Sept 27th Ride Done

[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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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? What time would you suggest Greg? And you all can call me Tim.

[scion0]

Originally Posted by roadman

Sounds good to me :)

I'm following Dave!

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by stretch

Leave earlier than 7 am? 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]

Originally Posted by stretch

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!