Mackinaw bridge

[KevinGS]

My wife is terrified :cry of the bridge, what can I do to confince her it is not that bad? Or is it really that:doh bad? She hates heights.
My only question is about the road surface, is it cement or metal grating?
Thanks.

[txtinman]

You may not want to hear this, but I've heard it is really freeky to ride over it on a bike. I'm gonna do it after the rally, and I can't wait.:D

[KevinGS]

That is what I have heard. Just wanted to find out for sure from soemone who has ridden over it. My wife loves to ride and is quite a trooper. But the bridge may be a bit to much for her.

[Pat Carol]

Living in Northeast Michigan, I ride across the Mackinaw Bridge at least once a month. It is not as bad as people say.
The only time any vehicles have gone over is due to driver negligence. Some girl in a Yugo was blown off the bridge several years ago. This was operator error along with alcohol, vehicle speed and wind speed.
The second vehicle incident was a successful suicide. The young driver driving a Bronco crashed into the the side railing and fell to his death.
Now when you ride across, stay in the right lane. It is concrete all the way across. The center lane at the summit of the crossing does have the steel grate. It may freak your wife out due to a slight wobble. It really is nothing to fear.
One interesting issue about crossing the bridge is wind speed. There has been times that I have crossed during high wind advisories. You can request an escort across the bridge. Do not hesitate to ask for that service. During those times the Mackinaw Bridge Authority is providing that service for high profile vehicles.
My great uncle was in charge of all the iron workers on the Mackinaw Bridge. It is a very beautiful and safe crossing. Your wife will truly enjoy the experience.
If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Take Care & Ride Safe
Pat Carol

[iraon2r]

OH Dude, it's high..... even higher in the cab of my 18 wheeler. I know that one of the two lanes is grated steel, and the other in concrete or atleast has a concrete slab. I haven't been over the bridge in a few years now, but hopefully this will help. If it's a windy day..... BE VERY CAREFUL

[manicmechanic]

Going over Big Mac is not bad. Hope for a nice sunny day and enjoy the view.

[wmubrown]

My wife is terrified :cry of the bridge, what can I do to confince her it is not that bad? Or is it really that:doh bad? She hates heights.
My only question is about the road surface, is it cement or metal grating?
Thanks.

The outer lane is concrete, the inner lane is metal grating. The outer lane was under construction last summer when I went over the bridge. My K11LT was ALL OVER the place on that bridge, it was very scary. It seemed the slower I went, the worse the front wheel control was. Two buddies riding behind me were on newer bikes with radial tires, they said they had no trouble at all, and one was very hesitant to go over the bridge to begin with - he had no trouble.

You DO see right through the grating to the water below... way way below...

[Paul_F]

The outer lane is concrete, the inner lane is metal grating. The outer lane was under construction last summer when I went over the bridge. My K11LT was ALL OVER the place on that bridge, it was very scary.

I agree. The concrete lane was under construction two years ago, as well as last year. It was quite an interesting ride. I had cars behind me doing 30 mph, and consequently that was my speed as well. Just remember to not wrestle with the handgrips. Just gentle hold on and enjoy the ride as the bike goes from side to side.

[torinokuchi]

I've ridden across the bridge several times, on various bikes and it's really not that bad. My wife and I road across it last summer on our fully loaded GS, on the grating (I think there was construction on the paved side at the time). It was pretty windy, but it's fun to look down through the steel at the straights of Mackinaw.

The first time I went across it on a bike was with a group of people who's "Big Mac" rite of passage was to "casually" manuever the new guy onto the grating and yell, "look down!" at the apex.

If you hit it at sunset the view is beautiful as well.

Best,
TNK

[Jfixit]

Just remember to keep your grip on the bars light, don't stiffen up. Let the bike float a little if you get on the grating and don't put yourself in a position that may require a lot of brake if you are on the steel. Tell your wife to keep her eyes closed if she has to but my bet is she won't give up the view.

[rickyracer]

Hey fellow rider before you and you wife ride over be sure to stop at fort mackinaw park its very beutiful then you can see the whole bridge in its glory. I have also been over it many times a few in a downpour. there is nothing to worry about. also some good resturants before the bridge.

[26667]

Kevin, my wife still talks about her unhappiosity while crossing the damn thing on her R65 twenty years ago, but now she says it w pride!

Actually, she said (and I just went upstairs and asked her) that it lasts long enough to allow you to get into "the groove" and then it's not so bad. I hope this helps your wife.

The steele grate is a little freaky because of the height and the wind combined w the natural desire to look at the view; bothe below and to the side.

