Recap of Michigan Upper Peninsula Ride

Wow, is the only way I can describe our tour of the Michigan Upper Peninsula! D&D started the trip after finishing a terrific weekend of calling, in the Chicago area. We departed Chicago, Monday, July 2. We rode to Burton, MI, where we met up with friends Ron & Jackie, and Larry & Kathy. Upon our arrival to Burton, I decided the bikes were ready for servicing. While I serviced both steeds, Larry, Ron, and the girls cooked out, a terrific meal!

The Crew

Jackie, Ron, Larry, Kathy, Decah, and Darryl

As soon as we arrived in Burton, Ron, Larry, and Big D, made a mad dash to Rocky's, a bike shop, where I picked up the supplies, I needed to service the bikes. While there, I saw a Cushman Eagle, like the one I had, as a teenager. It brought back many fond memories! I couldn't pass up the opportunity, to take a photo.

This one has a bit more chrome, than mine, and mine was metallic blue. Other than that, it's exactly like mine!

Tuesday morning, we departed for Lake Isabella, to call a July 3rd, & 4th special. We encountered a few showers, but the rode out of them. We had a terrific time at Lake Isabella! We met up with many South Texas friends, and made several new friends, especially Wayne, and Jan, our host and hostess. Great time, on the lake!

This is a photo of the rising moon, on the 3rd.

After a great 4th, we packed up, and loaded the bikes, and began our journey around Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. We rode to Traverse City, where we visited our Valley friends, Al & Carol. They have a beautiful home on the Old Mission Peninsula. What a great view of the lake! We spent the night, there, and had a great visit, and rested up, for the U.P. journey. We departed Traverse City, Friday morning. We visited the Old Mission Lighthouse, on our way out of town. We journeyed through the wine country, riding through many vineyards, and cherry orchards. Beautiful country! The highlights of the ride, included a ride through the tunnel of trees, a stop at a bar in Petoskey, called Legs, and of course, riding across the Mackinac Bridge (Big Mac)! After crossing the Big Mac, we rode to Saulte Ste Marie. We found a terrific motor lodge, called the Longship Motel. Really biker friendly! Highly recommend it to anyone, in the area! The motel, is right across the street from the Soo Locks. That evening, we dined at a restaurant,  called the Lockview. Great food, great view of the ships, passing through the locks, great friends, and, of course, cold beer! Later, that night, we all walked to the locks, to see the longest ship, in recent time, passing through the locks (1,013 feet long)! We even took time to enjoy some ice cream, for dessert!

Saturday morning, we rode into Ontario, Canada, for breakfast. Found a great diner, called Ernie's! Great food! Really enjoyed the breakfast meat, that they called peamelle, or as we would call it, Canadian bacon.

After enjoying breakfast, we crossed back, into the U.S.A.

Little D, on the bridge.

Big D, on the bridge.

A view of the St Mary bridge.

After returning to the U.S., we continued our journey through the U.P. We visited several lighthouses, and made a visit to Whitefish Point. Really great view of Lake Superior! Rode the coast on around the lake, and made a stop at Tahquamemon State Park.There were 2 really cool, waterfalls! We journeyed to Newberry, MI where we stayed the night. Sunday morning, we started down the Wisconsin coast, passing through Green Bay, and Milwaukee.

This was one of the best rides, we've made! Like I said, earlier, great scenery, great food, and great friends made this, a ride to remember!