Gophers and Cheese

July is always a big month for local motorcycle events in the Twin Cities.  You can find lots of blog posts and photos from when I've attended these events in the past on my Guide to Local Events page. Of course, the first Thursday of every month is bike night at Dulono's Pizza and the event just keeps growing.  Dulono's just announced they will have beer in the parking lot and live music inside.  Next month, they're planning something big including a band outside too.  While Dulono's has been hosting First Thursday for years, July marks the 3rd month of Moto Mania , hosted by the nearby Uptown VFW.  It's a very short walk from Dulono's (practically across the street) so there's no reason not to check out both. On Thursday, July 10th, you have your choice of attending the 19th Annual Ma Rad's Rumble on the Deck in Stillwater or checking out the Oil & Ink Motorbike Print Expo in Minneapolis.  I wish these events were on different night...

After finishing up MN-60E, I left Wabasha, MN and crossed into Wisconsin. Nelson, WI is just across the state line and a large group of classic cars, all Pontiacs, were parked at the Nelson Creamery so I stopped to take a few photos.  I like all the various hood ornaments and the pair of really old ones even had wooden wheels. I continued south on WI-35 all the way to Fountain City.  From there, I headed up WI-95 to Arcadia.  I have never ridden WI-95 before and it was fun.  I had to watch out for a little loose gravel and some tar snakes close to Fountain City but the road steadily improved.  It's a fun road with a lot of curves and great landscapes.  Fun fact: Arcadia is home to Gold'n Plump chicken.  Not-so-fun fact: Arcadia does not have an arcade. I headed back towards Fountain City and I swear the ride was even better headed in that direction.  I stopped along the way to take a few photos (just in case you know thi...

Lots of stuff coming up this month but I wanted to call out a few highlights.  Be sure to check out my Guide To Local Events page to see blog posts and photos from the event's I've attended. 9/6-9/7 (Fri & Sat): 23rd Annual SCVR Chili Feed .  Camping, chili, music, fire, all-you-can-drink beer, and much more.  I have attended this event twice and look forward to attending it again but I can't go this year.  I highly recommend it so go have fun without me. 9/10 (Tue): 3rd Annual Konawerks Bike Show at Grumpy's.  I missed the first two years but am looking forward to checking it out for the first time this year. 9/14: (Sat): Rad's Extra Sharp Motorcycle Show .  I like this little show held at a cheese shop in Wisconsin.  Maybe it's because I've won an award the last 2 years.  Maybe it's because my blog has "cheese" in the title.  With the sorry shape of my Sporty's rear fender right now, I don't see a three-peat in my futu...

The 2012 St. Croix Valley Riders (SCVR) Round Barn Run is July 14th.  I did the run two years ago and it was a blast (check my Guide to Local Events page for blog posts about it).  Highly recommended!  Mark your calendars! While you're at it, become a member of the SCVR - a great local organization supporting motorcyclist rights.

Day 2 at the 2011 Chili Feed hosted by the St. Croix Valley Riders ... I woke up Saturday well rested and headed into Red Wing for breakfast.  Then I headed west to Welch and Vasa.  I did the round trip between Welch and Vasa three times in a row.  I love that road - so twisty and fun. Here's the Sportster in front of the church in Vasa: Some pics on a wooden bridge just off the road between Welch and Vasa: In case you're wondering, the unlimited beer and chili didn't start until noon so I did all this in the morning.  I got back to the campground around noon.  Here's the beer truck.  You could walk up to the side, pull one the taps, and fill up as often as you liked all day. All you can eat/drink chili and beer.  Mmmmmmm. This photo doesn't do the size of the event justice but here's one small section of the camping area. I ran into Rich from the Quad Cam Bastards forum.  I met Rich earlier this year in Iowa at the DicE party....

The 2011 St. Croix Valley Riders (SCVR) Chili Feed was a lot of fun.  This was my second time attending the Chili Feed with the first being 2009.  The weather was absolutely perfect so I was able to pack light and took the Sporty. I took Friday off work, packed the bike and headed out early.  I managed to still get an advanced ticket at the No Name Saloon in Prescott and saved $10.  I heard they were letting people set up early so I got to the Gas Lite around 2pm.  Gates didn't technically open until 5pm but they were letting people in. Here is my set up.  I got a great spot in the shade along the river. I stacked two bags on the rear fender and carried my tent, tarp, air mattress & pump, sleeping bag, travel pillow, some extra clothes including a hoodie, and a handful of other things.  I had more than I needed but I was comfortable.  I am sure some people traveled as light or lighter than me but some people bring WAY too much crap....