[dsn_klr650] michigan u.p.

[Jim Jackson]

Karl, You guys make me SICK!!! I'm from Marquette originally and I'm heading back for the 4th of July (flying). I was just aching to ride my A13 up and back but work just won't allow it so... I grew up in a little town called Gwinn right smack in the center of the UP. I rode my Suzi TS400 there till I smoked it in 85 or so. At any rate you guys are in for a great time. If I were going here is what I would do. Please keep in mind that its been 17 years since I've been there riding but I can't imagine too many changes. There just aren't enough people. First, stay north. On the 4th weekend US 2 looks like good traveling but it's super dangerous with lots of RV's and few places to pass. When you are off road, remember that there is about 6 inches of top soil and then its all sand beneath in most places. You can be toolin' down a nice gravel road, take a turn and find yourself in 6 inch deep sugar sand. I wrote a bunch of directions down and then realized that the fun is finding your way on our type of rides so here are some general high points in the UP... Tahquamenon Falls - If you can get there go west. I've always wanted to see if I could get from there to Grand Marias to Munising without hitting the "Seney stretch", a 26 mile 2 lane running straight through a cedar swamp. If you do take 28, let me know if the eagle still has his nest in the dead cedar on the north side. He was hard to miss. If you get to Munising, check out Pictured Rocks national lakeshore. It's all multicolored sandstone cliffs and there is tons of camping. Marquette has Presque Isle but it's more of a picnic area than a tourist site. Ishpeming and Negaunee are indian words for Heaven and Hell. Not much to see. If you are in Marquette on Sunday afternoon give me a call on my cell at: 864-325-1425 or at my folks house: 906-346-4730. We'll find a place and have lunch. Big Bay - One way in, one way out. Looks good on the map but there really isn't much to see there. I'd skip it in your shoes. Anyway, north to Houghton and the Copper Harbor is great country. Lots of camping and plenty to see. If you have time I think there is a ferry to Isle Royale. As I recall no motor vehicles. Wild bear and wolves inhabit the island. Back down to Ontonagon and I'd ask the locals to point you to the Lake of the Clouds. I think it's in the Porcupine Mountains. Check out Red Cliff as well. I haven't been there but I've heard it's nice. Then you can go to Duluth and start back for the Great White North. I remember as a kid I could take off from Gwinn and ride for hours and never cross another road. End up on the outskirts of Escanaba and have to ride on the road back (at 14). You guys will find plenty of trails with very few rocky areas. You should be able to ride most of it fully loaded but that's just a guess since I've never fully loaded my KLR. More than half of the UP is national forests and logging country so you'll find more back roads than you can shake a stick at. Have fun and be safe! Jim Jackson II A13 - South Carolina

>Looks like I'll be able to make a small vacation out of my vacation time >after all. A guy from the Ontario Dual Sport Club and I are heading into >Michigan this weekend for a few days of riding. Does anyone on the list >have knowledge of the area and can recommend some >trails and areas to ride in? Neither of us have been so any info will be >much appreciated. > >Thanks in advance! >Karl >

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