The document summarizes a motorcycle ride taken by the author in May 2010 through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa over hot and tiring conditions. Key events included accidentally entering Galena, Illinois due to poor directions and low fuel, seeing scenic views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, and visiting the unique House on the Rock attraction in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The ride totaled over 300 miles in one day and helped raise funds for The Highground veterans support organization.

1. We Ride for WI Vets May 2010 Travels

2. May 2010: The Month of the Map? Actually, we rode more in April than we did in May; however, we didn’t have a cool camera to take photos! Don’t worry, we fixed that recently  But get ready for this story…

3. So what do all these things have in common?

4. Perhaps they are things you don’t want to be experiencing, endlessly, on a day over 90 degrees! Now, it was really hot and we really had no gas because we “can wait another 20 miles”. Well, after more than an hour of driving along endless farmer’s fields while Chris was looking down at the gas tank (as if more would appear if we saw just one more cow),and the heat… well, this is what we felt like we were doing on some country roads!!!?$!&?*#!

5. This is where it gets really good… pay attention and don’t laugh too hard The whole time we are meandering, I am asking Chris if he is going to take me to Dubuque, Iowa because I kept seeing the signs everywhere. He kept promising me that he wasn’t… But that wasn’t quite true! Yep, he took me to Dubuque, went over the Mississippi twice! And, the only reasons we ended up in Dubuque is… Because he drove us right into Galena, Illinois! Now, I have to give him some credit because he did tell me that we were riding “along the state line” - just forgot to mention on which side  You should have heard his surprised voice when we rolled into Galena onto a one-way street the wrong way!

6. Galena!Imagine that we were so disoriented that we went down the street the wrong way- yikes. Really, we did! Makes me wonder how he gets to all his appts. on time for work  It probably would have been so funny if we didn’t need to find a gas station so horribly swift! Galena is a great little town, the Home of President Grant is there and it has many little quaint shops to keep the Mrs. busy for hours, but this was just the beginning of our little trip- more miles to go, so away we go. Bye-bye Galena! Maybe next year… So after Galena, we went over the Mississippi twice, only to come back into Wisconsin! The image below, is in Dubuque, IOWA and I saw it up close and personal  The Mississippi was majestic in all her glory!

7. From the Mighty Mississippi to the Wonderful Wisconsin River Upstream the Wisconsin River The Serene Wisconsin River Taken somewhere between Prairie du Chien and Sauk City This was our favorite view on the whole trip!

8. Peaking through to the other side of the Wisconsin River Memorial Weekend 2010

9. Staying the Night in Sauk City, WI Riding Tip: Here’s a great place to stay if you’re ever in the Sauk City Area. It’s the Cedarberry Inn (great staff, clean rooms, great indoor pool & excellent local history pictures) http://cedarberryinn.com/ After many miles (Oh, yeah, our ride for that first day of the trip was exactly 300 miles as we pulled into our hotel’s parking lot), 95°+, 3 states, several great photo opps, 2 great rivers, 2 bald eagles, one black bear, and almost one deadly accident … we were done- toast!

10. And now, onto our destination:The House on the Rock (Wisconsin) Looking to the center left, you will see what looks like a white surfboard jetting out from the hill. It’s actually a look out point from one of the House’s rooms and it is cleverly suspended by leverage. It had a great view and swayed in the wind-yikes! Above photo is of the Infinity Room. Side photo is actually inside the Infinity Room- you can see out each window on the sides! Felt like being in a ship with a view 

11. The Impressive House on the Rock: Spring Green, WIYou won’t regret this visit! www.houseontherock.comBy the way- everything here looks normal size, but it is all H-U-G-E www. Houseontherock.com

12. … and why we ride… We had a great time, saw a lot of wondrous nature & escaped from the mundane. All this goodness while helping to raise funds for our beloved Highground Park: www.thehighground.org Next week we will have a new ride posted for you (going to Door County to play next). We will also have pledge sheets for you to print up and fill out if you would like to support The Highground (a non-profit organization) efforts via our miles rode this season. All Pledges are Tax Deductible  ~ Semper Fi www.WeRideForWIVets.wordpress.com The Highground’s Gold Star Tribute to all Families who have lost a loved one in our nation’s conflicts.