Another Day, Another State: Iowa

Splat is gearing up for another season

This past Friday, I took some time off from work for a little riding time. Originally, I was suppose to attend the Moonshine Run in Central Illinois but due to rain in the forecast, I pulled the plug. My wingman, Bandit Brother Matt, along with Splat, decided to mark off another state from my To Do list. By midday, we were in Iowa.

In all, we rode over 450 miles in 12 hours. We left before 9 in the morning. Our first stop was Galena via the Stage Coach Trail off of Highway 20. The Stage Coach trail is a good way to welcome in a new season of riding. This was Matt's and my first time on this road. It's not as twisty as the Kettles but it was sure fun to open the bike up on the country back roads. The roads were clean and no traffic. I am sure we will be going back, later this year.

Once we got to Galena, we were looking for a place for lunch. Matt pointed out a place called something like Fritz and Fries but we both misread Fries. I still don't know what the place was called but we all missed the word bistro. Bistro means $$$. If you don't know by now, Matt and I both like cheap ma and pa type places ( for the most part). We walked in. I noticed white linen table clothes, fancy water goblets on the table, and servers in formal attire. We took a quick glance and noticed that the appetizers start at $15.00. We made a quick get away for the door.

Matt then found a burger joint down the road. Enter, Durty Gurts! A cajun flare theme with world class burgers.

The Inferno Burger. Burn, Baby Burn!

Durty Gurts had all type of Pop Culture theme burgers including the Goodfella ,Rescue Me, the Obama burger and we can't leave off the Sarah Palin burger. I was not crazy about the Gumbo but the mouth watering inferno burger made up for it. It litteraly burned my lips for an hour afterwards. When in Galena, go to Durty Gurts. Tell them Razor sent ya.

We took a few pics around Galena and then headed into Dubuque IOWA. Yeah, another state marked off.

The Ol Mississippi River from the Iowa side.

We did not spend much time in Iowa. The plan was to ride the Great River Road north but we missed the turnoff. We stayed on the highway into Guttenburg. A few stops here and there but nothing to write home about. Maybe Splat will something to say about Iowa in his post.

Just south of Guttenburg, Iowa

After Guttenburg, we snuck back into Wishconsin via Route 18, heading to the state capital, Madison. Along the way, we encountered a woman in an escort station wagon who either:
A- Does not like motorcyles
B- Was in more of hurry then we were
C- Trying to get Matts phone number
D- Was out to prove that Ford Escorts belong in NASCAR.

As Matt and I were leaving another small Wisconsin town, I was leading out in front. I came across the escort along with a car in front of her. In the passing zone, I put on my signal to pass. Matt was with me. Driving defenively, I kept my eyes on the escort, especially her side mirror. Sure enough, as I get to her back bumper, she looks at me and decides she is passing in front of us well. I jam on the brakes to avoid contact and point at her to go. She gets back in her lane so I jump on it again to pass but the escort decides that she is going to pass.

Matt and I follow. The three of us pass but we kept pushing on to pass the escort. We both figured she was gone. About every 5 minutes, Matt and I would get stuck between some small traffic. When the opportunity presented itself, we pass the traffic. After every pass, I would see the escort behind us. I couldn't believe it. Matt and I were going plenty fast but she had to have the escort redline to keep up with us. We don't know how she did it but she was always there. Almost embarrasing but she was on a mission.

Then she started tailgating me. I rode along Matt to get his attention but I couldn't communicate that this woman is trying to take me out. We finally let her get around us in a small town. She then eventually exited a ramp. Matt stated that she waved at us. I am sure if I saw it, I would have given her the bird. OK, that was a bit long winded but its hard to explain all the crap you encounter on two wheels. Just glad we did not get taken out.

Matt and I ended up in Madison to have dinner with my sister and her husband, Shane.

Quaker Steak and Lube: The place where Splat and I met last 4th of July

After dinner, we headed home without much fanfare. Unless you spot some road head going on, not much else to report. Well, there was that one close call with the law. After leaving another town on 12, we just passed 3 car SLOW cars. Coming at us, at a safe distance, was truck flashing his headlights. That is usually the universal sign for a cop ahead. After moving into my lane, I hit the breaks. Sure enough, a cope was sitting in a used parking lot doing radar. A big thanks to that truck. Without the warning, I am sure we would have earned our Letter of Achievement.

