WI/IL/IA/MN Lunch Ride - (8/20) Galena, IL

[crazykz]

Almost Paradise Bar & Grill (http://www.almostparadisegalena.com/)
205 N. Main St., Galena IL 61036
Telephone: (815) 777-3245
Galena, IL
August 20th, 10:30AM - ??



The bank parking lot on Commerce Street behind them (although it may not be available until the afternoon) or the $5/day parking next to the Dollar Store (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dollar+Store&ll=42.415568,-90.428317&spn=0.006727,0.015044&near=Galena,+IL&num=10&start=0&hl=en) are the recommendations I received from them.


[RIDE ROUTES]
I posted some routes in post #45. Maps, Time/Distance Estimates, Streets and Trips Files, and MapSource files.
[/RIDE ROUTES]

Hi All,

Ok I decided to try and get the northern midwest people together for a ride to eat. I'll see if I can post some information on where it is and parking.

If anyone is interesting in riding together I'm up for suggestions on routes. Feel free to send me a route for streets and trips, mapsource, or whatever you got.

I'm hoping for a decent turn out so no excuses now. I tried to accomodate as many people as I could.

See you there.

Curt

[crazykz]

Is anyone going to this? The guy who put it together is an idiot.

If anyone wants to talk about a route to ride afterwards let me know or just submit some suggestions and I can put together a route to hand out for those that want to do it afterwards.

Curt

[MNwing]

3 to 5 guys from the Mpls area will be there unless there a major flood or something of that nature.

We will probably head back to the Cites around mid afternoon, so not sure if we will be able to do much riding around there or not.

Sure glad there are Crazy people around that like to put together things of this type.

[Biddyman]

I plan on being there.

[crazykz]

I don't see Putt piping up here.

Curt

[Biddyman]

I'm supposed to meet him and one other person

[RetArmy]

Weather permitting, I plan on attending.

[nyener]

I'm planning on riding to Galena with Biddyman & Putt. I'm expecting one of them to give me a firm meeting place & time.

I suggest these two routes;

1) along the Mississippi. From Galena south on 84 to Savanna, then west on 64 to Sabula, then north to Dubuque on 52, then 20 back to Galena.

2) from Galena east to Warren, then north on 78 to Daleyville, then county roads A and F to 39, then west on 39 to county road W, then south on county roads W, D, & F to Darlington, then county road K to Gratiot.

I haven't mapped these to know how long they will take, but thought I'd give a couple suggestions. Please check these routes out and vote or suggest something different. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you.

[crazykz]

Ok, I'll look at them tonight if I get the chance and post them up.

Curt

[STeve1300]

I just found out today that I can get the 20th off.....Curt, where do you want to meet to ride down?

[crazykz]

I just found out today that I can get the 20th off.....Curt, where do you want to meet to ride down?

Well lets see since you have to come south maybe we could just meet at my place and I'll map a route to take down there. If you have a different suggestion though I'm fine with that. Maybe somewhere along 94 in Waukesha?

Curt

[STeve1300]

Your place is fine. Just pick a time. I PMd Actionfigurejoe to see if he wants to go. He's north of me. Steve

[Big T]

Guys,
I will try and catch up with you men on the return leg from a trip to Yellowstone! We plan on arriving back in Chicagoland that Sat or Sunday, so if close, we will try to make it.

I wan to meet Crazyk anyway.....I need to learn about this binary numbers stuff!

[STeve1300]

Just my $.02, but I'm happy just to ride out & meet you guys. I'd be fine w/ a long lunch & short group ride. I figure its at least 4 hours from home to Galena. However, I must remember I am riding with the "king of iron butts":bow1:

[crazykz]

Just my $.02, but I'm happy just to ride out & meet you guys. I'd be fine w/ a long lunch & short group ride. I figure its at least 4 hours from home to Galena. However, I must remember I am riding with the "king of iron butts":bow1:

Yah, Yah, OK... I'll leave my butt at home. ;) I'll let you know a time when it gets closer.

I emailed this place but have not received anything back from them. I would like to find out if they can arrange parking for about 8-10 motorcycles but maybe they just don't want to deal with it.

I'll update my suggested ride posts and for those with GPS's or Streets and Trips I can post the files also if you want to load in the routes or print them out. Now all I'm hoping for is good weather. :eek: :sun1: :rain1: :snow1:

[Actionfigurejoe]

Rain or shine, I'll be there! :D

[crazykz]

Rain or shine, I'll be there! :D

Hey cool. Glad to see your on the plan.

Maybe I should add a pole here to get an idea of how many plan on coming.

Curt

[LDMike]

I'll be there, but can't stay too long - have a family thing to do later in the afternoon.

