Michigan Trip
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Michigan Trip
Three and possibly as high a 9 bikes are looking to leave SE Ohio the end of June. We're looking at going into south-central Michigan, to the western shore line. Up the west coast of the lake, cross the bridge into the UP, down to Milwaukee, ferry across the lake and head home from there. Looking for information on the bridge. One of the bikes is a little inexperienced and I really don't know if they could handle the steel grating if any construction would force us into that lane. Does anybody know of any sites that I can visit to search for any planned maintenance on the bridge?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 13
From: Southeast WI
Looks like this site has what you need: http://www.mackinacbridge.org/projects-19/
Don't forget to leave time to visit the H-D Museum while in Milwaukee...it is little more than a stones throw from the Lake Express ferry dock. Awesome place.
Don't forget to leave time to visit the H-D Museum while in Milwaukee...it is little more than a stones throw from the Lake Express ferry dock. Awesome place.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 5
From: Michigan
you might as well plan on riding the grates. I have been across the bridge so many times I cant count and almost always have had to ride the grates for some reason. they paint the bridge non stop so its always got some sort of lane closure. there is nothing dangerous about riding the grates. If they are afraid, maybe they should reconsider riding a motorcycle at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,149
Likes: 6,173
From: SE Michigan
This is a ride me and some neighbors are doing in late june, I'm PSYCHED:
http://upcruising.com/?ridetherock
Pictured Rocks is something you should see if you are going to be in the area for sure.
http://upcruising.com/?ridetherock
Pictured Rocks is something you should see if you are going to be in the area for sure.
Last edited by Keithhu; Mar 29, 2011 at 01:35 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 7
From: Corning, Ohio
Time constraints might not allow us to Ride the Rocks. I have checked the ferry rates and I think that I would pay twice the fare NOT to have to ride thru The Windy. Had a bad experience on the outer belt there once. You know, kinda like "You picked a fine time to leave me loose wheel" and at rush hour to boot. Not good. The only thing that those people exercise is their car horns.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Inverness, FL
Maybe you could consider staying East of Lake Michigan? Once you get South of Marinette it's not all that interesting. I'm not trash talking, but riding the highway on the East side of Wiconsin would be like taking Toledo to Port Huron, it looks better on a map than in person.
Take Hwy 2 from St. Ignace to Escanaba, have lunch and double back to the Lower half. Save the ferry money and spend a couple days in the Traverse City area.
Take Hwy 2 from St. Ignace to Escanaba, have lunch and double back to the Lower half. Save the ferry money and spend a couple days in the Traverse City area.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 74
From: Lafayette, IN.
I have been accross that bridge a few times and you always have to ride the grates in the summer it seems. It can be spooky the first time. Tell your inexperienced rider to relax, breath deep, and don't try to over control the bike. The tires will hunt and the bike will wander a bit. Nothing to worry about.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Tinley Park, IL
I live south of Chi town , we did the loop around the lake last fall. when you get into the UP I would recomend staying off of highway 2. only because it got really boring after about 45 mins heading west after the bridge, locals in Mackinaw recomended going alittle north and riding accross. also when you get into Wisconsin route 42 huggs the lake for a bit. surprised me abit at how unexpectedly nice it was. west coast of michigan is awsome. afew people compare some of it to the California coast, have fun and post pics
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