Great Lakes - Touring UP in early October - crazy??

Looking for some advice from the local UP folks. I'm in the early planning stages of a week long tour from near Rhinelander WI to the Keweenah PI and back. Is it crazy to start as late as the 6th of Oct?

I live in west central WI and know a week of good weather that time of year is sometimes expecting a lot. I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make to be south shore area.

The timing fits a friend's schedule and we want to hopefully see peak fall color. Any info on routes, places to see, etc. would be appreciated. We will be strictly road riding on loaded touring bikes and will camp or motel as we see fit.
Thanks!

Is it crazy to start as late as the 6th of Oct?

It's a roll of the dice, but then isn't it always? I live in Munising, and seem to recall mostly good weather last October. I know that I was out mountain-biking quite a bit that month. OTOH, you could easily get plastered with days of rain. I'm personally a bit of a risk-taker when it comes to weather. If I wanted to tour the UP, and if October was the time slot that I had, I'd probably go for it and hope for the best. I can't promise you good weather though.

I froze on the UP in June! That said, it'd sure be a beautiful time if the weather cooperates.

Last October, like most of Michigan, it rained, and rained, and rained. That absolutely does not mean it will rain this October. We got snow in the beginning of October, and it melted. It took three months for us to get any more. Our weather is incredibly unpredictable, especially in the Keweenaw.

The leaves are already changing, so I'd say peak is going to be >within< the next month. It could even be within the next couple weeks. So, don't expect to see much in October. That still doesn't mean it's not worth checking out the area. :-) Just make sure you pack clothing for all types of weather.

might see snow, might see 80's. The Northwoods in Oct is generally the best time of year. Cool nights, warmer afternoons, less bugs, beautiful colors. I spend a lot of time partridge hunting in Oct and bring both shorts and long underwear, sandals and sorels.