Traveling the Back Roads

Pat and I just returned from our annual motorcycle trip with friends. This year’s destination was Lanesboro, Minnesota, where we stayed at Eagle Cliff Campground just outside of town.

The trip got off to an interesting start.

Somewhere between packing the camper and leaving home, I had what I can only describe as a senior moment. I forgot to pack the power adapter for the RV. To make matters worse, I also forgot Pat’s favorite camping chair.

I’ll leave that part alone.

The missing chair was disappointing. The missing power adapter was a little more serious.

The campground didn’t have one I could borrow or purchase, so my choices were to drive two hours home or find one nearby.

Thankfully, the internet came to the rescue.

A quick search led me to Camp Site RV in Cresco, Iowa, about 45 minutes from the campground. I called ahead and spoke with Kyle, who immediately understood what I needed. He checked their inventory, found a dog bone adapter that would work with the extension cord I already had, and set it aside for me.

When I arrived, the adapter was waiting on the counter.

The staff greeted me with a smile, completed the sale quickly, and I was back on the road in just a few minutes.

That experience really stood out because it was such a contrast to another dealership closer to home. Not long before this trip, I had ordered parts from a local dealer. Even though the store wasn’t busy, it took nearly fifteen minutes to retrieve my order.

The folks at Camp Site RV had everything ready before I walked through the door.

Good customer service still exists, and when you find it, it’s worth recognizing.

With the camper set up and everyone arriving later that day, the four of us decided to take a ride before the rest of our group got there.

We planned a leisurely 175 mile loop through southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa, leaving ourselves plenty of flexibility to stop whenever something looked interesting.

That’s one of the things I enjoy most about motorcycle travel.

Eventually we found ourselves in Waukon, Iowa, and decided it was time for lunch.

After a quick ride through town, we discovered S & D Café on Main Street.

Walking inside felt like stepping back in time.

The café wasn’t fancy, and that was exactly what made it special. Wooden booths, counter seating, friendly conversations, and an atmosphere that probably hasn’t changed much in decades made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in.

The staff greeted many of their customers by name, and before long they were chatting with us as well.

The menu was simple, the portions were generous, and the prices almost made us look twice.

Pat and I each ordered a full meal along with drinks, and the total came to less than eighteen dollars.

Not long before this trip, we’d paid nearly thirty dollars for two salads and water at a fast-food restaurant back home.

The comparison wasn’t even close.

The food was excellent, the service was outstanding, and the experience reminded us why we enjoy traveling the back roads.

The Interstate gets you where you’re going quickly.

The back roads help you discover places you never knew existed.

You meet hardworking people who genuinely appreciate your business, find restaurants that serve great food at reasonable prices, and experience small towns that still have their own unique character.

Whenever our schedule allows, we’ll continue choosing the slower route.

It may take a little longer to reach the destination, but we’ve found that some of the best memories are made along the way.