GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Taking Redshifts Suggestion, here is a planning thread for the above.

Im thinking up here In the travers City area, There are some sweet riding grounds.  so lets pick a weekend and start the planning!

Brad

suggest other routes, and such if you have an idea.  if anyone wants to truck it in, ive got parking places that can be used.  Im new to the planning of all this so im hoping all yall can give me some Ideas!  Heres to a successful ride

All I know is I'm in as long as I can scrape together some gas money :laugh: 

I have nothing constructive to add at this point

well that makes 2.  Hopefully we can get a few more involved and take over TC.

im in but for now im still frozen.

Okay, i've really wanted to get together for some time now with some gs's. My problem is, i've waited too long and now have a sv instead  :cry: And it seems i'm unwelcome at most sv rides lol . . . . soooooo . . . . may I tag along when you guys decide your trip? I'm surrounded by Hardley riders.

Sure, you just have to let me ride your SV





:laugh: j/k  Where you from?

lol i'm from lapeer, so i'd have a LONG ride if this is going down up north. We can trade bikes for a bit if you want. I really miss my GS sometimes, but then I crack the throttle and its a reminder that I made a good upgrade. :D  The SV is the next logical step.

Yeah, it would be a heavy ride from Lapeer to Traverse City (easily 3.5 or more hours), then a Leelanau ride?  Fun, but long.

During the next few weeks I'll try and piece together a couple of routes and let everyone consider.  Don't wait for me -- anyone who wants to offer other rides please publish.

From my experience here are the areas where the interesting roads are:

I've heard really good things about the Pinckney area. Never been though . . . actually I haven't been to a lot of places lol . . .
But yeah, I say you guys plan the trip to where the majority of you are located (seems to be up north at this point). If its too far for me, then thats fine.

I'm sure we'll try to be inclusive, considerate of source location and riding skill.

Last year we rode the Pinckney area, as detailed in the 2006 Michigan GS500 Meet & Group Ride (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=28167.0) thread.

I'm up for another go at that area, but I'd be inclined to choose a new area to explore.  Let's see where this discussion goes.   :)

The area North of Grand Rapids would be shortest for me to get to; the others are around the same amount of travel distance +/- a little.  I haven't driven around enough of Lower MI to have a real preference though. 

I guess I'll just say that if I'm the only one in this area, I'll do some riding to get you where ever you guys want to ride, as long as I have the time to dedicate the whole day to it

Im up for all those locations as well, Picked the Leelanau Ride because It had been recommended from a couple people, my vote is for that one or the one just north of GR on the west side of the state.big rapids area

north of gr would be great,but that pinckney ride last summer was a blast+that sv1000 and that gsxr750 were cool.

True Denman, that Pinckney ride was fun, even on a bum rear shock.  I'd do it again, but there's something to be said about exploring the state.  Maybe... we should plan more than one ride this year.   :dunno_white:

sounds good to me! many group rides sounds like fun.

So I hope everyone was out riding today (75 degrees!) and scouting some new roads. I did a massive triangle from lapeer, to capac, to detroit and back. :thumb:

yes more rides this year, last year we started too late.     my back tire thin but not down to the wear mark's yet.    so im good for a ride or two.    see y'all.

Let me throw a couple of ideas out there that I've had as riding interests and see what catches fire:

• Travel to Grattan Raceway (http://www.grattanraceway.com/)
  Always wanted to visit this place, especially on a weekend when there would be Motorcycle activites going on.  They post an events schedule, and there are a couple of weekends in every month where they have something going on.  We can meet up in a several groups and ride to the Raceway, meeting there by lunch, take in the place and either ride out as a group for a piece and then disperse, or whatever.
  
  
• The Leelanau Loop
  This is the classic ride from Traverse City, up to Hwy 22, then down to Frankfort, then back to TC or where ever we disperse.  For several of you this would be one long day.  Would be fun if we pace ourselves (starting early and taking appropriate breaks to restore circulation).
  
  
• Mason to Dexter Trail to Brighton and Back
  This is the Pinckney ride we did last year Denman.  Brought a smile to everyone who was there.  I'm sure it can happen again.  Read the 2006 Michigan GS500 Meet & Group Ride (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=28167.0) for details.
  
  
• Huron National Forest Ride
  We meet at or near Bay City, ride north on 13 to Standish, then up past West Branch to Rosscommon, then towards Mio, Curran through Glennie to The Jackpines, break out to Oscoda perhaps and back.  Longer than it looks, and may want to shorten it up a bit.  Regardless, lots of great roads.
  
  
• The Thumb Lighthouse Run
  We could meet somewhere like Unionville, take 25 north-east along Saginaw Bay to Pointe-aux-Barques Lighthouse, then continue on to Harbor Beach, then disperse.  Again, for some this is a long ride, especially home to places like Grand Rapids.
  

