View Full Version : Getting lost enroute to the Dells Rally
For 21 years I have been going to the Dells Rally. It was the first rally (1987) that I attended on my first BMW. (An R75/6)
Over the years there were times (too many) that I had to drive my car to carry up the rally equipment and the kids. But since the rally moved to Chula Vista and the kids all got their own bikes, I now enjoy riding to the rally again.
This year, I decided to try something a little different -- I wanted to see if I could get there without taking any state or federal highways. Here is my little ride report.
I headed to work bright and early to work a half day. by 11:30, I was getting ready to head out.
Heading west and north from my office in Waukesha, I zig-zagged through marshes and next to creeks. There was one set of railroad trestles that I kept going under. Finally stopped for a picture. Two separate farmers stopped and asked if I was okay, while I was getting the camera out. Pretty cool. I love this state.
The marshes are abundant with wildflowers right now. I was wishing I had my bird guide and my nature foliage & fauna guide.
Columbus is a neat little city between Beaver Dam and Madison. They have a surplus of enthusiastic police officers (don't ask me how I know) - but the architecture in this town is beautiful. Here I am, throwing caution to the wind and blocking a sidewalk in front of City Hall for this phot. A particularly grumpy looking officer pulled over and cast me a baleful eye as he watched to be sure I was going to pull any heinous terrorist tactics by trying to blow up City Hall.
(Uh no, officer ... that's "R-I-H-N" ... yes, the H comes after the I.) sigh.
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_4.jpg
Portage is one of the oldest settlements in Wisconsin. This is where the Fox River almost merges with the Wisconsin River. You can get to Portage in a canoe from Nova Scotia. Once in Portage, it is only a short hike to the Wisconsin River, which will take you to the Mississippi and points west and south.
Just west of Portage is Hwy O. It follows the Wisconsin River towards the Dells. It's along this stretch of road the my German immigrant grandparents settled and raised their family. This little traveled country road has been replaced by Hwy 16 to the north, and Interstate 90/94 to the south. And (she adds slyly) ... it's a best-kept secret.
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_5.JPG
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_6.JPG
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_7.JPG
Just 4 miles from the rally site, and still on County Trunk Hwy O, I found this old split log home.
The flowers & vines growing up around the base almost obscured it. And yet, the blue trim indicated to me that someone still cared enough to try to keep it somewhat intact.
As I stopped for the picture, I wondered if my father knew the people who lived here. Somehow, I am sure he did.
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_8.JPG
Mrs2beers
09-08-2008, 05:31 PM
Nice Pics Sue!:D
Even though we came by cage, on our way home we kinda of did the same thing. Barr would come to a stop and say" Which Way??" I told him since he was driving choice was his. We now have maked the wonderful side roads in our WI Atlas to ride again (hopefully soon) on a bike.
swall
09-08-2008, 06:19 PM
Maybe that officer in Columbus was related to the cop that hassled Hellman when he was taking a picture of a county courthouse somewhere down south.
Visian
09-08-2008, 07:44 PM
As I stopped for the picture, I wondered if my father knew the people who lived here. Somehow, I am sure he did.
http://www.beemerhill.com/DellsRally_8.JPG
:thumb
KGT1200
09-08-2008, 08:37 PM
Really nice pictures, Sue! They tell a nice story!
I would love to see some shots in the old days, same roads, but dirt roads..
bobs98
09-09-2008, 07:05 AM
Very nice, Sue. Thanks for sharing!
You've got beautiful areas to ride!
SheRidesABeemer
09-09-2008, 07:57 AM
Nice ride report Sue but where was the lost part? :dunno
Rapid_Roy
09-09-2008, 08:38 AM
Nice pictures Sue. :wave
SugarHillCTD
09-09-2008, 08:57 AM
Great photos and nice ride report. One question.......
How did you put up with all the traffic in your pictures? :D
LOve those empty back roads.
John
wezul
09-09-2008, 09:06 AM
Sure is pretty up there.
I did enjoy sharing your space for a short time last weekend.
Thanks for chronicling your ride.
cheesewhiz
09-09-2008, 10:26 AM
Hwy O huh?
Secret huh?
NOT N E MORE!!!!
:p
Nice ride report Sue but where was the lost part?
Maybe I wasn't completely lost, but I traveled on roads I had never taken before. I would be going north and say "HEY! That road goes west! I wonder where THAT goes!" until I would see one going north and make a right turn. It was just fun to try something different and spontaneous.
I've been on Hwy "O" before, but this time, instead of riding fast and enjoying the perfectly placed curves and road-pitch, I traveled a little slower & kept picturing what it must have been like when my dad was a kid. Just like redclfco mentioned, I tried to imagine if the road had changed its course over the years, or if those old trees on top of the dirt dike that followed along side the river-side of the road had always been there. One of my dad's grade-school buddies was "Zinke" I went past Zinke Road and I knew - I JUST KNEW - I was riding near my father's past.
When my grandfather immigrated, he worked on the railroad. The tracks still follow Hwy 16. I took a moment to stop and watch a train rolling down those same tracks from my perch on Hwy O, and was momentarily transported to a time when the train was the main way for Chicago and Milwaukee tourists to get to Wisconsin Dells and beyond.
For me, it was a nice break from the typical "RUSH & HURRY" to get from point A to Point B.
The next time I am on Hwy O, I'll probably pour on the coals and let the GS breathe a little bit.
2beers
09-15-2008, 11:42 AM
Just east of Portage on HWY 33 is County Hwy. F. It goes north and a bit west. It would be a great bike road. You wind up in Packwaukee and eventually on Hwy 82 (when the construction is done). If you then take 82 west you end up just north of the Dells and Chula Vista. Can't wait till we are riding again.
:dance
nevada72
09-20-2008, 09:00 AM
Nice report and pics. How was the rally? I considered it, but the schedule would not allow.
Wisconsin is a great state for riding (May - November anyway). I live in a rural area and take a different route to my various destinations often. Yesterday I went straight instead of turning right for example. I found a previously unexplored road and eventually got back to familiar territory. That is the true joy of riding for me.
The leaves are just beginning to turn here (the Lake and 30 min N of Milwaukee). I look forward to many scenic rides. I might even do the Whitecap gathering next weekend. (Brrrrrr!)
Thanks for sharing!
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