Mackinac Bridge passable on bike?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
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From: Slidell, LA
Mackinac Bridge passable on bike?
A group of us from SE Louisiana are heading north to ride around Lake Michigan across the Mackinac Bridge then home in late May. We have heard the bridge is being worked on and is a steel grate bridge and motorcycles can not cross it. Any truth to this? Thx in advance for some help from a local or anyone that knows the area.
We did look at the Bridge website www.mackinacbridge.org but could not find any info on motorcycle limitations. We also emailed them with no answer after a week.
We did look at the Bridge website www.mackinacbridge.org but could not find any info on motorcycle limitations. We also emailed them with no answer after a week.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
Yes, the bridge is passable by motorcycle, although some days easier than others. There are days that its quite windy. There is also one lane of traffic that is all metal grate, which is always "fun" to ride as it gives you the "icy" feel; its really not bad though. We have ridden up there and intentionally stayed in the metal grate lane for the "white knuckle ride".
***UPDATED***
I did check the website as well, and it seems they have both directions on the same side of the bridge, so you are forced to ride the grate lane. They do not exclude bikes, but as n8dc said, just let the bike track and dont' try to over steer!
***UPDATED***
I did check the website as well, and it seems they have both directions on the same side of the bridge, so you are forced to ride the grate lane. They do not exclude bikes, but as n8dc said, just let the bike track and dont' try to over steer!
Last edited by HDRider2002; Apr 30, 2009 at 03:29 PM. Reason: additions
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 45
From: Michigan
While your going across ride the grated portion and tell the wife to look down 
... Ya the grate can be a little wierd to ride on just remember to let the bike go dont hold the bars too tight and every thing will be fine.. You can also run the lane without the grate.. The only time the close the bridge to any traffic is during hi winds . Ive been over in a motor home just before the closed it one morning .. Wild ride to say the least......
... Ya the grate can be a little wierd to ride on just remember to let the bike go dont hold the bars too tight and every thing will be fine.. You can also run the lane without the grate.. The only time the close the bridge to any traffic is during hi winds . Ive been over in a motor home just before the closed it one morning .. Wild ride to say the least......
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
100thRK,
You should have no trouble crossing the bridge. The two Southbound lanes are being resurfaced and therefore closed. Going North (to St. Ignace) you will be on hard surface all the way.
If you return via the bridge (Southbound) you will have to ride on the grating between the North and South anchorage piers. That's most of the way. This grating is not too bad. I have ridden on much worse due to wide spacing (large openings).
I lived in the UP for about all my life (along time), there is lots to see and some great riding. Good Luck. Have a great time.
You should have no trouble crossing the bridge. The two Southbound lanes are being resurfaced and therefore closed. Going North (to St. Ignace) you will be on hard surface all the way.
If you return via the bridge (Southbound) you will have to ride on the grating between the North and South anchorage piers. That's most of the way. This grating is not too bad. I have ridden on much worse due to wide spacing (large openings).
I lived in the UP for about all my life (along time), there is lots to see and some great riding. Good Luck. Have a great time.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 45
From: Michigan
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
+1 what he said, plus winter too, LOL.
Bring warm weather and cold weather gear, you will need both. A suggestion. If you want a senic ride keep to the west side of our state along the lake shore. Traverse City north is the best, awesome views. Enjoy your trip. You have a PM.
Bring warm weather and cold weather gear, you will need both. A suggestion. If you want a senic ride keep to the west side of our state along the lake shore. Traverse City north is the best, awesome views. Enjoy your trip. You have a PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 1
From: Grand Rapids, mi.
Have been around the lake (Michigan) twice. The UP is the best. Go up to Copper Harbor, its the nicest road and the twistiest. Great ride, and the bridge was pretty cool. Did it once at 10am in the rain, and once in the thickest fog so I have never had a great view. Ride the grates.