J&P Open House 2009

Friday, June 26th we headed west to Dyersville, IA for an up-close and personal view of the one and only baseball diamond built in the middle of a corn field! Yeah, you got it, Field of Dreams! Before we made it to Dyersville a secret stop at Botham Winery had been planned. Home of the Badger Blush and Big Stuff Too, this little winery in the hills of southwestern Wisconsin near Barneveld is a must see. After a few samples from their many popular wines, we knew what we wanted; Badger Blush was my favorite, Cathy's was Big Stuff Too.

After lunch at Culver's in Platteville, it was on to Kevin Costner's white Farm House in Dyersville to the Movie Set of Field of Dreams. After a few miles on a gravel road we neared the baseball field the was built so they would play, or so to speak. We got many pictures and even sat on the wooden bleachers where Costner himself sat wondering, "Why should I build a baseball field in the middle of the field?" We all talked about getting together for another "Dive-In-Movie" just so we could again relive the past by watching this movie. If you have seen the movie, then take a drive to see the field!

A short drive from Field of Dreams and we found ourselves at the Comfort Inn off of STH 20 and HWY 136 in Dyersville. Dinner Friday evening was at the Country Junction (walking distance from Super 8 and Comfort Inn). On the menu was a full list of specialty Martini's! Just ask Chris how she liked her Chocolate one after dinner! The bar area is in a silo shaped area of the restaurant. The food was good and the prices reasonable. The pies, well they were fantastic! A must stop for dinner if you find yourself in the area!

On Saturday we arrived at J&P Cycles around 9:15. There were a few hundred bikes that beat us, since they started greeting riders at 8:00. This year marked their 30th anniversary, and not to be out done by previous years, John and the crew again brought back Michele Smith, Cory Ness, Rick Fairless, Jason Britton, Monster and a few stunt teams. The weather couldn't have been any nicer. It was warm, well very warm! God blessed us with a breeze that helped keep the heat in check. The girls again walked around filling up their cards for a chance to win a raffle prize. As of Sunday evening we still haven't received a call saying we won anything. But then again, riding with friends, staying over night, socializing and getting back home safely......I'd say we won many times over! The celebrities all signed autographs on anything from hats, shirts, self-portraits to even a pedal motorcycle! This year many of my pictures were of other Road Glides. You can see these and many other photos at Shutterfly, make sure you type in the password chrome.

After we left J&P Cycles we headed for ice cream at the Dairy Barn in Anamosa, home of the National Motorcycle Museum. We found a family run ice cream parlor and blew our diets by ordering turtle sundaes! After a shorter ride home, thanks to Warren (cut off about 9 miles by taking X47 north to Hwy 20, we all found ourselves in the pool at the hotel, well except for Zman who needed a nap! After relaxing we all met at the local Pizza Hut, two blocks away. Many of us ordered the Pazzon meat lovers. Prior to this I had two trips to the salad bar! I love pizza and the more the better, except for the Pazzon. If you are hungry, I mean really hungry, skip the salad bar, go right to the Pazzon! This was one of the best pizzas I've ever had! I was stuffed, like the Pazzon!

Sunday after breakfast we headed to Dubuque Harley-Davidson. Vigil (owner of Sauk Cuty HD purchased both Wilwert's dealerships, one in Dubuque the other in Galena, IL). They had their Open House on Saturday. The last group picture of this ride was taken in the parking lot of Dubuque HD. Their dealer shirts were really awesome, however if I purchased another HD t-shirt, then I think I could move the tour-pak to the solo position if you know what I mean!

Gas mileage on the Glide was awesome. Friday & Saturday we got 48 mpg with Cathy and all the bags full! In the wind of Sunday, the mileage went down to 44. The wind though was probably some of the strongest I've had the pleasure of riding in for some time. Enjoy the photos and links to other sites. Thanks again to Marc & Chris, Dan & Beth, Pat & Kim (new owners of HD), Chad & Rhonnie, Jason (gotta get the wife on the next ride!) and Chuck & Sandy, for the memorable weekend! Stay safe and remember to Ride Your "A" Ride at all times! Head & Eyes up always!