.

Okay, more than a couple.  Should be food for thought.  I can put together a Trips & Streets highlighted map for the ones that catch the imagination.

Anyone have any other ideas, like along Lake Michigan, from Holland northwards?  Any good roads down there?  (I've never been down to that corner of the state, except along I94 by car.)

I haven't looked to see what those rides would be like (names mean nothing to me right now without a looking at a map too), but I did find some other rides or roads we could add to our rides posted on the West Michigan Riders forum (http://www.wmriders.com/).

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/mi.html (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/mi.html)

and

http://www.sportbikeroads.com/frames3.htm (http://www.sportbikeroads.com/frames3.htm) (click on the Michigan link on the left for rides)

I haven't really looked at any of these roads or rides yet on a map either; I just found them and thought they might be useful.

Used to live in holland, If you take 31 north, alot of it is neat right along the roads, if you map quest it and push avoid Major highways, you should get a nice ride, Im on the way out the door, but ill try to get a link for the map in a bit.

Crazy long link, and did a pretty long ride time wise, but gives you an idea, gone on a few of these roads, not too bad. Some views of the lake.  Also any thought to the Sleeping bear dune area?


http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?mo=ma&2si=gaz&un=m&go=1&2gi=0&1c=Holland&1g=ng3%252fQ02p5tBPFyfWosyoqw%253d%253d&1l=S%252bsFT9IUfhZ7sxGxNouvqA%253d%253d&2c=Ludington&1rc=Z1XAA&cl=EN&1n=OTTAWA+COUNTY&2g=qt2PYAeRdhboa6TNJKdWFg%253d%253d&qq=UHVXrlaxt4gsDHU%252ftQpiN6hl9AQxPM6HqAFalMY2od6gffWVlaWQpAgJytUTCYoZYruofYXbt0nzG7PL6STWJyGDE%252fEF1fHDjdDQCH7pZJezRJLAOub0B6kjJ%252fi8NZKOKNVKIgK%252b9CKoN4jap8J%252fAPYk5IeV52dz7EKfzy2YQpkjVA9dcMzTyvyhUV4D5equtwoZpGUX03uAUhsZU3KyOPljQwWm4zbaGqapX8PsWk7h9kl26iVpOWDhvBqf4ynQ1Mba4D%252fowaKd81qXExZTTaHI3H8yDAzN%252bbknG7QUZmAGKrHJ00JH%252by3yGvzYj5Dn8IeicIqihmnIdzXAmDLqwA%253d%253d&1s=MI&2l=iDuTGEufAby0NE2x5XFREg%253d%253d&ct=NA&1v=ZIP&2n=Mason+County&1y=US&1z=49424&1si=tana&2s=MI&2da=-1.000000&2rc=A5XAX&2v=CITY&did=1174067429&2y=US&rsres=1&do=nw&r=s&aoh=1&aot=1

that raceway ride sounds cool,that pinckney ride is good it seems that there is like five rider that live neer there.    door to door muskegon to mason is 120 mi,on the way back home after that ride my butt was dragin.    my friend jeff knows some good riding around the grand rapids and he has riden from there up to travers city several times.    i will call hem and get his ideas.    see y'all.

sarah, wade and damon need to ride with us next time too.     

yeah, but none of those folks have been poking around here lately Denman.  Wonder where they went.  Maybe we weren't active enough last year?

Been playing with my suggestions and Microsoft Trips & Streets (2005 edition).  These are the pictures I've come up with so far:

• The Leelanau Loop
  Okay, it doesn't look a lot like a loop, but most everyone would end up doing a circle in some way coming and going:
  
  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/ManisteetoTraverseCity.jpg)
  
  This ride has great scenery, hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline.  Sleeping Bear Dunes is right at point -3- on the map.  T&S says the green line is just over 120 miles.  (Remember that you've got to get there and back so add your distance up appropriately.)  Let me know if you think this is too much for one day.
  
  
• To and From Grattan Raceway (http://www.grattanraceway.com/)
  The roads are not as interesting, but the destination intrigues me. For over three years I've wanted to head out there just to see what it is all about.
  
  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/GrattanRaceway.jpg)
  
  We could meet in groups of 2-3 and ride there.  After a look-see, we could ride as a group somewhere, have a bon voyage toast and head back from whence we came.
  
  I figure that if we pick a weekend with some motorcycling event, we could off-set the L - 7 roads with some excitement at the desitnation.  Scout the local for a possible Track Day adventure.
  
  
• Mason to Dexter Trail to Brighton and Back
  Kinda an "X" but really curvy roads and if you like waving at other bikers, this trip is for you. 
  
  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/PinckneyAreaCris-Cross.gif)
  
  The green line is about 122 miles.  We start and stop at the Meijers just off 127 in Mason.

