Triumphrat

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:08 PM

So,

The day dawned bright and vibrant today. Birds singing, sunlight filtering through the trees, the whole bit. I got up early because I REALLY BADLY wanted to go for a long ride.

I had previously arranged such with my buddy squire 51. “I want to go riding” quoth I. “Count me in” he had said, and that’s all it takes.

Where to go?

Well, where I live the road system is like this.

Frankly this is not going to cut it. A quick scan eastwards to the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin reveals more interesting territory

That’s more like it – winding roads, rising bluffs, the sky a glowing blue – ah – destiny awaits.

I set out at 7.00 am, and headed over to Northfield to rendezvous with Squier. I went via Belle Plaine and Mn 19 as usual, an easy ride, with some great curving back roads along the way. Hell I even discovered a new one.

I love being out this early on a glorious Sunday – especially at this time of year. It’s like you’re getting one up on everyone else – the roads are empty, the countryside comes alive. The farmer’s fields are just starting to show sprouts of crops, and the form the illusion of a thin veil of emerald gossamer floating over the rich soil – promises of sugar dots roasted on the grill later on in the year! Elsewhere wild heather and primroses abound, and the scent fills the early morning air.

Add to that the roar of pair of predators, and a slight waft of gasoline, and you have all the makings of a rollicking good day.

On the way out I paused by the polo field to take a quick piccie:

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:08 PM

So, on to Northfield (where the robbery took place, but it was nothing to do with me, honest), and await Squier 51 at the Perkins. It used to be a cool local café called the “Ranch House”, but now it’s a Perkins. Wachyagonnado?

Squier cruises up a few minutes late. I hear something about “deer hunting” from inside his helmet. What does that mean? So I shrug and hold my hands up.

“I hit a deer!” he shouts.

What, last night? In his car?

“No just now”

This is beyond my comprehension, because, er, well, here he is, on his bike, riding it, alive and everything.

He gets off and I have a look. No – really – he hit a deer on his motorbike at 60mph and got away with it. Bent indicator, knee dent in tank, shattered headlamp.

Squier is obviously tougher than a pair of old boots, and I now respect him enormously. He didn’t even drop the freakin’ bike, and was barely late to breakfast. It could have been much worse, but I don’t envy him the bruises he is going to have on his leg tomorrow.

Damage:

Deer gunge on the sprocket cover:

So…what to do? Well have breakfast and go for a ride obviously.

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:09 PM

So after some eats (during which we observed a local Hells Angel enjoying his chocolate milk) we headed out.

We started with a ride up Mn 19 through Cannon Falls towards Red Wing (where the good shoes are made), but turned south on CR 6 before Red Wing. This was a great road, and took us down to Zumbrota, and from there to the lovely Mn 60 that I discovered for the first time a couple of days ago. Turns out Squier knew all about it already and was keeping it to himself.

Mn 60 is a great series of sweeping curves, and heads into bluff land through some great little towns.

We were overtaken by a squadron of angry hornets on sports bikes, which was fine by me, and then came up behind a pair of lardy gold wings, being ridden very gently. No worries, soon passed them and went on our way to Wabasha.

We turned south on Wi-35, and went down to Alma. Now onto the real funstuff. We turned off on Wi-37. This road was EMPTY! All the cruiser riders and poseurs (which includes many a squid let me tell you) seem to stick to Wi-35, and hang out in the bars. Fine by me, leave the good roads for me to enjoy. We turned off of Wi-37 onto Wi-88, and made a big loop back. Boy there are some wonderful bluffs and valleys, with some fantastic tight bends. You have to be a bit careful there are many farms, and a bit of gravel here and there, but again, the sun was shining, the temperature a perfect 75°F, and a light breeze blowing through the radiant, verdant valleys. Here are some pics, which simply do not do the place justice, but there was nowhere safe to stop on the best views, and anyway, I was enjoying myself too much riding!

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:09 PM

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:10 PM

We joined up with Wi-35 again (which runs parallel to the mighty Mississippi a good long ways) and ran back up to Alma for some petroleum distillate.

View of the US corps of Engineer Dam:

Alma:

We followed Wi-35 all the way north to Prescott, which is close to where Squier lives. That was also a great ride - with a late lunch at the Garden Pub in Pepin. The towns along Wi-35 were packed with riders hanging out in the pubs and bars, as is tradition, but amazingly the roads between the towns were pretty much empty. Why have a bike and then hang out in the bar? Still, be that as it may, we were having a great time riding. We got stuck behind an SUV for a short while, but soon blasted past that, and followed a couple of ladies on Harleys. I was content with that view for a bit.

At Prescott we went our separate ways – I know Squiers leg was starting to swell and stiffen on him, so hopefully he has iced that down good and quaffed a couple of ales for the pain.

I continued to head westwards to prairie land, via Northfield again, and the Malt-o-Meal plant

But continued homewards via some county roads. The ride home took me past many dwellings where people were taking pleasure from such simple treats as hot dogs and burgers on the grill, and I could smell all the wonderful aromas wafting the air. At one point I caught the distinct and very mouth watering aroma of a heavily peppered steak searing nicely on the cast iron grate…….it was all I could do to keep going!

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:10 PM

I attempted some onboard pics, but most did not turn out.

Nevertheless here are a few of the better ones:

Rice County Road 1

New Prague

County Road 6 towards Belle PLaine

propforward · 05-24-2009, 11:10 PM

CR 6 closer to Belle Plaine

MN-25 heading north from Belle Plaine

And this is where I live. Just past the tree line, on the left side of the road.

What a fantastic day. The bike was running superbly well. I am so glad that I got to go for a ride with my friend. I wish he hadn’t had an accident, but man I am glad he got away with it, and soon he will be right as rain, as will his bike.

420 miles. Not bad.

Kframe · 05-24-2009, 11:41 PM

Wow, what a start to the day, and looks like you had a spectacular and long ride! Getting that butt nice and calloused before the July trip, huh!

I would've like to join you today, but was up too late celebrating my 33rd to get up early today and ride.

Once again, great pictorial Prop!
-K

Squier 51 · 05-24-2009, 11:49 PM

Nice photos props!

I agree there were better photo ops but simply no place safe to stop and take them safely. Rt 88 in Wisconsin was at its best today. I can only imagine it may get better to view and ride this fall as the leaves are turning. We have to go back when that happens!

For the readers here it is in the heart of Wisconsin's dairy farming region and nestled among the river bluffs that surround the mighty Mississippi Valley there. Simply breathtaking scenery. The farmers wave from their tractors as you go by. Heartland USA.

props... the big toe on my right foot is a deep purple. The calf is swollen to 50% its normal size. May go to see the doctor tomorrow. Can't be too careful....

Enjoyed the ride though and I have begun to administer the appropiate treatment on the leg along with a couple of brews...