Lake Michigan tour [Archive]

bmdubyou

10-15-2005, 11:01 PM

boofer

10-16-2005, 08:02 AM

Check out HWY55 starting at Keshena Wisconsin and north to Crandon. On your way there also 187 from Shiocton (northwest of Appleton) which turns into Co K north right into Shawano. Both follow the Wolf river. :thumb

Tim

John Brase

10-16-2005, 12:10 PM

This link was posted today on the IBMWR mail list. It seems timely for your inquiry. The author opines, "there are no bad motorcycle roads in the U.P." I agree.

http://www.freep.com/features/travel/motorcycle16e_20051016.htm

John

jgr451

10-16-2005, 01:45 PM

Yes take the road through the UP...

bmdubyou

10-16-2005, 03:28 PM

"This link was posted today on the IBMWR mail list. It seems timely for your inquiry. The author opines, "there are no bad motorcycle roads in the U.P." I agree."

Hey, good article John....thanks for passing that on!

BMWRich58

10-16-2005, 03:56 PM

It's also a good trip to do a Saddle Sore 1000 on,
and to get in the Iron Butt Association.

Where about are you located in SW Chicago?? I'm in the Tinley area...

Cliffy777

10-16-2005, 04:19 PM

I'm planning my first trip & hoping to do a short tour :bolt of Lake Michigan in the next week or so. My thought was to head north thru Wisconsin and then back down thru Michigan. Any thoughts on the best/most scenic routes or any to avoid?

When you are South of the Big Mac Bridge make absolutely sure you get on Michigan State Road 119 from Cross Village to Harbor Springs (or from Harbor Springs to Cross Village depending on which way you circle the Lake). Great twisty road with amazing vistas over the big lake. Satisfaction guaranteed.

BradfordBenn

10-16-2005, 06:54 PM

bmdubyou

10-16-2005, 07:53 PM

It's also a good trip to do a Saddle Sore 1000 on,
and to get in the Iron Butt Association.

Where about are you located in SW Chicago?? I'm in the Tinley area...

Hey..I dont know if I'm ready to bite off that much of a ride since its my first one! I live in sheridan...near Ottawa.

bmdubyou

10-16-2005, 08:03 PM

Cause if you do that, you can also get a Marshmallow Butt Ride in.

The biggest warning I have is to bring warm clothes. Also enjoy the ride. It is a nice ride. I have done half of it so far. I didn't come back down on the Michigan side...

Also how far are you planning on going each day?

LoL...Marshmallow Butt... :laugh whats that one??
Ok...I'm planning on a 4 day weekend so it should be a nice leisurely ride with side trips & whatever. I havent really planned much else...just ride til dark, find a place to stay....repeat! I have been looking for a heated vest or liner.
You all are pretty awesome on here...this is the best forum :clap

bmdubyou

10-16-2005, 08:20 PM

When you are South of the Big Mac Bridge make absolutely sure you get on Michigan State Road 119 from Cross Village to Harbor Springs (or from Harbor Springs to Cross Village depending on which way you circle the Lake). Great twisty road with amazing vistas over the big lake. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Yes, that looks like a great ride...Ive been camping there this summer in Charlevoix (by car) & knew I wanted to ride there! 119 looks straight on the map but if its anything like the other roads up there it should be great!
I have a friend in Holland and have made that trip once on the bike. My RT actually came from Grand Haven!

BradfordBenn

10-16-2005, 09:07 PM

The marshmallow butt is an official unofficial ride. You can find more about it http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=970 or http://www.yearroundriders.com/rides.html

JPK1100

10-16-2005, 09:22 PM

Speaking of bridges in that area, I have heard horror stories about the Mackinac Bridge, even in a car.

Legends or truth?

JP K1100

manicmechanic

10-17-2005, 04:55 AM

It's true there are horror stories, but I've been across Big Mac a few times on two and four wheels, with nothing bad happening.

dancogan

10-17-2005, 06:30 AM

Speaking of bridges in that area, I have heard horror stories about the Mackinac Bridge, even in a car.

