INDIANA WEEKENDER
Written by Ron Schmitt, IL Chapter “G”
Editor’s Note: I apologize for the delay in printing this article. The envelope that this article was mailed in was postmarked September 27, 2004, but it just arrived January 6th.
This year’s Indiana Weekend was a great time, as usual. The weather was nice the entire time, going and coming back. 14 Illinois “G” members went to Madison. We left Chicago at 6 A.M. to beat rush hour traffic. Just over the Indiana border, we stopped for a leisurely breakfast at a Cracker Barrel. Near Indianapolis, we waited at a truck stop for Ray and Carol Lloyd. They are extended “G” members who moved to central Illinois a couple of years ago. So, they rode due east and met us there. It was great to see and ride with them again. Since we left so early, we had plenty of time to keep things at a no rush pace. The only malfunction on the whole trip was that George Graham’s speedometer went out, but he judged his speed pretty well by watching his tach reading. Russ and Wanda were visiting in Ohio the week before, and met us at the motel. The motel was simple, but very good, just like last time. The staff was friendly and accommodating and we felt welcome there. It was fun to see old friends again. I think people were there from seven or eight states.
Greg led us on an interesting scenic ride on Saturday with stops for lunch at Dairy Queen and a Russell Stover candy distribution center. Bob Priester did a fine job as his voice on the CB. Thank you Greg and Bob! The Saturday buffet dinner at the Pines Restaurant was fabulous. The price was very reasonable and the food selection was extensive. Everyone sure had enough to eat. It was nice to see the Rafferty’s again after a long time. Adron cleaned up pretty good on the 50/50 money. In fact, he did so good I think I heard him say he’d like to have Indiana weekenders 3 or 4 times a year from now on!! I‘m glad he won some money. It’s too bad he had to sell his bike and give up his State Director’s job. He did great for many years that I know of. Thanks Adron, for the good times we’ve had in past years.
There was only one down side to the trip for me. Our Supreme Commander, Dee, couldn’t be there. I wanted to thank her in person for agreeing to be our Pres. for another 3 years. I know she would have been there if possible.
Well, the season is coming to an end for most riders shortly. The Indiana Weekender was a great long ride to end with.
Hope to see ya’ll soon,
Ron Schmitt, IL “G”