My weekend (March 10th) that could have went to the dogs. Lots of Pics.

[Oddball]

So the first great week to ride this spring comes to Illinois and I have to go get my parents dog to watch while they go on vacation.  What to do?  Well can’t take the BMW because it is too much of a hassle getting in and out of the truck.  Besides I have yet to trailer it and don’t want to start now.  And I have a carrier for the DRZ so let’s take it and explore around my parents.

Leaving Stillman Valley Friday afternoon.



A few deer to remind me to take it easy on blind turns.



Clean and ready to go.



I haven’t seen the windmills up close yet so the route was chosen.





You can really get up close and personal.





At the unfinished windmill viewing area.



On to the first town, Tiskilwa.  The town is named for two Indians that live here long ago.  See Tis kill Wa here.



Downtown Tiskilwa.







Hennepin Canal connects the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers since 1907.  It’s 155 miles long with 33 locks.  5 have been restored.







They take all the fun out of riding down the canal.





Courthouse across from the square.



Bureau County Solders and Sailors Memorial.  Let us never forget those that protect and serve.





Yea, you see it.  Wild Hogs ha ha.



Weekly racing at the fair grounds.  Good redneck fun.



Princeton has many cobblestone streets left.





Need to get this years tag so a stop at the DMV.  I walk in and the old bag behind the counter asks if I here for a motorcycle test.  She not so politely informs me that I better not be if a licensed rider did not ride the motorcycle there.  Tell her na just need a sticker, but they were so crowded I decided not to wait.  Tried to talk a picture, but the old bag once again made sure I did not.  Why are some people so crabby?















 
So off to Bureau I go.

Mandatory barn picture.



And I’ll say you the gory detail, but these are still used in Illinois.











The Ranch House dates back to 1948 and is situated on 100-acre, spring-fed Lake Rawson. It’s a rustic wooden lodge with overnight accommodations in a classic 1950s style.  It was known for great steaks and a stock on the Rock Island railroad that was frequented by many big name stars in the 50’s.



This actually used to be a stop many times a day.





Further down the canal toward the Illinois River.





Locals not having much luck.



Someone lurking in the woods.  Problem was the ground was only thawed a few inches.



Playing near Route 29 north of Peoria.



































We that’s 100 miles around where my parents live.  Hope you enjoyed.

[bubba zanetti]

 

Hey ... thanks for taking me along for the ride!  

[VIVID1]

I like the windmills  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Nice pics

[FRZY]

looks like fun !! thanks for sharing  

[Oddball]

Thanks for all the kind words.

[Cricket]

Looks like you had great first spring ride. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures.

[evilmedic13]

I like the windmills  

+1
Where are those? My comprehension skills are lacking this week, sorry if you already stated such.

[Oddball]

The windmills are just south of Tiskilwa.  Tiskilwa is 10 miles south of Princeton at mile 56 on I80.  There is 36 that we put in last year.

[PackMule]

Thanks for the tour of your neighborhood!  

[XLR8]

Cool.

It looks like you had a great time getting out and about. I don't imagine you can get to anywhere to knarly yet with all that snow and nice.

[jay547]

cool.

i've got to start taking some pic's.

[Beatkiddo]

Nice pictorial!!!

What was the temperature out on that one?

[Oddball]

Thanks again everyone.  It was upper 50's and just a great day to be alive.

[photomd]

So...did you use the outhouse?  

OH!   My coffee just kicked in. Excuse me.  

[Mastros2]

Nice!  I enjoyed your travels!  Thanks!  

[Liquidsilver]

Coool!      It looked like you got into a few trickier dual-sporting situations... how'd you protect your camera?
 
 
 
Thanks!
 
 

[DogBoy]

Thanks for the tour.