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Yooper Cannonball
 (Page 4)
 


Courtesy of Michigan Department of Transportation (2007 Michigan State Map)
 

After filling our bellies, we climbed on the bikes for our ride east to see how far the pavement would take us. The island is a mixture of small homes, summer cottages, and some really nice expensive houses.  We were seeing little traffic as we rode along and certainly no other motorcycles.  However there was a sign that indicated there must of been some sort of dirt bike rally here the weekend before.   I found out later the island has miles and miles of off road riding available.

Not too far from town, we came to a nice section of new black top with some wide curves.  Of course, it didn’t take long before we were sweeping through turns and enjoying an unexpected ride.   In time the road changed to an older road and we had to start looking for loose gravel. 

Almost unrepentantly, the pavement just stopped.  The road continued on, but not for us.  It would have been nice to have a dirt bike at this point to see just where the road would have taken us.  The entire run from the ferry landing to where the pavement ended was only about 20 miles. It was a great ride and we were both glad we decided to do it.


Yooper Cannonball ends on Drummond Island

After a short break, we climbed back on the bikes and started the ride back.  Now knowing the road from the ride in, we were able to pick up the pace and enjoy it even that much more. 

We reached the ferry landing early.  Maybe next time I'll write down the schedule although I didn't mind the time to relax and enjoy the view.   Both of us made a quick cell phone calls home while we waited for the ferry.  After that was just a matter of finding a comfortable rock to sit on and watch the boats cruise past. 

We knew it must be time when the trucks started driving in and parking.  Once a crew shift had taken place, a man motioned us aboard and in minutes the boat had turned around and was moving across the passage.  Taking the ferry was really turning out to be a fun part of the ride.  Off to the left we spotted an empty ore freighter moving towards us so I snapped a couple pictures as we crossed in front of it.  It’s amazing how much water these ore boats can push as they move through the water.

Is we pulled off the ferry I was sorry to see my Yooper Cannonball ride come to an end.   I had already made up my mind that I would spend the night on Drummond Island next time, but now it time to make the ride back home.

 


YOOPER CANNONBALL

I've gotten a number of emails asking questions about the Yooper Cannonball.  First let me say that the Yooper Cannonball is not an organized annual event.  It's also not a speed run.  At 360 miles from one end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the other, it can easily be done in one day.

The Yooper Cannonball is all about bragging rights.  Imagine sitting around with all your biker friends one night swapping stories and you mention you've run the Yooper Cannonball.  What would be their reaction?

My first run took the northern route using Highway M-28, but next time I plan to ride the southern route using Highway US-2.   I happen to prefer ending up on Drummond Island at the end of the ride, but there is no reason why you can't start out there and end up in Ironwood. 

Remember, the Yooper Cannonball has no designated route.  There is no penalty for taking a extra day to recover from a long night of partying in Gladstone or a warm night on the beach in Grand Marais.

I'd like to hear back from those of you who'd made the run.  If I get enough people interested in some kind of souvenir of the ride, maybe I can put together some kind a Yooper Cannonball patch or pin.

 

 

 

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