Rt 2 to Spokane

[GRANT63RT]

I plan on riding to Spokane for the Rally from upstate NY. It looks like it might be nice to pick up Rt 2 in Michigan's upper pininsula and follow it all the the way there. Has anyone else tried this route in the past? I'd appreciate any advice such as good places to eat or sleep, places to avoid, sights not to miss, etc.

By the way...I've read a lot of negative comments about the Charleston rally but you can count me among the people who had a wonderful time there. Many thanks to all the organizers!

grant

[beemerron]

Rode it to Missoula with some buds a few years ago. We had a great ride. Don't miss Riders Warehouse in Duluth, otherwise there aren't many attractions until you reach Glacier National Park. Just a whole lotta nothin'.

I recall pmdave writing in an earlier post about dangerous pavement rutting on US 2. Perhaps he needs to improve his riding techniques (joking).

[GRANT63RT]

Thanks beemerron. I'll add Riders Warehouse to my "to do" list. I have a feeling that no matter how I go from the east coast to the Rockies I'll end up seeing "a whole lotta nothin" at some point. I guessing it'll be better to be bored on rt 2 than some interstate.

grant

[bcircus]

I took rte 2 form Montana/N. Dakota border all the way to Glasier Nat. Park in Aug. 03. There was a stretch of, I think about 75 - 100 miles of torn-up blacktop and dirt/gravel road. Narrow 2 lane and you're right nothing to see. I would never go that way again. There has to be better roads to take than that. I mean even the scenery is just boring. I may be the odd duck but I don't mind doing the Interstates. I think the scenery is many times as good as on the old two laners and you make much better time and are safer than on deserted 2 lane roads. Just my opinion. But, I wouldn't ride across the country on RTE 2. BA

[Montana]

Any route from Eastern Montana to West is scenic but the roads for the first third are not very challenging, no twisties. Nice river canyons, though. Lots of coulees. Afternoon winds. Last third, watch for stock in the trees - lots of open range.

I-90 speed limit = 75 mph. Hwy 2 speed limit in MT - 70 mph days, 65 mph nights, basically comparable to I-90 given the fudge factor of prevailing speed done by locals. Enough little towns for availability of fuel.

Hwy 2 from I-15, going west to Spokane is breathtaking.

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Montana
Any route from Eastern Montana to West is scenic......Hwy 2 from I-15, going west to Spokane is breathtaking.

Thanks Montana!

I've wanted to ride accross your state for years, especially the western section and Glacier Nat'l Park. Now I've finally got an excuse to make the trip. As long as we're at it, I'm trying to decide if I should head back east on rt. 200, rt 12 or I 90. Do you have a favorite?

Grant

[bcircus]

Sorry if I came across as too negative. But there was absolutely NOTHING to see from ND until almost Glacier on rte 2. We were hoping for the same thing a nice trip across Montana too. I had trailered my bike from Indiana just for the ride in the park and trip to Spokne to see friends. We were going to the park and ride the park loop around the south end back to St. Mary's. But, we got interrupted (ran out) by the fires. Because of the smoke and fire danger we were only allowed to go 15 miles into the park from St Mary's on Sun Road. The fires were so bad we decided to head S. and wound up in Rapid City a week before Sturgis. We did have some really exceptional rides around Rapid City that will be long remembered......
When I go back to Glacier I will take the southern route through Great Falls, from Helena and Butte and then up to Glacier. The scenery on I-15 very beautiful. We followed the most beautiful river or maybe several different rivers along I-15 for many miles as we wound through the canyons. The trip south from Glacier was the only thing that saved this part of the trip. We were so looking forward to doing a lot of riding in and around the park. This time it was on my Yamaha but the next time will be on my NEW R1200 CLC. (SEE attach) Maybe next time. B. A.

[GRANT63RT]

Holy smokes B.A.!! That's some serious vacation equipment you got there. Maybe I'll get to check it out in Spokane. I didn't really think your comments were negative at all. As a matter of fact it was the type of "heads up" I was hoping to get. Thanks.

