Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 66
Joined: May 2013
(12-15-2025, 09:28 PM)The A-man Wrote: Bar? Did someone say bar?? Well, that seals the deal, I'll be there!
I know there are more than a few teetotallers that follow this forum and will be attending the rally. The following comment will be of little interest to them.
I've been lucky enough to travel around the country by motorcycle, though not to the extent of many here. I was also fortunate enough to tour through the Scottish Highlands. Every place we stayed in Scotland, and a memorable few places in the U.S., had a bar/pub/tavern attached to them. One particular place, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin as it happens, was a working brewery with a bar and restaurant on the ground floor and sleeping rooms upstairs. Cormanus has written about such idyllic stops on his travels in Australia, and I thought of him upon our arrival the Mineral Point brewpub.
Overnight guests checked in at the bar, which we did before offloading our gear from the bikes. I asked the young man checking us in if he was our bartender for the evening and Jacob affirmed that he was. I asked him if it was possible to have a Plymouth martini, up, with blue cheese-stuffed olives waiting on the bar when I was finished stowing my gear and getting settled into the room. Jacob replied, "Of course, sir, and just how much vermouth would you like me to mix in?". I answered my usual 5:1 ratio. My wife and at least one of my friends found this to be boorish on my part; not the ratio, but asking for a drink and then walking out of the bar, but I figured he's going to make me a cocktail sooner or later and I liked the idea of having the drink waiting for my return. I loved the idea after I did return. It had been a warm ride to Mineral Point and walking downstairs after a quick change of attire to a frosty cold glass of gin and vermouth seemed an appropriately decadent way to unwind. We stayed their for three nights and Jacob had my martini waiting for me at the bar after each day's ride.
Ever since we stayed in the Mineral Point brewery (side note, the place closed down several years ago and I don't recall the name then. It is telling that I cannot remember the name of the place, but I can remember the bartender's name), I have sought out motorcycle lodging that has an attached or adjacent place in which I can enjoy a post-ride cocktail. Rob House, the guy who planned and guided our Scotland trip, must have had a similar experience to mine early in his touring days because our riding days always ended with an adult beverage of one sort or another.
So, learning that the Round Barn Lodge might be able to provide me (us) with this joyous punctuation to a day spent riding the hills, valleys, and curves of the Driftless Area has me even more excited for the end of August, 2026. Oh, and that we might be able to have breakfast before riding doesn't suck too bad either. 
Posts: 102
Threads: 14
Likes Received: 20 in 6 posts
Likes Given: 9
Joined: Oct 2017
01-02-2026, 10:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-02-2026, 03:11 PM by Cormanus.)
Oh my gosh! I've been MIA from this forum for way too long. Matt, you are too kind. Thank you so much for going the extra mile to get approval for Hank and me at the Round Barn Lodge! I couldn't believe my eyes when I read this thread. I hope you all know I never expect or even hope for special considerations when selecting rally lodging. I'm always confident I can find pet-friendly options, but with that said, I certainly plan to attend. I'd been thinking about the possibility of this rally being in Wisconsin, and I'm considering riding all the way ... maybe even ferrying across Lake Michigan. In any case, I look forward to this rally and will make the effort to be more present. Happy New Year, everyone!
https://roundbarnlodge.com/
Quote:From Pam at Round Barn in response to my request:
"We can accommodate Hank and his owner  Let him know that when he calls in his reservation that he lets us know it is him that has Hank ( or if you could give me his name, so I can put it with my paper work) That way I can get everybody here on the same page that I have accepted this, so that there is no problems."
So now, Mark and Hank pretty much HAVE to come. It would be rude not to. 
She also let me know that there is a strong possibility that there will be a restaurant and bar located on their property by next summer. If that happens, it will give us some flexibility on dining options and likely will give those who partake in such things an opportunity to try a Wisconsin brandy old fashioned.
Cheryl and I plan to stay at Round Barn this fall to check out the facilities firsthand, but the recent Trip Advisor reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Any minor complaints I saw were from over 3 years ago. I think this place will serve us very well.
Posts: 91
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 156 in 50 posts
Likes Given: 114
Joined: May 2025
I just made my reservation, so count me in!
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 66
Joined: May 2013
(01-08-2026, 02:03 PM)Lunchbag Wrote: I just made my reservation, so count me in!
Hell, I haven't even made my reservation yet! Thank you!!
