What was the Soup Run?

Mr. Soup's Soup Run was an idea I had a few years ago while talking to my brother Waterguy. We kept talking about how great it would be to get together with some of the people we've met on the Shadow Riders Forum. We tried to get a couple of rides together in central Wisconsin, but no one showed... So I thought to myself... what would get some of these people out of their houses... I know. FREE SOUP! And the idea was born.

The first Soup Run took place in 2001. People from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota converged on my house in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin for an afternoon of good conversation, good food and good times. Several friendships started that afternoon that are sure to last far into the future.

The Second Annual Soup Run, in 2002, was also a great success and attracted people from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Despite the cold temperatures that day, everyone attending left with full stomachs and warm memories of a wonderful afternoon spent with new friends.

The Third Annual Soup Run in 2003 was everything I hoped the Soup Run would turn out to be. We had over 60 people at this event coming from all over. For Soup Run 3 people came from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, and Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. WOW! It was a great afternoon.

The Fourth Soup Run in 2004 was another great turnout. About 70 people showed up an a beautiful June day.

The Fifth in 2005 was a bit overwhelming... My guess is 110 people attended, but that's just a guess because I was really busy making sure enough soup was in the kettles and enough cold beverages were in the coolers....

In 2006 we were blessed with beautiful weather and a huge crowd for Soup Run #6. Over 150 people attended and took part in a wonderful afternoon of soup and socializing.

In 2007 we had rain, rain and more rain. That didn't stop about 90 people from showing up and enjoying the company of fellow riders.

The 8th Annual Soup Run in 2008 was by far the largest gathering to date. The winds were strong in the morning, but the afternoon was warm and sunny. My family and I felt great about the way this one turned out. I wish there was some way I could have spent a lot more time visiting with all those that came to our house in Fond du Lac, WI. I got some time to talk... but not nearly enough... My best guess is 200 people made it to the 8th Annual Soup Run. Folks rode in from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Minnesota, Ontario Canada, Iowa and many parts of Wisconsin.

Wow!!! The 9th Annual Soup Run was huge. The nearest guess is 275 people showed up. Great day, great people, great times!

The 10th and final Soup Run took place on June 5, 2010. We had another great year with approximately 200 people attending. We had people from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and Winnipeg Canada. This was a good one to finish up on...

The basic idea of the Soup Run was simple. Ride to my house located on the North-East side of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. While there enjoy the company of others and some of my soup specialties, hamburgers, brats and cold beverages.

Here's a map to show you where my house is located

Click Star for a Google Map of our house.

THANKS!!!

My family and I truly enjoyed putting on these Soup Runs. Thanks to all that have attended one of my Soup Runs.. Your kind words and complements have made this a truly rewarding event.

Soup's on!

Rob "Mr. Soup"