Grant

[r1dinman]

Is that train steam or diesel? :dunno ;)

[Montana]

Bcircus, I think next year's length limit on Going-to-the-Sum Road to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park is 18 feet. You'll have to tow the camper to the far end and drop the bike, then ride the whole loop back to where you leave the truck - gee, that's too bad! And don't take I-15, even if you're towing that circus, from Helena you'll enjoy 287 to 89.

Grant, I've only gone Back East via Hwy 2. Through MT you'll like 200 a lot. If you've got the time, though, you need to ride Hwy 12 from Lewiston ID to Missoula (the Lolo Pass route), and then you can pick up 200 from there. Heading up Lolo Pass is where you will see that famous sign "77 miles" with a twisty arrow.

Keep in mind the east side of MT is the Great Plains no matter what road you take. And be prepared for extreme winds down the Eastern slope of the mountains until you go over the Continental Divide from East Glacier or St Mary.

[bcircus]

That is kinda what we had planned this year. We were going to base camp out of St. Mary's and do all of the riding we could in the area. Then we were going to take the whole rig around the south end of park and back up the west side and stop at Apgar Village area to camp and trek with the bike on west towards Spokane and Wenatchee. But that all didn't work out because of all of the fires on the West Glacier side. Like I said maybe next time.
It will be a couple of years though because of Son going to Purdue University. You know "NO MONEY" syndrome..... I guess I'll just have to suck it up and ride the CLC around the Midwest and maybe Deals Gap and areas in the Great Smokie Mountains.... Thanks for the exchange. bcircus

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Montana
Heading up Lolo Pass is where you will see that famous sign "77 miles" with a twisty arrow.



I've already decided there is no way I'm riding all the way accross the country without taking a picture of my bike parked next to that sign! :thumb

Now, do you see that sign heading east or west? I have this fear I'll be riding the wrong way and won't notice the sign in my rear view! Or is there one in each direction?

grant

[Montana]

There is a sign at each end. Why not take a picture at both?

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Montana
There is a sign at each end. Why not take a picture at both?

[GRANT63RT]

LOL...That's a plan!

[psycle]

When heading back from the Missoula rally, someone told me that Rt 2, while not an interstate is heavily travelled by trucks and was not all that much fun. Instead he suggested I take Rt 200. This secondary highway meanders across Montana, ND and MN to Duluth. It was a wonderful suggestion. The road was virtually empty, in good shape and passed some nice scenery. There is one stretch where they warn you about no gas for the next 180 miles or so and mean it - I got the next town on a Sunday evening on fumes, but did make it.

Cy/VT
(Want to work in Communications at the rally? :-)

[kbasa]

Hi Cy!

:wave

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Psycle
.....Rt 200. This secondary highway meanders across Montana, ND and MN to Duluth. It was a wonderful suggestion. The road was virtually empty, in good shape and passed some nice scenery....

Thanks Cy. Montana also mentioned that I would enjoy Rt 200. I may have to rethink things now. The only drawback with 200 is that I'll have to ride some extra miles to get up to Glacier Nat'l Park. Oh darn! ;)

grant

[JOSH]

Grant, I agree with Cy that the rout 200 is a much better alternative than route 2. But My favorite is to cross the continent in Canada. Either the Canadian highway system or rural roads. Canadian plains have more color, hills, and curves than the USA plains; and the people are great also.

Josh Ascher, Latham, NY

[Cliffy777]

Driving on 2 in the UP of Michigan is one of the nicest rides we have to offer. It is the closest thing to "coastal" riding we have. I don't know about how it is past Wisconsin, but it sure is nice in Michigan.

[RebeccaV]

Hi all,

I was surprised to read that Rt. 2 through Montana has little scenic value - it is labelled a 'scenic route' on my atlas! Does anyone have any opinions/experience with Rt. 12 across Montana?

How about Rt. 12 vs. Rt. 200?

- boxergrrlie

PS - You're right Cliffy - Rt. 2 between Escanaba and Mackinac I. is nice. I plan to drive it this summer as a preface to exploring your fine state's northwest coast sometime this summer.

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie


I was surprised to read that Rt. 2 through Montana has little scenic value - it is labelled a 'scenic route' on my atlas!

