Fall weather has not been friendly to motorcyclists in Northern Illinois. Early October was littered with cold and rain. I had to grab the first opportunity to ride last Sunday. I prepared by layering my clothing, putting on a balaclava, neck fleece and insulated jacket. Before each ride I check tire pressure, wipe the bike down, check fluids and do a visual inspection.
After a short warm up, I started for my destination some thirty miles away. Sun shown brightly on a brisk 44 degree morning. I was undertaking a thirty mile trip to Woodstock Illinois and All Seasons Farm to visit Friends who operate it.
The ride along Illinois 62 was smooth, I passed through Barrington Hills, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley. In Huntley I switched to route 47 and headed north to 176. On 47 I only saw three motorcyclists passing in the opposite direction. This is unusual because 47 is a direct route to Lake Geneva Wisconsin. When I reached 176 I headed west to the farm. After about three miles, I arrived. Business was good, many families were preparing to enter the orchards and pick apples. Rides for children were busy. Pony rides looked like a favorite destination for many. The apple cannon experience was fun too. You load apples into PVC tubes connected to air-pressure and when the all clear is sounded, you fire at a target about 200 feet away. Great fun!
Patrons at All Seasons Farm board wagons that take them for a short ride to the orchards. They disembark and pick apples for a nominal charge. Later they return to the main building for available refreshments. A shop sells homemade deserts, hamburgers, hot dogs, donuts and a selection of healthy sandwiches. Jellies, jams, peanut brittle, and crafts are available for purchase. This is a nice one day trip for a family.