[mrich12000]

:bolt :stick It is a bit of a bump:bottle

[dbOnIce]

Going over Big Mac is not bad. Hope for a nice sunny day and enjoy the view.

Hope for a foggy day...that means no wind and can't see S--t

[2BikeMike]

One interesting issue about crossing the bridge is wind speed. There has been times that I have crossed during high wind advisories. You can request an escort across the bridge. Do not hesitate to ask for that service. During those times the Mackinaw Bridge Authority is providing that service for high profile vehicles.
My great uncle was in charge of all the iron workers on the Mackinaw Bridge. It is a very beautiful and safe crossing. Your wife will truly enjoy the experience.
If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Take Care & Ride Safe
Pat Carol

You've got my curiosity up, please expound a bit more on the escort.:confused:

[Burnszilla]

I remember about 18 years ago when a girl in a Yugo got blown off of the bridge. My mom was always terrified to drive on the grates of that bridge on our way to Traverse City.

[lawman]

The last time I crossed the bridge almost all of the bikes in the area elected to have their bike taken across on a flatbed; I was on a Wing at the time and although the wind was strong (about 40mph) it was steady; starting in the middle I was up on the pegs looking at the island and the great view. On the other side the flatbed driver asked just how bad the ride was. I told him that in North Dakota we often have strong winds broken up by shelter belts this sometimes gives us a real handful of bike until it is under control, but no real problems as long as you don't overcontrol. The bridge was considerably easier to cross and included scenery that could not have been seen from any other position. Happy crossing!....wj

[Pat Carol]

You've got my curiosity up, please expound a bit more on the escort.:confused:

The Mackinaw Bridge Authority will provide an escort car during high wind conditions. I have on ocassion arrived at the bridge unable to cross due do severe wind conditions. A majority of bridge closures occur in the winter time.
So the escort is a police type vehicle. They will have their overhead lights operating and will be behind or in front of the vehicle that they are escorting across the bridge. A majority of the vehicles escorted are high profile vehicles ie. tractor/trailer rigs, RV's.
Although I have never seen bike trailered across. I have heard that the bridge authority personnel does provide such a service.
You should not worry about crossing the Mackinaw Bridge. It is a beautiful experience. It still excites me to cross the bridge.

Take Care & Ride Safe
Pat Carol

[BMWDEAN]

It's a great bridge that I have ridden my motorcycle over numerous times.

I like the metal grating. I always head for the left lanes -- with the grating -- because you can glance down and see the water 200 feet below. Very cool.

I recommend the bridge to motorcyclists. Take the left lanes!

[Boingo]

My wife is terrified :cry of the bridge, what can I do to confince her it is not that bad? Or is it really that:doh bad? She hates heights.
My only question is about the road surface, is it cement or metal grating?
Thanks.
It's high, it's scary, and in my book, it is a must do. Ride the grating, total trip. Two time veteran here, and I can't wait to go again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackinaw_Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge Authority has a "Drivers Assistance Program" that provides drivers for those uncomfortable with driving across the Mackinac Bridge. Those interested can arrange, either by phone or with the toll collector, to have their cars driven to the other end. There is no additional fee for this service.

If you call ahead, you may be able to secure a ride for your wife, and meet up on the other side.

[pat]

I rode it up on the pegs all the way and as slow as I could go, just to enjoy the view as long as I could. It's a wonderful ride

[dancogan]

It is a beautiful view from up there. I've done it both by bicycle and on motorcyle and have always enjoyed it thanks to the beautiful view, and the ships you can usually see down below. The bicycle crossings were with an organized tour the day before Labor Day. They put down plywood over the expansion joints, which are wide and long enough to swallow a 27" bicycle wheel up to the axle! :usa

[rockers]

Like a few of the riders have said..the only time the bridge can be "nerve racking" is high winds or when they close the outer lanes, then you need to handle 2 miles of grating.

I see your from Buffalo area..an option would be to go north to Barrie & Sault Ste Marie Ontario and cross over to "da U.P." at the Soo....the bridge is high but short.

Then you can head across the U.P. to Wisconsin from there.

Bob Alexander
#7892

[millbert]

One of the guys that works at the tollbooths will ride your bike across for you,I met him once. Call ahead,if he's still there he'll ride your bike across for you.
If I'm in the area I'll take it across,I'm sure you'll get someone,no problem....

[iRene]

Did it on a clear, still day on the K75S with a pair of friends on their K-bikes, it was grand!
What a view and what an experience, I would recommend it.

