Annual MOR and RavenStone

Just back from the Annual MOR (Men Only Ride) or OMR (Old Men Ride) November 13 & 14 to St, Charles, IL. It was decided a few years back that rather than miss a televised Packer Game, the MOR would take place during Green Bay's bye-week. This was an easy decision back when bye-week's usually took place earlier than mid November!

MOR was scheduled and promoted via Face Book. Once again though there would only be one other brave soul to ride in unpredictable fall weather, I'll call him "C". Oh, others "said" they might join in on the fun, but when it came time to putting on rain gear, long johns and gauntlet gloves no one other than "C" and me braved the elements.

MOR was created as a "one last ride" before putting the bikes away from the long Wisconsin winter. Since I don't hunt, this was my outlet away from home. Each year stops at Woodstock Harley-Davidson and then Zylstra Harley-Davidson were planned. For the past two years I have received a $10 birthday coupon from Zylstra. Last year a ride was scheduled to simply buy a new HD hat, if I had to explain, you wouldn't understand! Besides I saved $10 on the hat with the coupon! This year I needed a battery trickle charger.

In reviewing upcoming events at the two dealerships,I saw that Woodstock's HOG Chapter was hosting a food drive and serving a complete Thanksgiving Dinner and Zylstra was honoring our Veterans and the USO with a ride later meeting at Alley 64 downtown st. Charles. For work I needed to stop at Hemingway's Port of Call in Lake Geneva regarding a GYR container. After meeting Steve the owner and discussing business, placement and use of the GYR container, "C" and I were back on the bikes headed south to Woodstock and a turkey dinner. We rode in the pouring rain from Lake Geneva all the way to Woodstock, but the temperatures were holding steady at 50 degrees.

The parking of Woodstock Harley-Davidson lot was full of cars, not motorcycles! There was one other fool that rode his motorcycle (lol)! It was difficult finding an open parking spot. Once inside and ridding ourselves of wet rain gear, the next step was hot coffee. Next we found the turkey dinner! The HOG Chapter served ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, many different fall casseroles, stuffing, rolls and desserts like you can only dream of! There was even an apple pie from the Elegant Farmer "baked in the bag"! After an hour or so we rolled ourselves to the parking lot and were off riding towards St. Charles and Zylstra Harley-Davidson, remember I had a $10 coupon to spend!

Zylstra was not nearly as crowded as Woodstock, but then again we were late getting there and the USO Ride had already left. We were later told that around 20 bikers participated in the ride. Zylstra served virgin bloody mary's prior to the ride leaving, along with sweet rolls and huge muffins. After selecting my battery tender, "C" and I were on our way to the Country Inn & Suites in St. Charles.

We met a couple in the hot tub from the Chicago area who were in town simply to visit Geneva Wine Seller on Sunday. They were in their late 20's and very easy going. Another couple we met he is a Lieutenant for Bloomington Police Department. We started talking motorcycles and found out he and his wife own a brand new Ural Russian motorcycle with side car with the optional dual drive wheels (both the rear motorcycle tire and side car tire power the bike).

After breakfast on Sunday we left West on E Main Street to Highway 31 along the western shore of the Fox River. We continued north through an old city of yesteryear named, Algonquin. Old homes and even a trolley historic area! A large deer was seen about 50 yds in front of us run across the road. Thank God we were paying attention and speed was well under the posted limits. Sunday's weather was 10+ degrees colder than Saturday and very windy. Temperatures started at 39 degrees and never reached more than 43!

As we neared Harvard, IL I remembered that "C" had found a castle during either the 1st of 2nd MOR. We entered Harvard on HWY 14 and had to turn around to get onto HWY 23 south of town. It isn't merry old England or France, but Harvard has a RavenStone Castle. This was a photo op that couldn't be missed. After a few pictures we continued north towards Wisconsin.

Another MOR is history and it just might be time to winterize the Wing for the season! Between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and buying the Goldwing GL1800 in Orlando it was a 12,000 mile riding season! This was the most miles ridden in a year! A wonderful riding season! Thanks to everyone for making it enjoyable. Please keep Randy & Lynette Dunn and Bill Murphy in your prayers as they recover from motorcycle crashes.