Opportunities like this really make me feel as though I have achieved that unfortunately cliched word: success. It’s proof to me that the real measure of that word is not what you have, but what you do, and who have to do those things with.
My brother proposed a trip several months back that would involve nothing but a direction. No reservations, no timetables, just a direction. Some folks say they can do it, but then complain about extra time to find this or that, or the accomodations not being up to par. That being the case, they should’ve made some plans. This is the second such trip I’ve taken, and have found that it quite suits me! We took off from their house Saturday morning: my brother and sister-in-law, uncle and aunt, another couple we’ve been friends with for many years, and my wife and I. Bundled up against the brisk weather we headed north to Madison, WI, then northwest via a slew of random interesting county roads to the area just south of LaCrosse. It being mid afternoon at this point we decided to start calling for possible available rooms for the night, but as the adventure turned out, we would search for a few hours, turning back south along the Mississippi towards Prairie du Chien finally. We pulled into a little motel that we would’ve loved to stay at if it weren’t for their own No Vacancy sign, and were informed that due to the fall colors and hunting seasons, no rooms would be had. A motel was suggested about 30 miles back east, and a call to them found four available rooms, and a very accomodating proprieter. So, off we went again while the skies turned black with night, to find a real throwback mom-and-pop motel along the river in Boscobel, WI. The place just screamed 50’s, and I continued to enjoy the ongoing randomness of our adventure! We got ourselves checked in, and the helpful proprieter offered a suggestion for dinner, which turned out to be a unique little supper clubwith great service and good food, and even a little bar that we were allowed to purchase carry-out from since no liquor would be available for our evening’s socializing in the rooms. Back we went, pulling up to the motel parking lot full (half of other bikes), and proceeded to embark on a porhressive room-to-room party enjoyed by all. The next morning under a bright sun all the riders from both groups stood outside readying themselves and their mounts while enjoying some light breakfast fare made available by our ever attentive motel owner. Back towards the Mississippi, and finishing up with some excellent roads coming south out of McGregor, IA, including County 9Y and Haberkorn Rd, to name a few. Through Galena where we parted ways (Rt 20 to Poplar Grove and Elgin for two bikes, and Blackjack Rd out of town to 84 and 64 for the other two). Almost 800 miles for the two days with excellent weather, great roads, and an adventurous crew, and I know I’ve found one of my favorite ways to travel!