[Rapid_Roy]

I like driving on the grating. Good to hone skills. When we left Midland, MI to go home, the girl I was riding with said she didn't want to go over the bridge again. I said that was fine and to be careful riding through Chicago. She went over the bridge (again).

[robsryder]

I rode the big bridge up and back last fall on the way to and from Duluth (a friend wanted to buy a 'Stich). I stayed on the concrete portion and it wasn't a big deal. I could have ridden on the grating, but was glad that I didn't have to as the wind was picking up on the way back.

As a youngster I used to ride back and forth at least twice a day across the bridge spanning the Cape Fear River into Wilmington, NC. This bridge is much shorter than the big Mak bridge, but there was no option but to ride over the grating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Fear_Memorial_Bridge
http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc3482.php

I can recall a couple of times when it was raining and the wind was blowing. My bike (a Honda CB350) would be blown from the windward to the leeward lanes. It took some advance planning to ensure that a car or truck wasn't coming up fast in the leeward lane (I'd start in the windward lane).

On a bike the rotating wheels provide a helpful gyroscopic effect which will keep the bike in a path resisting a change. Recall Newton's law of motion - bodies in motion will tend to remain so unless acted on by a force. So, don't make any sudden directional changes, slam on the brakes, etc. and the ride across the bridge will be ok.

[TracyRBIKE]

We cross the bridge several times each year. It's not really as bad as everyone envisions! One lane is paved and one is grated over the middle section of the bridge -- I've ridden both. Both lanes are paved on the approach on both sides.

A couple of thing to watch out for:

On the paved section in the middle, do keep toward the innermost part of the lane and travel single file (not 2 abeast in the lane). You WILL encounter some cross-winds in the middle, even if it doesn't seem windy as you approach the bridge.

Also, if you're crossing in the rain, or early in the morning, take special care on the large metal expansion joints near each tower. These can be slippery when wet.

Keep your eyes on the road 1/2 mile or so ahead of you if you're uncomfortable with heights -- otherwise enjoy the fantastic view! My hubby hates heights, but he makes it across just fine.

If you have to ride on the grated section (sometimes necessary if bridge maintenance is in progress), keep a nice relaxed grip on the handle bars. The bike will wiggle around a little, but the tighter your grip, the more you'll feel it.

If you have time, stop in Mackinaw City and check out the museum (just above the pizza joint on the main street). They have interesting bridge artifacts and a little video about the building of the bridge.

[Abosit]

I rode the bridge in May 3,2007.
The grated lanes where in construction and concrete lanes where in excelent condition. No problems for this summer.
Have a great trip.

[The_Veg]

The bridge is the subject of a Modern Marvels episode that just started.

[ptero]

I have crossed the bridge many times on a motorcycle. A lot of what folks have said above is true. Really not so bad.

The worst feeling is if you're trying to lock up and fight the weave the steel grating induces. It's a lot like rain grooves in pavement. Ease up and let it wiggle. It'll still track straight and you'll be fine.

There was that time I did part of it one handed and took pix down through the grating. The camera managed to autofocus on the grating in a couple and on the water below in a couple. That bike was especially stable. :) With two hands anyone should be ok.

[JohnP]

One of my all time best motorcycling memories involves the Mackinaw Bridge. In 1982 four of us circumnavigated Lake Michigan. We parked the bikes and ferried over to Mackinaw Island to spend the night. The morning dawned clear, warm and sunny, and we decided a swim in the crystal clear, placid waters of Lake Michigan would be a great way to start the day. In and out was the best I could do in that chilly water. Toweling off I stopped to absorb the scene around me. The sun was still low. A boundary layer of fog rested on the glassy surface of the lake. Ducks muttered as they paddled by. The thumping of a big ship's propeller beat the air, the freighter hidden by the mist as it plied the Straits of Mackinaw. And poking above the fog, shining golden in the early morning light, were the twin towers of the Mackinaw Bridge. It was a peaceful, beautious moment that I relish still 25 years later. The long ride over the open grating kept us from truly enjoying the view from the bridge span.

[37071]

Going to the National in Escanaba I rode over the Big Mac on my 57 R26. I had a full load of campimg gear. The outer cement lane was out of service because there were air compressors on it. Any time it is warm enough to paint - the outer lane is out of service. Riding on the inner lane on the steel decking,on the skinney little rib tires; was no fun.
With the latest Metzlers on my K75, the steel decking will be easy.:brow

[donkes]

Have her ride the bridge w her eyes closed. That should solve all your problems.

[BigTim]

Like the other's have said it's not too bad, it can be under certain conditions but slow down and you will be ok.