It's labelled scenic on my atlas too! So how's this for a plan? I follow Rt. 200 across Minn. and N. Dakota then head north at the Montana border to take Rt. 2 out to Glacier Nat'l. Park. I have no idea what to expect out there :dunno so any advice/opinion is welcome.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[Montana]

"Little scenic value?" Well, if you live in the Western part of MT, the whole Eastern Plains seem a little flat. I know folks from the far Eastern part of MT who feel the Western Mountain area of MT is a little hemmed in by those hulking mountains. I guess it depends on what you like. The maps are right.

[Jim Shaw]

I have ridden Rt 2 from the MI upper penninsula to Montana several times now, but not since Redmond rally. It has one pretty much unmentioned benefit: you can go pretty darn fast. Just slow down for the towns - they value their children. The towns are about 25 miles apart, but in between, I've kept up with some of the locals at about 95 (true) mph cruise.

You can use the time saved to take some roads down to and through Wyoming, like the Chief Joseph Hwy and the Beartooth pass. Gotta be sly to get through Yellowstone, which in summer is essentially a monkey cage guarded by bears. Then the ride becomes beautiful down to Jackson Hole and take the steep pass into Idaho - I recall it ends up in Idaho Falls. From there, you can wind your way up to Missoula for the ride on the Lolo pass, or take a pretty bleak desert road through Arco, Craters of the Moon, and then find your way along the beautiful Snake River past Ketchum (Sun Valley) up to the Coer d' Alene region, and Spokane.

There are enough permutations to make every ride that way a new adventure.

Jim

[pmdave]

I drove my sidecar outfit from Port Angeles WA to Trenton a couple of years ago, and rode both US2 and 200, plus a few connectors. I rode 2 across the UP to Sault Ste Marie, then to Sudbury and sort of cross country to Trenton. So, IMHO:

US 2 is very interesting across upper Michigan and Wisconsin, somewhat less interesting across Minnesota, and really boring across North Dakota. 2 across ND is choked with heavy truck traffic, the pavement is beat into serious ruts, and the scenery is not much different from I-94. Both 2 and I-94 are four lane highways, but I-94 is much wider and gets a lot more maintenance. 200 across ND is confusing, because it dodges north and south a lot, but if you have the time, that could be an interesting route.

The truck traffic continues west across Montana on 2, so the scenery gets more open, but it's still a frustrating truck tango.

OK, back to NY. You could ride north into Canada, anc cross back at Sault Ste Marie, ride the UP west to Duluth, (and visit Aerostich.) Duluth is a scenic city worth exploring.

Or, you can head for Chicago, turn the corner, and head northwest via 90 or 94. Very busy traffic anywhere near Chi-town.

My suggestion would be to make a "transit" toward the rocky mountains via either 90 or 94, then pick up 200 across Montana to Helena. At that point you're near the big mountains, and can head north to Glacier Park, or continue to Spokane on I-90 or any state highways that look appealing.

If you want some destinations, I'd suggest:
Theodore Roosevelt Nat. Park, North Dakota
Mt Rushmore, South Dakota
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park (Logan Pass)

Assuming you do Glacier, I'd suggest US 2 west from Kalispell, then dodging south on 56 to 200, via Sandpoint and south to I-90 then west to Spokane.

If you do Mt. Rushmore, I'd suggest heading west on I-90 to Sheridan, then west on 14 (or 16) through Wyoming to Cody and Yellowstone Park. VERY steep mountains here and there. Stop for several hours at the art museum in Cody. After Yellowstone, head north via either I-15 or 28 to Missoula, and over the pass on I-90 to Spokane. Or, spend a couple of days riding Idaho, say 20 to Arco, Picabo, and 75 via Stanley to Salmon, then Missoula. Or inquire about other backroads such as (may be dirt) 21 Stanley to Horseshoe Bend, and north on 55 to Lewiston and north to Spokane. We're talking MOUNTAIN country here.

The country south of Spokane is rolling hills, but the northeast corner of Oregon is very rugged. For you GS types, consider visiting Hells Canyon via Cuprum, then riding north via forest service roads to Joseph, and north again on 3 from Enterprise.

