just got back from the UP this afternoon, went to ride H58 from Grand Marais to Munising (what a nice ride) then up thru Copper Harbor and back home. It was the wifes first ride across the the bridge on her own bike (deluxe) going north the weather was perfect low winds and not a cloud in the sky, coming back yesterday it was high winds (20-30 w/ gusts over 40) and rain. She didn't have any problems other than due to construction on bridge yesterday it was down to 1 lane (the grating lane of course) and we got stuck behind a truck that was limited to 20mph which made things a little more interesting. Personally I think you're more stable running faster on the gratings due to the gyroscopic effect of your wheels and after yesterday I'm sure of it. Just run the posted speed and ride it like you're in the rain, ie no sudden or fast lane changes or braking and you'll both be fine.

 

Wet steel is very slippery on a bike! Leave as much space between you and the cars around you because there is not a lot of space to use for avoidance maneuvers.

 

Like others have said you will be fine just don't death grip the bars and let the bike do its thing. You have the wider tires so it should not dart left/right like my bike with the skinny 21. We rode across last year, just as I left the toll booth heading south the skies opened w/a heavy downpour. Could only ride grate side because they are always doing construction on the paved side in the summer. Worst "pucker" moment is when the grates are completly wet and are real slick. If you just ride, keep plenty of space, and don't brake heavy you will be fine.
Bottom Line is breathe take in the scenery and enjoy the freedom of the open road!

 

like everyone said--let it wander and don't look down

 

We went accross the bridge last week. Windy and cold there was construction and we had to rid the grates. Quite and experience. loosen tyour grip on the bars a little and leet the bike follow the grooves of the grates. It will make your butt pucker a little. We took a 2nd year rdier with us and she did well.Her only question was when we got to the other side, "We only have to do this once......correct?" You will do fine.

 

Keep your eyes closed and you'll be fine.

 

Looks like everyone gave the good word on the bridge... Not much to worry about..if you dont like the grates causing a little shimmy just move over to the paved portion of the road. I was over it last year and what I found is that it can be foggy in the morning so pictures did not show the bridge (BTW..take your photos on the North end of the bridge..parking lot on that end allows you to get your bike in the shot!) and always keep a few bucks cash money as the bridge is a toll bridge! If you have the time...stop in a little town called Cross Village for lunch at the Legs Inn and then run the Tunnel of Tree's Highway 119! Its just a small jaunt down the road and both were a highlight of my trip in the U.P.!!

 

Thanks to everyone for all your advice.

 

Went over a couple weeks ago. Friday 6/24 rainy but not very windy. Return trip the next day was sunny but windy, and windy is worse, I have to say. It does 2 things 1) moves the bridge and 2) buffets your bike around.

Freaky thing was where they store the construction equipment on the side. You are going along compensating for the wind, then you pass the construction equipment and it just stops! Then you pass it and nearly get blown off the bike.

 

Went over the bridge today. South to North. Rode a little on the grate to test my macho. Didn't take long to go back to the concrete. What a squirrely feeling the grate is. Didn't seem to take as long as I thought. Anyone can do it but I agree it makes you pucker up a little.