IA IL MN WI Meet in the Middle Weekend

[thedon]

Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Valkyrie owners are planning a Meet in the Middle for Aug. 3-5.
We invite and welcome anyone who wants to join us for a fun weekend and great roads.  
Ground zero is at Eagle View Motel in Guttenberg, IA  https://eagleviewmotel.weebly.com/.  The cost is $75/night for 2/room.
As of July 6 there a couple of rooms available.  Contact the Motel for availability and reservation.  Nice little motel overlooking the Mississippi River.  Owner does bonfires in the evening.
If you get a room there, mention you are with the motorcycle group under Barb Bartz’s name.
Other hotel locations in the area you can try are:
The Landing in Guttenberg (IA)
The Guttenberg Motel (IA)
Microtel in Prairie Du Chien (WI)
The tentative schedule for the weekend:
Friday supper is on your own.  There is a concert/picnic in the Guttenberg by the river.
Saturday will be a ride in IA, WI, &  IL.  Motel to Prairie Du Chien, hopefully as far south as Poopy’s in Savanna, IL, and back to Motel.  Interesting stops planned along the way on Scenic Great River Roads.
Sunday is on your own, but if interested – Breakfast in the morning, then a ride to Rockton Bar in La Farge, WI for “Almost Famous Chicken Dinner”.  It’s a popular stop on Sunday’s for many bikers and there will be many there.  Great dinner. Great roads to get there in the Driftless area.  From there you can pick  from many scenic roads to ride on.

If you are joining us for this ride, please email  debartz@charter.net
Your name(s)and how many bikes?
What hotel are you staying at?
Will you be joining us for Chicken Dinner on Sunday?  I need to know final count by Saturday evening, July 21.
Bring a blanket for outdoor seating at bonfire.

Ride Safe,
Don and Barb Bartz

[thedon]

Bump back to the top

[da prez]

  Sounds great. I have been thru there many times. We are going to try to make it.


                                da prez and Bonnie

[gregk]

This sounds great. I'll have to see what I can do

[gregk]

Motel update ,   as of July 11 now 530 pm
Eagle View is full.
The Landing is full.
The Gutenberg Motel --- 3 RMS left call 563-252-1433
We are staying at the Gutenberg motel if we can go. Depends if wife can get off. If we can't we or I  will see yous at the Rockton bar for Chicken on Sun.

[thedon]

Prez, look forward to seeing you both.
Greg, would be awesome if you could join us.
There should be an update coming out around the end of the month.
Anyone else?
Don

[thedon]

You do know that anybody can go along on this ride.

[cookiedough]

What time about (give or take 20 minutes?) on Saturday will kickstands be up do you think in Guttenburg IA motel leaving?

Will play it by ear and see what the weekend holds since only 2 hours away tops. 

[thedon]

Kick stands up about 8 AM. Breakfast at Huckleberry's in Prairie Du Chien. Breakfast will be after a ride to Pike's Peak.
Hope you can make it.

[gregk]

Getting there or home things to see.
Guttenburg river crossing - just south in Cassville Wi.  Car Ferry crossing $8 cash, last           
  call Cassville to Iowa leaves 7:20 pm. Earliest leaves Iowa 10am.
McGregor IA,  just North of is Effigy Monuds National National Monument.  OK
McGregor IA., just South of town - Bluff - Pikes peak State Park, free 5*  think well stop.
Lansing IA. In town - Bluff - Mt. Hosmer, free 5* , at bottom 90° blind turn suggest no                                 
 trailers, be careful.
Lansing IA. Fish supper  5* Shep's Riverside Bar& Grill in town main drag an overlooks 
 river.
Lacrosse Wi. Old Grand Dads Bluff -free 2*
Alma Wi. -Bluff, free 5* Buena Vista Park, south end of town take E and towards top of 
 hill turn left on Buena Vesta rd.  Also in town is a Lock an Dam where you can walk on a 
 platform an watch boats go through the lock 5*
Nelson Wi. Cheese Factory , ice cream 5*
Wabeashaw Mn. Just across the river from Nelson an next to the river close to bridge is 
 the National Eagle Museum.
Meririac Wi. Free car ferry going across the Wi. River
Spring Green South of is House on the Rock -different.
Cassvile south of in Potosi is Potosi Brewery, good
Rockton Wi. Chicken Dinner Sunday, is not much of a village but right next 1blk from the 
 Rockton Bar is a must stop. Sorry closed on Sunday I'a Fur place Called
 www.wildthingsfur.com     5* will fit sheep skin to seat or whatever.
New Diggins Wi. General Store,  neat .
Galena ILL. Grants Home  major tourist trap 5*town.
Anamosia IA.  National Motorcycle Museum which is a 5 over 5*. Also JP Cycles.
Dubuque IA. -bluff, not seen $1 in town Eagle point city park over looking the river.
Arcadia Wi to Fountain city great ride with hill top tavern, only 1 of many great RDS.
Pragg Wi. Bucknuckles Tavern 5* suggest not to blink.
Fountain City Wi. N.E. out of town is Elmer's Auto & Toy museum, all day 5* not seen.
Getting out a stretch Chippewa Falls Wi. By my house is The Leinenkugel Brewery & 
 across the street is the greatest Chicken on this planet called Breasins Carry Out   
 Chicken. And 1block down the street is our Irvine Park which is a free great drive
 through park an places to eat your chicken. All 5*
While in Guttenberg a winery is having free music on the weekend, carry in good but no 
 drinks.  Motel says they have a new great steak house an a great ice cream shop.   