Getting back at home at 9, the only thing I did wrong for the day was not bring my jacket liner for my mesh jacket. I figured a tshirt and sweatshirt was going to be good enough. Wrong! I bitched like a little girl on the way to lunch and then on the way home with the sun going down. I was so fricken cold. I needed a hot shower to get the chill out. Speaking of showers, I am taking one and heading to bed. It's a work night. Nite!

STN + ALL U CAN EAT Pizza = Bike Night

The STN Pizza Warriors! ( I made that up)

Lately, Thursday nights consisted of me staying home with the kids while my wife went to her dance practice. Since she is between sessions, I was able to sneak away for the night. The original plan was to go see some bike races at the Union Grove Drag Strip. Unfortunately, some of the people I was going with could not make it. Instead, I ended up going to a local bike meet up posted by Sport Touring.Net (STN). Here are a few pics from tonight.

Splat came out with us at Kaiser's

Tonight's special was all you can eat pizza for $5.00,Good Stuff!

We all thought of fellow STN'er, Breadman, when this bacon pizza came out. His name should be The Baconater!

MXVet57 looking to pick a fight with Splat
(my money is on Splat)

Splat loses! Why do you think his name is Splat? He will be OK.

That's Not Your Bike!

Eat Your Heart Out Thunder! New pose for yeah!

STN... Where the Geeks Ride!
(He who dies with the most farkles win!)

Thanks Motocbiker for the stickers!

4th of July Ride: My Independance, Final Day

Corner Coffee in Kewaskum, Wisconsin

This morning would be my final day at my sisters. I loaded up the bike and was on the road shortly after 8:00 am. I was not heading home just yet. I headed east to the Coffee Corner to meet the fine riders of STN. It was a little less than 100 miles.

For my review of the Coffee Corner, I have to say that I had some good coffee. Nothing great. Nothing bad. Not sure if I would go back. To be honest, I am not a big coffee drinker so it would really have to wow me to get Two Spoons. I will give it One Spoon for now.

Here are a few pics....

Someone needed some work on their bike. Oh wait. That would be me.

Right before my trip to Deals Gap, in early June, I have been experiencing chain issues. Adjustments have been made every 500 miles. That is not normal. I am suppose to get 20,000 miles from the chain and I am 13k right now. The above picture is fellow STN rider, Chuck, giving me assistance. I also found out that I have all the proper tools to adjust my chain right under the seat of my bike. Doh! It looks like a new chain and sprockets will be replaced before the end of the season.

After coffee, just about everyone took off for their own plans. That left Chris aka Breadman and myself. We went east in search of twisties but for the most part, came up empty. Any decent curves that we did find, had loose gravel across it. Both of us experienced loss of traction at different times. We finally put up the white flag and headed for home.

I made it home around 2:30 and 750 miles for the trip. Another great DRY trip marked in the books. Thanks to Shane and Carrie for hosting this weekend. As well as Chuck for giving me assistance (and tools) for the maintenance. I can't wait till the next jaunt.

4th of July Ride: My Independance Part 2

Splat enjoying breakfast at the Hubbard Avenue Diner
(see Part 1 for a brief intro on Spalt)

Woke up Saturday to another beautiful and gorgeous riding day. Before heading out, I joined Shane, Carrie, Splat and a few friends at the Hubbard Avenue Diner in Middleton. This is the second time that I have been to this place. The food and service is great. It has that retro diner look but without the greasy feel. I give it two forks up!


Today, I had a few goals in mind. Ride Wildcat Mountain, Mindoro's Cut and make my way into Minnesota to mark off another state. For the Cliff notes version, I accomplished all three.

Along the way, I decided to stop at the Historic Land Marks in Wisconsin. I thought it would all be based on land facts such as settlers but they also included historical figures from their perspective towns. See below for a Wisconsin History lesson (click on each image for a larger view)

Reedsburg Historical Society

Anyone recall the Budweiser commercial?

Here is another time where I did a U Turn to get this shot. This is one of the benefits of riding solo. Now for the record, when you live in the Midwest, you see lots of farm animals including horses. This is nothing new to me. Something about these horses seemed kind of odd.

It appeared that the little horse on the right was getting a lecture from the bigger horses on the left. I connected with the small horses body language. He just looked sad and in trouble. He did not look right. His tail and ears were down. I sat and watched the group for a few minutes. Not that I could do anything but to see what would happen next. All of them just stood still and silent. It was a surreal but unusual moment. For the record, I came back by this way on the way home. Five hours later, the horses were more less in the same position. Yes, I have a soft spot for animals.