For those who have never traveled in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington, this is really great motorcycling country, with lots of excellent paved roads twisting through the country, and spectacular sights such as Grand Coulee Dam, Hells Canyon, the Sawtooth Mountains, etc. I highly recommend that you budget several days to look around before or after the rally. I can make suggestions.

pmdave

[pmdave]

Here's a shot of US200 across Montana. Crank up the wick and go. Just remember to gas up at every opportunity.

pmdave

[Jim Shaw]

Sorry to hear 2 and 200 are rutted. They used to be FAST.:bliss

Add Devils Tower to the list of to see places above, and be sure to ride the Beartooth from Red Lodge to Yellowstone.

I think a lot depends on weather: If it's hot - and it can be, you will probably want to be as far north as you can. If not, you can benefit from lots of interesting routes and sights further south.

Surely, it much depends on what you want to see, and what time you have. You can blow across the USA in three days if you must, and have a fun ride (but maybe not see much). Getting to the Rally in Spokane is the prime goal. But, if you have a week or so, you can make it into one of the great memorable rides of a lifetime. Of course, you will spend the rest of your life wanting to do it again :clap

I know one couple who trailer their two bikes to Missoula, and ride from there. Sure, they miss a lot, but she has a fluffy butt, and can't enjoy the distances. They still attained the prime directive: get to the Rally (Redmond, in the last case).

For Redmond, I took five weeks. I'd do it again, in a minute. Rode it alone (the optimum riding group is one :) ) I'm hoping for a reprise in 2004. In general, my route was Hinckley to the UP, across 2, down to Rushmore, Devils Tower, the Chief Joseph, the Beartooth Pass, Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson Hole, Idaho Falls, Arco, Ketchum and Sun Valley, Missoula (for tires), Lolo Pass, the back way into Bend, Redmond, Crater Lake, Coos Bay, the coast highway, Olympic Penninsula, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Seattle, Victoria, Port Hardy, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino, Vancouver, Canadian Rockies, Banff, Calgary, Regina, Winnepeg, Thunder Bay, Saulte Ste. Marie, Ann Arbor, Hinckley - just me and the (then new) GS. One of the best parts of the ride was BC99 from the Vancouver Ferry through the old mining towns of BC.

By the way... You might want to hang in there for the Closing Ceremonies at Spokane. It's true; the same guy is doing the production, but a new guy is doing the sound. Details will follow, as I think them up. Prepare to be entertained as well as awarded.

Merry Christmas, riders,

Jim Shaw
Ann Arbor, MI and Hinckley, OH USA
R1150GS

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Jim Shaw
By the way... You might want to hang in there for the Closing Ceremonies at Spokane. It's true; the same guy is doing the production, but a new guy is doing the sound.

:thumb

Your closing ceremonies, delivered in 60 minutes or less.

[CABNFVR]

Don't let the negatives stop you. WE thought looking back from North Dakota to check our porch light was kind of neat. We live in NC. Grand Coulee Dam laser light show is worth a stopover. We stayed at a motel an easy walk from the nightime show. Worth it just to see the water over the dam. But here's (http://www.raindomain.com/seattle8.html) where you need to go. Take an extra day or two. You will not regret it. The Northern Cascade's are worth the trip. Wish we had the vacation.
http://www.raindomain.com/s-ncascades12.jpg

[kbasa]

Wow!

I nominate that as picture of the day.

[RebeccaV]

CABNFVR, your pic is incredible. If you're not on the board of tourism or visitor's bureau, you should be.

[Unregistered]

I plan on riding that route and hitting Glacier National Park and have also been told to hit Rider's Wearhouse.

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I plan on riding that route and hitting Glacier National Park and have also been told to hit Rider's Wearhouse.

I don't know where you're starting from but let me make a suggestion for anyone coming from upstate NY or even New England. A big obstacle heading west from here is lake Michigan. If you go around the south end you have to deal with traffic in Chicago. Head north and you have to ride across the Makinac bridge. (I know, thousands of bikes cross that bridge every year but I got white knuckles driving my car over that thing!):uhoh

If you can, enter Canada near Niagara Falls then head North from Hamilton. Take the ferry across the mouth of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. It leaves at 7:00 AM from Tobermory at the tip of Bruce Peninsula. It's about an hour and a half ride and a good breakfast can be had in the Cafeteria on board. After the ferry ride, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful ride on Rt. 6 across Manitoulin Island. Once back on the mainland, start heading west on 17, another scenic route along the North Channel. It may not be the most direct route but it's a pretty ride. I went that way 3 years ago and can't wait to do it again. Cross back into the US in Sault Ste. Marie, pick up Rt. 28 in the UP of Mich. and follow it to Rte. 2...Then just keep heading west!! Or, as Josh suggested, stay in Canada to cross the continent.