LDMike
Milwaukee

[Highrider]

Curt

It would probably be a good idea to post a poll for how many are attending this lunch ride. It looks like 4 or 5 more of us will be coming from the Chicago area. Need to confirm if there will be any kind of accomodations for parking.
I looks like you may be attracting more riders than you think, could be a mess if a lot of people show and parking is a *****. There's not a lot of room in the downtown Galena area.

Dave

:biker:

[Putt]

It's coming up folks... I will be attending....

Putt...

[crazykz]

Curt

It would probably be a good idea to post a poll for how many are attending this lunch ride. It looks like 4 or 5 more of us will be coming from the Chicago area. Need to confirm if there will be any kind of accomodations for parking.
I looks like you may be attracting more riders than you think, could be a mess if a lot of people show and parking is a *****. There's not a lot of room in the downtown Galena area.

Dave

:biker:

I'll call the place this week to see what they say. I'm guessing the best place for parking is probably going to be the street below them one block closer to the river.

Curt

[Biddyman]

I voted if its nice, but I will ride if its not pouring all the way up there. A little rain isn't so bad.

[seiseman]

Definate maybe.

Short of the computers blowing up at work or some such calamity, I'm there. (School opens in a week- that's where I am on this Sunday afternoon. :mad: ) Maybe even as a two-up. :)
Steve E :03biker:

[tommy5313]

Almost Paradise Bar & Grill (http://www.almostparadisegalena.com/)
205 N. Main St., Galena IL 61036
Telephone: (815) 777-3245
Galena, IL
August 20th, 10:30AM - ??


Hi All,

Ok I decided to try and get the northern midwest people together for a ride to eat. I'll see if I can post some information on where it is and parking.

If anyone is interesting in riding together I'm up for suggestions on routes. Feel free to send me a route for streets and trips, mapsource, or whatever you got.

I'm hoping for a decent turn out so no excuses now. I tried to accomodate as many people as I could.

See you there.

Curt

I typed at you last week about this, i'm still going to try and make it, work looks like it might be a pain. may have two or three riders :cool: :cool:

[STeve1300]

Hello Curt and everybody else. I'm looking forward to this weekend. Got some questions.
PS Actionfigurejoe (Greg) & I will be meeting up on the way into Milwaukee.

Curt, do you still want us to meet at your place?
Where is it and at what time?
What route down to Illinois?
If you're taking '43' would someplace along there be easier? Or if west on '94' meet there?
Is lunch in Galena 11:00? Or are you still thinking 10:30? (eek)

Now for a suggestion- Since everybody is coming from someplace other than Galena, there is no need for a circular group ride. One way would be fine, then home. Dubuque (http://www.dgpc.com/)might be a cool place where more onlookers would get a chance to see a parade of STs. Anyway you go is fine w/ me, just looking for the final details so I can plan my day. ( I may want to stop at "Milwaukee Ala Carte" for dinner at the zoo on my way back...The band 'America' is playing at 8PM)

[crazykz]

Curt, do you still want us to meet at your place?
Where is it and at what time?
What route down to Illinois?
If you're taking '43' would someplace along there be easier? Or if west on '94' meet there?
Is lunch in Galena 11:00? Or are you still thinking 10:30? (eek)


3811 W Madison Blvd, Franklin, WI (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3811+W+Madison+Blvd,+Franklin,+WI&spn=0.028307,0.060176&hl=en) Do you want to meet at 7:00AM? If we decide to take 94 maybe I can ride up to meet you somewhere too.

Seems like it might take about 3 hours to get there. We could take 43 then state highways, or we can go over to Madison and take 151 most of the way.

Lunch is whenever people show up I just wanted to give a little buffer to people.

Curt

[STeve1300]

How about meeting at Super America gas station on Hwy 100 and Theo Trecker (by Quad Graphics) at 7:00 Am. Coffee & donuts. Google maps suggests taking '94' and says 3 hours and 15 min door to door.

try this:
http://maps.google.com/maps?spn=1.892625,3.684265&saddr=715+S+108th+St,+West+Allis,+WI+53214%C2%A0(S uper+America)&daddr=205+N.+Main+St.,+Galena+IL+61036&hl=en

[crazykz]

How about meeting at Super America gas station on Hwy 100 and Theo Trecker (by Quad Graphics) at 7:00 Am. Coffee & donuts. Google maps suggests taking '94' and says 3 hours and 15 min door to door.

try this:
http://maps.google.com/maps?spn=1.892625,3.684265&saddr=715+S+108th+St,+West+Allis,+WI+53214%C2%A0(S uper+America)&daddr=205+N.+Main+St.,+Galena+IL+61036&hl=en

How about the big Kwik Trip on old 164 and Watertown?
Old 164 and Watertown (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Watertown+%26+164,+Pewaukee,+WI&spn=0.026630,0.060176&hl=en)

Otherwise there's a nice quiet Amoco at the Ixonia exit.

