Our 2nd Annual Ride to STOP Alzheimer's was a great success.  Everyone met for registration and breakfast at Key Powersports in Owatonna.  Last year was cloudy and cold, and this year was muggy and HOT!  Maybe next year we will have "just right" weather.
We left Key Powersports at 9:00 am, and rode to our first stop in West Concord.  We all chilled for a few minutes, and then continued on the Zumbro Falls.  We stopped at Scooter's for beverages and socializing.  Scooter himself greeted us and made us feel welcome.  He also gave a generous cash donation to our cause. 
We then continued on to Wabasha, and enjoyed beautiful scenery including eagles over the bluffs.  We  had lunch at Slippery's in Wabasha.  We enjoyed brats and burgers on the patio overlooking the Mississippi.
After lunch we made our way across the river and north to Diamond Bluff where we stopped at the Nauti Hawg.  It was really hot by then, so we all appreciated a little time in the AC.  The view of the river was great...but we were all a little jealous of everyone on their jet skis and speed boats.  
Then it was time for the ride home.  We crossed back over the river at Red Wing, and continued on to Dennison.  We stopped at the Fireside Lounge for much needed beverages and more AC.  The owner of the Fireside Lounge was there to greet us and make us feel welcome.  He also gave a generous cash donation to our cause. 
 We all roasted on the last leg of the ride.  I know everyone was looking forward to getting back to Owatonna and chilling out at Just One More.  We all had a couple cold beverages just to get back to "normal".  We also enjoyed pulled pork sandwhiches, baked beans, and chips.  There were drawings - and I think just about everyone won something.  Prizes included gift certificates, liquor, sports equipment, t-shirts, and more.  There was a raffle for $300 cash.  The winners donated the money back to Alzheimer's, which was a very generous jesture. 
After a long, hot day on the road, and a fun time at Just One More, it was time to say good-bye.  It was fun to spend time with a lot of the same people who went on the ride last year, and some new ones.  We had plenty of laughs, and time to share. 
We are already planning next year's ride.  We look forward to seeing all the old faces, and lots of new faces.
We want to say a special thank-you to Jeff, our fearless road captain.  Jeff always takes the time to check out all the roads we will be on, making sure they are open and suitable for the ride.  He is great at find scenic roads away from the major highways.  Jeff has been our road captain for 2 years now, and we hope he will continue in the job.
Thanks to Cyndy, Dave, and Gary for all the promotional work, prizes gathered for the drawings, and for preparing all the food.
Also special thanks to all the riders!  You make this a great ride.  See you all next summer!