Minnesota 2001
by Lewis Smith
On August 3, 4, and 5, of this year, we had the second annual CWC Weekend here in beautiful NE Minnesota-Duluth and points North to be exact. On Friday afternoon Jon & Luann Smith(#364) Lewy & Pat Smith(#549) (hosts) met Kevin Flanigan(#107), Apple Bill Draheim(#382), Gene Leroy(#540), at a small Resort about 10 miles North of the fair city of Duluth. After proper introductions and a bit of "shop talk" we cruised to downtown Duluth, where we were joined by the Swanstrom(#?-Sorry , couldn't find the #)Family at the "Depot" for a scenic ride on Mama Mia's Pizza train up the North Shore. A beautiful train ride and great pizza, plus the comaraderie of like souls. Since it was after dark by this time, we split up-Jon and Luann going to the resort for the night, the Swanstroms to their family cabin on a much smaller lake, and the rest of us up to Pat & Lewy's for sack time-since all but the Smith's had a ride of a hundred fifty plus miles just to get to Duluth, it was necessary.
On Saturday we all met at the resort and got ready for what turned out to be a HOT day in the saddle. It started out about 80 at 8 AM and climbed from there to about a hundred in the sun. But being hardy souls all, we set out just the same. Sixteen miles of cruisin the Scenic North Shore highway and we were in Two Harbors where we filled bellies and tanks. On up Highway 61 North to Gooseberry Falls State Park where we took an hour or so and played tourist. A BEAUTIFUL spot for a stop on any trip up this way. Then it was off again to Tettegouche State Park, which is at the mouth of the Baptism River, and has a fine view over Lake Superior, and is also a nice place to rest "bottoms" prior to heading North by West for Ely, which was the next stop and about 100 miles from the resort. A short stop about halfway, then we were in Ely where we filled up once again and compared gas mileage, etc. Then on to Babbitt and Jon & Luann's home, where we had a fine lunch and some well deserved rest-as you can tell by the photos. Into about 120 miles so far, and hot as the dickens!
After food, refreshments and rest, off we go again on the return trip-but a different way this time. From Babbitt, to Hoyt Lakes and another rest call and then we were off on the country ride to Two Harbors, stopping off on the way to have pix taken at Skibo Overlook about 12 miles south of Hoyt Lakes and a slow cruise down #16, to #44 to Highway #2 and Two Harbors once again and the last pit stop before returning to the resort where a BBQ was ready for our tired bods. More of getting to know one another and then it was off to various places for a much needed rest-after a 254 mile round trip from the resort to the resort. A beautiful day, and a GREAT ride shared by kindred spirits.
Then on Sunday morning Jon, Gene & Kevin joined Pat & Lewy for breakfast at the Smith residence here in Duluth. Apple Bill left early for an archery contest, and the Swanstroms were headed for home, but I am sure the weekend was enjoyed by all. Jon, Luann, Pat and I are planning the 2002 CWC Weekend, and are looking forward to seeinf all the known faces and hopefully some new ones. Jon said they had three bikes for the first weekend, and this year we had six, so who knows..........oh, and lest I forget, we were followed on almost the whole trip by Pat's son in our "chase vehicle" and we all thank you Jeremy for being there even tho none of these "Classics" needed ya.
Lewy & Pat(#549), Jon and Luann(#364)
004-At resort
006- Jon, Luann & Kevin
007 Apple Bill and Gene from Ely
009-The Swanstroms
010-Pat & Lewy
006, 008-At resort Saturday AM
011-At Gooseberry Falls State Park
018-At Tettegouche with chase vehicle
021, 023, 024 025, - At Jon & Luann's
026-Skibo Overlook