That's all I've had time for tonight.  The cats want their supper.  Time to pack it in – will review the Huron Forest and a Thumb Ride in the near future.   :)

Quote from: manofthefield on March 15, 2007, 06:53:23 AM
I haven't looked to see what those rides would be like (names mean nothing to me right now without a looking at a map too), but I did find some other rides or roads we could add to our rides posted on the West Michigan Riders forum (http://www.wmriders.com/).

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/mi.html (http://www.motorcycleroads.us/mi.html)

and

http://www.sportbikeroads.com/frames3.htm (http://www.sportbikeroads.com/frames3.htm) (click on the Michigan link on the left for rides)

I haven't really looked at any of these roads or rides yet on a map either; I just found them and thought they might be useful.

Thanks for the extra ideas.  I've looked through some of these links and there are some that have possibilities.  (Many are short little jaunts that work if you're "in the neighborhood".)

I'll continue to explore these ideas (as you guys should too).   :thumb: 

Quote from: denman on March 16, 2007, 05:29:17 PM
sarah, wade and damon need to ride with us next time too.     

I'm feeling old, Denman.  You and I may be the only two repeat attendees from last year's event.  (Maybe we should get T-Shirts printed.  :laugh: )  Sarah & SilverBack have sold their bikes, and neither has been on this site since October of last year.

Time to make new friends and for us to re-establish aquaintences.

sarah Is in Arizona, I bought her bike.  Im up for a ride on the west side of the state, GR area north, the others would be quite a trek for me.

Brad, thanks for sharing this.  Sarah and her friends were fun to ride with.  At least her ride will be making the return trip.   :)

I understand the effect that distance has.  It is indeed possible to have too much of a good thing.  I can take 2-3 hours in the saddle, then need to walk it off.  It would be a lot to ask of you to head to Mason, for Vantec6040 to head to Traverse City for the Leelanau Loop, and for Denman to visit the Huron Forest or the Thumb.

There may not be a single destination that fits everyone.  We're too spread out for a single-day ride.  Would be a whole lot more convenient (though crowded) if everyone lived in the middle of the state.   ;)

Okay guys, with what I've mentioned so far, what ride tickles your fancy?  Let's Rank-em -- 1 (most favored) to 5.  After that we will tackle the problem of picking the sunny & warm weekend.

Let see...

1. Grattan should be an easy run for me just about any time, though the ride there probably won't be too exciting

2. Leelanau Loop is probably next on my list

3. Then Mason to Dexter Trail to Brighton and Back

4. & 5. And I put the other two last because they look like a loooong ride for me to get there, though I would consider them

Quote from: RedShift on March 20, 2007, 03:30:16 AM
There may not be a single destination that fits everyone.  We're too spread out for a single-day ride.  Would be a whole lot more convenient (though crowded) if everyone lived in the middle of the state.   ;)

This brings up another idea I've had floating around, though I'm not even sure if I'll be able to do it this summer: a weekend ride.  I have some ideas for this, including trip to the U.P. or even a Lake Superior Circle trip.  Maybe something to think about for the end of August or next season if anyone is feeling that ambitious

im up for the weekend ride. 

1 TC ride
2. West side of the state ride, the one just north of GR
and then Gratten, would be a trek but the track would be cool to see
Id be up to all of em honestly

ok any thing closer than mason dexter would be great.   any thing farther than mason dexter,would kick my butt.    but hey ya only live once, so tempt me.   see y'all

Guys, I'll tell ya, I've been looking at Trips & Streets and thinking about my own question. 

#1 - I have got to say that the Leelanau Loop (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/ManisteetoTraverseCity.jpg) looks mighty inviting.  Would take me the better part of two hours to get out to Manistee, but the smile would be there right from the start.

#2 - I was tempted to return to do the Dexter Trail, but there is something to be said for exploring where I've never been before, so my second choice would have to be heading out to Grattan Raceway (http://www.grattanraceway.com/).  It's a bit of a crooked path, but after an hour the roads begin to go up and down, left and right, so there would be some fun before the destination.  And then there's whatever event is running that weekend.

#3 - The Pinckeny Ride would be next, only because there are only few roads that are straight for more than 3000 feet.  Had a great time last year and would be even better with the fresh rubber and new rear shock.

#4 - Tied with the Huron Forest and the Thumb Ride, both of which most of youse would find a bit too far for a single day's jaunt.  Nice roads in both areas and would satisfy the thirst for scenery and twisty roads.

So, those are my choices.  Vantec6040, it's your turn.  I kinda feel bad for ya as you're on the wrong side of the state for my top choice, easily 90 minutes ride beyond me.  But I have to be honest -- the Leelanau area becons.   :)

QuoteSo, those are my choices.  Vantec6040, it's your turn.  I kinda feel bad for ya as you're on the wrong side of the state for my top choice, easily 90 minutes ride beyond me.  But I have to be honest -- the Leelanau area becons.

