Let's start by chatting about the bikes involved. I'm going to begin with mine because it's the coolest. Well, in my opinion and I'm writing this so....
I have a 1999 Yamaha Vstar 650. Here's a photo.
Her name is Daisy.
My sister in law rides a 2012 Victory Highball here's a photo of hers.
It's pretty too, but well I'm a little partial to Daisy.
Her boyfriend has a very cool 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide, and although I don't have a photo of it you'll be able to see it in the beginning of the video below.
We started at the house and went down Rochester County 9 toward St Charles, Mn. It's a very nice newer country road. There are many little rolling hills, farmer fields, small patches of forest and plenty of sunshine. It's a joy to ride. Continue on nine till it stops then take a left.
Taking a left puts you on state highway 74 which will meander around some long curves and bring you into Whitewater State Park. Which by the way is one of my personal favorites in the whole country. You'll see various species of trees, birds, bluff country, happy people, and streams. It's worth a special trip just to visit this park. If you go don't forget to see 'Inspiration Point'.
74 curves you around and takes you to the small hamlet of Elba, Mn which as of 2013 had a population of 155 souls. While there we stopped for deep fried cheese curds and root beer at Mauer Brothers Tavern and Grill. Pretty good curds and they have 1919 root beer. You'll love it. They have outside seating with a great view of the bluff, humming birds, and the fire tower.
Turn right on East Center St. which doubles as Winona County Road 26. This black top is so new it looks slippery. You're going to have a blast riding the long twists and turns under old trees which stand like statesmen inviting you to enjoy their shade. Now eventually 26 ends and right there you're going to want to take a left onto highway 248. 248 will bring you by farmland, hills, and by the town of Rollingstone. Keep going till you get to Highway 61 and then a right will bring you roaring into Winona, Mn. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (or MMAM for short) is down on the River Road which will be a straight shot after you take a left on 14. Cross the tracks and keep going it'll be on the left.
We went to see their sailor tattoo exhibition. Which really was pretty cool. If you're in the area it's still going on and will be till December of 2016. While you're there be sure to visit the Monet, the Hudson River School, and the many others. It has some of the best you will see and is amazing to find in Minnesota. One of the reasons to visit our fine state is to visit this museum right on the Mississippi. Here's a link. https://www.mmam.org/
On the ride back we took highway 14 and the beginning part of 14 is fun and very curvy. If you're a beginner you might want to bone up on your curves first or just go slow and easy like me. The latter half of 14 is in need of work and is not smooth at all, but it is still a nice drive.
Check out my video of the adventure here.
Thanks for popping by and I hope you have a terrific day!
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