Legends or truth?

JP K1100

Probably some of each. The worst true story I've heard is about the Yugo that was swept off the bridge by high winds. The truth is that the bridge can be a bit scary, mostly due to its height. If it is really windy they slow down the traffic. If you cross by motorcycle, it's probably easiest to stay in the right-most lane. That's the paved lane. The left lane is metal grate. It makes the bike feel like it wants to wander a little bit, but if you relax it's really not too bad.

I've crossed the bridge dozens of times, on bicycle, car and twice by motorcycle. It's a beautiful view from up there. My wife didn't appreciate the motorcycle crossing when I had her taking pictures while we crossed!

PUDGYPAINTGUY

10-17-2005, 06:51 AM

Probably some of each. The worst true story I've heard is about the Yugo that was swept off the bridge by high winds. The truth is that the bridge can be a bit scary, mostly due to its height. If it is really windy they slow down the traffic. If you cross by motorcycle, it's probably easiest to stay in the right-most lane. That's the paved lane. The left lane is metal grate. It makes the bike feel like it wants to wander a little bit, but if you relax it's really not too bad.

I've crossed the bridge dozens of times, on bicycle, car and twice by motorcycle. It's a beautiful view from up there. My wife didn't appreciate the motorcycle crossing when I had her taking pictures while we crossed!

Ahhh the Yugo story ...it was driven by a woman who was DUI that was driving prety fast and went airborne as she crossed the middle of trhe bridge as far as the legend I heard, or was it a 4 dorr version, the WEGO ? Anyway no big deal crossing the bridge, a little weird with knobby tires if you need to go over the grates in the center lane but otherwise I have done it many times on the bike with ease.

Cliffy said it best do the M119 route, you will be thankful that you did, there are some of the few real hills in lower penninsular, or if you want the other side of the state for Lake Huron, go from the bridge to US23 South and that follows the lake shore. It is not as pretty as Lake MI though but a little warmer...lol.

Have fun and enjoy, the scenery is awesome all the way down to Harbour Springs on M119. In the UP follow Hwy 2 along the top of Lake MI and Manistee is wonderful too.

andy45320

10-17-2005, 12:28 PM

...or head to Copper Harbor. I am sure the leaves have turned there (and probably fallen off from the cold :)). I did the opposite direction trip back in September - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7652&highlight=powertrain - from Ohio, the L.P, over the Mac, U.P., down WI, thru IL, stopped in St. Louis and back via Indiana. If you have intentions of going thru Picture Rock Lakeshore you best be riding a dual-sport. M-22 (from Traverse City) along Lake Michigan thru the Sleeping Bear Dunes is I think one of the best twisty roads in MI.

bmdubyou

10-17-2005, 10:58 PM

andy45320

10-18-2005, 07:21 AM

Wow..great story! I'm really getting exciting about my trip. You got some awesome pics too. Since I'm a photographer I'm hoping to get some good photos as well! What kind of camera do you carry?

:stick (isnt this one funny!?)

Nikon Coolpix S1...it's the perfect size (pocket size), has no view finder just a big lcd and takes really nice pictures. Only draw backs are that it's not waterproof (you can buy a casing to make it) and it doesn't have a remote/timer for solo pictures (though there is a sequence option where you just have to take one bad pic and then get in place before it's done :))

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:00 AM

Well, about 3 weeks late but we finally made the trip!
I left Friday afternoon in near 70 deg weather from IL and headed to Michigan. Made it to Holland (205 Mi) and stayed there for the nite.
Saturday got a late start and took an easy ride since it was so nice. First stop was Grand Haven to meet Ron who was a previous owner of my Molly. (he sold it to a guy on ebay and who had it for a week and sold it to me) He was surprised to see it coming down the road and didnt think there were that many of those around! Anyway, he was glad to see someone riding her and taking care of her!
Next stop was Ludington:

