and said they needed opinions/advice on a bike they were looking at for Barb. I guess the fact that they have only known us for a few months, is the reason they would trust our judgment on the purchase of a used bike
Loth and Jim, being real-estate agents, have lots and lots of time on their hands
, and I cleared my schedule for Friday too. Loth came to my place, and we both headed the 20 miles or so to Jim’s place. Three Valks, not a cloud in the sky, and a day to ride… First stop, Watertown WI. When we arrived, Barb had fresh cookies, and a pot of coffee, ready and waiting. We sauntered back to the garage and were introduced to the ’97 Shadow 1100, that Barb had been losing sleep over. Besides, it's a perfect match to their '97 Red n White Valk
What a Cream Puff! Less than 9000 miles, and not a scratch on her! Tires are original, so other than new rubber, and a tune up, this purchase is really a no brainer
Once we said our good byes (Barb and Don had to work), Jim, Loth, and I headed northwest, to see some color and enjoy the wind. Wisconsin is just plain beautiful this time of year, but temps are usually a good 10 – 15 degrees cooler. The colors are not quite peak, but pretty darn close, with a few trees just standing out like neon signs…
I was wearing my Firstgear mesh, and was looking forward to our lunch stop, to take it off. We stopped in Beaver Dam at a place that made meals for the ‘hungry man’… Big ol’ Cheese Steaks, made with whole Rib-Eyes… Sorry, no pictures
The sign at the bank, said 81 degrees… T-shirt time.
We continued in a northwesterly direction, just enjoying the sweepers, the color, and the wind. Along the way, we went right through a National Wildlife Refuge called The Horicon Marsh. Thousands upon thousands of acres of marsh land. Many species of waterfowl use this as a stopover for their migration, and it is quite spectacular to behold. The Highway runs right through it, and if you keep an eye out, there are many strange and wonderful birds just hanging out…
Here are the bikes in the welcome center parking lot...
A view out over the marsh...
We stuck to the two lane roads, most with a posted speed of 45 – 55 mph. Ya had to really concentrate on keeping an eye on the road, as the scenery was just breathtaking… Jim was running point, Loth next, with me riding sweep. I didn’t pay much attention to where we were going, just sittin’ back and enjoying the ride…
Soon, it was time for me to peel off and head for home… Great day, with some great friends… Gonna do this again, tomorrow!
Saturday morning, I suited up and headed to Jims house. Barb and Don were going to join us on this day, and it promised to be just as beautiful as Friday.
This time we headed southwest, to the Lake Geneva area, another well known Wisconsin destination for fall color viewing… We stayed on the two lanes again this day, and just took in all the beauty that these unexpected ‘gift’ days had to show us.
Barb n Don... Wisconsin VRCC's newest members...
We had lunch at a little known sandwich shop, sitting outside, with most of the crowd being cyclists (of the pedal variety).
Lots and lots of motorcycles on the road today everything from the zip-splats to the decked out barges known as Gold Wings… By the end of the day, I was almost tired of doing the ‘biker wave’
Hey, what would a Wisconsin ride report be without cows?
Or farms?
Jim took us to Lake Como, a childhood playground of his. We took a photo op, while we just stood and took in all the wonderful sights.
A view out over Lake Como...
Those of us that live in areas like this, or that have fairly easy access to rides and sights such as these are truly blessed… All too soon, the temps won’t allow for shirtsleeve rides, and soon after that, the dreaded snow, and the accompanying salt will cover the roads…
Mother nature gave us a gift this week. I was lucky enough to have the chance to enjoy it with some of the finest folks you ever met!
Black Dog
