Great Lakes Rally Round Trip Ride -Plus

Event date: 
Tue, 06/09/2026 - 7:30am to Mon, 06/15/2026 - 5:30pm

If you'e looking for some great riding in a neighboring state, then Wisconsin could be what you're looking for.

This ride will take the far southern route around the greater Chicago are and avoid the craziness of I-94 in through that area. Instead it will venture far enough south to make our way along some backroads to Wilmingtomn, IL and grab a picture at the Gemini Giant Statue to capture a 15 for 26 destination challenge.  We'll head further north into Wisconsin and stop for the night just north of Madison.  We will be riding some interstate highway through Michigan to make some time before hititng the back roads.

Day 2 of this trip will have us taking on Wisconsins Dragon for another 15 for 26 destination in Gays MIlls, Wi.  This is not a short ride at 220+ miles, but it will be fantastic!  From the HOG Handbook see the descritption of this ride in bold below.

Sometimes the best motorcycle rides are hidden gems, known only to those locals privy to the secret. “Wisconsin’s Dragon” is one such ride. A Google search for it turns up nary a mention. But thanks to a recommendation from Ron Paulick, Jr. and his wife Trish, H.O.G. members from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the route is no longer a mystery. Named after the popular Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains, this fi gure-8 loop through south-central Wisconsin has lots of twists, turns, and scenic overlooks. Says Ron, “Most of the route is two lanes; at the top of the hill at the Gays Mills Apple Orchards there is an overlook with great views and a historical marker.

Once this ride is completed we are smack in the middle of Wisconsin, rigth near I-94 and ready to head for Chippewa Falls!  It's under 2.5 hours to Chippewa Falls where we stay to enjoy the 2026 Great Lakes HOG Rally. Click here for day the day 2 route.  After several days of incredibly good times with fellow riders enjoying the awesome terrain of the Driftless Region we'll have ot say good-bye and head for home Sunday morning.

Our route home is through the northern part of WI and may include a stop at the 45N parallel & 90W longitude intersection. You can also stop and sign their log book and receive a free challenge coin!  The day is over when we hit Escanba, MI and stop for the night.

Monday morning we set out for the Mighty Mac and cross over into the lower pennisula for remaining ride south.  Stay tuned for more details to come!

 

Closed Event: Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. Chapter members. Closed Events are those events open to Chapter members and one guest per member.  All guests must sign an event release. Be aware, all rides and events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.

Impairment Policy: The consumption and use of alcohol is a serious personal responsibility involving the safety of family, riding friends and the individual HOG member. Alcohol consumption before or during a motorcycling activity is not safe, responsible behavior. Capitol Area Chapter #4668 does not allow the use of alcohol or drugs before or during a riding event* and does not furnish alcohol at Chapter rides. Riders whose skills are observed or suspected to be impaired by alcohol or drugs before riding cannot join the ride. Riders using alcohol or drugs while riding will be asked to leave the ride. It is the responsibility of each Template Chapter member to support the consistent enforcement of this policy

Photography Policy: Photographing, filming, recording and videotaping of activities and events will be occurring Capitol Area Chapter events. By entering the H.O.G.® event area, you irrevocably grant permission to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company® and its agents to photograph, film, record and/or videotape you and use (and authorize the use of) your name, image, likeness, voice, and/or biographical or other information in any and all media now known or hereinafter developed in perpetuity for any and all purposes.

Event Coordinator: 
Terry "Cheezer" Grost
Director/Road Captain

[email protected]