The Leelanau route does have some appeal as for lakeside roads, nice twists, and UP forest locale. So if I were to vote I would go with Leelanau -- even if it meant I couldn't go.  ;)

mapquest says (usually underestimates) 3.5 hours from my home to Manistee, meaning over 7 hours round + the Leelanau trip. Thats a lot for my not-so iron butt  :icon_lol:
I've gone to Cadillac many times, which is right on the way to Manistee, so I know the route there pretty well. Just it would be a lot nicer if I could have someone to ride with there and back.

But by all means, dont let me decide this get-together, because as said before, we can always have more than one.  :)

I could probably meet you in caddy with a trailer if it gets decided to have it in the LP.  LEt me know

VanTec, I feel your pain.  Some 200 miles just to get to the starting point.  You'd be half worn out before we start.

How about the Grattan Raceway event?  That is just over half as far, and if you can take 100 miles on I-69 and I-96, it's probably 70 minutes closer to get to and you're only half as worn out.  Also, we'll spend a decent amount of time checking out the track, giving the bod a chance to recirculate the posterior.   :)  I'd be good with that, and Brad, Denman and ManOfTheField have already suggested it's near the top of their list.

We can always shoot for a July or August Leelanau trip if the first works out.

What's ya say guys?  Is Grattan the beter destination for our first meeting?

Grattens good with me!

Sounds good to me! :thumb:

Though I must admit, the longest ride i've been on two wheels is with my GS, which was to Port Huron for an ill prepared night at a park with my friend on a Rebel 250 (rained hard all day and night). So i'm just wondering, whats to bring?  :)

PS: Depending on when we have this, I may be able to bring my friend (the Rebel one) along too. He might be getting a new Ninja 250/GS 500 for spring . . . we will see . . .

now, best date for all?  After the 19th of april so im legal.  We should try to plan it around an open track day, that would be a blast!

QuoteWe should try to plan it around an open track day, that would be a blast!

What are you trying to do, kill me?  :laugh:

Quote from: vantec6040 on March 22, 2007, 06:51:39 AM

QuoteWe should try to plan it around an open track day, that would be a blast!

What are you trying to do, kill me?  :laugh:

alas my evil plan is realized!

Okay, now that thats out in the open lol . . . Past the 19th: weekend Saturday 21st?  Or weekday? We could do it Friday the 20th, or we have that whole next week, 26-30th. I'm really quite flexible, as long as I dont get sick again. What do you guys think?

i have a job douring the week.    but im open 99% of weekends.

yup same here, weekends would be better!

Weekends, and especially Saturdays are best for me.

I looked up Grattan's schedule and cross-checked my availability, and I have dates of April 28th and May 19th showing as available.  May 19th has a WERA race on that weekend.  O0 April 28th has an Audi Quattro race (also cool).

Mind you, I have not checked these dates with my significant other, so these are tentative (but better than even chance) for me.  All other weekends (including Memorial Day) appear in conflict.

both will work for me.  Let me know which one

I think both work for me, just need to check with my SO too.  I guess a WERA race would make more sense, but I'd be open to 4 wheel racing too.

i just was reading some of the postings, i would like to see more of  michigan. i'm from sandusky,ohio so if there is a place to park my truck let me know the time and the dates

you could park your truck up here, but its a bit out of the way, but would be nice to have a rider to go south with so let me know

allone, I live about 45 minutes north of Detroit if you want someplace to park. We could then ride the rest of the way with each other to Grattan (about 2.5 hours).

And if thats too far, I could always just follow you in your truck untill we find a Wal-Mart/Meijer's parking lot thats a suitable and help you unload. Let me know if your interested.


I ran into another SV owner this evening, asked if he wanted to come as well. So I might be taking some more people with me if thats okay.

just let me know when . i have every other week end  off.

im liking May 19th personally

may 19, i should have that week end off. sound good to me. 

I just learned today I have to attend a birthday party the 28th, so may 19th is sounding perfect.

got a Bday party for my Grandfather, 80, so the 19th is out, but we can do this more than once a year

Quotegot a Bday party for my Grandfather, 80, so the 19th is out, but we can do this more than once a year

after so many . . . will he even care if your there or not? lol j/k
I actually probably could do it on the 28th, i'll just have to be back in time to get up early the 29th for the b-day. I'll be more than happy to if it means you'll still be able to come.

Anyone else have any input as to when they are available? So far its April 28th or May 19th.  May 19th is out for darb, so is April 28th a possibility? Suggestions?

