Just got back from a ride in Northern Minn. Figured I would share some details. We left Ironwood Mi. and headed for Minn. Got up to the Ashland area in Wi and headed north to Bayfield, Wi. From there we road the south shore of lake Superior up into Superior, Wi. Nice ride however if you travel along the lake be aware that the temps are a lot colder near the lake than they are inland. From Superior we headed into Duluth Minn and up the North Shore of the big lake. We headed north until we came to highway 1 heading towards Ely Minn. If you like some twists and turns in the trip this was a great section of road. It was a little bumpy in spots but still nice. We stayed on different county roads from Ely up to International falls. Day 1 was in the books.


Day 2 we headed out on Hwy 11 and headed for Warroad Minn. Nice ride along side the rainy river. Might be a better fall ride as many parts of the river were blocked by the foliage but still open in spots. From Warroad we jumped back on the county road plan and made are way over to Devils lake North Dakota. The views get a little less and the roads get a lot straighter as we got further to the west. Devils lake was a nice ride around 50 miles I would guess around the lake. Not many spots to stop on that route so get gas when you feel you can. We usually went around a 1/2 tank or a little under to be safe.


Day 3 we headed south and went down to Fargo ND. Stopped at the Harley dealer there nice group of people. From there we jumped onto Hwy 10 and headed towards Detroit lakes Minn. More straight two lanes until the other side od Detroit lakes than it bumped back down to a single Hwy again. We did some zigging and zagging through the back roads in this area. A lot of lakes and small towns to go through. We ended up getting down to Brainerd Mn. They had some street parties going on for the fourth so we checked in and joined the party.


Day 4 headed back towards Ironwood. Many routes to take to get home but we headed pretty much straight East to Duluth and headed back home from there on US2. Roads we know well and had some friends we wanted to stop and see on the ride home. All around a nice trip.


If is something you would like some more info on send me a message and I will do my best to answer your questions.

 

Any pics?

 

I will see what the wife took.

 

The last time I took highway 1 to Ely, there was a 25 mile gravel road detour. Gravel up there is anything from sand to basketball sized rocks. Made for an interesting time.

 

Don't sound fun. We were up there two years ago and it was all brand new. Sad that is already starting to fall apart. Its not that bad now, but hate to see it in a few more years.

 

Went from Duluth to Bayfield on the 3rd. Had a bear cross the road a couple hundred feet ahead of us. Something you don't see in Iowa.