Next stop, Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain, a Wisconsin State park, is labeled as the "Mini" Tail of the Dragon of the Midwest. I can't stress enough on the word "mini". It was more like a fraction of the Dragon. There were a few technical corners but it was over before it began. I will say that the roads were nice and smooth as it was just resurfaced. I just wish it was a bit longer.

As I returned home this route, I thought I would try to ride a bit more aggressive on it. As luck would have, I came up on a diseal Ford 350 , stinky, red truck. I remember those details because I was behind it the whole way through this area. There was no area for me to pass. To make matters worse, as I came up a steep incline, this truck had water running out the back of his bed. I could not avoid the water so my tires were now wet and pretty much useless for riding aggressive. O'well. There is always next time. Here a few pics...

Scenic shot from Wildcat Mountain from inside the park

A few of the turns from the area

Click HERE to see a video from Wildcat Mountan ( not taken by me)


THIS IS SPARTA!

When I was looking at the map to see what was in the area, I saw Sparta. Since I just saw 300 for the first time recently, I thought it would be kind of corny to see the town along the way. I was hoping to see if the local women looked like anything in the movie but I was sadly mistaken. I took some video but it ended up in the Dull Blade Vault for now. Not much else to see here. Move on...

Been There, Done That

Next on the list was The Mindoro Cut in Mindoro. To me, this was the highlight of the trip. Great riding, very scenic and fun technical riding. Now for the story part. I don't have the map in front of me but I ended up in downtown Mindoro. To give you a better image, imagine the Andy Griffith show with a bar in the middle of town.

Trying to figure out where to go, I see a bunch of bikes, ahem Harleys, in front of a bar. Look at that, the riders are out in front of the bar. Oh, look at that. Typical beefy Harley guys in leather giving me the look. I am sure I gave them a good laugh when I pulled in all protective gear including a helmet but they were not laughing. I was in the careless state of mind so I figured I would ask for directions.

"Where is Mindoro's Cut?"

All six looked at me like I spoke a different language. The one speaks up, assuming the leader of the gang, and says, "You just went through it."

Not thinking of my tone and who I was dealing with, I respond with, "Yeah, I don't think so. There is suppose to be this big rock formation that you are suppose to ride through. I am pretty sure that I didn't miss it. "

"Oh" says the leader of the gang. It is back that aways. Stay on this road and you can't miss it.

I say "thanks" and peel out of there checking my side view mirrow often. Hey, I was in the middle of Mayberry and it was not time to be gullible. I had a gut feeling to get out of there as soon as possible. No issues came out of it but hey, thank for the directions.

I loved this spot!


I hope a vehicle does not come up the other side while I take this shot

See that hill on the right? Don't bother going up it no matter what your GPS says. It runs into a dead end. Actually it was a guys driveway. Guess where I did my U Turn?

Click HERE to see a video of The Mindoro Cut (not taken by me)

Buzzard Billy's - Pleasant Surprise Here

Heading to Minnesota, I decided to stop in La Crosse for a late lunch. Buzzard Billy's came as a recommendation from another rider. I figured this was going to be a bar food type of joint serving oversized burgers. Boy was I wrong.

I walked into this old school bar with blues being played and nostaliga along the wall. Still not seeing what type of food is being served, I look over at at table and say to myself, "is that gumbo being served?". Ah yeah! I just found myself a cajun restarant. I just wish I was more hungry but I went with the basic jambalaya. It was soooo good and very flavorful. I normally only give a top rating of two forks but I am going with three forks here. Needless to say, I would go back. Check it out!

Lunch is Served!

Take another look at this window. Yup, it is the home of that damn foam cheese head you see Packer fans wearing. It is located across the street from the restaurant. For the record, I did not flip off the window or anyone for that matter. I was out numbered. (two big Harley owners were standing next me.)


Check off another state for me!

Well, I made it. Minnesota, I came in and left you high and dry. The original plan was to head south once in Minnesota returning back to Madison. Wait, that would mean I would have had to pre-plan. Silly me. If you are a regular reader, and I thank you, you know I hardley plan out my trips including hotel rooms.