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:19 AM

After filling up in Ludington (since gas was only $2.18 I drove around the block several times so I could get more gas in my tank) I continued up 31 and figured I would make Traverse City by dark and stay the nite there. It felt too early to stop at 630 so I ended up parking for the nite in Petoskey at the Super 8. I guess I was a bit disappointed with myself for riding so much at nite since part of my desire was to see more of the countryside.
I called my friend from Holland who asked if I got wet but the weather was good all the way there. She said it had rained like crazy there and checked the weather channel for me....RAIN, possible SNOW and HIGH WIND advisory for Sunday. When I peeked out my window I saw they were right:

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:28 AM

(sorry, but I dont know how to post more than one pic in each post)

Sunday morning I waited til they kicked me out of my room..I just didnt have much motivation to leave the warm, dry 4 walls to the dripping wet Corbin seat on Molly. SO, at 11 am I packed her up and off we went. It wasnt long before I found what everyone was talking about on 119...simply gorgeous:

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:33 AM

And another view down the M119:

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:36 AM

I can't believe this road is actually ON the map...Its basically one lane and no center line. Its called the "tunnel of trees"!

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 01:57 AM

I could've filled up a 1gig card just on this one short stretch of blacktop...but it was raining and cold the whole time which made me anxious to keep going albeit at a snails pace...wet leaves don't make for leaning into the twisties and rocking on the throttle. I did manage a few jaunts at highway speeds.

Surprisingly, I found a gas station in Cross Villiage and headed for the Big MAC! I wasnt looking forward to that I will admit, after hearing stories of Yugos and such plus, remember, there was a high wind advisory warning as well. But, what a sight as I saw it for the first time...its like an albino Golden Gate! I figured I'd be crawling across it or at least dragging my heels to keep upright but I was determined I had to get over it one way or another. We stayed in 4th & got up to 45...I kept telling myself I need to slow down but it seemed pretty comfortable...the cars behind must've got a laugh at the sight of the bike leaning and still going straight! It sure was disconcerting to have those gusts coming at ya from the west and all of a sudden attack from the east! I tell ya...I never was so happy to see a toll booth! By this time the rain had stopped and I think all the wind had actually dried me off too!
Here's a look from the other side:

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 02:16 AM

If the weather wasn't so threatening I was thinking of heading north to Sault Ste Marie but I wasnt sure what was coming up. No snow in sight yet but things were starting to get chilly. Boy, do ya think they couldve gotten the M2 any closer to the lake?! The water sure was choppy too but there are some awesome sights along there...I just wish I could've taken the time to stop and take more pics.
The further west I got, the rain had started again and I couldn't help but notice the white stuff on the tops of the vehicles coming towards me. I had prayed earlier that the snow report was just a rumor but soon learned differently. Slush was appearing and the rain was turning to flurries...

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 02:18 AM

Anyone know what this is?? I wasn't so sure I wanted to find out...

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 03:00 AM

We pulled in at the next rest stop and waded in thru the slush and found out that my dreams came true...it had snowed pretty darn good earlier. Good news was that it wasnt sticking to the roads. I was getting cold and decided to add some layers as well as my Widder vest. I imagine the sight of a bike in the snow must've made some...No...MOST of the people at the rest stop wonder about this guy but Hey....I wouldnt have chosen to ride in this kind of weather! If I had known what it was going to be I probably wouldve went south!
We pressed on...westward ho....I stopped and took a shot of some Christmas trees. My estimation was that a good 2 inches fell in some areas.

I wanted to make Wisconsin by dark and figured I'd find a room for the nite there and all of a sudden the sun was shining again and the snow was gone giving me a new life!
Rolled in to Marinette around 5 and found a Culvers. I ate slow...a hot drink and watching the Steelers beat the Packers warmed me up! Still too early to call it a day, I wanted to see how far I could get. I wasnt even thinking I'd get as far as Milwaukee...maybe Sheboygan before I got tired.
Well, Sheboygan came & went and the traffic was solid...all the sad Packers fans heading home. I thought that keeping up with them in the fast lane at 80 would keep me awake but I was fading. I had to stop a few times before Milwaukee and I figured if I could make it there I'd be too close to home to stop.
Boy, Illinois sure does let ya know when you get there...I've never seen worse roads AND they make you pay to use them. The whole ride I didnt have to pay a dime except for the Big Mac bridge and the roads were great.
It seems that when I hit the IL border I got a second wind (or perhaps it was bumps keeping me awake) but anyway, we pulled in the driveway around 1:30 am. Nearly 15 hours in the saddle and over 600 miles (1,065 mi total). I was pooped but the ol girl didn't miss a beat...she's probably rarin' to go but I think I'll let her rest a bit!

