Elk? Deer? and a 2011 Harley

Mike and I continued our journey north along the Mississippi on day 40.

We rode on the east bank of the river and as with the day before, there were many chances to turn off the main River Road to explore some of the quieter back roads. We took a few of these and a few resulted in riding on gravel roads – not our favourite surface!

On one of the back roads we took we had a surprise. We saw either Elk or Deer in pens trying to keep cool. I am not sure what these are, so if one of my readers knows, I would be grateful if you were able to enlighten me. They certainly looked as if they were enjoying the wqter in the mud-hole....

I didn’t mention it before, but the bike Mike was riding was rather special. Harley-Davidson announced their 2011 range of bike models last Tuesday and when I met up with Mike just 3 days after that, he was riding one of those brand new 2011 models – a Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Road Glide CVO. It was a very good looking bike and I loved the fact that the saddlebag locks, tour-pack box lock and fork locks were all operated remotely with the key fob. It was just like locking a car, with the normal clunk as the locks shut. Very cool indeed! Here is Mike on the bike....

We rode up one of the bluffs (UK =cliffs) to get a good view of the Mississippi. There was an Indian motorcycle in the car park – one of the modern variety with and S&S engine....

As we walked along the path to the overlook, we saw this couple playing musical instruments. The music was very good and medieval in type. They did tell us that the woman had made the instruments, but regrettably, I cannot remember what they were called....

The view of the river was stunning....

Another of the dams and locks on the river....,

After stopping for something to drink, we saw this very nice old car, but as with a few items in this post, I do not know what it is!....

As we neared Minneapolis St Paul, Mike and I parted company and he headed south in order to at least start his long journey back to Galesburg, Illinois. It was good to see Mike again after a couple of years and it was a pleasure riding with him for a few days. Next time, I will have to make sure I get to see his Harley dealership! Thanks for the ride Mike – I enjoyed it.

This was the view of Minneapolis St Paul, where I was to meet up with fellow blogger Chris Luhman. More on that in my next post!....

Here is a short video of some of the ride that Mike and I had....