Sept 27th Ride Done

[glwilson]

I just wanted to double-ck to see if those having expressed interest in meeting in Galena, IL on Sept 27th were still planning on making the trip.

It is one-week from today.

If you guys (or anyone else from the Illinois/Iowa area) are interested; please post your confirmation so we can "nail-down" a meeting place and time. I go to Galena regularly; so I can provide ideas if needed.

For any others "interested" in joining-in here is what has been discussed so far.

Several members are riding up from the Central Illinois area to Galena, IL; while I am heading due-west from the Rockford, IL area to Galena. We planned on meeting in Galena and doing a small ride around the area's beautiful "twisties" and vistas; eating a quick lunch; then departing. It is a great opportunity for us to put "faces" to our "blogs".

PS: Wives/significant others are welcome. My wife will be riding with me.

I know we have members within my area that have not posted on this site yet -- if any of you are interested please post if you wish to join us.

Thanks, Greg

[abbo]

Hi all- Iwant to,need to ride ,but do to circumstances beyond my control can't. HAVE FUN

[roadman]

I still plan on going.......just name the time and place :)

[stretch]

I'm in also. Weather forecast says sunshine! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[glwilson]

Roadman and stretch1968; I believe Mike is on his St. Jude trip this week thus likely isn't going to post. Do you know if he is still on? Last I knew he was.

I would suggest you both check your route to Galena to see if you are up for the ride as it could be a long one -- but worth it I think.

If you can do it; I would get on the Great River Road -- Illinois side -- near the Quad Cities and ride north on that road.

Once you figure your route; let me know your departure time; and what you think will be your approximate arrival time to Galena.

I will make sure I am there once I know what that time will be.

I will also post a meeting location near Galena a bit later this week.

I have Mike's cell phone number; but we ought to all have each other's -- at least I should have one other's in your group just in case. I will PM my cell for you guys a bit later yet this week also so you can give me your progress of your ride up.

Talk soon, Greg

[roadman]

As far as i know mike is still going.I'm thinking of going up route 40 it's about 156 miles from my house.We can work out a place to meet stretch1968.

[glwilson]

As far as i know mike is still going.I'm thinking of going up route 40 it's about 156 miles from my house.We can work out a place to meet stretch1968.

Sounds good. Just keep me posted.

Greg

[scion0]

I still plan on going.......just name the time and place :)

Yep, count me in! Like Dave said, name the place and time.

[scion0]

After riding to Memphis and (in the rain) back. I think this ride should not be too bad.

[glwilson]

You guys get together and decide your departure time and approximate "ride-time" to get there so I'll know when I need to get there. Then just let me know.

The time of your estimated arrival will help me determine a good meeting spot.


Mike; glad to hear your trip was fun and safe. Yeah; you're right, after the Memphis ride you should be able to do this standing on your head!

[glwilson]

As far as i know mike is still going.I'm thinking of going up route 40 it's about 156 miles from my house.We can work out a place to meet stretch1968.

I looked at the route you mentioned. Looks like you'll try to use some of I-80 to get west to Route 84 to go north along the Mississippi to Galena.

I don't know how I-74's condition is (my suggested route); but I can tell you that I-80 is not in good condition along many sections where you'll need to ride if you go up Rt. 40 to connect to it.

I know they have done some temporary work on parts of it; but the last time I was on I-80 in that section it had a lot of large pot-holes; especially near over-passes and bridges. ("Big" pot-holes is the important part to understand here.)

Again; they were working to temporarily fill these in so I don't know current conditions.

I don't want to tell you how to ride; but please if you go in that direction stay far enough behind traffic so you can see the road condition ahead to avoid any holes and "flying-chunks-of cold-patch" from behind trucks.

[glwilson]

Hi all- Iwant to,need to ride ,but do to circumstances beyond my control can't. HAVE FUN

Abbo; we'll think of ya! Maybe next time.

Greg

[scion0]

Once Dave "Roadman" gets with me and Stretch, he can get with you... (Thanks Dave!)

[scion0]

Looks like it will take us about 3.5 hours to get to Galena from Peoria. Based on that info, what time should we try to meet and where?

[stretch]

I'm thinking it might be little shorter for me to ride up I-39 to Rockford then over. Which way are you going Dave? What times are we thinking about.

Tim

[roadman]

I think Mike and i will leave at 7am and go up route 40,we should
get to Galena around 10:30.Stretch if you go up 39,you could meet up with Greg and ride in to Galena together
OK that said....Greg we need a meeting place?

[glwilson]

I think Mike and i will leave at 7am and go up route 40,we should
get to Galena around 10:30.Stretch if you go up 39,you could meet up with Greg and ride in to Galena together
OK that said....Greg we need a meeting place?

Stretch; you have a solid 2 1/2 hour ride up to Rockford. From Rockford it is nearly a 2 hour ride. This would put us in Galena at 11:30 at best if you leave at 7am sharp and we ride without much of any break. Are you up for that? Would you be willing to leave a bit earlier? Let me know for sure because I have to let you know an exact meeting place.

