What is it?

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. 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.

The basic idea of the Soup Run is for different groups of riders, or solo riders, to drive to my house located on the North-East side of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. When you get there I serve up some of my soup specialties, hamburgers, brats and cold beverages.

When is it?

Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 12:00 Noon

Where is it?

At my house:

N7512 Deer Path Road
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

How much does it cost?

Nothing... Just bring your good attitude... BUT please let me know if you plan on coming so I can have some idea how much stuff to make. Either post a reply to me on one of the forums that I posted this on, or E-mail by clicking HERE.

How do people get there?

Since I live in a newer sub-division, and the State of Wisconsin recently built a new by-pass in the area, the current on-line mapping programs either don't have my street on their system, don't have the address tables worked out right to show exactly where my house is on Deer Path Road, or don't show the new Hwy 151 by-pass. I will attempt to do my best to give directions on how to get here.

If you have a GPS, the coordinates of my house are: N 43º 48.767, W088º 22.836

Here is a link to Google Maps that shows approximately where my house is. You can zoom in and out to get a better feeling where everything is located.

Please follow the directions below to get to my house.

From the Green Bay Area.

Take Hwy. 41 to Hwy 55(South), Stay on Hwy 55 riding the east side of Lake Winnebago. Hwy 55 will merge with Hwy 151. Stay on Hwy 151(South). Before you get into Fond du Lac, turn left on County Road WH (formerly Hwy 149). Deer Path Road is about 0.2 mile on the right. Turn Right onto Deer Path Road.

From the Milwaukee Area.

Take Hwy 41 (North) towards Fond du Lac (FdL). Before you get to FdL, you will see a sign that says "Fond du Lac Next 4 Exits". Shortly after that you will see an exit for Hwy 151, Hwy 175. Take the Hwy 151 North exit. At the end of the ramp, turn right and travel for approximately 8 miles. Turn Right on County Road WH (formerly Hwy 149). Deer Path Road is about 0.2 mile on the right. Turn Right onto Deer Path Road.

From the Madison Area.

Take Hwy 151 North all the way to Fond du Lac. Get on Hwy 41 North (or take the frontage road) and exit on Hwy 23 - Johnson Street (East). Take Johnson Street (East) 4.1 miles all the way through Fond du Lac to the new 151 bypass. Turn Left (North) onto the new 151 bypass and travel 2.5 miles to the Hwy 149 exit. Turn Right on County Road WH (formerly Hwy 149). Deer Path Road is about 0.2 mile on the right. Turn Right onto Deer Path Road.

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 enjoy putting on these Soup Runs. Thanks to all that have attended one of my Soup Runs in the past. Your kind words and complements have made this a truly rewarding event. Hopefully we will meet at the next one!

Soup's on!

Rob "Mr. Soup"