Michigan Trip
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
I hear ya jay, on our trip we are looking about 500 miles per day. When I get to ridin I hate stopping for much of anything other than the necessities. Probably why we never seem to get pics the way I always plan....lol.
I've also found everyone looks at ridin places different, and each have their own favorites. I rode in Michigan for over 30 years so have ridden most everywhere, except the thumb area. So to me, some of the areas others suggest are just 'old news' to me...lol. One thing to watch out for-road conditions and road repairs. Conditions- Most roads in Michigan are in disrepair and are horrendous when comparing them with Ohio roads. We went back last summer for a ride up to Traverse City (up 37, that view when you crest the hill coming into the city northward only to see the beautiful bay out in front of you is nothing less than spectacular) we found the road conditions had worsened considerably with secondary roads being the worst. Sooo, that means road crews are out, road repair projects take longer due to less workers and those working being spread out. I think you can probably gather more info on both on the Michigan.gov site...
If you happen into Petosky, they are famous for their 'Petosky stones' which are beautiful and come in all sizes, just like the Superior shoreline is famous for certain stones to be found there.
Whatever route you choose, ride safe and have fun!
I've also found everyone looks at ridin places different, and each have their own favorites. I rode in Michigan for over 30 years so have ridden most everywhere, except the thumb area. So to me, some of the areas others suggest are just 'old news' to me...lol. One thing to watch out for-road conditions and road repairs. Conditions- Most roads in Michigan are in disrepair and are horrendous when comparing them with Ohio roads. We went back last summer for a ride up to Traverse City (up 37, that view when you crest the hill coming into the city northward only to see the beautiful bay out in front of you is nothing less than spectacular) we found the road conditions had worsened considerably with secondary roads being the worst. Sooo, that means road crews are out, road repair projects take longer due to less workers and those working being spread out. I think you can probably gather more info on both on the Michigan.gov site...
If you happen into Petosky, they are famous for their 'Petosky stones' which are beautiful and come in all sizes, just like the Superior shoreline is famous for certain stones to be found there.
Whatever route you choose, ride safe and have fun!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Inverness, FL
Thumb area is not something to go out of your way for. I had hoped for scenic views of the lake but the waterfront if all built up now.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Give4 the nervous person a little advice about the bridge. This is what I told the wife, the first time she rode her own over it.
1 RELAX...
2 Loosen your grip, and keep your speed as steady as possible Avoid sudden moves or stops
3 Bike is going to feel a little squirrly that is normal, and no big deal. Just relax, loosen your grip a tad, and let the bike lead you right over the grates.
The grate runs for excatly one mile in the left lane of the bridgew, dead center. It really is easy to ride, and a vast majority of riders are nervous the first time, and then about 1/4 of the way across the grates, wonder what in hell they were nervous about.
Enjoy your trip, and if you do decide to take the ferry, please make sure you bring your own tie downs. While they will supply them, the last time I went over, a friend had to use the boats, and they were covered in grease and oil. Also on the Ferry...be EARLY...no matter whay happens, or what the weather, be there early. They will NOT wait for you. Plus you need time to tie down the bikes.
1 RELAX...
2 Loosen your grip, and keep your speed as steady as possible Avoid sudden moves or stops
3 Bike is going to feel a little squirrly that is normal, and no big deal. Just relax, loosen your grip a tad, and let the bike lead you right over the grates.
The grate runs for excatly one mile in the left lane of the bridgew, dead center. It really is easy to ride, and a vast majority of riders are nervous the first time, and then about 1/4 of the way across the grates, wonder what in hell they were nervous about.
Enjoy your trip, and if you do decide to take the ferry, please make sure you bring your own tie downs. While they will supply them, the last time I went over, a friend had to use the boats, and they were covered in grease and oil. Also on the Ferry...be EARLY...no matter whay happens, or what the weather, be there early. They will NOT wait for you. Plus you need time to tie down the bikes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
Based on my experiences with the high speed ferry out of Muskegon they do leave on time, absolutely, but their departure times are when they leave, not earlier. But they WILL NOT WAIT. Every time we have ridden we give ourselves lots of extra time and usually get there 30 minutes early or so.
We've also never ran into greasy tie downs, but they aren't clean either. Personally I wouldn't waste the space carrying my own, but I don't have the travel space that baggers do either.
We've also never ran into greasy tie downs, but they aren't clean either. Personally I wouldn't waste the space carrying my own, but I don't have the travel space that baggers do either.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Mike, Traveling 2 up, we have had to learn to pack lightly, usually pants,drawers and socks for the duration but not shirts. We wear what we buy along the way. Every couple of days we get a priority mail box, pack it full of dirty clothes ad send it home. We usually beat it home but we do make added space by doing this. You can do the same with the souveniers that you might but along the way. We ride a Heritage Classic and have a BIG bag for the back but we still have to conserve space. Compression sacks from Cabella's or Gander Mountain are great, you can get 6 or 8 days worth of unders and socks in a very small space. Just wondering, do you think tt it would be worthwhile going onupto take in Pctured Rocks. I was thinking that by going just a little out of the way, we could visit Lake Erie, see both Huron and Michigan when we cross the bridge and on up to Superior. Would be knid of neat to tell mother that she just saw 4 of he 5 Great Lakes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
I have never been to Painted Rock but hear its spectacular. I would if I could. Copper Harbor is beautiful too. Whitefish Bay...Tahquamenon Falls....you're up there, why not, weather permitting. Remember its going to be a bit cooler up there too.
I hear you on utilizing shipping for sending things home. In Milwaukee at the Museum they had UPS right there in the store for just that. I think the Capital Drive tour might have had it too. Plus UPS is about everywhere anymore. Charlevoix, Bayshore and Petosky all have great little shops, some really cool stuff.
Man I'm gettin stoked for you....lol....I love those areas. Been riding, fishing, hunting, playing up there since the 60's and I can't get enough....lol. As much as I'm lookin forward to our ride west, I am jealous of you doing your ride. West of Traverse City, along lake Michigan, is the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, a National Lakeshore Park. If you take 72 west out of Traverse City it will take you there. 22 north from there will take you up along the Lk Michigan shoreline then back south along the west side of Grand Traverse Bay leading you into the west Bay portion back to where you turned onto 72 west in the first place. Wish I could sit down with you with a map.....you gunna have a blast....!
I hear you on utilizing shipping for sending things home. In Milwaukee at the Museum they had UPS right there in the store for just that. I think the Capital Drive tour might have had it too. Plus UPS is about everywhere anymore. Charlevoix, Bayshore and Petosky all have great little shops, some really cool stuff.
Man I'm gettin stoked for you....lol....I love those areas. Been riding, fishing, hunting, playing up there since the 60's and I can't get enough....lol. As much as I'm lookin forward to our ride west, I am jealous of you doing your ride. West of Traverse City, along lake Michigan, is the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, a National Lakeshore Park. If you take 72 west out of Traverse City it will take you there. 22 north from there will take you up along the Lk Michigan shoreline then back south along the west side of Grand Traverse Bay leading you into the west Bay portion back to where you turned onto 72 west in the first place. Wish I could sit down with you with a map.....you gunna have a blast....!
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
I do this every time I plan a trip. I get so many travel spot ideas, try to fit them all in and evenually miss somthing. I'm getting really anxious to hit the road. Talked to the gal that I mentioned about the grates. She said she read some of the omments and they only made her more determined to cross the bridge. I like her attitude.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Maps in hand, route laid out, most of the stops planned, just waiting on the day. Getting stoked. I still have room for a couple of stops. Any more suggestions? Going to make a swing to the east along Erie to see 4 of the 5 Lakes.