If this sounds interesting to you, be aware that Tobermory is a small town and often times gets booked up in the summer. I've aready made reservations at the Harbourside Motel for Friday, July 9th. That way I'll be ready to line up Saturday AM and have 5 days to hit Glacier and Lolo pass on my way to Spokane. The ferry also takes reservations and there are only so many Motorcycle spots...complete with rope and brackets on the floor to tie your bike down just in case. Maybe I'll see you in line!

JIM....Thanks for the advice, I'm hoping to hit Devil's Tower on the way home.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer
If you're heading from anywhere East, don't forget about the ferry operating across Lake Michigan between LUDINGTON, Michigan and MANITOWOC, Wisconsin....

....gotta make the pilgrimage to The Tower at least once in your life. Been there a couple of times and I keep hearing the movie theme rattling through my helmet 'til well after I leave the place!


I've looked into that ferry also. The only problem for me was the timing. It's a long trip and would eat up a good portion of the day. Someday, I hope to ride out that way then take the ferry in the evening and wake up in Wisconsin. From Rochester, that's probably a trip I'll take on my way to a race at Road America (another thing on my to do list!).

As for Devils Tower.....Please tell me they don't have loud speakers around there pumping out that movie theme!!

:rolleyes :rolleyes

Grant
Rochester

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by Unregistered
I plan on riding that route and hitting Glacier National Park and have also been told to hit Rider's Wearhouse.

I've been keeping notes from this thread on routes and attractions, and the list is already too long (just added Devil's Tower), but what/where is Rider's Wearhouse?

[DarkCloud]

Located in Duluth.

Timing and planning are everything on a ride west. I live on the Illinois/Indiana state line so after work I head west, try and make Des Moines by 9 or 10. Then leave the next morning at 4 or shortly after to beat the heat. You can make Sturgis easy the next evening. Whispering Pines camp ground is BMW friendly and very inexpensive. Mount Rushmore, do it at night, good light show and the ride back in the mountains is ride you'll never forget. Lead, Sturgis BMW, Sturgis getting ready for Sturgis and Needles highway are very good. I'd se aside a day and two nights. The scenic route to Devil's Tower is WY 24 thru Hulett. Bikers will be arriving in Hulett by the time Nationals are over. Super slab up to Sheridan where civilization ends. Cross over to Cody by way of Granite pass, time to watch out for varmits.

BMWRT will be having their Unrally in Cody. You can check out www.bmwrt.com for details. There will be nothing short of great roads until you leave the Rockies headed home. National Parks, save some money and get a season pass. Cody to Spokane is a good days ride. If you can work Lolo Pass in, do it. I started Lolo pass from west to east at Kooskia. The front tire on my RT was just starting to touch the tread wear indicator. Perfect traction, about 70 miles later I stopped in Moose Drool, Montana for a coke and looked at my front tire, it was bald! The roads are much more abrasive out there. Fortunately Big Sky BMW at Missoula was open on a Monday and I got a new tire.

Me, I'm headed to the best rally in the world first Top of the Rockies, carve all the Canyons in Colorado, then spend the next three daze finding every curve and pass to Spokane. Leave Sunday morning depending on work either take a day or two to get to Rabid City, SD. Then do an Iron Butt crossing the prairie.

Plan everything for a perfect ride and the weather can force some serious changes. JON

[kbasa]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie
I've been keeping notes from this thread on routes and attractions, and the list is already too long (just added Devil's Tower), but what/where is Rider's Wearhouse?

It's where Aerostichs, the uniform of the BMW rider, come from.

http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/images/Aerostich.jpeg
Thanks, Timberwoof

[Jim Shaw]

If you camp, there is a small campground run by the National Park there. Check here for information: http://classic.mountainzone.com/nationalparks/deto/

There is nothing quite like crawling out in the early morning, and facing Devil's Tower from there.

The Tower is an easy walk around, and you can do a little climbing if you like.

