|
|
|
|
Home
The U.P.
Roads
Trips
Motorcycles Welcome Just
Ride
Choosing not to ride I-75, we cruised down the Mackinaw Trail road into St. Ignace. It's a pure tourist town now with huge hotels lining the waterfront. It was an interesting view as we rode along through town. I think many riders coming across the bridge use St. Ignace as a launching point to Mackinac Island. I haven't been over to the island in years. It might be fun to go back some day with my grandchildren. I was happy to leave the hustle and bustle of St. Ignace behind as we headed west on Hwy US-2. The ride along Lake Michigan from St. Ignace to the town of Naubinway offered a fantastic view of Lake Michigan. All along the shoreline there were plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the beaches, but we were both tired and aching by now so pulling over was not an option. Besides, I think the horses had smelled the barn now because our speed was definitely had gone up a notch. As we approached the Cut River Bridge, we decided to pull off at a turnout. Looking down, we decided we had too little time and energy to hike to the bottom of the stairs so we took a walk out on the bridge.
I met some Harley riders as we walked on to the bridge. It amazes me how they could ride without windshields on their bikes. Looking back at my bug splattered windshield, I could only imagine what it would have felt like if all those bugs had slammed into me instead. Maybe they knew a trick to it. The Cut River Bridge offer a fantastic view and I recommend everyone pull over. If you've got the time, take the stairs down to the lake. After a short break, we got back on the bikes and headed towards Manistique. As we rolled into Manistique we pulled over for gas. Had we the time I would have liked to taken an extended cruise through town and out to Indian Lake. However by now, the sun was starting its downward slope in the sky and we still had a good hour of riding ahead of us. My brother-in-law hollered back at me, which way should we take back. I told him the shortest way of course. The thought of a soft chair and a cold beer was now dancing in my head. Again, my brother-in-law chose a way I would have never thought of. We took Hwy 442 west past the Three Mile Supper Club and Indian Lake State Park. From there we jumped on Thunder Lake Road heading north. I hadn’t been on this road in years and wasn’t quite sure how this could possibly be the fastest way back to his house. Then again I didn’t have too, I was just following. This is the reason my brother-in-law was the lead dog on this trip. My way back would have been a boring ride up Hwy M-94, but this route turned out to a heck of a fun run through the woods. Sweeping curves with the road tunneling through tall stands of trees. The road turned into a thrill ride. Funny thing is that the road doesn't even show up as paved on the state map. Sometimes it pays to know people who know. As we raced along, I was glad I wasn't leading because I had this eerie feeling that around one of these curves was bound to be a deer hidden in the tree shadows. However the idea of calling my sister and telling her that her husband had just hit a deer didn’t thrill me either. Oh well, it's what we do on motorcycles that makes it fun. It was a great way to cap off a ride as we sped past lakes and old hunting cabins sitting back off the road. It brought back many memories from living in the U.P. I could now feel my neck muscles tensing up from the ride as we dove hard into the curves sometimes reaching speeds of 60mph through some sharp turns. Soon we found ourselves on Forest Hwy 13. From there it was like shooting through a tunnel with overhanging Maple trees hiding the sun and sky. It was like being shot through a cannon. When we reached Hwy M-94, we pulled over at the stop sign and got off our bikes. My brother-in-law said his butt was numb. I had to laugh because mine was too. This last leg of the trip was one tense and exhilarating ride. I loved it. It was some of the best motorcycling I had experienced since I had gotten back on a bike. As we got back on the road, the rest of the ride was easy and simple. When we pulled into his driveway, I was beat and quite happy to put the bike in the garage. The words "ridden hard and put away wet" came to my mind. Oh well, I'll get out the bug wash and give it a good cleaning in the morning. The Yooper Cannonball had been one hell of a ride. Sore as I was, I found myself looking forward to doing it again. The next morning after saying much thanks to my sister and brother-in-law, I fired up the bike for the ride home. The temperatures were already climbing so there was no need for chaps. I unzipped the cooling vents on my jacket and I was headed for home. . Page 5 of 5
To continue to the next
page or return to a prior page,
Home
The U.P.
Roads
Trips
Motorcycles Welcome Just
Ride
|
Motorcycle Friendly
Motorcycle Service U.P. State Parks - there are at least 19 good reasons to buy a park sticker.
|
