Author Topic: Any Michigan riders out there??  (Read 20269 times)

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ballen

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on: September 20, 2007, 07:41:39 pm
I'm interested in riding up to the Mackinaw Bridge ( possibly across it to St. Ignace ) via M-66 and back down the east side of the state. Anyone game, I've done it twice by myself ( I go during the weekdays to avoid traffic since I rarely ride over 50mph ).


t120rbullet

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Reply #1 on: September 21, 2007, 05:50:02 pm
I would like to go but I'm leaving to go to the RE reunion this Wed. on my bullet. I think that will be it for me for this year. There are a few of us Enfield pilots around the metro Detroit area.
I know of 4 for sure. The guy I sold my 95 to was supposed to ride out to Mo. with me but is not going to be able to make it.
Good luck going across the bridge on your Bullet. Last year I went across it on my electra-glide and the wind picked the bike up and set it down about a foot over on the grate. I think I would have been swimming if I was on my Bullet.
The doors open next summer if my Bullet makes it back from Mo. next week though.
CJ
1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


bob bezin

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Reply #2 on: January 11, 2008, 10:24:52 pm
wow t120
 that happened to me about 1964 on a 350 jawa on a bridge between chicago and india
na..someplace around there
scarey huh ?
bob bezin
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mbevo1

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Reply #3 on: January 16, 2008, 01:26:02 am
Ballen -
Hope you're not talkin' about THIS week...  I'm on the other side of the state and have been considering going north on US-31 along the left shore to the bridge (or more) then using M-66 to get back to Ionia before heading west  to Grand Rapids.  Might work out to meet in the middle, go north on M-66 then split and go down both coasts...

I'll keep it in mind... I just started a new job and will have to see how the workload flows come spring...

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan
« Last Edit: January 17, 2008, 01:47:11 am by mbevo1 »
'07 Classic - Stumpy
'10 C5 Military - Sherman


t120rbullet

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Reply #4 on: January 21, 2008, 01:03:04 am
wow t120
 that happened to me about 1964 on a 350 jawa on a bridge between chicago and india
na..someplace around there
scarey huh ?
bob bezin

The Mackinac is quite a bridge, about 20 yrs ago the wind blew a Yugo off of it.
A little bike don't have a chance. The last 4 yrs or so they have been painting it so the outer 2 lanes have been closed almost every time I've been across in a while now.
That means you get to ride the cheese grater(steel grate) for the whole length of it.
I don't care for riding on grate when it's not windy and raining but when it is it can be a real "white knuckle" crossing.
They do have a service that will ride it over for ya if freeze up after you see it for the first time.
CJ







1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


mbevo1

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Reply #5 on: January 22, 2008, 12:44:53 am
t120 -

Yep.  I don't like the bridge much in a car... it would have to be a fine day with low winds before I'd try on Stumpy... of course, Mackinaw City is fun to hang out in...

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan
'07 Classic - Stumpy
'10 C5 Military - Sherman


BanditRE

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Reply #6 on: January 22, 2008, 03:41:10 am
What is it, like a half mile on the actual grating? Seems like about 10 miles when you're riding it  :o

Its been clear, sunny and not too windy everytime I've ridden across, and every time the darn right lane has been closed, so its grate all the way. Asphalt never looked som good when you reach the other side! Its worth it though. The UP is a nice place to spend some time.
2007 Military 500ES. 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe


t120rbullet

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Reply #7 on: January 22, 2008, 01:19:17 pm
The total length of the bridge is 5 miles.
The length of the suspension part (the grate) is 1.6 miles.
Couple that with being 200 feet over the water in the center makes for one impressive bridge.
Yes, the UP is worth it. The last 11 miles on US-41 up in the Keweenaw Peninsula has got to be one of the worlds greatest motorcycle roads.
The Lake Superior circle tour is a awesome ride also. I recommend everyone do it at least once in their life.
http://www.lakesuperior.com/ctmap.html
CJ
 
1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


BanditRE

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Reply #8 on: January 22, 2008, 01:22:53 pm
Damn, it's that long!?!? I thought it just seemed that long when I rode over it!

US-41 eh? When we going?
2007 Military 500ES. 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe


t120rbullet

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Reply #9 on: January 22, 2008, 02:54:59 pm
Damn, it's that long!?!? I thought it just seemed that long when I rode over it!

US-41 eh? When we going?

August, right after the VMD
1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


BanditRE

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Reply #10 on: January 22, 2008, 06:22:28 pm
Can you be seen with a Suzuki? Is that allowed in HOG chapter rules?

Sounds like a plan. I'll pencil you in for August in the UP.....
2007 Military 500ES. 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe


t120rbullet

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Reply #11 on: January 24, 2008, 08:38:49 pm
Can you be seen with a Suzuki? Is that allowed in HOG chapter rules?
Sounds like a plan. I'll pencil you in for August in the UP.....

I don't know man, after reading your entry in the "most embarrassing moments" thread I'm really going to have to think about.
The thought of getting a 12 grand hole shot up the backside doesn't appeal to me much.
The HOG guys wouldn't mind a Sushi tagging along as long as you stayed 100 yds back or so.
CJ
1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


BanditRE

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Reply #12 on: January 25, 2008, 12:58:50 pm

Its ok, I have since come to grips with easing out the clutch.

Don't  you mean 100 yds AHEAD of the Harleys! You guys ride slower than Enfields!
« Last Edit: January 25, 2008, 01:01:14 pm by BanditRE »
2007 Military 500ES. 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe


t120rbullet

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Reply #13 on: January 25, 2008, 04:49:15 pm

Its ok, I have since come to grips with easing out the clutch.

Don't  you mean 100 yds AHEAD of the Harleys! You guys ride slower than Enfields!

Sorry man, we do it in alphabetical order.
It don't matter if I'm on the E-Glide or Silver, if your on the Sushi your still behind.
The only way you'll ever get ahead is if I take the Trump.
CJ
1972 FLH "Sambo"
1999 Enfield 500 Black Deluxe "Silver"
2023 Guzzi V7 Special "BOB"


JJ1234567

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Reply #14 on: March 15, 2008, 08:24:42 pm
Being a little late to the thread :), ID love to go up north with some other riders this spring/summer.  Good to see there are some folks in the area that enjoy put-putin along on the enfield.