Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 26
From:
Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
Planning a solo roadtrip in Augustfrom Alabama up to Sault Ste. Marie and around the Northern edge of Lake Superior then down to Duluth before heading back home. I am pretty sure that Canada Hwy 17 from the Canada / USA border around to Thunder Bay is probably a good road road but I am wondering about Hwy 61 from Thunder Bay down to Duluth along the Western edge of the lake. Can anybody tell me if there are any problems with this leg of the trip? Fuel, lodging, etc.? Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 22
From: right down from the FloraBama
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
I made a similar ride in 2000. I crossed Lake Huron via ferry to Manitoulin Island. Picked up the Trans Canadian in Espanola to Sault Ste Marie. My notes say there was no gas for 130 miles from Sault Ste Marie to Wawa. Camped that night at Neys Provincial Park on Lake Superior. Great site. Very spiritual. Warned about bears didn't see any. Next day I stopped at an Amythest mine and the Harley shop in Thunder Bay. Roads were fine back then, except for the wet and rutted dirt road to the mine.
Unlike 17, Hwy 61 hugged the coast pretty close with a lot of local traffic. Alot of touristy stuff like fancy restaurants and light house tours.
I was there early August taking the long way to Sturgis. It got pretty cold when the sun went down. Got stopped by the OPP for doing 119 in a 90 but heck those were kilometers so he let my goofy a$$ off with a warning. I'm sure you know about the moose. They just stand in the road and aren't afraid of anything. I was warned to not drive at night because of the critters.
Hugh
Unlike 17, Hwy 61 hugged the coast pretty close with a lot of local traffic. Alot of touristy stuff like fancy restaurants and light house tours.
I was there early August taking the long way to Sturgis. It got pretty cold when the sun went down. Got stopped by the OPP for doing 119 in a 90 but heck those were kilometers so he let my goofy a$$ off with a warning. I'm sure you know about the moose. They just stand in the road and aren't afraid of anything. I was warned to not drive at night because of the critters.
Hugh
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
Hwy 61 is a good road, but you have to watch out for the tourists and the deer.Plenty of fuel stops and lodging. If you will be on Hwy 61 during the week you won't have any problems finding a place to stay, weekends can be a little tougher, depending what is going on. I live in Two Harbors, Mn located on Lake Superior, if you have any questions or need some phone numbers just pm me. Have a great trip!
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 26
From:
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
mnbagger:
Thanks a lot. I can easily arrange to avoid 61 during the weekend, so based on your commentI will plan on doing that. As I get closer to leaving I may have a few more specific questions and, if so, I will PM you.
Thanks a lot. I can easily arrange to avoid 61 during the weekend, so based on your commentI will plan on doing that. As I get closer to leaving I may have a few more specific questions and, if so, I will PM you.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: Ada, Michigan
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
Just went from Duluth to Sault Ste. Marie this june on a trip from montana and wyoming. Although we did the southern portion of Lk Superior. As Hugh said, it can get cold. While in the 90's out west it was 50's with a stiff breeze during the day when we went. also rain can pop up any time. This is abeautiful but weather can be unpredictable. If going over the Mackinac Bridge, prepare for possibly riding on steel grating. kinda feels like your bike is floating all over, but loosen up and go with the flow.
Here is our picture of Duluth.
[IMG]local://upfiles/26296/CC1CFD8756E84777BDE544B611DB7998.jpg[/IMG]
Here is our picture of Duluth.
[IMG]local://upfiles/26296/CC1CFD8756E84777BDE544B611DB7998.jpg[/IMG]
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 26
From:
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
Corgi
Nice Corgi! Great dogs. Thanks for the info and the photo.I intend to stop by Rider Wearhouse in Duluth. After getting those catalogs for all these years I can't go thru there without stopping. Right now...here in Alabama...it is difficult to imagine that I could encountercool weather in August. I will, however, be prepared for it that far north. Thanks for the tip.
Nice Corgi! Great dogs. Thanks for the info and the photo.I intend to stop by Rider Wearhouse in Duluth. After getting those catalogs for all these years I can't go thru there without stopping. Right now...here in Alabama...it is difficult to imagine that I could encountercool weather in August. I will, however, be prepared for it that far north. Thanks for the tip.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
I am south of the soo but if in need of any help or a place to sleep on route pm me
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Information Requested: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth
I'm a newbie, planning the same trip but leaving from Indianapolis, sometime in August. watching this thread for any other advice for a newbie on a solo journey.