Mike and Dave; if you guys take a break at the Mississippi Palisades State Park (just north of Savanna, IL) we will be nearer to arriving at the same time at the meeting spot near Galena.

(I would ck out the park's lookout anyway -- well worth the view. It is one of the best's views in Illinois. Just enter the park's main entrance and continue on in and up the hill -- mostly turns to the left -- follow signs to lookout. Stop for awhile at the top and walk to the lookout for a stretch. Take a camera if it is a clear day.)

With regard to a place to meet; we should meet outside of Galena on US 20 at the old lookout tower park.

You'll come to the end of Rt 84 at US 20 -- take a left -- get over to the right lane immediately -- turn right into the lookout tower park about 1/4 mile after getting on US 20. (You will easily see the lookout tower. This is a great view here -- also has restrooms. The tower is out of commission but the view is still a nice one.)

Mike and Dave; I am almost positive the last place for you to get fuel will be in Savanna before getting to Galena. Galena will be approximately 7-8 miles from the lookout tower.

It will be near lunch-time by the time we meet and ride into Galena -- so I assume we could stop there to eat something and relax a bit. We can decide what everyone wants to do after that during lunch. I know several different types of restaurants to eat at in town depending on everyone's preference.

If each of you would confirm if this works out for you it would be appreciated.

[roadman]

Sounds good to me :)

[stretch]

Leave earlier than 7 am? http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif What time would you suggest Greg? And you all can call me Tim.

[scion0]

Sounds good to me :)

I'm following Dave! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[glwilson]

Leave earlier than 7 am? http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif What time would you suggest Greg? And you all can call me Tim.

Tim;

That would be up to you since it will be a long day for you. If you leave at 7, we will make it to Galena at around 11:30 or a bit later (That would be without breaks -- or at least extremely short breaks). Any earlier depature will put us there earlier -- closer to Mike and Dave's arrival time.

Let me know what you are comfortable with; then I can send you a meeting place.

(If I were you I would consider following Dave and Mike because the ride will be much nicer for you than going through the cornfields to Rockford. I realize it is longer for you; but the trip from that direction -- once north of the Quad Cities is a much nicer ride. However I see that coming this direction first is shorter for you.)

Either way is no problem for me in any way -- just let me know a time you feel you are comfortable leaving and I will give you a meeting place near Rockford.

Greg

[stretch]

Greg,

I was kidding. ;) I leave for work at 6:15 every morning so it's not a problem. Although it might be more of a scenic drive going the other way, I-39 is one boring road. I’ll just meet Mike and Dave and ride up with them like I originally planned. Might take I-39 on the way back. Sorry for the confusion.


Tim

[glwilson]

I AM so confused! Ha! I-39 would drive you nuts for 2 1/2 hours.

Now I just need to figure an ETA for you guys. I'll assume 4 hours total ride time for you guys -- considering a stop or two. I will PM each of you with my cell number. I have Mike's.

[roadman]

Sounds good Greg.

[scion0]

Sounds like we are all set.

[stretch]

So are we the only four going? In the beginning I thought there were more people talking about it.

[scion0]

So are we the only four going? In the beginning I thought there were more people talking about it.

As far as I know, we are it. Lonnie (grasshopper) talked about being a maybe but he has not been on in a bit so he may have went off hunting already.

[glwilson]

Tim;

That's it. Abbo and gofs99 couldn't pull it off because of other obligations. Don't you back out! It will be a great ride for you guys -- particularly once you get north of the Quad Cities.

[roadman]

I agree....we need to ride while the weather's good.The riding season will be over before you know it.

[stretch]

I'm not backing out. I'm looking forward to it. I just hope my backrest shows up tomorrow so I can use for the trip!

[glwilson]

Should be a great ride.

Hope your backrest shows up for you. That would be nice. I don't have one but would like one.

Is anyone's wife or significant other showing? My wife will be along with me. Just checking.

[stretch]

I will be solo.

[roadman]

I will be solo also.

[scion0]

I'm solo too!

[gofs99]

Trust me guys, I have tried every guilt trip I could think of on her to make this trip with you. But for some reason she thinks moving in with me is more important than the ride. :'(

[01nomad]

Chuck (from Pekin) don't trust his bike enough to make the trip. It has cutting out issues. If anyone is thinking of crossing the Savanna Mississippi Bridge, it is CLOSED. At least it has been closed almost a month and still was last Mon. I can't make it either Sat. but will be up there on Sun. I hope I don't see ya'all up there still doing circles. Any problems with broken bikes call me. I have a trailer

[scion0]

Thanks for the info and the offer to help!

[01nomad]

Just came back from Poopies (Savanna) and the bridge is still closed and will be for some time yet. If you want to stop at Poopies, do it in the morning. Fantastic food but don't stop on the way home. You will want to stay overnite if you do. I hope GL takes you on Ridge Road from 4TH ST. Savanna and comes out on HYW 20 East of Elizibeth through Gods Country and back to Galena. This will give you new outlook of IL. you won't believe and will always remember.