BTW: I've also decided NOT to bring anyone with me, as this is a meeting with fellow forum members. Sorry if came off as rude, I didn't consider what you guys would think about me inviting others.

others are welcome

I agree, others are welcome

So SHould we just start planning for the 29th?

28th that is

Cool, okay, 28th is still a go for me.  8) Has anyone ever been around the Grattan area? Any good spots to meet?

Seeing as how we are all kind of coming from different directions, should we meet at Grattan Raceway then go riding? Or meet at a agreed location, then take a long route around and then back to the Raceway?

The schedule at Grattan Raceway doesn't specify a time, simply states "April 27-28-29 . . . . . Audi Quattro Car Club".  So hopefully it will kind of be a whole day thing, and not limit our time frame.

Okay, so whos going to be able to make it? SO far its:

darb85
vantec6040 (with maybe 2 others max)
denman
allone( do you have the weekend of the 28th off?)

I should be able to go so...


darb85
vantec6040 (with maybe 2 others max)
denman
allone( do you have the weekend of the 28th off?)
manofthefield

the week end of the 28, i have to work

Quotethe week end of the 28, i have to work

Trying to plan these are difficult!  :o lol

Here's some more info on what's happening at Grattan 4/28:  Audi Club Drivers school... looks like school/trackdays for the Audi club
http://www.audiclubmi.org/events/event_info/grattan/packet_content.htm (http://www.audiclubmi.org/events/event_info/grattan/packet_content.htm)

Quote from: vantec6040 on April 03, 2007, 12:46:46 PM

Quotethe week end of the 28, i have to work

Trying to plan these are difficult!  :o lol

Tell me about it.   ;)  I've been quiet for the past two weeks trying to get a handle on how the end of April will consume my time.  I'm busy the weekend before, out of town 'til Thursday, and yet feel I should get out there on April 28th and explore Grattan raceway with you folks. I hope my family will still love me.   :dunno_white:

I'm probably 70% with you folks unless something happens.  Unless someone knows the area and can recommend a better place, I suggest we meet at the Raceway -- one benefit of attending an Audi race day is that there will be very few motorcycles.  Meeting there gives us the flexibility to be entertained with the activities while the late arrivals make their way to the site.  Should be easy to spot a bunch of guys carrying helmets and wearing Motorcycle gear.   :)

We should take in the event, the track, ask questions about motocycle events, and gather information.  We can chat, have lunch, then a ride around the area, then head home.  That's my vision -- anyone else have ideas??

Roy...

PS. Hey, thanks for the link ManOfTheField.  The Schedule for Drivers School (http://www.audiclubmi.org/events/event_info/grattan/drivers_school_schedule.pdf) shows the cars take the track starting 11:30.  Should work out quite well to get bored after lunch and go ridin'.  :)

Hate to give anyone more ideas, but just in case you've reviewed the Grattan schedule and spied Track Days liberally distributed. I found some information.

Seems these days are organized by SportBike Track Time (http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/index.html).  They seem to host events all over the place, Grattan included. If the idea of running your GS500 on a track ever interested you, explore this link.  That information, plus whatever we may learn on April 28th may push you to give this a go.

(Come on -- who among us doesn't at least mildly entertained the idea of getting on a track?)

im not, but my friend runs his zx6 there on track days,this coming sat is a track day.

I hope they have a plow at the track for this saturday's trackday :laugh:

 :laugh:  Yeah, I'd be really pissed if mother nature spoiled my day on the track.  Let's hope it melts as fast as it accumulates -- I'm sick of 26°F temperatures and that white stuff.

Quote(Come on -- who among us doesn't at least mildly entertained the idea of getting on a track?)

I actually have been really wanting to get some track-time . . . but the more I look at the requirements and the money thats needed (possible damage, transport, tires . . .) the more I kind of shy away. Especially considering my budget.

"All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed." - thats at least a 1 day job for my incompetent hands.

"NO AUTOMOTIVE ETHYL GLYCOL BASED COOLANTS ARE ALLOWED." ( I dont even know how much coolant I have, let alone what kind lol)

I'll be sure to stand in the crowd cheering you on though RedShift . . . lol  ;)

But yeah, the 28th is getting closer and closer but the weather seems to be getting worse . . . maybe we should all meet on snowmobiles??

Quote from: vantec6040 on April 05, 2007, 07:55:41 AM
I actually have been really wanting to get some track-time . . . but the more I look at the requirements and the money thats needed (possible damage, transport, tires . . .) the more I kind of shy away. Especially considering my budget.

Yeah, I hear your pain.  I would have to get a new front tyre and a different jacket/pants (leather or textile) that connect.  I'm thinking at least $400-$500 would need to be invested, that largely outweighs the $140 for the track time. I had other plans for that dough, and I tend to have expensive tastes.   ;)

Quote from: vantec6040 on April 05, 2007, 07:55:41 AM
"All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed." - thats at least a 1 day job for my incompetent hands.

