Fathers Day helmet-cam

Fathers Day started out rainy here in Northern Illinois, as in heavy drenching rainy, but by 11:30, the skies cleared and we were on way for the afternoon.
We’ve had very timely rains lately so everything is very green and lush.

This old barn is one of my favorite spots on our rides.  Some time we’re going to have to find a way to drive back to it and take a picture with the bike in front of it.

Not all of Illinois is flat.  The northwest corner is hilly and beautiful.

Do you ever wonder who decides what color a bridge will be painted?  There must have been aqua paint on sale is all I can say.

We always seem to end up on a gravel road.  We’ll be riding along on a beautiful blacktop and crest a hill or round a curve and “blip” it turns to gravel. 
If you’re ever driving on gravel and meet idiots who shouldn’t be there motorcycles, please slow down.  Not only will you dust them but good, the stones that get thrown will not only chip the paint on the bikes but could injure the motorcyclists as well.  This particular truck was very considerate and pulled off onto the shoulder a bit and drove slowly past us.

One of my favorite roads in the area is Airport Road near Stockton, Illinois but once again, it’s gravel.   Once the bikes dirty, I guess it really doesn’t matter after that, does it?
The road runs between and under a canopy of trees for almost a mile.  Cool, lush and beautiful!

And to throw in a bit of randomness.  There is a reason to pay the kid at Home Depot $$ to put things together for you.  Ahem, 5 hours later and I was finally done with it but we can’t wait to try it out. 
(whew, ignore the helmet hair in the window reflection :( )

It’s a charcoal grill and a gas grill all in one.  I love the convenience of a gas grill but it just doesn’t substitute for that charcoal taste.  So it’s gas for weeknights when we need supper quickly and charcoal when we have more time on the weekends. It’s also has a firebox for a smoker.  DH has always wanted a smoker and now we get to give one a try.  If you have a great smoker recipe or any tips, I would love to hear about them.
Have a great week everyone!