Galena, IL day trip!! Sunday, October 25th

[Paul Workman]

This coming October 25th (Sunday) should be 'PRIME LEAF' season in NW IL. And, there are some fine Corvette "hilly" roads to and from, as well as a number of sights to see along the way as well as Galena itself; to stop and have a bit of lunch and maybe sample one of the local brews before winding our way back. Or, as an option, we could partake of the Cajun Connection on US Rt 6 just north of Utica, IL (Starved Rock).

Well, this is all "off the top of my head". So, post up if you're interested. Maybe this will make up a little (at least) for the disappointment of the drag races being cancelled.

My thought is to rally in Dixon, IL in the Walmart parking lot, just north of the I-88 and IL 26 exit (about a quarter mile).

From there we could follow US-52 to Mt. Carroll, then north on IL 78 to Warren, IL and take the old Stagecoach route over to Galena.

After stopping there a short while, we could get a bite to eat, if we so desire, swing past Grant's home, for a look-see on our way to Elizabeth where just beyond which we leave US-20 to take a very twisty, scenic "Corvette" route, making our way to Mt. Carroll, IL. and then doubling back to Dixon.

From there those that want to head back toward home can do so via I-88. Or, for those that would like to experience the Cajun Connection for some very authentic Cajun food prepared by a bone-a-fied "Coon-***" Cajun!

Then, the two routes home are either go north to I-80 east, or the more scenic route which is US-6 to Morris to pick up IL 47, or I-80, if that's you preference.

Any takers???

Think about it. And post up if you're interested and let's see if we can get it together. This is completely spontaneous "off the cuff", understand. It is completely informal; come if you want to. For planning purposes, we should gather at the Dixon Walmart (near I-88 on IL 26) in time to head out by 10 AM. If we do, and all goes well, we should be back to Dixon by around 3:30 (in order to be at Cajun Connection before they close (early in winter hours. Stay tuned for updates!)

Well, Ami and I are going. Who's with us??

[Paul Workman]

Weeeelllll.... Ya missed an excellent opportunity to stretch yer legs!

Part of the reason to make the dash was to look over the Galena valley with all the trees decked out in their fall regalia, bathing in the brilliant sunshine! The other part was for the opportunity to do (what passes for) twisties, here in IL.

Apparently, LAST w/e, when we were attempting to drag race, would have been better spent looking at leaves. In the mean time the rain and strong winds stripped about 80% of the trees bare: looked like winter in the valley, except for the green grass. That was the bad news...

The good news was it was clear, cool, and sunny! So, if you're a "people-watcher", the streets of Galena and the sidewalk cafe's were packed with folks in a party mood; eating, wine tasting, shopping. (Finding a parking spot meant parking way back into a residential area, and my [still recovering] knee was having none of it! So, I just cruised through the festive throng.)

More good news... As I recall from my motorcycle days of mountain twisty runs, Sunday afternoons are the best time to 'run the gauntlet'*, so to speak. Traffic is/was light and so I could 'warm up my tires' almost unimpeded...I took full advantage of that! (You HPDE guys would enjoy it, methinks. Nothing stupid tho. There ARE sections with blind driveways, etc., so one has to use moderation where applicable, of course!)

*The twisties near Galena are typical of rolling hills terrain which is different from mountainous areas (say the "Tail of the Dragon"). Speeds can be, *ahem*... "up there" with some straight sections which affords passing; getting behind a slow mover is only for a few moments, and then you're on your way again!

And, it was a day to see a plethora of some fine rides. For car lovers like me, it was a day of eye candy. Not only dozens of Vettes prowling about, but the usual smattering of 911s, a couple AMGs and Z5s, and plenty of 60s era muscle cars just cruising about.

Well... Personally, I have a wedding next w/e to attend in Atlanta, and then it will be going on mid November; don't know how many more nice days are left before the "Big Chill" sets in again. But, I hope we can at least get together for a pizza night (or two) before the holidays are upon us!

[XfireZ51]

Sunday was a lovely day. Sorry I couldn't make it. Had family in from out of town. Hopefully next time.