This be the trip im taking today.
(http://i2.tinypic.com/5z3841l.gif)
Should be fun! all day trip, Lots of stops and my first time over the bridge. Im looking forward to it.
see ya
Brad
how many miles?
What's fun when riding over the bridge is getting in the left lane, where you're riding on the grate, then looking down 200 feet at the water. My GF thought I was crazy when I told her about doing that :laugh: I guess it's not for the faint of heart
Have fun, the weather should be great today
Looks fun. I made my first trip over the bridge last weekend. I didn't have the guts to drive on the grate thought. It was a lot of fun except for the cold.
was forced to drive on the grate today. THe whole damn bike wiggles. its scary.
Total mileage was 475 or there abouts. My butts numb. Pics and Story to follow.
Sweet.
Whats the pattern of grate you're dealing with there ?
I've found the 2" or so squares just kind of make the bike float left and right a little.
1" diamonds were REALLY weird. It would track right, hit a section end, then track left.
Those Loooooooong 1"x3" or so rectangle grates seem to 'pack up' the suspension some, and after a little while the bike settles again. Almost like riding over 15' long speed bumps.
Don't get me started on serrated concrete. That stuff just sucks. Pulls the bike all over, maybe a wiggle, maybe a push. Who knows what's next.
Bring on the pictures ! :D
still waiting to ride over any grate. Kinda scared to
You just have to keep loose (like any other time... no death grip) and let it take you. The bike will wander back and forth a bit, but it's no big deal. Obviously its unnerving to think of, but if you get used to it it's no big deal. I used to go over a grated bridge every day so I got used to it fast
riding over the bridge cannot be any worse than grooved pavement (asphalt) on the highway.... no caution sign before, no nothing... :mad: this was sort of scary since I was doing around 70mph and then voila.... grooved pavement. I felt like I was riding on the sand....
+1 for NOT death grip. let the bike take you
cheers
KaMeL
except for the part of being 150 feet off the water and seeing clear down to the lake from the road
alright well you can see the map above and see the trip as planned, Rather last minute too. Woke up at 7:00 and decided to go.
First leg
First shot was from Traverse City to Petosky. Left at 9:15ish. It was a great ride, if a little brisk. Took US-31 all the way up and got into Petosky about 11. Stopped to take pictures in Charlevoix and Petosky. Started to warm up at this point as well.
Gas stop/first stop.
(http://i6.tinypic.com/4t74dhg.jpg)
Charlevoix
(http://i15.tinypic.com/4zm42hk.jpg)
(http://i8.tinypic.com/4knx8xf.jpg)
Petosky
(http://i16.tinypic.com/4xpxnd4.jpg)
Then after just a short stop over to take pictures I continued on to Mackinaw City. Stopped here for lunch. walked around the town and watched the
Ferries leave for a bit(sans Camera:() Then Got back on the bike and headed to take some pics before crossing the bridge
THe biggest suspension bridge in the world
(http://i5.tinypic.com/4rcwu2f.jpg)
(http://i8.tinypic.com/67n484o.jpg)
The Island
(http://i10.tinypic.com/4y6ular.jpg)
THen once crossing the bridge, I went through St. Ignace and continued on to Centerville. For those considering making this trip, Fuel up in St. Ignace.
No Gas stations for the next 75 Miles. Got to centerville, which basicly is the gas station, fueled up and continued on to Detour. Stopped about half way
There to take some pictures.
Just the view
(http://i10.tinypic.com/673401i.jpg)
(http://i4.tinypic.com/5yhgl4y.jpg)
at this point my camera died and wouldnt you know it, No batteries in the next few towns. (Bring extra!) Went from detour up to the Soo(Sault Saint Marie)
Watched the Locks cycle. Was pretty cool. Wish I had My camera working. Turned around and headed back, but this time hopped on I-75 And got off at
St. Ignace and bought some batteries, Pulled over to take some senic shots of the bridge and my Artistic side got the best of me.
The Bridge
(http://i12.tinypic.com/4vqnioo.jpg)
THis one is one of my favorites
(http://i4.tinypic.com/62onaqv.jpg)
and my favorite pic of the whole trip
(http://i8.tinypic.com/54bsxhj.jpg)
On the way back I hit the Tunnel of trees, other wise known as Rt 119. OH MY GOD! didnt stop to take pictures but it was the curvest road ever,
Think Deals gap but narrower and less traffic( barely enough room for 2 cars but it was fun. ) Stopped in harbor springs for a bit and then continued on my way to TC.
All in all this was a great ride. Ill definatly do it again, if not add to it. Next time I go, Ill try to plan it out in advance farther, see if i can get people to join me,
and maybe make a weekend out of it.
Well thats it! see ya around again.
Gorgeous!! :bowdown:
Looks like a great trip! Thanks for the pics and sharing with us!
:thumb:
DLW
I wish I lived where you live and could ride with you. I bet it was one great trip!!! I'd give up a lot to ride in that scenery...
Well... I'm still beginner and not brave enough to go that far away on my own. Hopefullly I'll find some mate in NYC to ride with next season...
cheers
KaMeL
Quote from: kml.krk on September 21, 2007, 08:50:44 PM
I wish I lived where you live and could ride with you. I bet it was one great trip!!! I'd give up a lot to ride in that scenery...
Well... I'm still beginner and not brave enough to go that far away on my own. Hopefullly I'll find some mate in NYC to ride with next season...
cheers
KaMeL
Michigan is a great riding state thats for sure. Youll get there, this was the first summer of riding for me and I took quite a few long rides, one thing i recommend though is a better seat, I just bought a ratty old one to have shop here build me a custom seat. for 100 bucks, cant go wrong.