The event started as all good rides do with a bite to eat. The rally posted at 9 am at the Silver Dollar restaurant at Hwy 71 and Hwy 47 just south of Yorkville Illinois. It was a beautiful day. Those in attendance were Bob and Carol Switzer, Rene Fardoux, Tom French, Mark Bidlake and his son John and Lee Miller and myself Bill Milam as host of the event. After a good breakfast and conversation, we started out on what was turning out to be a very warm day. Beautiful but hot. We rode Bill's famous river route to take 2 hours and 15 minutes to go 86 miles but is still some of the best riding in this area of the country.

Orange Boat at Depue Boat Race in Paddock Area

We arrived at DuPue Lake about 12:15 and there were lots of people and concession stands , however they were not racing the boats because of the wind causing white caps on the water. If you look at the pictures of a couple of the boats provided by Lee Miller, you can see why. This was a national event with big name sponsors and it happens the last week of July every year at PuDue Lake. Perhaps next year we can try it again and actually get to see them race. The race is Friday - Sunday.
 
Bill Milam