NorthCentral Regional Rally Route 2012

[glwilson]

Map 2 of 3 for Day 1 of Dave's suggested routes.

There is some great riding on Sherrill Road; Balltown Road, and C9Y to US-52.

[biscuitsngravy]

Let's shoot for Galena, IL on Friday (23 Sep). Chose wherever you want to spend the night, but we'll designate a meeting place for the next morning. What is the name of the motel we stayed at before in Galena, Greg?

Up early on Saturday (24 Sep), ride south to breakfast in Savanna, south to Moline, IL and Le Claire, NW to Alamosa, NE to Dubuque area, and N upriver to Prairie du Chien. Stay the night. Pick out your own motel.

Next day (Sunday), ride Iowa and Wisconsin sides up to La Crosse, then south back to Galena. Stay the night or head home. Mission accomplished.

These will be moderate days of travel on both days for this scouting trip (about 300 miles each day). We don't need to spend time at the American Pickers, John Deere Pavillion, Natl. Motorcycle Museum, and other places, just know the best way to get there. We can save the sights for June 2012.

Our scouting party can ride the whole route starting at Galena, IL or individuals can join up anywhere along the route, or peal off and and go home as needed. If joining the scouting party along the route, we'll need to stay in contact via cell phones so we can make our hookups. I'm going to ride the entire route. Anyone who wants to join us will be certainly welcome. And it goes without saying.... all makes and models of bikes are welcome. (Even new Victory's.)

Although the weather has been perfect lately, you'll have to dress for changes. We don't know what to expect for WX other than it might get cold, wet, stormy, etc. Just be prepared.
Safe riding is the key to a good time.

Hope to see you in twelve days! All of you that can ride, let me know so we know what to expect.
BnG

[abbo]

A group of us (5 bikes- 10 people) just returned from Prairie Du Chien. What a great area to ride. I have been there multiple times by car ,but this was 1st time on bike. The road (35N) is in good shape and traffic was moderate. We went to Nelson, Wi on Sat. and if you have time I suggest going. Nelson Creamery is there and the ice cream, cheese etc. is top notch. Coming back we took the Minn/ Iowa side and it isn't quite as enjoyable- still good but faster roads. Our merry little group wants to make it an annual trip. Again a good choice for riding- twisties as good as Black Hills in many areas.

[glwilson]

Dave,

You stayed at the Best Western when you were there before... but don't think you were too impressed.

There is a small motel near that end of town that always appears clean and sits on the bluff overlooking the valley. I have not seen the rooms though.

There is also another chain-hotel at the north-end after leaving town heading to Dubuque. It is newer and appears to be well-kept. Rayski has stayed there before.

[stretch]

Sounds good to me Dave, the only suggestion I would add is that we try to stay at the same motel for ease of hooking up in the morning.

abbo, thanks for the advice, I am always up for ice cream. :)

[GIBBY]

The route sounds great to me. I will peel off on Sunday in the LaCrosse area as I will have to be back at work on Monday. If anyone needs a roommate for Friday & Saturday night PM me.

[biscuitsngravy]

Sorry to change plans, but after checking many motel prices in Galena, I opted to make a reservation in Savanna, IL. Most every motel/hotel in Galena was from $135 plus taxes and on up. I'm traveling by myself on this trip, so I don't mind a little downgrade in amenities.

I made a reservation at Super 8, 101 Valley View Drive, Savanna, IL 61074. Phone is 815-273-2288. Cost is $79.03 incl taxes for one person. Includes a "continental" breakfast.

Hope this won't be a great strain on our relationships, but I was premature in chosing Galena as a starting point. This should be a little closer for you, Stretch. A little farther for you, Gibby.

[biscuitsngravy]

Just made a reservation at Prairie du Chien, WI for 25 Sep. The motel is: Super 8, 1930 S. Marquette Rd., Hwy 18 & 35 South, Prairie du Chien, WI. Phone number is 608-326-8777. Cost is: $110.39 incl taxes.

On the morning of 26 Sep (Sun), we'll head north to La Cross, WI then south back to Savannah, IL.

[stretch]

Dave,

Do you mean the 24th? Sat night?

[biscuitsngravy]

You are right, Stretch!

I'll get to Savannah, IL on the night of the 23rd. Leave in the morning (24th/Sat) leaving Savannah.

I got reservations for Sat night (24th) in Prairie du Chien.

The next day (Sun/25th) will ride back to Savannah via La Crosse (north, then south).

Hope I got it right this time. ha ha

[GIBBY]

Hey Dave,
I just made reservations for Friday, Sept. 23 at the Super 8 in Savanna, IL for one night. I also made reservations at the Super 8 for the night of Sept. 24 in Prairie Du Chien for one night. I got rooms with 2 queen beds so anyone needing half a room just let me know. I will not be staying a second night in Savanna.

[glwilson]

I have to get clearance from "headquarters" for that weekend. Might know by tonight Gibby. If so, and it is still available, I'll take it.

[GIBBY]

Sure hope you can make it Greg. So lets get a preliminary headcount for the ride starting on Saturday, September 24. Who's in?

[glwilson]

I have "official clearance" for that weekend... Friday and Sat night to ride Sat and Sunday. Unless I can get clearance to skip work Monday I would have to head-home Sunday night though... I'll know more about that after tomorrow -- but I'll be in Savanna on Friday night; sometime around 5-6 pm at the very latest -- unless I can leave work a bit earlier -- in that case I might get there a lot earlier and ride around a bit.

[biscuitsngravy]

I'll be at Savanna on Friday. Don't know exactly the time yet. Probably before dark.