2007 Michigan Ride 2.0

[darb85]

Lets shoot for July 21st and the leelanau Loop.  If that works for everyone

[vantec6040]

Sounds great darb.

[RedShift]

Okay.  Then let's begin to look at the details.

First, is this route okay to consider,



or should we start or end it differently?  I'm okay with it as is, but we could also meet in Cadillac or even in Traverse City and run it in reverse.  It kinda depends on who's in and where they are coming from.  Suggest we all have a look at our maps and consider the possibilities.  Just asking.

We're also in need of a meeting point -- someplace obvious on a main road that's easy to get to and on the way.  Time to begin sharing ideas.

[darb85]

Thats exactly what I was thinking, I think thats closer starting for everyone in manistee, except for me, but its not that far of a run for me.  I know of a place in manistee that would be good for a starting point let me look it up and ill post it after work.

[darb85]

WE could start at the Catholic school, its a bit south of town, right on 31. 

1200 Us Highway 31 S, Manistee, MI

[manofthefield]

Would that be a good place to wait around?  Since most everyone would be coming from a distance, I'm sure there will be a large range of arrival times. Just a thought

[darb85]

Being that they are closed on a saturday, I wouldnt see an issue with it.  Ive met at schools for Car cruises before and havent had an issue.

[manofthefield]

Works for me, sounds easy enough to find

[darb85]

Thats about an hour from me so perfect as far as im concerned.  Redshift, how long of a ride is that loop?

[RedShift]

Trips & Streets says it's 124 miles and 2-1/2 hours, but that's without stops.  We've got to stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes for a look.  Might cost a park admission ($5) but it's worth it -- I seem to recall the road up to the overlook is a good one by car -- should be great on a bike.

Glen Arbor (the Dunes) is exactly half-way.  Thirty muinutes there and a 30 minute stop rest stop somewhere -- I'd say a around four hours for the whole trip to Traverse City ought ta do it.

[RedShift]

I googled Sleeping Bear Dunes and after a bit of poking around found this link to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.  Pretty sure this is what I did in the car with the family about six years ago.  There's a 20 MPH limit, but the scenery will be worth it

[darb85]

Perfect!

Ok so lets run this down

Date: July 21st
Time: 10-12 or so??
Place: Start- 1200 US 31 S Manistee
Attending:

Darb85
Redshift
Manofthefield

[RedShift]

Let's make it closer to 10:00 am than to 12:00 pm.  Remember there's easily four hours of riding to go through before the good-bye's in Traverse City.  Then there's the return trip for everyone except you Brad.

Still, let the majority rule. 

PS.  Jeremiah, are you still in on this trip?  Rather long trek for you, but I bet you won't stop smiling through the whole weekend.     You're probably on the fence?

[manofthefield]

Let's make it closer to 10:00 am than to 12:00 pm.  Remember there's easily four hours of riding to go through before the good-bye's in Traverse City.  Then there's the return trip for everyone except you Brad.

I would agree

[vantec6040]

hmmmmm . . .

10am means i'll definitely have to come Friday night. I dont think the school children will think to kindly of the wierdo in the sleeping tent outside, so i'll also have to find some more information about camping/hotels. But as far as I can tell i'm in.

Also, anyone know the laws on just pitching a tent someplace and sleeping? I'm just wondering in case I cant find a campground for cheap/free.

[darb85]

Thats fine with me, as Far as the start time, I wasnt sure so I just pulled numbers out of the air.

[darb85]

hmmmmm . . .

10am means i'll definitely have to come Friday night. I dont think the school children will think to kindly of the wierdo in the sleeping tent outside, so i'll also have to find some more information about camping/hotels. But as far as I can tell i'm in.

Also, anyone know the laws on just pitching a tent someplace and sleeping? I'm just wondering in case I cant find a campground for cheap/free.

I believe there is a state park in Maninstee that you should be able to get into, you can probably even make resys online through the DNR site.

[vantec6040]

The more that I think about it I should probably just plan on staying someplace maybe around the half-way mark to Manistee, that way I can get up early Saturday morning and get the remaining riding in. But i'll have to look around . . . maybe i'll just take off and see what happens? Thats always fun.

BTW this time i'm going to be bring a camera with LOTS of batteries, so everyone better be ready . . . 

PS: Roy, are you still interested in a V-Strom? I've been looking at one thats local here . . . veeeeery tempting 

[darb85]

Gonna have two from TC.  My Buddy with A 1979 BMW is coming with me.  well that the plan anyways.

[RedShift]

...
PS: Roy, are you still interested in a V-Strom? I've been looking at one thats local here . . . veeeeery tempting 

Yup, it's my top pick.  I've got my eye on the DL650 V-Strom -- Gray -- with ABS.

The problem is that the ABS version is hard to get.  Have my local dealer trying, but no success.  If one comes in, I may just add to my stable.  A month back I watched someone with a BMW GS1150 do quick braking with ABS -- very impressive.  I was sold -- if I can afford ABS on a bike, I'm getting it.  Good thing I'm a patient guy.