Jim

[lorazepam]

The Tower is a great place to go. When I lived in rapid City, we would drive out there with a telescope and watch climbers. A destination well worth stopping by.

[GRANT63RT]

I was thinking on the return trip I would take I90 all the way to the Little Bighorn battlefield then pick up rt. 212, follow it east through Custer Nat'l. Forest to Alzada, then head south on rt 112 and approach Devils Tower from the North. Has anyone else had any experience on these roads? Once again, any input (positive or negative) will be appreciated

Grant

[GregInBoulder]

Grant - I ended up with two combines and two weeks on my hands in Alzada 25 years ago. No kidding, it wasn't unusual to see horses tied up at the bars in the evenings. There were two bars, one on each end of town, about a half mile apart. We travelled all over the local geography looking for something to cut. Wheat, flax, barley, oats in little 50 to 200 acre patches out in the middle of nowhere. Drove 212 to South Dakota and the nearest grain elevator. In those days, locals proudly displayed a bumper sticker that read "I survived 212". The road south to Devils Tower was dirt at the time, went right by a Bentonite Mine, a greasy white clay like dirt that's used for keeping Hershey bars together. Made the roads real interesting when it rained.

Watch out for the cattle/sheep dogs. If you see one sitting in the road, stop and wait. There will be a herd of something coming over the rise in a little while.

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by GregInBoulder
.... locals proudly displayed a bumper sticker that read "I survived 212". The road south to Devils Tower was dirt at the time, went right by a Bentonite Mine, a greasy white clay like dirt that's used for keeping Hershey bars together. Made the roads real interesting when it rained.


Hmmmm........sounds like I might want to come up with a new plan. According to my map the route south is now paved but that Bentonite stuff sounds like it might make those roads a little hairy anyway. Thanks for the warning!

Grant
Rochester, NY

[GregInBoulder]

Grant, rereading my post it sounded more negative than I meant it to. That corner of Montana is actually pretty nice and is probably a lot less wild now than it was back then. For all I know the mine might have closed. Not sure how to find that out unless you just go check and that's part of the fun of being on the road. I do know there's a boat load of HD riders going east that drive 212 to Sturgis. We probably hauled 10 of em in two weeks to Belle Fouche after they broke down :)

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by GregInBoulder
.... there's a boat load of HD riders going east that drive 212 to Sturgis...


Ok Greg...Now I've got to take 212! I can't let myself be intimidated by a road that Harley riders can handle. :thumb Unless someone has a better suggestion. It still seems like the best bet on my map.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[Unregistered]

Could someone comment on Rt 2 west of Spokane? I'm planning a loop that would include that stretch either coming or going from central California.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by CABNFVR
Don't let the negatives stop you. WE thought looking back from North Dakota to check our porch light was kind of neat. We live in NC. Grand Coulee Dam laser light show is worth a stopover. We stayed at a motel an easy walk from the nightime show. Worth it just to see the water over the dam. But here's (http://www.raindomain.com/seattle8.html) where you need to go. Take an extra day or two. You will not regret it. The Northern Cascade's are worth the trip. Wish we had the vacation.
http://www.raindomain.com/s-ncascades12.jpg

North Cascades HWY is an excellent ride BUT it has been closed lately due to some serious slides in the last month or so. In fact, there are some locals up there who were trapped in their town with no roads. Not sure how this will affect things in July but I imagine it will cause some road construction delays. An alternate is HWY w which is pretty nice as well.

[Unregistered]

HWY 2, not w.

[87066]

Originally posted by grant
I plan on riding to Spokane for the Rally from upstate NY. It looks like it might be nice to pick up Rt 2 in Michigan's upper pininsula and follow it all the the way there. Has anyone else tried this route in the past? I'd appreciate any advice such as good places to eat or sleep, places to avoid, sights not to miss, etc.

By the way...I've read a lot of negative comments about the Charleston rally but you can count me among the people who had a wonderful time there. Many thanks to all the organizers!

grant

There is beauty everywhere if you will just slow down enough to look around. I can't believe anyone would go through Duluth without spending a little time along Lake Superior.