Two words about the wife's crossing. Blindfold and rope. Put the blindfold over her eyes and tie her hands to the bike frame. If she freaks on the grating you could have a memorable ride.

Footnote. I have been over the bridge many time because of family in the UP and everytime I have crossed on a bike the right lane has been closed for painting, or some type of construction. That puts you on the grating, now all the joints don't match up exactly so the front tire will wonder in the groove, don't fight it cause you can't beat it, just let it flow and relax. ENJOY THE RIDE

[Herleman]

Just one other thought, give it some careful consideration if its raining. That steel gets real entertaining when wet.

[jpeck]

I live in NW Michigan and have crossed the bridge many times. While spectacular, it's really not difficult for an experienced rider.

The right lane is paved except for the steel expansion joints which are several feet wide. Assume these are slick and cross them in a straight line at steady speed, etc., as you would a railroad grade crossing. There is a long section of steel grating in the middle mile or so of the left lane which is quite slippery and which also has the steel expansion joints. I have walked across the bridge and noted that the edges of the grating were polished and rounded in profile, so ride like you are riding on a slick surface. It seems to me that there is at least a fifty fifty chance that you will have to ride on the grating due to construction of one kind or another, so anyone planning on sticking to the right lane should have a plan B. When I ride the grating, I try to keep my speed down and drive in a straight line, with no sudden inputs and a light touch on the handlebars. If you must use the brakes, be very careful as the surface does not provide a lot of traction.

While crossing the Mackinaw Bridge IS a rite of passage for many motorcylists, and can be stimulating, I haven't heard of any accidents on the bridge involving bikes, so it must not be that difficult.

[danielroth]

I just crossed on my R100 3 weeks ago. It was a cool and windy day (a wind advisory was in effect). I hadn't crossed in a few years on a bike so I was quite nervous.
You just can't count on being able to EVER go all the way across on the concrete outboard lanes. Constant bridge work forces you to go from lane to lane.
The type of tires you have makes a dramatic difference. I ride old airheads and have found that the Metzlers are a crappy tire for a lot of reasons but on rain grooves and bridge grates are just plain uneasy. I went to Dunlop 491 years ago and have found them to be super stable in all conditions. New tires of any make will be more unstable on the Mac than tires with several thousand miles on them.
If you have a draw bridge or an area of similar grate-type surface in your area I suggest giving a few practice runs across. I find a heavy loaded bike is also more stable.
Long story-short, the bridge speed limit is 45, I shot across the Mac much above that when not fumbling for a camera. I rode on the grates and concrete, due to construction, and found that my worn out Dunlops caused very little cycling or wobble.


<img src="http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9125/dscf3291he3.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

It does give that "Look what I just conquered" type of feeling that will last a life time.
Those that are going through the U.P. should get together somehow and meet and cross at the same time in case someone needs a temporary pilot and a shuttle back.
-dan in michigan

[FRubio]

About 5 years ago I was on a loner ride around Lake Michigan, it was a dream of mine while living in Chicago as a kid, I came up on the bridge right before sunset and it was windy. The toll-booth agent advised that it was good that the wind had died down because they were not letting bikes across just a couple of hours earlier due to the wind. He advised to watch my speed and since I was going north to south that I should get into the left lane (grated lane) due to the wind blowing from the east. That is when the "pucker meter" went up. As I began my aproach to the grated lane I did as instructed, traffic was light so I had no worries about being "pushed". The first thing that I noticed is that there is no "guardrail" as we landridders would expect, there is a support cable-chase that serves as a rail, but I would not describe it as a rail. Within 100 feet of being on the grate I looked down and first saw a tanker waaaayyyyy down there (wow!), then all of a sudden I noticed a Sea Gull/Lake Gull flying below me; that was wild because I've never seen the top of a Gull in flight.
By the time I got to the other side I was soooooo pumped I wanted to go back and forth.
Anyway for those that go across the first time it is exceptional, and I encourage the experience.
As for the ridding technique; agree with all that have advised; keep a light hold on the handle bars to keep it straight, sit back and enjoy.
Hope to meet some of you at the National.
Fernando
Madison, IN

[refinger]

On the way back from the MOA in Spokane my buddy and I got caught at the very highest point of the bridge in a full-stop construction (probably the endless re-painting) - caused traffic jam...and as usual only the inside grated lane was open. Aspects included...no bike stand use cuz of the grate, straight down views of toy boats and larger toy freighters and the tops of soaring gulls with the sun glinting off the Lake hundreds (?) of feet below, lasted at least 15 minutes after I thought to time it (for details for my many future biographers.)

What a hoot...no real problem actually...just a great memory.