I have traveled Wi. extensively over more than 10 years and Red Wing Mn. To Dubuque
 has a lot of splended views of the Mississippi River you will not be disappointed ! Pick
 your roads and crossings staying close to the River going to Guttenberg and home. I'm
 sure this will be a fantastic weekend.

[cookiedough]

Greg,  I think you know from IA to MN the riverfront area more than anyone I know....     especially, the beer brewer stops.....

Wyalusing state park just south of PDC is nice as well where the WI and Mississippi river meet.  It is right across from Pikes Peak State Park but in WI.  Of course though WI charges daily for state parks unlike IL and IA being free.

I vaguely remember guessing 30 or tops 40 miles north past PDC is an old metal small grating bridge you can see thru (or it used to be years ago when last crossed it in a car)  that I always thought would be cool to cross the Mississippi river from WI to IA side on a cycle.  I know it is past Ferryville/Lynxville area but not sure if just south of Desoto WI being hwy. 82.  Pretty sure that was it?

[gregk]

Cookiedough & others ,  I've not been to the Wayalusing State Park  but that don't mean its not cool. Any of you think of any thing neat to see to help someone out on their travels please do mention them.
  The River crossing you mention is on 82 and yes very cool and that is the one that goes into Lansing IA. Where there is a great place to eat and also go up on Mt. Hosmer Park ---in town going up hill on main drag away from river, watch to right or north for park entrance.
Oh the reason I know the beer stops is because I'm a 25 yr member of ABATE  Region 7B and we done the state wide poker run over 10 years along with doing all the stops on the run maybe minus 1 or 2 for 10 years in which we had up to 228 stops, made some $. 

[gregk]

I posted a couple pictures on Facebook of a bluff on the Mississippi River  that is similar to other bluffs on the way to Guttenberg. This one I don't believe will be on the ride so it would be best to see on the way there or on the way home.   If you are still debating whether to come along on the ride and you live on flat land with no hills to ride in then you should come along as you won't be disapointed. There is nothing but hills an valleys an  beautiful seanery to see and ride in.

[thedon]

Greg,
Thanks for your input, it is always welcome. You have been to a bunch of areas we have not been yet. The route is already set. But there is always next year. Keep the ideas coming.
Thanks again,

Don, There is always room for revisions.  :)Your wife.

[Moonshot_1]

Greg,  I think you know from IA to MN the riverfront area more than anyone I know....     especially, the beer brewer stops.....

Wyalusing state park just south of PDC is nice as well where the WI and Mississippi river meet.  It is right across from Pikes Peak State Park but in WI.  Of course though WI charges daily for state parks unlike IL and IA being free.

I vaguely remember guessing 30 or tops 40 miles north past PDC is an old metal small grating bridge you can see thru (or it used to be years ago when last crossed it in a car)  that I always thought would be cool to cross the Mississippi river from WI to IA side on a cycle.  I know it is past Ferryville/Lynxville area but not sure if just south of Desoto WI being hwy. 82.  Pretty sure that was it?

Lansing is on the Iowa side of that bridge that you are talking about.
My wife hates them kind of bridges. We got radios in our helmets. I turned the corner to go over the bridge, my wife was a bit behind and had yet to see it. I got on the radio and said "Oo you are not going to like this" And she didn't. She did fine going over but it really rattles her.

While over there, there is a rock grotto in Dickeyville Wisconsin (in the Dubuque area) and the National Beer Museum in Petosi just down (up) the road from Dickeyville. A good stop. Real good. Brewery and brew pup attached.

[gregk]

I forgot about that grotto in Dickyville thought I'd just add it's right on the main drag , you can't miss it, plus's it is not your average grotto it is big it has more to see than from the street( 5*). $ I don't remember having to pay when I seen it maybe a donation.

[thedon]

One more time, bump

[Rams]

I posted a couple pictures on Facebook of a bluff on the Mississippi River  that is similar to other bluffs on the way to Guttenberg. This one I don't believe will be on the ride so it would be best to see on the way there or on the way home.   If you are still debating whether to come along on the ride and you live on flat land with no hills to ride in then you should come along as you won't be disapointed. There is nothing but hills an valleys an  beautiful seanery to see and ride in.

