Sunday, August 8, 2010

Iowa Guzzi Rally, Elkader, IA, by Marlin Wolter

Larry & Mary Hawes and Bill Claussen met me in Round Lake, Mn, about 8:45 am Friday the 9th of July. We headed east on Back Roads all the way to Elkader. It was a perfect day for riding and Larry picked a great route - good roads, light traffic and beautiful scenery. We arrived at Elkader at about 3 pm. Tom Meister was already there and we set up camp in the City Park next to him. There were lots of trees and good facilities.
We were treated to a roast beef supper Friday night. Saturday morning the Legion served us a pancake and scrambled egg breakfast. Tom and I went on the guided trip to Dyersville to the National Farm Toy Museum and the antique store Saturday morning and ate lunch at a restaurant close to the museum. We returned to Elkader by different roads - there are a lot of great roads around that area to ride. Some of the Autobahners rode to Cabela’s at Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, and did a little shopping.
Saturday night we were treated to a Pork Chop Supper with all the trimmings - including a large selection of pie for desert. I was quite impressed by how much the local community was involved in the Rally. Even the County Dairy Princess and Pork Queen helped serve the meal. After the meal they had a Parade of Bikes through Main Street of Elkader and around the edge of town. I took part in that.
Sunday we got an early start home. Izzy Szkok joined us on the ride home. Once again it was a perfect day for riding and we stumbled on a nice little restaurant at Dunell, MN, for lunch.
I’m looking forward to going back next year. I’m told the 2011 Guzzi National Rally will also be held at Elkader (Ed. Note: Jim Brewer on his Guzzi was also in attendance.)

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