Once in Minnesota, I turned to the GPS to take me back to my sisters in Middleton. The GPS kept telling me turn around and go back the way I came. It was basically telling me that would be my quickest route. With a few more clicks on the unit, it told me if I keep the direction I was going, it was going to take me an extra four hours then the suggested route. Doing the math, that would be somewhere close to 9:00 at night. I let technology win here. I turned around and went back. I saw a few new roads but for the most part, I took route 33 via Wildcat Mountain.

Once I made it back, the rest of the night included grilled burgers and brats with a few New Glarus Spotted Cows. Yeah, us party animals are fading away.

4th of July Ride: My Independance Part 1

No rain in the forecast?

My wife and in-laws took the kids to see Great Grandma in Branson, Missouri. For what ever reason, my wife gave me time off for good behavior so I stayed back. I am not one to argue so I obliged. Most men would take advantage of the situation. You know, sitting at home, drinking beer and scratching themselves. Not me. I went to my sisters to do that. Well, except the scratching part.

I left after noon on the 4th of July. The forecast said no rain but those clouds above told me otherwise. Luckily, I encountered no rain this weekend. That was a nice change.

It's funny. Up until I bought the bike, every trip had to be a time trial. How fast can I make from Point A to Point B. What is the quickest way to get there? I still catch myself doing that now. When I was heading to Middleton, Wisconsin , where I would stay for two nights, I almost fell into that same trip. If I was with the family, I would make my way over to Interstate 90 and head north. While I was coming up route 12, it donged on me. I could catch the Kettle Moraine Scenic drive which includes a bunch of twisties. It took me longer to reach my destination but I was not under a time line. It was great to hit some curves so early in the trip.

Before hitting the Kettles, I needed to hit my stomach. I stopped at the General Store in La Grange. My wife and I use to stop here a lot in our younger, slimmer days. After spending countless days mountain biking in the area, we would stop at the General Store for a deli sandwich or cool down with a scoop of ice cream...or two.

Let's WHOOP it up

After lunch, I was driving the country side. I found these two birds in a farmers field. The red color on top of their head made me turn around to get a better look. As I came back, the birds were not startled by me or the bike. They slowly walked away from me but I managed to get this shot. I think it is a whooping crane but please correct me if I am wrong. I saw three more of these north of Madison on Route 12.

Introducing "Splat"

For the first time in public, this is Splat. He is the idea of my sister, Carrie, and myself. Although, Carrie was the one who crafted him, I get to bring Splat to life. Splat will be going with me on future road trips. I will explain more about Splat and why that fact that I am even playing with stuffed toys in another post. For now, just go with it.

On a side note, I am to riding what my sister is to crafting. I still laugh when I see her blog because I don't picture my younger sister or any younger person, head deep in what she does. Carrie has always been the artzy creative one. Her and friends hold challenges to see who can top each other with their ideas. I am always amazed at her accomplishments. I know this sounds corny, but Carrie makes crafting cool. See for yourself at Ruffled Feathers. (Thanks Carrie!)

Let's Go Hit Some Twisties!

Splat had decided he needed to stretch his legs and go rock climbing

For the 4th of July dinner, we went to Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton. I have heard a lot about this place from other riders including the weekly bike night. They are also known for their Atomic Wings. No joke, I had to sign a waiver to get a sample wing. I thought it was a gimmick but Quaker Steak and Lube meant business. I decided to try one. I signed the waiver. Out came one single wing followed by a bunch of verbal warnings by the staff. Yeah, yeah, let me be. I am a professional.

As soon as the wing hit the table, I was overwhelmed by the aroma of pepper. I picked it up and took a further whiff. Then it was time. Walk the plank. Put up or shut up.

As soon as the sauce had hit the lips and tongue, it was instant fire! No delayed heat here. Holy Crap! It was insane. I did not break a sweat but my eyes teared up and my nasal passages drained like a sieve. Being the man, I wanted to finish it. It took a lot of will power to take the second bite but I finished the damn thing. For my effort, I got a bumper sticker and my name on the wall. I am sure I gave Carrie and Shane a good laugh as well.

Sign your life away, kid

That's what 150,000 Scovilles looks like.
For the record, Daves Insantiy Hot Sauce is ONLY 80,000.

A few pics of the Quaker Steak and Lube in Middleton, Wisconsin.
I give it two forks up!

What is a perfectly good GSX R hanging from the ceiling?
That's a crime!

The night was followed by fireworks and me getting attacked by bugs while getting money from an ATM. Make that two ATM's. The first one would not read my card. Hope you all still have your fingers and toes!