2026 Heartland Rally 8/29-9/5, 2026 Official Thread

[rdprdp01]

Enroute to Wisconsin. I am looking forward to meeting everyone at dinner tonight. David

[The A-man]

As I plan for today's fun ride, I'll post an addendum to Ferret's recap of yesterday's ride.

After a relaxing stop at the Pike's Peak overlook (and with consultation and advice from MTC), I decided to "go rouge" and opt for a longer route back to the hotel. Myself and fellow adventurers Mtneers, Inhouse Bob, and Jeff from WV headed south thru the Iowa countryside along the west side of the Mississippi on a Scenic Highway (52) with a goal of experiencing the Cassville Ferry to get back across the Mississippi. We rode thru some picturesque small towns like Guttenberg and saw Dam & Locks #10 before turning into the entrance to the ferry. The ferry road was actually about 3 miles of hard packed sand/dirt which we all successfully navigated, albeit very slowly. We arrived at the ferry location just as the operator was closing the gates. He graciously held up, opened the gates for us, and welcomed us to join the other 3 or 4 cars plus one ATV on the barge-like structure. After paying a modest $10 per bike, we were off to enjoy a scenic ride across the river and a mile or so downstream to disembark at the quaint town of Cassville, WI. Then we were off on a very scenic, very smooth highway 81, enjoying rolling hills, sweeping curves and beautiful corn and dairy farms. Our next destination was the town of Mineral Point, where locals had encouraged us to have lunch and try a local delicacy called a "pasty". Note: it's pronounced with a short "a", and not a long "A", like you would pronounce "pastry". A pasty is basically a baked meat pie surrounded by flaky dough and filled with chopped meat, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions. It is said to have been a staple fed to local miners who would enjoy it during a working lunch.

After a filling lunch, we made the leisurely ride back to Spring Green (and to the hotel pool), for a total of about 189 miles.

Great rides, great day, and lovely countryside, both out and back, with a few memorable experiences thrown it as well!

[OldVicRider]

Thanks for keeping us poor left out souls up to date! Enjoying the updates.

[rdprdp01]

While waiting in Nashville, I checked out the group thread Emptysea set up. I was delighted to see an incredibly well attended rally. A gorgeous landscape provides an appropriate backdrop. When I stumbled across a video taken this morning, I saw the motorcycle equivalent of a herd of unicorns grazing peacefully.

I have never seen more than one CB1100 parked at the same place!

See you soon. David

[the Ferret]

Another great day of riding these wonderful Wi roads although there was some rain riding today. Some of us replicated the Slimy Crud Run made famous by Cycle motorcycle writer and author of the Leanings series of books Peter Egan

125 miles for me today

Then we had our Rally Dinner at a great Steak House and in the middle of eating, in walked our fearless leader David, who thankfully stepped in to rescue the forum. What an honor.

Some headed home this morning some are headed home tomorrow morning, but there is still one more day of riding for some of us.

[pdedse]

Looking forward to some photos!

[Cormanus]

Me too!

[Mtneers]

Ok we are piling in... MTC and the Mrs, RickCB and Sneaky Fast, the A-Man, Inhouse Bob, Duh, Mountaineers, Offroad, and myself so far. Getting ready to head out to dinner.

Tomorrow we ride.

Well wishes for lots of fun riding and great camaraderie amongst the group!

As I plan for today's fun ride, I'll post an addendum to Ferret's recap of yesterday's ride.

After a relaxing stop at the Pike's Peak overlook (and with consultation and advice from MTC), I decided to "go rouge" and opt for a longer route back to the hotel.  Myself and fellow adventurers Mtneers, Inhouse Bob, and Jeff from WV headed south thru the Iowa countryside along the west side of the Mississippi on a Scenic Highway (52) with a goal of experiencing the Cassville Ferry to get back across the Mississippi.  We rode thru some picturesque small towns like Guttenberg and saw Dam & Locks #10 before turning into the entrance to the ferry.  The ferry road was actually about 3 miles of hard packed sand/dirt which we all successfully navigated, albeit very slowly.  We arrived at the ferry location just as the operator was closing the gates.  He graciously held up, opened the gates for us, and welcomed us to join the other 3 or 4 cars plus one ATV on the barge-like structure.  After paying a modest $10 per bike, we were off to enjoy a scenic ride across the river and a mile or so downstream to disembark at the quaint town of Cassville, WI.  Then we were off on a very scenic, very smooth highway 81, enjoying rolling hills, sweeping curves and beautiful corn and dairy farms.  Our next destination was the town of Mineral Point, where locals had encouraged us to have lunch and try a local delicacy called a "pasty".  Note: it's pronounced with a short "a", and not a long "A", like you would pronounce "pastry".  A pasty is basically a baked meat pie surrounded by flaky dough and filled with chopped meat, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions.  It is said to have been a staple fed to local miners who would enjoy it during a working lunch. 

After a filling lunch, we made the leisurely ride back to Spring Green (and to the hotel pool),  for a total of about 189 miles. 

Great rides, great day, and lovely countryside, both out and back, with a few memorable experiences thrown it as well!

[MagnaRider]

My Nana (Originally from England) makes Cornish Pastys a few times a year, I've known the story of how miners ate them as they were a very portable food. If you have never had one, definitely recommend they are delicious. I like mine with a typical beef gravy on top. Very hearty meal

[Gone in 60]

Mrs. G and I had pasties on a vacation a few years ago in the town where you catch the boats to Mackinac (Mackinaw?) Island.
Not too bad. During a family vacation as a kid, we ate 'em in a mining town somewhere that touoted them as "pocket food for miners".

Good to see you guys having a nice time!