AVOID CHICAGO TRAFFIC: Lake Express Ferry DISCOUNT For Rally

[gsmetal]

Hello All

This past week I met with Kay Collins from the Lake Express Ferry and managed to get a 10% off discount for MOA members who are going to the National Rally in Lima.

The ferry runs several times during the day.

PLEASE SEE THE LAKE EXPRESS FERRY WEBSITE FOR PRICES:

http://www.lake-express.com/

Lake Express has asked that you CALL in your reservation and mention you are with the BMW MOA to get your discount.

If you don't like to drive through Chicago, this is a great alternative.

[DrRaoulDuke]

Beats the hell out of going through Chicago and across the Skyway. I usually try to be acrosss the skyway by 5:00am because there is ALWAYS traffic. Great alternative, and not just for the MOA.

Thanks,
Dr. Raoul Duke

[Jim Shaw]

If you don't like to drive through Chicago, this is a great alternative.

It's true; I've used this ferry three times last year. They are really friendly, and provide tiedowns. There's almost always room for your bike, but you need a reservation for your butt. The price seems fair.

However, it's not much of a shortcut for going to Lima. The main advantage is avoiding what we used to call 'da rejun' - Chicago, Hammond and Gary - three of the outstanding garden cities of our proud nation. It will save about 70 miles, but will take you about 3 hours for the cruise - one for being 1/2 half hour early and 1/2 hour for unloading.

They have decent food and coffee on board, and the jet ferry is clean and well run.

Keep one thing in mind: the weather. Last summer, they would not run in >five foot seas ('lakes'?).

Which is OK by me :sick

[gsmetal]

Actually the ferry can run in 5 foot waves.

It's the passengers who can't stomach it. :stick

While in dry dock this winter they are putting a few more stabilizers on it to smoothen out the ride for next year.

[roy]

Another good reason to avoid Chicago is that unless you have an I-Pass for the toll ways all of the tolls have DOUBLED, yes doubled. On I90 to go from Wisconsin border to Chicago is now $4.00 and depending on route you take around or through Chicago this could easily double.

[Braddog]

Using Mapquest, which doesn't necessarily show you the shortest or most interesting routes, I could save like 60 miles, and avoid Chicago, and take a boat ride across Lake Michigan.

With some maps, and some creative routing, I could do much better.

IF I go, this will be the route I take.

[SHAG]

I thought I was going to Crack going thru Chicago on the way to Spokane last year! What a nightmare it was with 90 degrees,a black Darien & road work. It was one of the worst experience's of my life! Once the traffic got moving there was a toll booth to slow you down ! I will never go near the place ever again. I hate the "Cubs, Bear's & even the Band now! Don't mention the name to me !

OK! I feel better. I will take a ride on this Express though! :brow

[tom42n]

Avoid Chicago Traffic (From W/NW - to East i.e. SW corner)

See My Post
Skirting The SW Corner of Chicago to Lima
tom42n 12-11-2004 08:56 PM
by tom42n 0 104 Rally Forum
(I am still working on the details, between snows and beers). :)

[Fritzc]

Print and save this message.
If westerners taking Lake Michigan Ferry to Lima, you will pass quite close to Owosso MI near Lansing MI. Need a place to pitch a tent over night? I have a big back yard, a shower, coffee pot and a campfire pit. You are welcome.
Send a private message for directions and phone number.
Oh yes, I am in the Anonymous book too.
Fritz in Owosso

[airhead6]

We took 30 to the AMA vintage days last year and really enjoyed the ride.
It goes right through Lima.

Gmac
:thumb

[Grey Matter]

Good on ya gsmetal.

[lawman]

just a quick update on the Lake Express option; made my reservation on 3-9-05 (Kathy was most helpful) and discovered that for the 12:30pm departure from Milwaukee on 7-20-05 there were only 10 motorcycle parking slots available; hope this helps anyone who was planning this mode.