Thanks folks! I don't plan on going into Canada. Just up to the border. I'm usually CCW "packing", so I don't want that hassle. Thanks for the tips!

 

Thanks Partsman. Your profile photo looks very familiar. Been there many times. Yes, love my area to ride. We head to the Smokies often for day rides. Eastern Tennessee, Western NC, Southwestern Va. all the time.

 

Question...My original plans were to either go up I-75 & come back US 23. Just curious, better to go up 23 & come down 75? Because of time....I'm probably staying on the eastern side of the state. But if I make good time coming from NC on the first day....who knows. Maybe go up west side & come back east side. Won't know till there. Thanks.

 

Just my opinion, the west side is a little more touristy with Traverse City, Petoskey and Charlevoix. You're in a win win situation no matter what way you go. Taking 75 would be my last choice unless you are short of time. Make sure you get some fudge and ice cream (all home made) when you go through Mackinac city. It's a lot flatter up there then down your way, but the overall beauty of the area is close to the same. Keep an eye on the weather before you go. We lived in the ******* area, which is 56 miles south of Mackinaw. Many days we left home in 80 degree weather and hit high 50s low 60s in Mackinaw City. Just depends on which way the wind blows!!

 

And yes we were just down there again for a week over the 4th of July... Great area as always.

 

Personally I hate I-75 but we gotta do what we gotta do. 23 is fine either way. There is a lot of road construction in the Tawas area so be prepared. There are advantages to both sides of the state so if you have time check out both sides. The west side is way more touristy so you will have a more crowded environment to deal with as well as way more pricey. On side note I have seen 75 backed up to Standish in the south bound lanes on a busy weekend.

 

I'm gonna throw this out there for a little humor. I got a ridding bud that is scared sh*tless of heights. When we go across the bridge they have a service where they ride his bike across the bridge and take him in a blacked out van across. Funny stuff for sure. His GF is actually an employee on the bridge, thats how they met.

 

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do not miss the chance to see pictured rocks while you are up there, you will kick your self if you miss it. also sleeping bear dunes on the west coast. i definitely recommend hugging the west coast on the way up. saul st marie is the border. pretty cool little town to poke around in. i love it up there. some incredible scenery on highway 2 to munising.