[Russ Davis]

I have riden from Ohio to the west coast on rte 2 3 or 4 times & much prefer it to the slab when I am not in a hurry. I would also recomend taking the car ferry across Lake Mich. It runs from Ludington Mich. to Manitowoc Wisc. 7 takes about 4 hrs. Private state rooms are availible & there is a bar & rest. on board & it allows you to avoid Chicago. Res. are rec. but I have never needed one(always room for 1 more m/c) www.ssbadger.com for res & info RSD

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by Sid
I can't believe anyone would go through Duluth without spending a little time along Lake Superior.

I agree Sid. I grew up on the shores of Lake Ontario and have spent alot of time exploring the roads around it as well as Lake Huron and Michigan, all beautiful country. I've wanted to ride Rt. 61 on the north shore of Superior for some time now. Unfortunately I can't take the extra time on this trip. :cry Maybe next year!!

Grant
Rochester, NY (Lake effect snow country!)

[timsh]

If you are looking for any alternative rides check out the thread "Going to the rally? Try this ride!!"

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by tim
If you are looking for any alternative rides check out the thread "Going to the rally? Try this ride!!"

Thanks Tim! I've already checked that out. The route you suggested sounds great and I could probably deal with some unpaved roads on my 1150RS but I know my riding partner won't have anything to do with it. He'll be on a Triumph Sprint ST (I told him he could come anyway :p ). We plan on hitting Glacier Nat'l Park and Lolo Pass before we get to Spokane then hopefully take a few short rides durring the rally. Maybe you can give us some good pointers there. BTW, did you check out Scott Conary's web site. He responed to your post on that thread. Follow the link he inserted then click on "Enough: a beartooth, some breasts, and a boob". A great story with lots a nice photos.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[timsh]

Originally posted by grant
Thanks Tim! I've already checked that out. The route you suggested sounds great and I could probably deal with some unpaved roads on my 1150RS but I know my riding partner won't have anything to do with it. He'll be on a Triumph Sprint ST (I told him he could come anyway :p ). We plan on hitting Glacier Nat'l Park and Lolo Pass before we get to Spokane then hopefully take a few short rides durring the rally. Maybe you can give us some good pointers there. BTW, did you check out Scott Conary's web site. He responed to your post on that thread. Follow the link he inserted then click on "Enough: a beartooth, some breasts, and a boob". A great story with lots a nice photos.

Grant
Rochester, NY

Hey, thanks for the tip. It was a real pleasure to read Scott's article. Living here in the Northwest all my life (except for four years in misery, I mean, Missouri, I think I take our area for granted. Thanks Scott for writing the story and sharing it with us.

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by grant
The route you suggested sounds great..... but I know my riding partner won't have anything to do with it. He'll be on a Triumph Sprint ST (I told him he could come anyway :p ).
Grant
Rochester, NY

Pussy!:cry

[GRANT63RT]

Originally posted by dlearl
Pussy!:cry

:rofl My thoughts exactly.

I can't wait to show him that picture! His bike is red also!

Grant
Rochester, NY

[chas1969]

Hello,

I am F 650 series rider start'n from northern michigan and taking rt#2 to the rally. I have a pretty good plan of places off the beatn path to camp (good book of free camp spots) and a couple I have used on my way back from Alaska ... But a good run from Mich to Wash anyone interested I would leave on the 9-10th of July and get to Spokane on the 14th:)))) So looking forward to the Ride and Rally;)

Drop me a line @ Chas1969@hotmail.com

Thanks

Charlie C

[aterveen_1487]

I see alot of you are coming from the central and eastern part of the United States. I've also seen a couple great plugs for South Dakota and the riding out in the Black Hills of Western South Dakota. SO, I just wanted to inform you that the Black Hills BMW Stampede is going to be held July 9-11. It will be a great stop to the MOA National in Spokane. I also heard that there was going to be an appearance of the Teradactle Riders. I've heard those guys can ride, and they will be leading a ride to Spokane WA. Please ck out our internet site:

www.blackhillsbmw.com

Hope to see you there! I will have the beer waiting!:drink :burnout

[GRANT63RT]

I've got a question for you guys in SD. On the way back east we plan on a quick stop in Sturgis and then spending the night at the Super 8 in Huron, SD. Our problem is trying to figure out the best (not the most direct :D) way from Sturgis to Huron. We're thinking about droping south on 385 then picking up 44 to Rapid City. Should we stay on 44 through Badlands Nat'l Park? Maybe we should pick up I90 and take Rt 240 through the Badlands. Then again, what is Rt 34 like east of Sturgis? :dunno Maybe you could give me some advice on roads not to be missed along the way. I'm sure you have some favorites and any advice would be a great help!