The Bridge rocks !! (sometimes literally.)

[jcpuckett]

This civil engineer is a bridge nut :clap

I've walked across the bridge twice on "bridge walk day"

received a very stern warning from Michigan's finest for stopping and getting out of my automobile in the middle of the bridge at 4:30 AM to watch the sun rise

and riden my 1150RT across the bridge 5 times ... without incident at a multitude of speeds. I do have radial tires, but don't see why bias ply tires would behave much differently.

Hope for a beautiful day. The wind is usually less early in the morning.

[BANDMAN1]

Da Bridge as we call it up here is beautiful riding across.BUT things to remember from one who crosses it often.
1. Keep your grip light and not tensed
2. It is much better to ride at 45 mph than 25 - both of these are if you are riding on the grates.
3. If it is windy - no really big deal except when you cross the expansion joints at the towers. Be ready for the bike to suddenly go upright from your lean into the wind and then back to the lean position just passed the towers. The towers block the wind.
4. When on the grates, stay off the brakes.
5. If your wife is frightened, have her close her eyes while riding across and sing to herself as loud as she can.
SERIOUSLY --- Relax and Stay loose!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a blast.
NO BIG DEAL AT ALL.:rofl

[mmadley]

I'm leaving Troy, MI, the morning of the 13th and looking to hook-up with any riders that may be taking the Northern Route. Is there anyone that I might be able to hook-up with on my way?


Mike Madley
Cell Phone 248-310-1244

[37071]

When we cross the Big Mack a week ago the cones and barrels were out as expected. What was unexpected was that we were not allowed to travel on the grating - even if we had wanted to.:dance

[BarkSlayer]

Kevin...I ride over the Big Mac all the time. The inside (left) lanes are metal grating, while the right hand lanes are soild concrete over the entire 5 mile span. I like the grating myself, because at speed, you can look down through it and see the water over 200 feet below, creating the feeling that you're floating across. You can't do anything about the height except look straight ahead. The only thing to be wary of is high winds. When the bridge commission feels it's unsafe, you will be denied passage until things calm down. Tell your wife she has nothing to fear. Only one vehicle has gone over the side since the bridge was opened in 1958.

[tessler]

I rode on the Bridge on Sunday morning while taking the scenic route back home... All lanes were open. I was already cruising in the right lane, when the 2 Two-Up Harleys in front of me quickly changed over a few feet before the grating started.

What a beautiful structure in a natural setting.

http://tessler.smugmug.com/photos/173979953-S.jpg

[TrailingJack]

My riding buddy and I crossed it on Wednesday heading to the rally - really windy but frankly, I don't know what the big deal was about crossing it. :dunno
I guess I'm not afraid of bridges in general so this is not to belittle anyone who is but, I enjoyed it. Wonderful view!
Here's a pic I snapped while crossing...

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/TrailingJack/100_0376.jpg

...and another looking to my left.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/TrailingJack/100_0377.jpg

Other than the wind, not bad at all!

[ayaple]

:nono Two different rides in 20 minutes. Early Wed. morning on 7/11, I decided to ride the Mac bridge. My wife decided to stay with her bike on the north shore, high winds and rain was not her cup of tea. I went over with no trouble and enjoyed the views, of course the bike was leaning into the wind about a 60 degree angle. I called Sharon from the other side and started back. I was stopped just short of the bridge and was told the winds were too high and I would have to wait for an escort to go over. With police in the lead, we started over with campers, boats and semi's at 20 mph. Try to keep the bike up in that wind at 20 mph in the wind and rain. Another BMW rider and I passed the cop at 30 mph and was then able to keep a straight line. Needless to say, I never saw any of the view on the way back.

[lawman]

I made a previous posting regarding the Mackinaw bridge crossing on a bike; I am no longer able to relate my bravado in that instance due to my Superior Wisconsin Bridge (not sure of the name) experience on the Tuesday preceeding the rally; I left my lake shack on Cass Lake Mn during a moderate rain shower with winds in the 40-50mph range; 21/2 hours later the rain had almost disappeared, but the wind had increased as I crossed from Duluth to Superior; on the bridge is one of those signs noting that, due to the proximaty to the lake, there are always dangeous winds on the bridge; I would estimate that the winds were swirling from all directions and gusting to appx 70 mph (I've been in hurricanes, typhoons etc.); to make matters worse, the traffic slowed to about 40 mph making the effect even more intense; luckily there was no traffic in the adjoining lane as I was thrown between lanes repeatedly; not sure what a small bike would have done. In any case, I now only tell Superior stories, not Mackinaw stories...