Wow im dumb, I know how to get to SBD but never actully gone,  Coming from the south we want to get onto RT. 109, thatll take us right in well there will be a turn off at the end but itll work!!! gonna take the senic drive? Never done that, I think it does cost something to do though(like 5-10 bucks maybe?)

Hey, no worries Brad.  I did a zoom-in with Streets & Trips and you were right with picking up Route 109 off of SR22 just out of Empire.



I've got to believe there are signs that will guide our way.  There is a cost -- less than $10 per -- but we climb up a hill with lots of curves (how original is that for Michigan), stop and have a good look at the area, and the money goes to a good cause -- the DNR is hurting.

We can talk about this at Mickey D's before we head off and maybe decide before we enter.

we want to go strait at point 3 there to get into the park. as in staying on 109 to get into the park for the senic drive. Unless we dont want to go through the park, but I think we do.  Then Come back out on 109 and Get on 616 back to 22 then to s. glen lake rd.

Okay guys, things are not happening the way I have planned . . . I'm still going to try but wont know untill Friday afternoon.

I hope things work out, it's looking like good weather for this weekend.  Do you just need parts or ??

Ditto -- Crossing my fingers for ya Jeremiah. 

I know Brad is gonna be there (with friends), Jeremiah a definite maybe, and looks like Michael is in too.  Anyone else is welcome, but speak up now or we won't wait for ya in Manistee!!

Chain is lubed.  Will do a final T-CLOCS tomorrow & I'll be on the road by 08:00 Saturday.  WooHoo...

new tires, Check, new Rear Shock, Check, Tighten every bolt, Check, Chain lube, Check,

Sweet!

Oh and My buddy on the bimmer isnt gonna make it his ignition module went out yesterday, 2 weeks for a new one    havent heard from the other two, but we will see.

IDK if anyone'll need it, but here's my cell #:  2six2.3four7.83nine3  (it's a milwaukee number, I'm on my parent's plan)

heres mine:

six1six three66 one2five4

Ill call ya mano to give you a call if Something happens as far as me not making it.  Look forward to meeting you all.

QuoteDo you just need parts or ??

Well, the only problem I had before this week was just parts, now its a family matter AND parts.

Have relatives from Florida that came last minute do to sick cousin taking a turn for the worst this past week. So we are having a get-together here on Saturday. Nothing I can really do about that. But the exhaust system . . . thats another story.

It's sounding like you should stick with family, Jeremiah.  Rides come and go, but family is central to our well being.

I know that if my significant other needed me, I'd be apologizing to you folks right now and looking for the next ride.  Your choice, but the roads will be there when you're ready.   

Just a few thoughts about tomorrow for all that can make it:

• We expect to meet at the McDonalds in Manistee, located at 1630 S. US 31.  Arrange your departure so as to visit between 10:30 and 11:00.  We'll wait for you if we know you're coming, otherwise follow the route and chances are good you'll catch us.
  
  
• Suggest you dress in Layers.  (This means Jacket over Sweatshirt over T-Shirt.)  Forecast may be for high 70's, but if the wind is off of Lake Michigan, trust me, it'll feel a lot cooler than you'd expect -- easily 10-15°F below a mile or two inland.
  
  
• The plan is to stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes.  We'll vote as to going in when we find the Scenic Drive entrance.
  .
  
• The anticipated route ends at Traverse City, and is expected to look like this:

.


This path is showing a bit under 3 hours at speed.  Plan on taking at least 4 hours between Manistee and Traverse City if we stop.

Anyone who spots this post is welcome to come along.  Roll-Call.  Expecting Brad, Michael and myself.  Jeremiah is a definite maybe?

Jeremiah is a no go. Have fun you guys and be safe!

leaving in 10. see ya there

Just a quick note to announce I got back in one piece without any surprises.

Today put 395 miles on the bike, a new record for me in one day.  I tallied the gas receipts and got 63.87 MPG, with the stretch between Manistee and Cadillac earning a tad over 68 MPG.  (Talk about cheap thrills in the age of $3.14/USGal regular unleaded.)

Very appreciative of Michael, Brad and Katie for making today fun.  Am a bit saddle sore (I have no interest in trying to do any Iron Butt event with my GS500) but I'm smiling.

Will empty the camera in the next day or so and post those that are worthy.

I just made it home about half an hour ago, in one piece as well.  I think I did 420 or so miles today.  I have to agree on the saddle soarness, but I think I would be better off had I been riding more this season. 

I went 190 miles on my tank from Manistee before hitting reserve, which is a new record for me.  The mileage on that tank was 65, also a personal best, but that's subject to some error.

Quote from: manofthefield on July 21, 2007, 05:46:11 PM
...  I have to agree on the saddle soarness, but I think I would be better off had I been riding more this season.  ...

And you're the guy with the Gel Seat.    Brad, Katie and I have stock seat syndrome.   

Glad everyone survived.  Now to plan the next event...

Glad to see everyone made it back safe.  Had a great time and Katie had a blast!  thanks, lets do it again soon

some pics from the ride

Really wish I could have made it. Looked like it was really nice weather and you guys had a good time. 

Oh well, maybe i'll do a solo journey over there once my bike is all put together.