Curt

[STeve1300]

Fine- Kwik Trip it is, off exit 295. Time still 7:00? or a bit later as we're on the way- your call

[crazykz]

Fine- Kwik Trip it is, off exit 295. Time still 7:00? or a bit later as we're on the way- your call

Well if we're stopping for coffee and donuts then I would say 7:00 so we have time to gas, eat, chat, then have 3 hours to get there by 10:30-ish. I'm hoping I can find a way to secure some parking for everyone maybe by the dollar store by buying a few spots up. Trouble is people won't know if we got it or not until probably after they park.

So people check the parking lot next to the dollar store for ST parking first before looking else where. Galena was not my first choice because of the whole parking situation.

Curt

[Biddyman]

Blame me curt, I mentioned it. Ha!:D

[crazykz]

Blame me curt, I mentioned it. Ha!:D

Ok, you're it. ;)

Curt

[MNwing]

As of this afternoon, there will be 5 of us from the Twin Cities, all guys from work. If you see a lone ST being followed by some Burgies and a couple of sport bikes it will be us.

None of the HD owners wanted to come along, guess it's probably too far between bars for them.

[Putt]

You have a route picked out yet, MN???

Putt...

[MNwing]

You have a route picked out yet, MN???

Putt...

Taking 52 on the way down, not sure how we will head back, up to the other guys, just have to be home before 10 pm.

Really looking forward to this and meeting some of the great people that hang out here.

[Putt]

Taking 52 on the way down, not sure how we will head back, up to the other guys, just have to be home before 10 pm.

Really looking forward to this and meeting some of the great people that hang out here.

ummmm 52?? You wanna go back via the scenic route?? might be just a little
longer, but a whole bunch more scenic than 52..

Putt...

[MNwing]

ummmm 52?? You wanna go back via the scenic route?? might be just a little
longer, but a whole bunch more scenic than 52..

Putt...

Any suggestions? Had thought about WI 35 then crossing over to 61

[Putt]

Any suggestions? Had thought about WI 35 then crossing over to 61
Where you gonna hit the Mississippi at??
If La Crosse, just follow the Great River Road signs (on either
side of the river) On the Iowa side,the great river road will merge with 52, and 52 runs into 61 follow that
to US20, go East across the river, follow 20 to Galena..
If you come down the Wi side, 35 will merge with 61..
follow 35 South (it leaves US 61 about a mile before you
cross the Mississippi into Dubuque.. If you follow Wi35
South it also will run into US 20.. follow us 20 East to Galena...
At Galena, at the set of stop lights just before you cross the
Galena river, turn left, continue straight till you see the Paradise
lounge...

Putt...

[LDMike]

I can vouch for Hwy 35 on the east side of the river south of La Crosse - fantastic!!

LDMike
Milwaukee

[Putt]

Every time I make that run up or down 35, I have a heck of a time.
I want to stop and walk around the river towns... And all
those "alphabet" roads that lead East from the river...
decisions, decisions....


Putt...

[crazykz]

This is the list I have so far but some people are maybe's. The weather there is suppose to be nice but looks like some of us east of there may need to get through the rain to get there in the morning.

Galena Ride to Eat, Possible Attendees

MNWing Maple Grove, MN
Biddyman Peoria, IL
James Thevenot Naperville, IL
nyener Muscatine, IA
STeve1300 Kewaskum, WI
BigT
ActionFigureJoe WI
LDMike Milwaukee, WI
Highrider Barlett, IL
Putt Moline, IL
seiseman IL
tommy5313 Howell, MI
Byrdman Streamwood, IL
crazykz Franklin, WI

[crazykz]

I'm posting some routes, the Streets & Trips file, and the MapSource files.


Southwest Route (nyener), Along the Mississippi. From Galena south to Sabula via Blackjack Rd and 84, then west on 64 to Sabula, then north to Dubuque on 52, then 20 back to Galena (91 Miles, ~2 Hours)
Northeast Route (nyener), From Galena east to Warren, then north on 78 to Daleyville, then county roads A and F to 39, then west on 39 to county road W, then south on county roads W, D, & F to Darlington, then county road K to Gratiot (108 Miles, ~2.5 Hours)
Southeast Route (crazykz), (74 Miles, ~2 Hours), From Galena south to Sabula via Blackjack Rd and 84, then Hwy 9 & 7 to Elizabeth, then east to Hwy 4. North to the intersection of Hwy 4 & 3 and then west back to Galena.


See you tomorrow.

Curt

[crazykz]

I'm packing to leave. Sure glad it's raining... NOT!!! Time for the Pilot Roads to shine from what I here.

Curt

[Putt]

Neither rain,nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail or dark of night will.... Wait, that's something
entirely different altogether... On my way... almost... in another
20 minutes...

Putt.....

