10 Days and counting

[glwilson]

From tomorrow, we have ten days till our rally.

I am personally looking forward to seeing everyone that can come; and believe we are going to have a lot of fun and great riding.

I'll see everyone there!!

[1600bluekaw]

One week from today we will be on our way to our first KawaNOW Rally. My wife mentioned that even though she mhas to work the rest of the week she has already checked ou, ditto for me. We will be leaving this Friday morning, driving to MS to visit the inlaws for the holiday. Will return on Monday reload repack & leave on bike with trailer in tow on Wednesday for WI.
Time is flying by so fast it seems like I just joined the group yesterday. Looking forward to a good time.
GL have you looked at the long range weather forecast in PDC?
I have not but will do by the weekend.
CYA there ride safe.

[glwilson]

I have not looked at the weather; because of the unbelievable inaccuracy of the predictions throughout the northern region of Illinois and the South Western region of Wisconsin.

From just west of Chicago on west and north to PDC... the weather is very unpredictable due to the jet-stream pattern.

It swoops down through that entire area (check it out sometime) which causes the worst weather predictions you'll ever see.

I truly believe the weather people in this area are assigned to their jobs as punishment -- because no one would possibly want to be put on record for any predictions.

Given the time of the year though (which is one reason the dates were picked) the chances of rain diminish somewhat; and if we see rain it is typically isolated enough that we can either ride around it or simply endure it for the short period it happens.

On a side note. You are leaving very early to get there if you are trailering. Am I to assume you are stopping along the way? If so, have fun. I won't be there until around 4 or 5 pm on Thursday; as I doubt I can get there any quicker (although I'll try).

See you there!

[cbutteris]

About that weather - you're right Greg, I think a dart board is one of the standard weather modeling tools in use up here in a Minneapolis area.

For now though the long range forecasts look very good for next weekend with some clouds and temps in the mid-80's.

[glwilson]

Now that we are closer to next weekend, it appears the weather will hold out for us.

It would be nice if the temps were in the mid-80's -- that would be near perfect.

On another note, I have had to rearrange some of the routes I had planned due to reports I got (and from my own checking) saying some of the roads were either under construction or overlayed with gravel... so I will be putting in a few extra hours re-routing some. It is a good thing there are plenty to choose from up in that area.

[ponch]

We are getting plenty rain down here and it looks like rain/thunderstorms the rest of the wek, but they are wrong 50% of the time. I do have rain gear. I just need to go over the bike and make sure it's okey dokey.

Originally Posted by Cal

About that weather - you're right Greg, I think a dart board is one of the standard weather modeling tools in use up here in a Minneapolis area.

For now though the long range forecasts look very good for next weekend with some clouds and temps in the mid-80's.

[glwilson]

Maybe we should be wanting the weather people to say that there WILL be rain... so we'll be assured of sunny weather!

Ponch... I have to say that Illinois is getting a bit tired of the rain you guys in Iowa keep sending us! Man!! You guys were relentless since spring in sending over the rain.

[ponch]

No kidding. THe snow and cold were bad too, eh? I just need to make it through the next couple days and it will be ok.

Originally Posted by glwilson

Maybe we should be wanting the weather people to say that there WILL be rain... so we'll be assured of sunny weather!

Ponch... I have to say that Illinois is getting a bit tired of the rain you guys in Iowa keep sending us! Man!! You guys were relentless since spring in sending over the rain.

[biscuitsngravy]

We had rain this afternoon, but the Independence Day Parade here in Iowa this morning was only overcast. The rain was heading for Wisconsin, but I expect that it will have already passed Prairie Du Chien by next Wednesday. Wait, that's only day after tomorrow! Oh well, bring rain gear!!

We will be trailering the bike, starting out this Wed morning. We'll spend the night in or near Decorah, IA, then motor in to PDC early on Thursday. See you all there!! BnG

[1600bluekaw]

The target time of departure is 6am Wednesday. Yes we will be stopping some place that night either Beloit or Monroe & then finishing the the rst on thursday. Expect to be pulling into PDC thursday eve. The trailer is loaded & hithced to the bike just loading of the cooler & one small bag.

We are excited about meeting everyone & the great roads that GL has chosen. The weather looks fairly good right now a few showers but nothing to dampen our spirits.

Cya there. Safe riding & arrival.

[ponch]

I will be leaving sometime around noon on Thursday and hopefully I will make it to PDC by 4 or so and check into the motel.

Originally Posted by BiscuitsNGravy aka Dave Mills

We had rain this afternoon, but the Independence Day Parade here in Iowa this morning was only overcast. The rain was heading for Wisconsin, but I expect that it will have already passed Prairie Du Chien by next Wednesday. Wait, that's only day after tomorrow! Oh well, bring rain gear!!

We will be trailering the bike, starting out this Wed morning. We'll spend the night in or near Decorah, IA, then motor in to PDC early on Thursday. See you all there!! BnG

[glwilson]

I plan to be there by 4ish. Cetainly no later than 5ish.

Everyone be sure to stop by the Country Inn to check-in with us. We have a small bit of information to give you and some forms that need signing before any of the rides.

Friday morning's ride will be the main "river-loop" ride -- which will only take us to around 1 o'clock for lunch (give or take)... then for those that would like to ride more... there is a second route we will recommend that will take us to around 4-5pm depending on the stops made.

We'll talk about it Friday morning at the pre-ride meeting at 8AM.

See everyone there!!!

[Cajunrider]

Wish I could have joined you guys. I hope your weather is better than ours is down here. Monsoons every day with all of this tropical stuff moving in from the Gulf. Y'all be careful.

[glwilson]

Thanks Mitch...

The weather should hold-up for us; and I believe everyone will enjoy the riding in that area.

[1600bluekaw]

Hey Gl & BnG we arrived in PDC this afternoon. Left Indy this morning about 6am & arrived here in PDC at 6 pm 475 miles. Wow what a great day of riding & some great roads getting here. If the rides that are mapped out are close to what we rode from New Glarus to PDC then the leaders picked a great location for our rally. We stopped in New Glarus for early dinner & decided to ride on to PDC. the weather was great from home to PDC we were 3 miles from our motel & the skies opened up. No time or need to put rain gear on once your wet your wet. We did pull over beacuse of not being able to see, we sat for aboout 6 min the rain finished & we rode on to the motel. Checked into room took warm shower & just relaxing waiting for others to arrive. The rain is supposed to be heavy tomorrow which is the main reason for us to get here today. Rest of the week looks great. We are at the Super 8 across from the Piggly Wiggly. We will check the other motel later tomorrow for you guys. Bike & trailer is parked out in front row next to main road easy to see. I will send pm with contact info if you want to call when you arrive.

Everyone ride safe & cya soon.