Hi all,
I hopefully trust that this day did indeed turn out good for everyone.  Weather wise, it sure did not start out that way.  About 0800hrs this morning, it was very foggy with 100% humidity outside.  The weatherman promised that it would eventually be total sun shine.  As the day progressed, it certainly did.  Wow, what a break we rough riders received.
Anyway, we all converged at Mickey D's this cool Sunday morning, where the temperature started out at about 43 degrees.  A little chilly, but nonetheless, very rideable weather.  My big ole pony yelled at me, and said exercise was needed--hibernation is OUT!!
A healthy crew of rough riders assembled this morning, and they consisted of Tom & JoAnn Leith, assist rep ole Joel Gyurnek, sergeant Russ Prichard, jumpin' Joe Hughes, Mike Matrich, gentleman George Riebesehl, rovin' Robert Sample, lucky Larry Greco, doctor Cary Levin, Christine & sir Malcom Irwin with their lovely daughter Kirsty, wild Bill LoBianco, smiley John Francis with his guest, brother Fred Francis and of course yours truly.
Papa J's in Elburn, ILL was selected for our fine dining cuisine breakfast run.
I took the lead and stayed on the overly used trails, due to wet conditions with some possible slippery spots.  We eventually arrived about ten for some much needed nourishment and chit chatting.  Once seated, let the socializing begin--pour the coffee.
After we all finally finished our vittles--bon appetite, out departure was soon imminent.  The kibitzing was still going on as we rendezvoused at the coral where our big ole ponies were waiting.  But alas, all good things must come to an end.
As everybody knows by now, wimpy Lester Chapman and Miss Beverly Markward are finally tying the knot today.  Yup, they finally decided to say "I do". (It is about time).  Their very long courtship finally ended in happy state of marriage. Hooray for Les and Bev.  Congratulations are in order.  Good luck to Les and Bev.  We all wish them the very best!!
After the socializing was finished, our ponies were kicking up their hoofs and wanted much needed exercise.  So it is off we go, hi ho, hi ho.  Away we go.
Before our departure took place, ole Joel just had to impress every one with some of his new steps to the "Gold Wing Shuffle".  Wow, can that man wiggle.  Not to be out done, smiley John did show off some of his swagger with new moves to his famous "Moon walk" dance with of course doing the "twist" of the 60's.  Not to be out done, gentleman George added a few extra moves to the "Charleston" (23 ski-doo).  Jumpin' Joe practiced all winter to show off his extra moves and did promenade to the "Shake-rattle & roll".  All this was done in the parking lot coral.  Let me tell you folks, these guys really know how to dance and put on some very entertaining moves.  It is worth the price of admission to watch these guys.  The shuckin' 'n jiven was at its best.
Well time's-a-waste'n, no more whoopin' 'n hollarin'.  Lets go, our ponies were getting restless, their hoofs were kickin' up and rarin' to go!
Only four of us continued on to do some heavy duty riding.  I took the lead, along with wild Bill, Mike and gentleman George.  West we were heading, way west.  We eventually stopped at a railroad park in Rochelle, ILL.  Wild Bill is big into railroad trains, and he suggested we stopped and viewed the sites.
Our destination finally took us through Dixon, ILL where we picked up route 2 and headed north along the Blackhawk Trail.  It took us along the Big Rock river and into a small town of Oregon, ILL where a fuel and break stop was needed.  We continued north on route 2, along the Rock River pass the big Black hawk statue and headed towards Byron, ILL and eventually turned east on route 72 where we headed homeward bound.
Well folks, what is the ONE thing that we did NOT do today?  Give up?  all right, no ice cream stop today.  Can you believe that?  No, neither can I.  But it is true!!  Straight home we headed.  We eventually picked up U.S. route 20 east bound and down.  Our ponies were in motorcycle heaven, we traveled on or about 180 good safe miles today.  What a great day it was today.  The weatherman and the good Lord eventually cooperated with us today.  It just does not get any better than this.  This rider and his pony was doing way too much city dude living over the last several weeks, and it is great to get out.  I think all of us had the case of the heebie-jeebies from being cooped up for an extended period of time.  Motorcycle riding and fresh air is a great cure-all.
So until next time, lets be especially careful out there, those four wheelers are forever lurking at every corner.  Lets keep our eye balls peeled and pay attention to our immediate surroundings.
Your unruly rep,
Dick