Posts: 91
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 156 in 50 posts
Likes Given: 114
Joined: May 2025
(01-08-2026, 03:35 PM)emptysea Wrote: Hell, I haven't even made my reservation yet! Thank you!!
Before I called them I went on the website and searched for availability Aug 30 - Sep 5, and it said there was nothing available. But when I called they gave me one the rooms blocked off for us. I wonder if they are really booked except for our block.
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 66
Joined: May 2013
(01-09-2026, 09:11 AM)Lunchbag Wrote: (01-08-2026, 03:35 PM)emptysea Wrote: Hell, I haven't even made my reservation yet! Thank you!!
Before I called them I went on the website and searched for availability Aug 30 - Sep 5, and it said there was nothing available. But when I called they gave me one the rooms blocked off for us. I wonder if they are really booked except for our block.
I'm not sure myself. It would be a little surprising for them to be totally booked, but who knows. I'll ask next time I talk to Pam, just out of curiosity. We have a block of 20 rooms, and they have something like 45 total rooms.
I'm going to book my room sometime in the next week or so. I know it's still 8 months away, but it would be helpful if we all started to book our accommodations sooner than later.
The information is posted in this thread someplace, but for your convenience:
Call to book - 608-588-2568 I've been working with Pam Stole, but anyone who answers should be able to book you.
Group Name - Driftless Area (they picked it and it seemed dopey for me to have them change it)
Rates: Rooms with a single king bed are $100.80 +tax Rooms with 2 queen beds are $118.00+tax
Amenities
All rooms have: mini fridge, microwave, 1 cup coffee maker, hair dryer (Ferret only really needs one of these)
Some rooms have a small patio.
Most rooms have USB chargers and there is internet. (I've not had issues with cell service in Spring Green or really anywhere in the Driftless)
Heated indoor pool
Several outdoor gathering areas
Banquet room
Posts: 1,209
Threads: 71
Likes Received: 88 in 25 posts
Likes Given: 14
Joined: Apr 2025
I was honestly thinking about coming over for the 2026 Heartland Rally - I really wanted to. But given how things are right now, I've decided it's better for me to stay in Europe for the time being. I really wish you all a great ride and hope we'll meet on the road again someday. Of course, I'll definitely stay in touch with you all here on the forum.
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 66
Joined: May 2013
(01-24-2026, 12:40 PM)Django Wrote: I was honestly thinking about coming over for the 2026 Heartland Rally - I really wanted to. But given how things are right now, I've decided it's better for me to stay in Europe for the time being. I really wish you all a great ride and hope we'll meet on the road again someday. Of course, I'll definitely stay in touch with you all here on the forum.
That's too bad. Not sure what "how things are right now" means, but I suspect it's not a topic to be discussed in this forum. I will say, though, to any folks considering coming to the rally from outside the US, it is far safer to travel here than it is to many other parts of the world and especially if you are traveling to rural Wisconsin.
Posts: 253
Threads: 14
Likes Received: 171 in 76 posts
Likes Given: 188
Joined: Apr 2025
As a rural Wisconsinite myself. 99% of us are normal people who just want to mind their own business and help out a neighbor in need. I can say politics do not define us and its not something anyone shoves down another's throat or vice versa. You always do have a crazy person, but that is anywhere in life... City or country, US or Europe etc
'84 Honda Magna VF700
'06 Yamaha VStar Classic 1100
'14 Honda CB1100 Std
Posts: 5,024
Threads: 136
Likes Received: 135 in 57 posts
Likes Given: 66
Joined: May 2013
Update on routes.
While I am very familiar with riding in the Driftless Area, I did reach out to Dale Hoke who owns/operates https://www.driftlessroadsusa.com/ . I've met Dale once or twice and have downloaded maps from him in the past (several years ago). I asked him to help me with route planning, including meal stops (Amos) and points of interest. He responded to my email within 15 minutes with a list of 10 or so of his immediate thoughts.
I'm probably going to use his routes for between 2 and 4 of the riding days. This might involve some downloading of routes from his site for those of you who want a digital route map to follow along. I'll let you all know about that as the time draws nigh. For now, though, you might want to nose around his site and look at some of the routes he has plotted. Feel free to explore any of the little yellow diamonds, but our riding will almost all be in the southwest corner of Wisconsin, so look for routes west of the Taliesin Route which is the route closest to our hotel.
Don't forget to register for your room.
Call to book - 608-588-2568 I've been working with Pam Stole, but anyone who answers should be able to book you.
|