John Brase

11-08-2005, 06:40 AM

Nice ride, nice writeup, nice bike (makes me miss my airhead).

You went all the way through the U.P. without eating a pastie??? You need to go back.

John

dancogan

11-08-2005, 06:49 AM

Glad to got to enjoy some of Michigan's prettiest roads up along 119. It's just beautiful up there. Missing Traverse City might not have been too big a loss since it tends to have a lot of traffic, and the really neat places are outside the city and would take a bit of time to visit. Next time try to get to Leland and some of those other areas around there. Thanks for the report!

cjack

11-08-2005, 07:12 PM

SNIP I got a second wind (or perhaps it was bumps keeping me awake) but anyway, we pulled in the driveway around 1:30 am. Nearly 15 hours in the saddle and over 600 miles (1,065 mi total). I was pooped but the ol girl didn't miss a beat...she's probably rarin' to go but I think I'll let her rest a bit!

Great writeup on your trip. I had to put a long sleeve shirt on when you hit the cold rain and snow. And don't 'ya hate it when the wind is blowing really hard and you're barely holding your lane, and then you see a sign that says "HIGH WINDS ON BRIDGE".
Thanks for the pictures and trip report.

BradfordBenn

11-08-2005, 08:42 PM

As the Official Keeper Tracker of the Rounders, I can now say you are a Rounder.

Nice Riding and nice Photos. :lurk

bmdubyou

11-08-2005, 09:08 PM

Hey...thanks for the good words!
"As the Official Keeper Tracker of the Rounders, I can now say you are a Rounder."
WooHoo..so...when do I get initiated??
"Nice ride, nice writeup, nice bike (makes me miss my airhead).
You went all the way through the U.P. without eating a pastie??? You need to go back".
SO...pasties are a food item!? LoL...I guess the first thing that crossed my mind was something x rated that janet jackson sports! :laugh I'd love to go back...its pretty awesome up there...spent a few days up there this summer camping but not by bike. It seems so close to IL I'm surprised I racked up 1,000 miles.

Yeah, I think if I'd had some more time and it was daylight I wouldve went up around the penninsula in Leland. Next time!

"Great writeup on your trip. I had to put a long sleeve shirt on when you hit the cold rain and snow. And don't 'ya hate it when the wind is blowing really hard and you're barely holding your lane, and then you see a sign that says "HIGH WINDS ON BRIDGE".
Thanks for the pictures and trip report"
You're welcome! Yes... when I was on the m119 I could feel the winds starting to pickup and wasnt thrilled at the thought of the bridge and the rumors of the winds. It still amazes me what we can adapt to and can achieve when we are determined! It blows me away to hear of you guys riding a thousand in one day!

BradfordBenn

11-08-2005, 09:25 PM

Hey...thanks for the good words!
"As the Official Keeper Tracker of the Rounders, I can now say you are a Rounder."
WooHoo..so...when do I get initiated??

I think you self initiated.... and there is nothing at all wrong with that.

pedrocasper

11-30-2005, 10:12 PM

I've sailed underneath it and rode on it....can't tell you which one is more scarrrrrry.

Mika

11-30-2005, 10:18 PM

I've sailed underneath it and rode on it....can't tell you which one is more scarrrrrry.
Which ever one you are doing at the moment, based on my experience.

bmdubyou

12-02-2005, 10:05 PM

I've sailed underneath it and rode on it....can't tell you which one is more scarrrrrry.

Well, if you're sailing, you wont have quite as far to fall at least. :p
SO...Is it ever NOT windy up there??