[scion0]

Just came back from Poopies (Savanna) and the bridge is still closed and will be for some time yet. If you want to stop at Poopies, do it in the morning. Fantastic food but don't stop on the way home. You will want to stay overnite if you do. I hope GL takes you on Ridge Road from 4TH ST. Savanna and comes out on HYW 20 East of Elizibeth through Gods Country and back to Galena. This will give you new outlook of IL. you won't believe and will always remember.


Thanks for the updated information.

[glwilson]

Chuck (from Pekin) don't trust his bike enough to make the trip. It has cutting out issues. If anyone is thinking of crossing the Savanna Mississippi Bridge, it is CLOSED. At least it has been closed almost a month and still was last Mon. I can't make it either Sat. but will be up there on Sun. I hope I don't see ya'all up there still doing circles. Any problems with broken bikes call me. I have a trailer 563-321-6400

Hey thanks for the offer of help if we need it. I'll take your number in hopes we don't have to call. Really nice of you to offer your help though.

Too bad you can't join us. That would be great to meet up with one additional member. If something changes before morning -- post up and I will give my number to meet up.

I'll see what everyone wants to do with regard to riding once there -- so I'll keep ridge road in mind. Good suggestion.

Enjoy yourself Sunday!

[01nomad]

I have a date set-up to go to Poopies for breakfast after 7 and another for the afternoon, again at Poopies for drinks. If scion lives out on HWY 150, I might recognize him if he's the guy from PGR several years ago. I don't think those Peorians drink much tho. If all goes bust I'll call that number posted several days ago and catch cha somewhere..

[glwilson]

Sounds good.

[glwilson]

Hey Mike; Tim; and Dave;

I'll show you how to go to Ridge Road for your trip back; of which part I will ride on with you. I will not take it all the way because it runs between US-20 and Savanna, IL. It is a great road to ride on; you guys should love it.

Again; good suggestion from 01nomad!!

[scion0]

Getting ready to walk out the door! See everyone soon! Bring cameras if you got em!

[glwilson]

Mike, Dave, Tim, me and my wife, Kendra; made it to Galena, IL today -- meeting-up at around 11:30am -- having come from different directions.

We really had a great time meeting-up. Sorry a few others couldn't make -- maybe on next year's trip we discussed.

We went into Galena to check out the leather-shop; and for Mike to get a baseball cap (helmet head). We ate lunch before embarking on a ride around the Galena hills, vistas, and twisted-roads for a couple hours -- bringing us to around 3pm at which time we parted ways -- they south -- me east.

We'll have to wait and see if they enjoyed themselves -- I believe they did. Only Dave had been there before; so it was good to be able to show the guys around the area with a two-hour/quick tour.

We talked today about putting a two-day trip together for next year (to include spouses/significant others) that will go through Galena on up through the southwestern part of Wisconsin to end up staying overnight at La Crosse, WI -- then departing to cross the Mississippi River into Minnesota on the Great River Road on down through Iowa and cross back over the river at Dubuque back to Galena.

That is a trip and areas I have spent a lot of time in and I guarantee no one will be disappointed in the ride's scenary and roads.

A thread will be started sometime within the next month to get some ideas of dates so that if anyone else wants to join-in they may (and are welcome).

The pic below is (from left to right) me, Mike (Scion0); Tim (stretch1068); and Dave (roadman). My wife took the pic and missed getting my bike in the photo; but we are all standing behind our rides. Maybe Mike has some better pics to post.

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w359/glwilson_1955/006.jpg

[scion0]

Had a great time!! More pics tomorrow. Thanks to Kendra for all the pics.

[roadman]

Had a great time......Thanks to Greg and Kendra for being our guides while in the Galena area.I think we gave ole Stretch1968
(Tim) a work out on his nomad.I had 410 miles on mine when i got home around 7:30 last night.

[glwilson]

Tim is going to stop hanging around us after that workout. Ha!

[stretch]

Yeah, I as pretty tired. I had a great time though. Thanks Greg, Mike and Dave for letting me ride with ya.

Looking forward to the next time.

[scion0]

http://picasaweb.google.com/scion0/Galena92708#

Here are the pics in bulk. Let me know if you can get to them. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[glwilson]

Looks good. I am surprised that some of them worked out "on the move" like that.

You know... pictures never quite put into perspective what it is really like to be there though.

I look about as goofy as can be in these. My... what a sight. Ha! Oh well...

Thanks for sharing. It was fun.

Tim; I'll bet you were tired. Glad you made the trip though.

Just get enough rest for next year's two-day ride!!

[stretch]

I am ready for next year. Mike, those pictures turned out good, thanks for posting them.

I got my backrest Sat. Fits perfect. Have to give it a try this weekend.

[scion0]

True, the pics were nice but not the same as being there by any means. We're ready for next year too. Robin will go for sure.