[stealthstrom]

Hi ST guys. Nice talking to some of you today in Galena. I was on the black V-Strom at the look out tower. Thanks for the tips on the on seats and Putt for his suggestions.

SS

[crazykz]

Hi ST guys. Nice talking to some of you today in Galena. I was on the black V-Strom at the look out tower. Thanks for the tips on the on seats and Putt for his suggestions.

SS

Glad you came by. Did you know it was hapenning or did you just get lucky?

Curt

[MNwing]

Hi all, got home about 9:30, had a great time. It was great to meet all of you and hopeall of you had a safe trip home. I think this should be an annual thing.

We should have left a half hour earlier, but make it and that's all that counted.

I want to thank Curt for setting this up, you did good man. :bow1:

If any of you are ever up this way, give me a shout. :biker:

[crazykz]

Hi all, got home about 9:30, had a great time. It was great to meet all of you and hopeall of you had a safe trip home. I think this should be an annual thing.

We should have left a half hour earlier, but make it and that's all that counted.

I want to thank Curt for setting this up, you did good man. :bow1:

If any of you are ever up this way, give me a shout. :biker:

Hey you made it just in time. Glad you guys came down. I justed posted a few pics until I get the rest together.

Curt

[crazykz]

I took that Hwy 9 north west out of Savanna. There's a nice downhill section along there where I opened it up. Had my fun and slowed back down as I crested a small hill. A sparrow picked a line that got past my windsheild and slapped the side of my helmet knocking my helmet visor off on one side. Quite a hit. Wouldn't want that to happen without the helmet on. Ouch. Pulled over and fixed my visor and continued on. Great ride home the rest of the way.

Curt

[LDMike]

First, thanks to Curt for putting this event together - wish I could have stayed longer, but the BBQ ribs when I got back were simply EXCELLENT!!!

Completely enjoyed the run to Galena with crazykz, Steve1300 and actionfigurejoe. Glad y'all liked my "UFO landing lights" - wait until I light up the other set of PIAAs - <G> It was even nicer to see 4 guys zipping down the Interstate (quietly), all with helmets and gear on, riding safely - a nice contrast for motorists to see another side of cycling rather than no helmet, t-shirts and loud pipes.

It was also nice to put a face to name(s) and see how everyone interprets their riding needs. Got some really good ideas.

I think this should be more than a one-shot deal - annual event? MidWestSTOC?

Ride safe, everyone.

Godspeed.

LDMike
Milwaukee

[stealthstrom]

Glad you came by. Did you know it was hapenning or did you just get lucky?

Curt


We just got lucky. We were just out for a ride and saw you guys parked there so we thought we would say hi. Most the time all I see is Harleys up there and you know how that goes....most of them wouldn't give you the time of day if your on a metric bike.

SS

[crazykz]

We just got lucky. We were just out for a ride and saw you guys parked there so we thought we would say hi. Most the time all I see is Harleys up there and you know how that goes....most of them wouldn't give you the time of day if your on a metric bike.

SS

I know the feeling. It isn't much different when you're on a Harley either. Most of them keep to their clichs (sp?) but there's always the exception and have shock and awed some HD riders with the adjustable windshield. It was at some downtown Milwaukee event and they just couldn't seem to get their heads around the fact that other people ride and don't just bar hop with friends all day. I'm not saying that exactly right but I got a lot of blank stares from them and just assumed I wasn't dealing with sober people.

Curt

[Mellow]

First, thanks to Curt for putting this event together - wish I could have stayed longer, but the BBQ ribs when I got back were simply EXCELLENT!!!

Completely enjoyed the run to Galena with crazykz, Steve1300 and actionfigurejoe. Glad y'all liked my "UFO landing lights" - wait until I light up the other set of PIAAs - <G> It was even nicer to see 4 guys zipping down the Interstate (quietly), all with helmets and gear on, riding safely - a nice contrast for motorists to see another side of cycling rather than no helmet, t-shirts and loud pipes.

It was also nice to put a face to name(s) and see how everyone interprets their riding needs. Got some really good ideas.

I think this should be more than a one-shot deal - annual event? MidWestSTOC?

Ride safe, everyone.

Godspeed.

LDMike
Milwaukee

MidWestSTOC........... Great Idea..

[crazykz]

MidWestSTOC........... Great Idea..

I agree. Can we get a MidWest section in the regional part of the site?

Curt

[Mellow]

.....Done....

[Biddyman]

Curt,

Did you Map the center point of everybody who came yet?

A bed and breakfast stay near the strip there wouldn't be bad for next year. We could check in and meet, ride the rest of the day, dinner and have a few drinks. Next morning breakfast and ride home.

BTW, Curt I was at Wally World and got that same quick disconnect 12V power outlet today. I checked last night when I got home and my charger has the same plug. I would have blown the fuse for sure, because I planned on bringing a portable pump when I go on trips.