Willmar To Minneapolis: Banter And Barbecue

We start the penultimate day of our trip at the Super-8 in Willmar, Minnesota. Further into our trek than initially intended, we're quite close to our planned stopping point of Lauderdale, a suburb of Minneapolis and home to my childhood friend Nick. We quickly eat a continental breakfast of cold cereal and individually wrapped pastries and head out of town. We stop for a photo at "Trav's Dino Mart" and US-12 becomes a continuous reminder that we're nearing home.

The Midwestern scenery is familiar. Small rural towns dot the highway, running parallel to the railroad that services a grain elevator in each town. Communities gradually become closer to one another and bigger until we're fully in the suburbs of Minneapolis. Lauderdale is between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Minneapolis greets us with a construction-caused Sunday traffic jam at noon. We wind our way through the freeway ramps and eventually make it to Nick's.

It's great to see an old friend. Nick and his girlfriend Ashley help us unload. We unpack and change into normal summer attire and Nick tells us that his friends are having a barbeque and we're welcome to join. We all pile into his Impala and head out. After stopping by the convenience store to pick up the traditional BBQ thank you of a case of beer, we arrive. Cool people greet us and quickly become friends. There's plenty to eat, drink and talk about. This is certainly the easiest day of the trip and the leisure allows for plenty of reflection.

R. Dean

R. Dean

Eventually the time comes to head back and settle in for the night. Both Nick and Robin are drummers so they've got plenty to talk about. If anyone you know has ever tuned out while you're talking about motorcycles, well, the format for drums is no different. We take some time to clean the bikes just enough for tomorrow's final leg. After we wash the motorcycles and fill our bellies, we turn in.

Editor's Note: Nicholas Plotkowski (our Minneapolis host) plays drums for The Get UP, a dynamic and exciting addition to the local soul scene. Check 'em out and bring your dancin' shoes!

Ready for more? Day Seventeen: Minneapolis To Madison/Chicago

What's Your Favorite Sport Touring Motorcycle Route From Willmar To Minneapolis?

There are seemingly no twisty, scenic travel options connecting the two. Which roads do you prefer and why? Where do you like to stop along the way? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!