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

[rdprdp01]

I had a wonderful time at the rally. Our Forum Members are even better in person than online. Everyone was incredibly kind, gracious, funny, and engaging. They are also pretty, too, as you can see.

I believe I received everyone’s permission to post this group photo. If anyone has any concerns, let me know so I can take appropriate action.

Before I left for the airport, I took pictures of all the motorcycles on site, the morning debrief, and ride start. More pictures later today and tomorrow.

Do your best to find your way to Wisconsin. It is a motorcyclist’s paradise, minus that winter business.

I also need to pay proper respect to Emptysea whose planning and execution was masterful.

The flight attendent is about to bounce me from the plane if I do not hit save now. David

[the Ferret]

David we are so honored that you came. It showed your dedication to the forum although that was never in question. It was a pleasure meeting you.

Todays last day of riding was a mixed bag. Shortly after take off it started sprinkling, shortly after that it started raining in earnest. We ducked into a grocery store to wait it out before continuing on to Wildcat Mt State Park and its tail of the dragon like curves. The rain quit and we pulled into Ontario Wi to a bright hot sun to help up dry out. A short break then it was back on the road, and shortly after that it started raining again.wet once more we continued toward the barn. It eventually quit raining for the last leg and we were able to somewhat dry out again. Sun was out and hot by the time we pulled back into our base.

About 160 miles for the day.

As I type this the trailered bikes are mostly loaded for the trip home, and we are pondering our last dinner together before we go our separate ways in the morning.

Been another Great rally.

Thanks Sea!

[rdprdp01]

Albeit brief, it was a fantastic moment for me. I assure you that I benefited far more from interacting with all of you than you did from interacting with me.

It meant a lot to shake hands with everyone, laugh with the crew, meet some spouses, and express my admiration and respect in person. I look forward to meeting other Forum members as we move the rally around the country. I have already started scheming about how we can get Cormanus to join us at the next rally. David

[rdprdp01]

Emptysea is going to file the Official Rally Report after he takes a small break. He has a great collection of pictures he plans to share.


For now, let me share some pictures I took this morning. I was having such a good time with everyone that I was not as disciplined and focused as usual. I hope the pictures convey the warmth, tone, and happiness of the event.

Great Logo



Great Lodge





Great Motorcycles





























Great People













Great Planning





Great Ride Albeit Wet and Windy







Travel safely. David

[pdedse]

Albeit brief, it was a fantastic moment for me. I assure you that I benefited far more from interacting with all of you than you did from interacting with me. 

It meant a lot to shake hands with everyone, laugh with the crew, meet some spouses, and express my admiration and respect in person. I look forward to meeting other Forum members as we move the rally around the country. I have already started scheming about how we can get Cormanus to join us at the next rally. David

Did you just fly in for a visit and then quick exit?  For some reason I thought you were riding there from TX.

---

Finally! PHOTOS!! Very fun to see the faces, I wish I knew the names that go with them. Very cool to see all the CB1100s.

[rdprdp01]

Albeit brief, it was a fantastic moment for me. I assure you that I benefited far more from interacting with all of you than you did from interacting with me. 

It meant a lot to shake hands with everyone, laugh with the crew, meet some spouses, and express my admiration and respect in person. I look forward to meeting other Forum members as we move the rally around the country. I have already started scheming about how we can get Cormanus to join us at the next rally. David

Did you just fly in for a visit and then quick exit?  For some reason I thought you were riding there from TX.

I flew in for a day. I tried to attend the dinner last night, but the storm in the Gulf delayed my flight by 4 hours. I arrived as folks were finishing dessert. I had a wonderful time yesterday evening at the Lodge, listening to the stories and meeting everyone. This morning, I was able to see the ride take shape and 10+ motorcycles leave the Lodge. I assure you I would have preferred to be on a CB1100 rather than sitting on a Southwest Jet. I hope next time to be able to participate more.

[the Ferret]

Some random pics from the event

Glorious CB Deluxe's



Empty Sea and the Round Barn Lodge



we were pleased with the attendance, even by forum members who no longer own CBs

[The Reverend]

Thanks to Matt and everyone for welcoming a non member. Was a great week!

[the Ferret]

Notice ..... there was only ONE 13 std (Empty Sea) ONE 14 std (Mark & Hank) and ZERO 2017 CB 1100s and I think it was FIVE 2014 Deluxes (DAC, Lunchbag, Mtneers, A-Man and Ferret).

[emptysea]

And the 2013 is an ABS version. Pretty rare. Btw ABS doesn’t help on a turn on a slush-covered road. Ask me how I know.