sstodvictory
09-30-2002, 07:13 PM
I was in NE Iowa - SE MN last weekend and found some really good roads. A11 from just South of New Albin, IA (yes, I bought more jerkey - mmmm good!), to Eitzen, MN is smooth and ALL sweepers. To do it from the Eitzen side, turn left at the town sign if you're coming down Hwy 76 from Caledonia. From that side it's not called A11.
I also rode 249 out of Caledonia through Freeburg to the Mississippi, which was a hoot. It's gravel from several miles East of Caledonia to the river, but it's well graded and really scenic. I passed two cruisers who were more timid than they had to be. From Hwy 76, turn into Caledonia at the QuickTrip (Main I think), then right at the 249 sign and follow it out of town. At the edge of Caledonia you can also fork off 249 onto Road No. 5, which leads to the Mississippi just north of New Albin. I didn't try it, but judging from the other roads it ought to be fun.
It started raining while I was exploring road No. 3. It was coming from the NW and nearing dusk, so I turned back. Caledonia was the furthest North I got. I had a motel room in Prairie DuChein, but I gave it up to start the ride home. I figured it was a choice between riding home on dry roads at night, or in the rain the next day. Boy was I wrong! I rode in heavy rain, in the dark, from just east of McGregor all the way to Dubuque. I was wearing a 3/4 helmet and couldn't see shit, and I reached Dubuque only by staying behind car traffic. Never again!
I lucked out and found a dumpy room in Dubuque. The next moring the carpet was soaked under the air conditioner, and water was dripping through the ceiling all over, but not on the bed. It turned out well. I stayed ahead of the rain on Sunday and rode the scenic route through NW IL. Total miles round trip from Decatur - about 800 I'm guessing.
The leaves are only beginning to turn in that area of the Mississippi. I might do it again in a few weeks, and explore every small road between New Albin and Red Wing leading up to the plateaus from the river. Anyone up for a weekend of spontaneous routes and adventure? My style is to explore every road and don't turn back if there's gravel.
See ya,
Steve
I also rode 249 out of Caledonia through Freeburg to the Mississippi, which was a hoot. It's gravel from several miles East of Caledonia to the river, but it's well graded and really scenic. I passed two cruisers who were more timid than they had to be. From Hwy 76, turn into Caledonia at the QuickTrip (Main I think), then right at the 249 sign and follow it out of town. At the edge of Caledonia you can also fork off 249 onto Road No. 5, which leads to the Mississippi just north of New Albin. I didn't try it, but judging from the other roads it ought to be fun.
It started raining while I was exploring road No. 3. It was coming from the NW and nearing dusk, so I turned back. Caledonia was the furthest North I got. I had a motel room in Prairie DuChein, but I gave it up to start the ride home. I figured it was a choice between riding home on dry roads at night, or in the rain the next day. Boy was I wrong! I rode in heavy rain, in the dark, from just east of McGregor all the way to Dubuque. I was wearing a 3/4 helmet and couldn't see shit, and I reached Dubuque only by staying behind car traffic. Never again!
I lucked out and found a dumpy room in Dubuque. The next moring the carpet was soaked under the air conditioner, and water was dripping through the ceiling all over, but not on the bed. It turned out well. I stayed ahead of the rain on Sunday and rode the scenic route through NW IL. Total miles round trip from Decatur - about 800 I'm guessing.
The leaves are only beginning to turn in that area of the Mississippi. I might do it again in a few weeks, and explore every small road between New Albin and Red Wing leading up to the plateaus from the river. Anyone up for a weekend of spontaneous routes and adventure? My style is to explore every road and don't turn back if there's gravel.
See ya,
Steve