"NO AUTOMOTIVE ETHYL GLYCOL BASED COOLANTS ARE ALLOWED." ( I dont even know how much coolant I have, let alone what kind lol)

Most everyone just tapes over their lights (et al).  Would take, what, 20 minutes, in a way so you can remove it again?   As far as coolant, our GS500's have that covered, right out of the box.

Quote from: vantec6040 on April 05, 2007, 07:55:41 AM
I'll be sure to stand in the crowd cheering you on though RedShift . . . lol  ;)

You might be the only one.  I don't think my family would see the fun.  They don't get this Motorcycle interest I have.

Quote from: vantec6040 on April 05, 2007, 07:55:41 AM
But yeah, the 28th is getting closer and closer but the weather seems to be getting worse . . . maybe we should all meet on snowmobiles??

Well, at least you're not in the middle of it as our friend Darb85 (Brad). 

i may have mised it but what time are we meeting.      i got my new tire today,im geting itchey to ride.

Denman, I don't think we got to that decision yet.

I suggest that 10:00 at the Racetrack sounds right.  We're coming from all directions and some of us will have an hour or two of riding to get there.  No doubt it will start off as a cool ride (temperature-wise) -- best to let the sun come up and heat the way.  The group will likely to arrive at plus/minus 15-20 minutes from whatever time we set.  Gives us a good 45 minutes to talk and look around before the track action starts.

If anyone has other opinions, I'm open to other views.

Another point to consider is the route to take for a group ride.  Any of you folks who live closest to the track have any opinions on where to go?

10:00 sounds good, though depending on how much the weather warms up, I might suggest maybe 11:00 AM so its a little warmer when we leave.

7 am is freaking cold.  :oops:

Looks like you have the farthest to travel.  I'm not adverse to an 11:00 meeting time.  Okay with everyone?

As to where, I haven't a clue -- never been there before.  As mentioned, I suspect we will be the only bikers attending an all-auto event -- at least the only GS500's.   :) 

Should be easy to spot ourselves.  The first guy there should find a reasonably obvious place and make themselves conspicious.   :)

Oh, and that reminds me. Are we going to have to pay to enter the Raceway? I think I remember seeing something on their website about Grattan/Belding residents getting in free. But nothing about visitors.

Oh well, if we get locked out, i'll just give out my cell # before we leave and we can decide on a different path (maybe breaking & entering?)

I'd pay up to the price of a movie, but if it's more then I'd wish those folks a nice day and be on my way.

We came to look around and not to participate. Would be a shame if we couldn't examine the raceway without paying a tribute, but I'm curious enough to pay for parking.  We'll have to play this by ear.  Cell Phone #'s would be a good idea, or perhaps hanging outside the gate for the rest of us is another option.

It might be worth a phone call to the track next week to find out.

Kill me! 28th just got shot to hell for me.  we have to plan another one for this year! I was really looking forward to this!

Sum Buddha Loves You!

No worries.  I still want to do the Leelanau Loop.  That's in your back yard.  Best done when the weather is better -- winds off Lake Michigan can be rather cold even if the air & sun are warm elsewhere.

Stay tuned.

Quotewe have to plan another one for this year!

Alright, but the next ride is going to be set around a date you set. lol

I've also come to the conclusion that i'm a complete idiot. I was just looking through all my old maps and realized that I've been in the Belding area before.  :cookoo: . . . .  but seeing how I dont even remember being there, I sure know I wont be of any use to us trying to find our way around town.

This should be fun.

Just to be clear this has nothing to do with the locaton, simply the fact that something came up thats not optional.  But Lets start thinking about the second one when you guys get back!  Have fun, wish I was going!

i e-mailed the track 10.00 to get in,i can buy gas for riding with ten bucks.

It goes to a good cause, and it's not like I visit often -- okay, I'm still in.

I'm still in too. Even if its only me and you RedShift lol. $10.00 is nothing compared to the $140.00 I just spent on gear for this ride . . .  :o

Looking at the weather forecast, it seems like its going to be getting a little nicer. So i'm definitely stoked,
but if the majority is starting to oppose the area of Grattan, we could always just push this into May with a Leelanau weekend trip. Will be warmer for sure (maybe) . . . . and we can all get drunk and crash at Darbs house!  :cheers:

works for me!

Hey all, it's been awhile since I've been on.  Gratton sounds like a fun trip, I'd be wouldn't mind joining you all if the ride still on.  I'd be interested in the Leelanau trip too...  Great choices for rides.

hey there flyingbeagle,good to hear from ya.   hey man is your bike naked now.    hey im still in, i cant miss seeing all the GS's all in ome spot.