Thanks in advance.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[aterveen_1487]

I would advise you to take both....44 goes through the badlands and you can hook up with the Pierre turn off and go up to Pierre and then take 34 to Huron. If you choose one or the other I would have to say the Badlands, unless you would like to see the state capital and the Oahe dam...which is pretty cool in itself. If you need or have any other question let us know!

[GRANT63RT]

Thanks for the info! Thought it might be fun to check out Spearfish but I can't find it on my map! See you in Spokane

Grant
Rochester, NY

[GRANT63RT]

Sorry guys! I just realized I was trying to find Spearfish in the list of towns for NORTH Dakota! :rolleyes Duh! Now I see it right next to Sturgis! What a dummy, I certainly didn't mean any offense to you folks in Spearfish if it came accross that way.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[aterveen_1487]

ah I am not too worked up about it at all:p . I am just glad you were able to locate us. So what are your thoughts about attending the Black Hills BMW Stampede now. Would love to have you along with a few of your fellow riders. Let us know and take care! Keep the rubber side down!

[ptero]

I have done Rte 2 a couple times, though quite some time ago. I pretty much agree with what's been said so far. If it was a toss up between rte2 and the Trans-Canada(#1 from Winnipeg west), stay in the states. Or find another way across in Canada. The Trans-Canada was not a great ride. It is THE cross country route for all the trucks. Busy, sometimes manic, not fun at all. Parts of getting past Lake Superior are nice, with Provincial parks. Camping was easy enough to come by.

Other secondaries might be a good choice. I try to avoid the interstates, and enjoy the rhythm of a small town now and then. I'm not so much after high mileage at all costs. With 16 or more prairie crossings, I have managed to take an interstate only twice. I'm starting to run out of secondaries!

I've crossed the Mighty Mac to 'da UP in MI a bunch. It's one lane of steel grate and one lane of concrete in each direction. You have a choice, unless with construction, you are forced to run one or the other. The grate is OK by me. On my 93 KLT ( and a big Honda before that) it's like rain grooves on steroids. It's easiest to let up on your grip and let it wander the little bit that it wants to. (If I remember, I'll bring pix to the rally, through the grate, down to the Lake, I took one year. Ya only really need one hand to ride the grate!!! :bliss :bliss :bliss

It CAN be windy, is not always. The bridge authority will, if it's really windy, collect, then lead vehicles across at a slow pace. I think they require joining the caravan for tracks and such at a certain level of wind.

ummmm, yes, the other thing in my brain was about a visit to Aerostitch in Duluth. It was indeed interesting, but it's mainly a Wearhouse(!) that's not open to the public. The Public Showroom was (3 yrs ago?) about a 12'x20' room. Not a lot of room. Just a little dissappointing though I did find some things I HAD to have. Don't get me wrong, it WAS a fun visit. ;) They had a good range of sizes of 'Stitches and other things for size checks, some for purchase. Good chance to check fit and such before ordering a 'Stitch. Great staff, too.

I'll be headed for Paonia/Top O the Rockies on the way out. So I'll drop out of MI and pass well south of Chicago. Well south!

After Paonia, hopefully I'll hook up with the Spearfish Pterodactyl contingent for the rest of the way west. Hey Griz, meet ya at the corner of xxxx and xxxx? :clap

Reid

[GRANT63RT]

Hmmmm.....sounds like it would probably be fun to hook up with you pterodactyl guys both on and off the road! Our plan now is to take a more northern route (rt 200) on the way west and head back east through Wyoming and South Dakota. Of course, we've changed plans several times now so who knows. Thanks for the invite! Hope to see you in Spokane at any rate.

Grant
Rochester, NY

[aterveen_1487]

All this that you have talked about can be seen while attending the Black Hills BMW Stampede...so don't miss out as it is less than 2 months away. You can view the rally details and get registered at www.blackhillsbmw.com Hope to see you all there!