RaYzerman19
Go Wings!
Sorry, Rick, you are correct that there are interesting routes in the UP, but given the choice of the two I was stating a personal preference. No dissin' intended.
A trip along the Northern shore of Lake Superior
- Thread starter Pale Rider 07
- Start date
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SwollenRaccoon
Well-known member
Many years ago, (1980, to be exact), I rode my old Yamaha 750 Special around Lake Superior. It was the last couple of days of June, and first couple of days of July. Climbed out of my tent one morning to 38 degrees, lots of wind, and all-day rain. Previous day had been low 70s and crystal clear.
Good previous advice on critters. I saw more deer in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin than Canada, but nothing really prepares you for coming around a bend and seeing a moose standing on the shoulder of the road. It looked like a big, dark brown cow on stilts. Park ranger up there told me that when a car hits one, the front passengers are almost always killed. Seeing one alongside the road, I don't doubt him.
So, enjoy the trip, bring clothing good for 30-degree days, and clothing good for 80-degree days. And yes, the cooling effect of the lake makes a heck of a difference. DO NOT ride before sunrise, or anywhere near dusk or after sunset. And up there in the summer, DEET is your friend.
Good luck, and have a blast!
Good previous advice on critters. I saw more deer in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin than Canada, but nothing really prepares you for coming around a bend and seeing a moose standing on the shoulder of the road. It looked like a big, dark brown cow on stilts. Park ranger up there told me that when a car hits one, the front passengers are almost always killed. Seeing one alongside the road, I don't doubt him.
So, enjoy the trip, bring clothing good for 30-degree days, and clothing good for 80-degree days. And yes, the cooling effect of the lake makes a heck of a difference. DO NOT ride before sunrise, or anywhere near dusk or after sunset. And up there in the summer, DEET is your friend.
Good luck, and have a blast!
I grew up in Napoleon, MI, which is maybe 50 miles from AA depending; If it works out, I wouldn't mind at least riding up with ya to there. I'm way overdue for a visit to the farm...
Pale Rider 07
Well-known member
That would be fun. I would love to have some company. I'll keep you apprised of the plans as they evolve.
Pale Rider 07
Well-known member
Well, due to scheduling issues, I have now decided to look at making this trip as late as I can next fall. Actually this works out well since I would like to see the leaves changing...been a long time. So I'm again asking my friends to the north for advice on just how late I can safely make this trip along the North shore of Lake Superior. Have really appreciated your earlier replies and have been incorporating your suggestions into my planning.
Pale Rider 07
Well-known member
Dave and Jim,I was thinking about seeing if 101st wanted to tag along, but I doubt he would care for my slow pace. I might try to knock out an SS1000 when I leave Orlando, but the rest of the trip is going to be for the scenic value! I just got home from work, about 45 minutes in the rain, to realize that my old Kilimanjaro jacket is no longer waterproof. What a bummer!! That's another expenditure I was not counting on. Wifey is not going to be happy.
Actually the Great Lakes are being planned out right now. I am going to do a BBG up to Sault Ste. Marie.
Take a couple hours rest- Do the Lake Superior ride/ rest a couple hours- do the Lake Heron ride- rest a couple
hours- do the Lake Michigan ride- re-stage north of Detroit, rest a couple hours- do the lower Great lakes ride,
rest a longer couple of hours- attempt a great Lakes Gold (50 hours), then rush back to Florida for work.
Total time- 1 week vacation = 8/8ths
I am planning late June- I used electrics near international Falls, MN last July at night.
Wanna join in on all or part of ride?
BTW... Dave your pace is fine AND... When is the tech day?
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Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
After Sept 1, expect lots of rain and cool temps (50F), colder at night. But hey, at least you won't have the bugs to deal with
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I'm planning on getting up to the Southern Michigan area a couple of times this yr; not sure about a total Great Lakes ride; probably couldn't keep up with ya anyway!
Tech day is whenever you want it; my schedule is pretty much wide open...
J
Pale Rider 07
Well-known member
Yep, pretty much; the FJR is sorta down for farkling but can be put back together fairly quick. I haven't dived into the "big" project of doing my lights so for now I'm close to runnin'! Give me a call...
Pale Rider 07
Well-known member
funky
Member
You will want to at least wait until the end of May, Its not just the snow that is a concern, it is the cold damp air blowing in off lake superior. Another concern when stopped is the black flys, there is a possibility of them carrying you away! You will be passing through a real small town called Blind River about an hour and a half east of the Sault, toot you horn as you fly through.
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