Hey Beagle!! (Gregg??)  Glad to see you're still around, and that we have another repeat rider.  You're welcome regardless of what you're riding. 

Wish for warm weather.  See you in two weeks.   :)

Quote from: denman on April 12, 2007, 11:01:59 AM
hey there flyingbeagle,good to hear from ya.   hey man is your bike naked now.    hey im still in, i cant miss seeing all the GS's all in ome spot.

Yep, the bike is now naked  :o...I've got a little work to do this weekend to finish up the engine rebuild, I've put Racetechs in the front and I've got a SV shock for the back...Should be all ready in a couple weeks, though I'll still be breaking in the new rings, so no fast stuff for me...

Quote from: RedShift on April 13, 2007, 03:39:17 AM
Hey Beagle!! (Gregg??)  Glad to see you're still around, and that we have another repeat rider.  You're welcome regardless of what you're riding. 

Wish for warm weather.  See you in two weeks.   :)

Yep, it's Gregg...I haven't been on the site much lately.  Started a new position at work in August and have been slammed every since...  Hopefully the weather gets better, getting sick of this winter stuff...see ya at Gratton!!!

cool the old gang meets the new gang.   

 O0

9 days.

List (including names I know):

RedShift
vantec6040 (Jeremiah)
denman
manofthefield
flyingbeagle71 (Gregg)

Meeting at 11AM still a go for everyone?

Edit: Forecast says rain . . .  :icon_rolleyes:

we dont need no stinking rain.

Regardless of what weather forcasting technology that's out there, I figure nobody knows the forecast 10-days out.  Two or three days, yeah good chance to be right -- 10 days, bloddy unlikely.

Think thoughts of good weather, especially those in the GR area.  :)

Yeah, their forecast are always wrong anyway.  :cookoo: Just thought that would be some nice icing on the cake lol


Edit: 60% chance of rain turned to 10% and partly sunny since yesterday. lol

i like partley sunny to extra hot.

Really wish I was going with you guys,  went for my first ride today and man what a blast.  Have fun and well have to do another one sometime this summer!

We still on for Sat???  Weather forcast is looking good.  I kinda bought a new bike, but would still like to show up if it's not raining...not sure about riding the new bike in the rain just yet, still getting used to it...

ok i'll bite what kind of new bike did ya get?

I swear, every single day this week the forecast has changed between rain or no rain for saturday... it's been driving me nuts.  I'd probably go rain or no rain, but I figure no one else would show up which would be no fun.

Right now it says no rain, so tomorrow it will say rain, and by the time saturday actually gets here, there should be no rain.  So I think we're all set :icon_mrgreen:  (manofthefield knocks on all the wood he can find)

I'm still in, regardless of how it may seem due to my absence.  (Funny how work life gets in the way of motorcycling.  :) )

If I haven't posted a retraction by 08:00 on Saturday, you can bet a 6'4" guy wearing a RED Joe Rocket jacket carrying a white helmet will be somewhere on the grounds of Grattan Raceway by 11:00.  I can only stay in the area 'til 14:00 as I have to be back well before dinner as have something going on that evening.

Hope to get some sight-seeing, see some Audi's and a piece of the track, chat with ya'll (nope, not Texan -- just thought it fit in the sentence), have a spot of lunch and maybe get a short group ride in before departing.

I just plan to get a good day's ride in and have an interesting day.  I'm feeling this rain will be a distant memory, with sun and warm temperatures.  Looking forward to meeting as many as can make it.

Ride safe...

have fun folks!! Rev once for me!

Alrighty, things are looking good for me this weekend. I'll probably be taking off around 8 Saturday morning, not sure if someones going with me or not yet. And as for the rain, its going to be a warm day so we'll all dry soon enough. :)

flyingbeagle71: No better way to learn about your bike than in a nice thunderstorm! Of the two bikes that i've bought, both times there were un-holy amounts of rain . . .

darb85: Will do  :thumb:

See you all on Saturday!

Quote from: denman on April 26, 2007, 12:52:25 PM
ok i'll bite what kind of new bike did ya get?

I got a SV650S and it's sweet!  Still have the GS, but I'm having engine troubles, it's making a weird knocking noise.  I'm going to start ripping it apart again in my spare time.  Now that I've got the SV though, not much incentive to get it up and running... :)

hey y'all(yes texan)it's going to be sunny,it better be!   im the old bald dude in the joerocket with a white helmet,lookin lost.

I'm this guy (http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/11439/IMAG0208small.JPG)  5'-8" reddish hair

answers to: Mike, Michael, Red, manofthefield, hey you! ....

I'm this 6'4" guy (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/RedShift.jpg).  Answers to Roy and Hey You as well.  Looks like Michael& I have something in common.  See you tomorrow, and bring that neat Orange GS500.   :)

Roy...

