2014 marks the 7th Annual MOR (or Old Guys Rule Ride). This year like so many, two riders braved the mid November temperatures and winds while returning to St. Charles, IL after a one year hiatus (last year we chose Rock Falls, IL). This year was a little special as not only did it take place Sunday/Monday (rather than the typical Saturday/Sunday) but the Green Bay Packers were playing the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football! It should be noted that the game was being played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and we were headed into Bear Country Illinois to spread the Cheesehead Love we have for the Green and Gold!
The two of us left Watertown around 10:30 Sunday morning. Original plan was to leave by 10, but after a stop at the local gas station I forgot my coffee cup and I ride NOWHERE without my cup of hot coffee. A quick return home and we were good to go.
RavenStone Castle is a MUST SEE if you are in the area of Harvard, IL. Simply take Highway 14 out of Lake Geneva (you owe it to yourself to ride the eastern and southern shores of Lake Geneva) south to Harvard then on the south end of Harvard turn west (right) on Highway 23. The Castle is less than a mile on your left. RavenStone is a B&B Stop. We have stopped every year after "C" first discovered it and a must stop in 2015 for a Couples Only Stay. The photo to the left is from our 2010 MOR to St. Charles and my 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800 with Navigation & ABS. Our new motorcycle is a 2014 Honda Goldwing GL1800 with the Comfort/Audio Package. 
We were disappointed that the road leading to the Castle was blocked by a chain link, so we were not able to inquire about rooms for 2015 Couples Ride. Check out their link above, prices are not cheap, but then again how many times do you get to spend the night in a Castle? After leaving we rode to Woodstock and BBQ King Smokehouse for lunch. I found this little Smokehouse on the web. After a very nice lunch with Chad, Rhonnie, JJ, Carin, Wayne, Ann, Tim and Marc in North Carolina at a Smokehouse, this was not a difficult decision. The BBQ we had during our ride in the Smoky's this summer was "perfect"! This one was excellent too.
I ordered the sampler plate which included; BBQ/Smoked Chicken, Pork, Beef Brisket, Ham, Ribs and was their special for the day. It was well worth it and a must-stop if in Woodstock, IL for lunch or dinner. After lunch, a mile and a half down the street we were at Woodstock Harley-Davidson. This is one of the largest dealers in Illinois. We talked to a salesman about Rentals and Harley-Davidson's Riding Academy (of course)! Saw the new 2015 HD Road Glide CVO Ultra, nice…..no real nice! Don't tell Cathy that I'm thinking about it (only $40,000). Thinking is one thing, buying is another and it will NOT be coming home with me (anytime soon)! Since Veteran's Day was in 2 days, though it should be everyday, I snapped a photo for my friend Chad and all the Marines who have served and are currently serving. Thanks again to all of you who were in the Armed Forces and your service to not only America, but each and everyone of us! Your time spent away from home, family, loved ones is much appreciated. To others that paid the ultimate price, we will never forget your act of bravery and staring the enemy right in the eye, never wavering. Your Mission here on earth has been paid, may you rest in peace knowing we ARE better because of YOU!
Once on our way we finally found a little sunshine and it felt good! Temperatures were in the upper 40's, but the heated accessories on "The Wing" were very nice (seat, grips and floor vents). After about an hour of riding, as we entered St. Charles, IL we decided to head over to Fox River Harley-Davidson. Once there, we took a few practice runs on the Range in back of the dealership. After passes at clutch control, quick stops, swerves and slow tight turns we rode towards Country Inn and Suites.Before getting to the hotel, we saw that downtown St. Charles at the old Arcada Theater they were advertising the Packer vs Bear Sunday Night Game! There was also a few Bear Fans out front in all their glory! Well not to be outdone, we thought we would show some sportsman-like conduct and show them who is the BETTER Team since the obviously are confused. We found out that the Game would be shown on the large 44' movie screen inside later. Interesting, but since we will be in Packer Jersey's later, thought differently about watching it with a room full of angry Bears, hungry for a win (especially since they rarely see any)!
We were disappointed once we checked into Country Inn & Suites that they didn't have the 24/7 warm baked cookies (found out later they ran out of cookie dough) and the hot tub was closed! After a few drinks we headed over to Olive Gardens (across the parking lot) by foot and had dinner. For those of you that watched the Game, WOW what a game!! Rodgers throws for 6 TD's in the first half and almost 7 for the game! Packers went on to provide a whoop ass on the Bears 55-14! Smokin' Jay again showed his inability to play at a professional level.
Monday morning was less windier though the temperatures started in the low 40's, but worked their way up to……59 degrees!! We hit sun as we entered Wisconsin! Before that though we left St. Charles, IL from Main Street north onto Highway 31 along the Fox River to Elgin to see the Trolley Museum, another must see stop. Turning back the clocks to a time Trollies were used to transport large numbers of people. This has always been a favorite stop. The architectural design of some of the homes and businesses is a wonder. Continuing on Highway 31 to Algonquin, IL then west on Highway 14 to Crystal Lake, IL (wasn't this the site of the Movie Jason)? This Route took us back into Woodstock and then Harvard. We later hooked up with Highway 67 in Wisconsin from Highway 14 and rode it into Fontana and Williams Bay stopping in Dousman at Deb's Diner for some Comfort Food. Their special was Meatloaf, with "real" Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. It was really good and a must stop if you want something special that is not your typical fast-food restaurant!
Another MOR in the books as they say! Our 7th Annual and 6th one done with just two riders. This year's journey took us to a few new stops; BBQ King Smokehouse and Deb's Diner. In all, we logged just under 300 miles. Starting to think about next year's rides already! Hopefully this winter will be quick, spring early and warmer temperatures will prevail. Three motorcycles this year; 2011 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Limited (approx 5800 miles), 2006 Yamaha FJR (approx 3,000 miles) and now back to only one, the Honda Goldwing (approx 900 miles). Stay healthy this winter! God willing, let us meet on the road again in 2015 and see where it leads us.