My loss I guess, I don't do Facebook.  Posting those same pics here may or may not have motivated greater participation.

Rams

[gregk]

Iook Rams, you send me your email Addy an I'll send you the pictures I put on face book and you can post them for me , how's that. The pictures I put on Facebook are not in the immediate area but of places you can see on your own plus it is similar of the bluffs in the area. kollers-drahthaars@att.net.   a , if you send me your pH # I could text them to you and it'd be faster for me.

[gregk]

Right now 12:15 Sunday the landing in Guttenberg has a Rm for Fri & Sat  call 563-252-1615

[davit]

Did some horse trading at work today and now have the weekend off, booked the Landing Friday and Saturday night. Thanks Greg!

[gregk]

Their may be another room up for grabs at the Guttenberg Motel.  Rm has a Twin bed for think $64.    I may regretfully have to cancel tomorrow night late. GB


Monday night still pendingfor a couple more days

[thedon]

Greg,
Thanks for all your help with this, much appreciated.

[gregk]

crap I'm pissed !  I guess I can't  make it.  My wife can't get out of work. I will be there on Sun for Chicken dinner.Yous will have a great time.
     
        Heads up! Another Room is open in  Guttenberg
        Call--- the Guttenberg Motel. 563-252-1433.
         They may not answer the phone sat afternoon because they are busy with catfish days this weekend but they will get back in touch with you.

[thedon]

HI everyone.
Sorry I didn’t get this done sooner.  I was trying, but work and family life took priority.
Below is ETAs of stops for Saturday's Ride.
If anyone is going to meet us along the way, please text me at 9 two 0-2 five 3-6 six 16 or Don 9 two 0- nine 88 -5 two 9 nine.
Looks like a nice warm weekend.

Don and I plan to arrive in Guttenberg tomorrow between 1-2.  Might do some stops along the way.
After supper we’ll probably be at the park in Guttenberg along the river.  Free / Live Music.
Can’t wait to see everyone.  Let’s ride and have some fun.
Barb Bartz


ETA’s in case you meet us along the way
7:30 a.m. Kickstands up at hotel, Eagle View, Guttenberg, IA
8-8:30 Pike’s Peak, McGregor, IA
8:45 – 9:45 Breakfast, Huckleberry’s. Prairie Du Chien, WI
11-11:31 Potosi Brewery
11:45-12:15 Dickeyville Grotto
12:50-1:20 West Street Sculpture Park
1:25-2:30 Durty Gurts Burger Joynt, Galena
3:16-3:46 Poopy’s, Savanna
Ferry from Savanna, IL to Sabula, IA
5:30-6 Eagle Point Park, Dubuque IA
7-8:30 Bootleggers,Noble Road, Guttenburg
8:45 Back to Hotel, Eagle View
SUNDAY,
Breakfast at Huckleberry’s
Leave approx 10 am for Rockton Bar – Chicken Dinner – La Farge, WI. ETA noon

[T.P.]

Back home from a great ride and time. 701 miles door to door.
 Thanks to Barb and Don for the organization and execution of a great ride. 

T.P.

[MITCHO]

Just wanted to give a big thank you to Don and Barb and all for a great ride!  Bambi, Laura, and I enjoyed meeting new friends and renewing old relationships.  The ride was wonderful, beautiful countryside, interesting stops, and great company.

Looking forward to next year.

Ride safe,

Mitcho

[Mn. Norseman]

Back home. Had a fantastic time, Great old friends, great new friends,  awesome roads. Thanks Don and Barb for all your work!!

[tbone]

Thanks Barb and Don for a wonderful weekend. Great to see everyone that came. We had a blast.

[gregk]

For those of you that mist it , you did. Don't an Barb did a great job. II was able to ride down and meet everyone for chicken dinner it was great and  as a bonus for the whiners that didn't go the Wild Things Fur Shop opened their doors to us.

[davit]

Thanks Barb and Don, this was a nicely put together weekend. What a fun group, and you all were so tolerant of a new guy.  Can't wait to shop with Barb again next year.

[thedon]

Hi Everyone.  It was a great weekend and we hated to see it end so fast.  It was great seeing all those who came, and thanks for the compliments.
Sorry we didn't reply sooner.  When we returned home on Sunday afternoon we found our house had been broken into.  They stole our gun safe containing rifles and pistols.  In addition, about 90% of my jewelry is gone. 
I don't want to get into more details here on the site than that.  Know that the authorities are doing the best they can.
If you know how I can plan a weekend with friends, multiply that times 100 with adrenaline and you can get an idea of how I am working on seeing justice is served.
Travel safe.  See ya again.
Barb

[Jack B]

That's SUCKS sorry to hear about the break in.
Wish I could help in anyway.

[cookiedough]

security cameras front and back seem to be the way to go anymore nowadays even in small town America.  NO ONE is safe anymore it seems like.

sure hope they catch the pervs who broke in by catching them and castrating them.