Yesterday, Fathers Day, was a beautiful day for a ride and some of us took advantage of the wonderful weather for a chance to get out and put some miles on the bikes while seeing some really neat sights.
I had an idea that I'd like to go see a number of the patriotic rocks that Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II has painted. You all probably know about the famous big rock out by Greenfield that he strips down and repaints every year for Memorial Day. You many not, however, be aware that he is working on a rock in all 99 counties. All the smaller rocks are just as impressive as the original. He really has a talent for coming up with a theme and then taking an inhospitable surface for painting and transforming it into a special tribute.
Along with Donna and I, we were joined by 5 other bikes and nine other people. Ray and Judy Busch, Don and Kathy Thomason, Scott and Beve Johnson, Carl Purscell and Donna White, and Donna's cousins boyfriend Rick. Funny story is that Donna has not even met this cousin in person but has now met her boyfriend first. I had hoped for more people but understand that it is a busy day for many. This turned out to be a good sized group.
We met at Bomgaars (the old shoppers) parking lot and left just after 10am. A 20 minute or so ride put us in Bondurant to see the most recently dedicated rock he has painted. We spent some time there and then hopped on and headed for stop #2 after a quick stop at Casey's for a comfort stop and to get topped off with hydration.
Second stop was the original rock near Greenfield. It took a little longer than I had planned to get there. It took a couple of hours but it was a nice ride. Came from Bondurant through Ankeny then over the Saylorville Dam. Went along the top side of Camp Dodge towards Jester Park. We took a turn toward the Equestrian Center and along this stretch of road we encountered a very polite deer. She was standing in the ditch watching us go by and didn't bat an eye when I hit the air horns. She sat there and watched while we all went by, never moving or doing anything stupid to put anyone in danger. Scott and Beve reported that after we all got by, she waited a few seconds, then looked both ways to check for traffic and then sauntered leisurely across the road. Maybe they are evolving and becoming smarter where traffic is concerned. We can only hope. Came down Hwy 17 and through Granger. From Granger on F31 to Minburn. Through Minburn until F31 T's out and then we turned south toward Hwy 44. Hwy 44 into Panora where we took a little break at Casey's again. Back on the road south toward Stuart. A nice scenic road for a ride. From Stuart, west on White Pole Road to Hwy 25 and south to the rock.
It was after 1 when we got here and some people were hungry so we didn't spend a whole lot of time here. Once again, Bubba has done a great job on this big rock. We got some pictures and headed into Greenfield to the Nodaway Valley Cafe before they closed at two for some lunch. Very good place to grab some food if you are in the area. Neat, quaint little place. Very friendly people and the food is good. Decently priced as well. After lunch, we got some pictures of the rock outside of Bubba's studio just across the street and prepared to head for stop #3. This stop was in Diagonal, which is south of Creston but those of you that know me know I don't usually go the most direct route. From the restaurant, Don and Kathy had to leave us as they had things to do. The rest of us headed west to Fontanelle and then south and west on a series of back roads that took us to Corning. A stop at Casey's in Corning to stretch and some of us fueled. Back on the road to Hwy 34. East to Why 25 and south again. East on J23 took us into Diagonal and our next site. Again he did a magnificent job of taking a barren piece of rock and turning it into a tribute.
Back on the bikes we headed up through Creston and east to Lorimor. Then north into Winterset. A butt break and fuel stop at Kum and Go was our next stop. From here, Rick had to leave us. We wished him well and sent him on his way. We took off not far behind and headed up Hwy 169 with the next destination being Waukee. When we got to the interstate, Carl and Donna broke off and we were now down to 3 bikes and 6 people. Made our way to Adel and then east to Waukee. This destination actually has two rocks. Once again, a very nice tribute.
From here, the 6 of us headed to Woodward and the Whistlin Donkey where they were having a steak dinner special for Father's Day. They were out of the New York Strip but gave us a nice Ribeye in place of it for the same price. Whistlin Donkey is a nice place to grab a bite if you happen to be in the area. Nice decor, good food. A little noisy but still a fun place. For those of you that know the cook that used to be down the street at Lou's Diner, he is cooking here now.
After dinner, we bid Ray and Judy farewell. Scott and Beve, Donna and I headed back for Des Moines. Donna and I got home almost 13 hours after we had left. Kassie was glad to see us along with the cats.
It was truly a most enjoyable day. A great day of riding spent with good friends seeing some wonderful things that Iowa has to offer. My sincere thank you to all those that were able to come out. This is what makes it worth planning stuff like this for. For those that could not make it, maybe you can make it the next time. I'm working on ideas for seeing the two up north that were a little out of range for this ride. Will incorporate it with other things to do in the area. Who knows, by then, he may have other rocks done to check out as well.
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