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VJMC Overnight 08-09-08

Fifthteen riders departed Mark Tomlinson’s home in River Falls, Wisconsin and were greeted by emerald green fields with church spirals in the distance. Overhead, beautiful blue skies with an occasional pop corn cloud. Fresh cut hay and “ global emissions “ from dairy cows intertwined.
A ribbon of black asphalt twisted and rolled along ridges then dived following creek beds under a canopy of tall oaks. It doesn’t get better then this. Good friends and old motorcycles.
Lunch was at the Pickle Factory in Pepin, Wis. Afterwards the group rode to the overlook above Alma, Wis. A stunning view of the Mississippi River below with the lock and dam and river traffic was enjoyed. The only glitch of the weekend occurred when James Petsch SL 350 lost spark. Eventually the coils were hot wired and JP returned home accompanied by Rodney Schimdt. It was reported later that the bike stopped again and they were able to locate the fault and get the bike running once again. But seconds later the front brake locked up ! After Jim pulled his tighty whitey’s out he discovered the bolt securing the front brake backing plate had fell off. As a result the hub spun and locked up, ripping the speed-0 and brake cables out. They were able to clear the hub and James rode home with the rear brake at the speed of “ dust “.
The riders arrived at the RKD Motel in Arcadia, Wis. at approx 4:30 (beer-thirty). Soon several games of Frisbee golf broke out. A riders meeting was conducted and dinner was agreed upon at “ Hanson’s Hold Up “. A biker friendly bar located 6 miles outside of town. The food was good the view overlooks a large valley with patchwork fields as far as the eye can see. Riders returned to the motel with the six miles rapidly “ consumed “. As the bikes cooled for the night brew-skis flowed, harmonica and get-tars played while the days events were retold and machines compared.
Sunday morning the overnight riders (S) discovered last years great breakfast spot (Kosey Kitchen) was closed for repairs. The only other option in town was lacking but did provide the basics. With both the bikes and the riders fueled the group headed north on the alphabet roads. After several miles a large sign appeared… “ Bridge Out 4.2 miles, local traffic only ”… hey, we’re loco !. Then another sign.. “ Bridge Out 3.6 miles, local traffic only “ . Moments later… “ Bridge Out, 1.6 miles, local traffic only.”. One point six miles later.. “ BRIDGE OUT “. They weren’t kidding.
The scenery for the weekend was Department of Wisconsin Tourism perfect and Mother Nature provided the riders with great weather. Thanks to Mark Tomlinson for leading the group and everyone looks forward to next year for more great roads, good friends and Frisbee golf.

RIDERS: Mark Tomlinson (S), 77 XS650, Rodney Schmidt, 72 XS650, Mike Rejsa (S), BMW, James ( JIM ) Petsch, 71 SL350, Tom Broich (S), 80 XS650, Andy Olive (S), 74 RD350, Mike McCabe, 81 XS850, Mike Wencel (S), 67 CB77 (Honda), Mike Blackburn (S), 77 XS650, Chip Miller (S), 71 CB750, Roger Pulkrabek (S), 7” CB750F, Mike Rodac, 75 XS650, Randy Duke (S), 75 CB750, Tami Duke (S), 73 Z1 900. Mike Crane (S), BMW, met the riders at the motel as did a guest who rode in from LaCrosse, Wis. Brian Hall, 75 XS650.