Minnesota 2002

On August 2, 3, and 4 of this year we had the priviledge of hosting the largest gathering of CWC members so far. We had sixteen motorcycles and 24 bodies (one 16, one 14, and one, Eva at 11 1/2) appear here in beautiful Duluth for a not quite perfect weekend weather-wise. On Friday afternoon bikes began rolling in the the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on St. Louis Bay of Lake Superior at about 3:00pm. People and bikes from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana (Prez Carl & Judy included) Michigan, Arkansas, Kentucky and even Saskatchewan, Canada showed up for a tour of Duluth Harbor on the Vista Star cruise ship. While in line, some bikes showed up late and Jon, being a nice guy, went to assist in getting them aboard-but they all missed the boat, literally! Those of us fortunate enough to make the boat had an enjoyable 1 1/2 hour

tour loking at "salties" and "lakers" being loaded and unloaded. Then we all got together and took a 10 mile ride up the North Shore of Lake Superior(known as "da Lake" from here on in)to the Shorecrest Supperclub for a delicious meal and conversation. Ed Thomas received a Motorcycle coloring book and fat crayons for being the "most senior" and Mike Thompson got the Road Kill Cookbook for riding the farthest to get here(NOT trailering, riding). Then it was off to our respective bunks and a rest before the ride in the morning. About half the bikes were at two resorts up the Shore, and the rest rode into town to Pat & Lewy's place.

On Saturday morning about 8:45 the two groups met at a convenience store at the very North end of I35 for fuel and to split into two groups for the first 10 miles-some were going over the "High Bridge" while some went over the Bong Bridge(Pat won't ride over the High Bridge). We regrouped at a Wayside rest just outside of Superior, Wisconsin and made a group of 15 bikes 22 bodies. From there we headed north-east towards Bayfield, which is about 75 miles. We stopped at a Wayside again about half-way there, to take a rest and get a look at "da Lake" from the South shore,

you wish", and Pat and I and Ray from WI had a nice lunch and chat, along with Pat's son Jeremy who once again was our chase vehicle driver(and once again NOT needed). Then it was suit up(rain gear) and head back towards the Resort for BBQ, a campfire, and conversing. It rained on the way back-we knew it would-but we had no problems with any of the bikes. Again splitting up into two groups for the two bridges, and then we were back to the Resort-about 220 miles round trip, resort to resort. Once again Pat and Luann out did themselves in the eats department (Gooood BBQ was heard a LOT), and then we sat around the fire talking and getting to know each other. I am sure we all made some life-long friends and everybody enjoyed the time together. Then, after dark, six bikes headed into town(we lost one in Bayfield and one in Washburn-they headed home)for another night.

On Sunday morning it was breakfast at Pat & Lewy's once again, and Pat sure put out a spread! A couple more of the bikes with their owners showed up, but three of them headed home, so we had a total of 18 for breakfast- including Pat's Mom and her "friend" who do not ride, although Bill from Arkansas took "Mom" for a ride on his bike, much to her enjoyment. Again a couplel bikes headed for home-Ken & Eva to put on an

additional 1300 miles-and then the last five bikes took a cruise on the Skyline Parkway, on the hills above Duluth,where we lost two more bikes heading South. The last three of us took a longer ride and did some sightseeing around the town, and then it was time for the last two other bikes to head for points elsewhere, and us to sit and wonder at the nice turnout, the nice bikes, and to start thinking about next year. We, Pat and I, Luann and Jon, want to thank all of you for coming. You make all the thought and effort worthwhile. We are looking forward to seeing all again next year, and hoping that more can make it. Ya'' all take care, and keep the rubber on the road.