I'm planning for an Iron Butt run around the lower great lakes. We're targeting for June 1 and will be going counter-clockwise, starting and finishing in Bowmanville, ON. There will be no more than 7 bikes in the group. We'll be clearing US Customs at the Blue Water bridge at Port Huron, MI and re-entering Canada at the Ivy Lea Bridge. Looks like we'll be on Interstates on the entire US portion of the trip.

[ul][*]What are the speed limits on the I-94, I-75, I-80, I-90 and I-81?[*]Any areas with rigid speed limit enforcement?[*]Has anyone cleared customs at the above locations? Any tips you can share?[*]How are tolls handled? Do I need exact change? Does anyone know the rates?[*]I'll be on a 2007 Ultra with a passenger. Do I really need a backrest? I use a kidney belt, but I haven't traveled this far in one day.[*]We're planning on getting Camelbak ThermoBak 3L hydration units (same as the military use). What has been your experience with them? Will I have a problem wearing that and using a backrest? Will it be a problem for a passenger - either wearing one or having me wear one?[/ul]
I've been using the Iron Butt website as a guide, but it doesn't have information specific to our plans. Thanx in advance!

 

Toll's are not bad at Port Huron...on your bikes they should only be a couple of bucks! They do charge extra for trailers if any of your crew will be towing! Here again only a few dollars! You will not need exact change as they have a booth with folks that will take care of ya. At Huron you will have a fee for Canada and another to use the bridge to get in! Cool bridge to cross though! If you have any food...stay away from fruit..they are a little touchy on that. Also if you carry a pocket knife like most of us do as a tool...probably be best to stow it in your bags and let them know that you have it.. They may dig through your bags since Canada has had some issues with the clubs in that area. They seem to want to put their thumb on everyone! Speed limits average 70mph but Im usually 75 through the area and had no problems! If you have a passport..have it handy and wouldnt hurt to checkthe laws again by then you may be required to have one to cross the border!? Mosteverywhere will take American money..just know the exchange because the US Dollar does carry a bit more weight right now.OH YA...stop at Duty Free if you have the chance!! Everything is on the cheap here...booze, cigars, smokes..etc You are limited what you can carry back into the states from here but you will save a ton if there is anything you need and can pick up here!!! Keep your receipt as you will need to claim it crossing the border. My friend from Ontario just sold his Ultra and the only problem that he had was that the hand grips shook so much from the power...get some thick padded or leather grips..this will help! He rode over to Sturgis on his and had no problem and no backrest. If you have a passenger...she may like one! The camel back should fit over your kidney belt and as long as its not overly full, should have no trouble with your backrest! I generally dont use them as you get about 170 miles and need fuel anyway...I fill myself up then too! But if its hot...you'll like that water pack!

Cool Ride Man....Enjoy
AJ

 

Thanx. We start and finish in Canada, so we'll clear US Customs at Port Huron. I've picked up some Kuryakyn ISO grips and haven't installed them yet. Will definitely do that before riding season. I'm on an Ultra, so my passenger has a backrest. I'm planning on a practice lap around Lake Ontario. There is a Harley shop north of Syracuse on I-81. If I feel lke I need a backrest, I'll pick one up there. For the big ride, I don't see us having much time to do any shopping. Will save that for another time. Jury is still out on the Camelbak but we bought the bike on June 12 last year and that was in the middle of a heat alert. Really could have used the Camelbak then. They're not all that expensive, so I'll try and hunt some down.

 

You might think about crossing into the US at Sombra/Marine City, MI on the ferry rather than the bridge in Port Huron. The waits on the bridge can and do approach an hour very frequently. Only takes 15 minutes or so at the Marine City ferry crossing.

 

We're planning on crossing the border between 4:00 and 5:00 AM on a Sunday morning. Would the line-up at that time be a problem?

 

Shouldnt be bad at that hour...
The last time I was through, I actually hopped over to the "Truck" line and had very little problems with baggage checks..
The line was longer, but they rushed everyone through to keep traffic moving! Not much time for checks!
If your in that neighborhood, you should check out http://www.pd13.com/
Not sure when the next rally is, but the schedule is on the page!
Great Rally in Port Dover held EVERY Friday the 13th!
Been to this get together a couple times now and had a blast!!!

Enjoy
AJ

 

I really don't get the whole iron butt thing......i guess you can see some scenery at 70mph......other people doing 70 mph?????

 

Hey, it's one of those things you do "just because". ;-)

 

Sounds like a great trip, I think all the interstates are 70 mph. I have an '04 Ultra and travel all over, been to Sturgis, Laconia and Key West. Never used a back rest and have riden it solo and two up, I usually travel 500 to 600 miles a day. If you go early in June make sure you pack some warm clothes for the Superior area. I have 3 trips planned for this year on around Lakes Huron and Superior, Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway/Tail of the Dragon, and last but not least a month out west. Have a safe trip.

 

We're doing the Lower Great Lakes 1000 - Lakes Erie and Ontario. We'll start between midnight and 1:00. I'll start out with chaps and warmer clothes, then peel off stuff at each fuel stop. Should be interesting. :-)