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Courtesy of Michigan Department of Transportation (2007 Michigan State Map) As Pat and I loaded the bike on the trailer, it felt good to be getting out on the road again. It sure seemed like a long winter. Normally I wouldn't consider riding the U.P. over Memorial Day weekend because the weather is notorious for changing so quickly on you. One minute you’re cruising along in the warm sun and the next you’re pulled along side the road digging through your saddle bags trying to find the liner for your jacket. It was an invitation from Tom and Becker, owners of the Bergland Bay Bar in Bergland , Michigan that convinced my wife and I make the ride up. My wife was a little hesitant, but when Tom offered to teach her how to tend bar, she decided to join me. Being too long a ride for Pat on the back of the Suzuki, so we decided to trailer the bike behind the truck. Of course it didn't hurt that the truck also gave provided room to bring along some extra gear and a cooler. It was around 1:00 PM on Friday when we pulled up to Javi’s Bar in Paulding, Michigan. The bar is located north of Paulding on old US Highway 45 and was recommended as a good place to leave the truck and trailer, while we did some riding in the area. Fortunately Paulding is a very small town or I don't that I would have found Javis. Part of the reason is the bar doesn't have a sign. In fact, if it hadn't been for a little neon "open" light hanging on the side of the building, we'd probably still be driving. The bar is owned by Caroline, a transplant to the U.P. from England. Not much to the bar, but like most small Yooper Bars, it's got character. Besides, there is something fun about talking to a Yooper bartender with a foreign accent. After introducing ourselves and spending some time getting to know Caroline, I got her approval to leave my truck parked out front we went for a ride.
While our destination for this road trip was Bergland, Michigan anytime I'm close to Bond Falls I’ll always find a way to stop. Besides, I had ridden Bond Falls road on my bike and was kind of looking forward to it. I took in a deep breath of fresh air as I turned onto Bond Fall’s road at the old Spur Station sign. In less than four miles, we found ourselves at the lower falls entrance. Was time when very few people knew about Bond Falls, but over the years, photographers from major magazines had slowly discovered the falls and now their photos and articles were bringing tourist from all over to the falls. The new entrance to the lower falls had been constructed since my last visit. As we rode down a steep little hill on the newly paved road into the parking lot, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. It had been more fun when we had to hike down the hill to reach the lower falls. Page 1 of 4
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Lake Gogebic Chamber
U.P. State Parks - there are at least 19 good reasons to buy a park sticker.
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