Good Morning Michigan GS500 Riders -- Dress warmly.  I'm leaving in about an hour, and it'll be about 48°F (9°C) and mostly cloudy, and relatively high humidity due to the recent rain. 

Wind Chill is acceptable if you dress for it.  Layers is the Key Word.  It is supposed to hit the high 60's today, but you won't see it this morning.  Dress for the here and now.   :thumb:

Oh, and check your bike for tyre condition, pressure, oil, lights, etc.  T-CLOCK's.

Lastly, bring some water and a snack to munch on.  Rest if you've got a long way to travel, even if it's just 5-10 minutes to stretch.

See you at the track by about 11:00.  Will try to be conspicious.   :)

hey y'all sorry i missed y'all i road around for 120 some miles,then said rip it,i was frezzzzzing. i just got lost,thats pretty bad seeing that the track is like 50 miles or so from me.    i just got home and im still cold,have fun out there.

Sorry you missed us, Denman.  The morning was indeed a chilly ride (the bike thermometer said 51°F when I left).  It was a whole lot more pleasant on the way back.  Will post a couple of pictures later.

Roy...

PS. Got 58.45 MPG over the 221 mile round trip.

Whew! Is my butt sore or what  :o

Jeremy and I just got back, and man was it a nice day. Started off REALLY cold (I feel for you Denman, I had multiple layers and was still numb) but was an awesome ride back. It was really nice to meet Mike & Roy (those were good subs) and was really cool seeing all the cars.

We stopped again on the way back and rested for about 45 minutes then went the rest of the way home (I put my mask back on after Roy's bee scare) and it was so nice I almost didn't want to stop riding . . . almost. My next purchase is going to be a Sargeant lol

Hope to be seeing more people at the next event!

--Jeremiah

we need to ride up north next time.     may 5th is the muskegon spring run,at mt garfield 9:00 i do know how to get there.    see y'all

may 5th is wrong it's the 6th.  i will be there taking photos of old jap bikes.

Hey folks, here are a few viewable items to remember (advertise) our visit to Grattan Raceway.

First photo is representative of the hour or two we spent talking motorcycles while cars whizzed by:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/WatchingRacingatGrattan.jpg)

We hung around the end of the main straight-away.  Was quite fun seeing drivers braking hard so as to make the 135° turn.  There is a special odor emitted from brake pads and disks that you just don't get anywhere else.  For all I know we were exposed to deadly doses of asbestos.   :cry:  Although this was an Audi event, we saw more than a few Porsches, BMWs, a Miata, a couple of Corvettes, and someone in a Ford Focus that was doing their best to keep up.   :laugh:  Great fuin to watch.

I was fussing with the camera and finally figured out how to properly take a movie representative of the action at the track:

GS500 Riders watching Grattan Racing (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/?action=view&current=AudiRacingatGrattan.flv)

By 1:30 we were getting hungry and decided that the four of us would be all that we'd meet.  We mounted our steeds and headed off to Ionia, some 30 miles away.  The four of us eventually hit town and after a bit of exploring, we found Olivera's Pizzeria & Restaurant, 119 N Dexter St, Ionia, MI.  As Jeremiah has already said, we ate well.  Great food and fine company.

Here's what we looked like afterwards:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/Post-SubLunchatOliverias.jpg)

From left to right we have Jeremy, Jeremiah (vantec6040), Michael (manofthefield), and unfortunately me at the business-side of the camera.  All Suzuki, but Jeremy & Jeremiah were riding SV650's. Michael and I had GS500's.

We went our separate ways, Michael back to GR, and the rest of us to St. John's and beyond.  I trailed the SV's and had to stop for 30 seconds to let a Bee out of my helmet.   :o  It and I parted company without a scratch (or sting).  (I hear Bee's are having a hard time -- no need to add to the problem.)

I had a great time and promised to get together another time or two this season.  Let the discussion of where and when  begin.

Cheers.   :cheers:

Good pics Roy.  To bad there was no one around to get you in the pictures too.  Nice review of the events of the day; it'll definitely help me remember it better and hopefully entice more to come out next time.  Glad to hear you and the bee parted ways peacefully. 

look for my 2007 Michigan Ride 2.0 post, lets start planning the second one!

QuoteTo bad there was no one around to get you in the pictures too.

]

I actually DO have a picture of Roy . . . its just that he's looking the other way  :dunno_white:

And then my camera died . . . lol


Edit: BTW, whatever happened to flyingbeagle71?

Quote from: vantec6040 on May 01, 2007, 07:37:14 PM

QuoteTo bad there was no one around to get you in the pictures too.

]

I actually DO have a picture of Roy . . . its just that he's looking the other way  :dunno_white:
...

Probably my better side.   :)

i should of ship work that day.i will next time.