UP of Michigan
11-24-04, 02:55 PM
#1
No one carries the DogBoy
Thread Starter
UP of Michigan
I want to take a 5-7 day tour this summer (August) and think that the UP of Michigan would be a good place, but I have a few questions: First, I want to go 40-70 miles per day with leisurely stops for lunch/exploring waterfalls parks etc. I'm thinking of finishing on Mackinac Island for the last day (or first) and back-tracking mileage expectations to determine my stopping points. I will most likely go with credit card style touring, so I must find places to stay (so the wife will go too). Anyway, here are my questions:
For route planning, should I just use a map (yahoo maps etc), some kind of mapping software, or go with the AC Great Lakes route?
What do you do with your car? I've thought about starting at Mackinack Is. (not on the island, but by the ferry) and leaving the car there and doing a circle tour, or leaving one car at finish point and another at the start, but then wife and I drive 2 cars to UP for no particular reason. Anyway, How have you done it?
I plan on writing the Michigan tourisim dept to get info about the UP, but is there anything there that is a "can't miss?"
Does anyone know the terrain? hilly, rolling hills, or flat? I'm set-up with a low-gear of 30-26 on 700c wheels. I'm not sure that's enough if its really hilly. I'm planning on having about 30 lbs with me (clothes/food etc.)
What mechanical skills do I need to acquire prior to going? Right now its limited: Change tires/clean-lube chain.
I'm guessing there might be resources on the web that can answer all these questions (and more) so if you can point me in that direction, that would be appreciated also.
If MI doesn't work out, I may switch to Door County.
For route planning, should I just use a map (yahoo maps etc), some kind of mapping software, or go with the AC Great Lakes route?
What do you do with your car? I've thought about starting at Mackinack Is. (not on the island, but by the ferry) and leaving the car there and doing a circle tour, or leaving one car at finish point and another at the start, but then wife and I drive 2 cars to UP for no particular reason. Anyway, How have you done it?
I plan on writing the Michigan tourisim dept to get info about the UP, but is there anything there that is a "can't miss?"
Does anyone know the terrain? hilly, rolling hills, or flat? I'm set-up with a low-gear of 30-26 on 700c wheels. I'm not sure that's enough if its really hilly. I'm planning on having about 30 lbs with me (clothes/food etc.)
What mechanical skills do I need to acquire prior to going? Right now its limited: Change tires/clean-lube chain.
I'm guessing there might be resources on the web that can answer all these questions (and more) so if you can point me in that direction, that would be appreciated also.
If MI doesn't work out, I may switch to Door County.
11-24-04, 03:24 PM
#2
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Originally Posted by DogBoy
I want to take a 5-7 day tour this summer (August) and think that the UP of Michigan would be a good place, but I have a few questions: First, I want to go 40-70 miles per day with leisurely stops for lunch/exploring waterfalls parks etc. I'm thinking of finishing on Mackinac Island for the last day (or first) and back-tracking mileage expectations to determine my stopping points. I will most likely go with credit card style touring, so I must find places to stay (so the wife will go too). Anyway, here are my questions:
For route planning, should I just use a map (yahoo maps etc), some kind of mapping software, or go with the AC Great Lakes route?
What do you do with your car? I've thought about starting at Mackinack Is. (not on the island, but by the ferry) and leaving the car there and doing a circle tour, or leaving one car at finish point and another at the start, but then wife and I drive 2 cars to UP for no particular reason. Anyway, How have you done it?
I plan on writing the Michigan tourisim dept to get info about the UP, but is there anything there that is a "can't miss?"
Does anyone know the terrain? hilly, rolling hills, or flat? I'm set-up with a low-gear of 30-26 on 700c wheels. I'm not sure that's enough if its really hilly. I'm planning on having about 30 lbs with me (clothes/food etc.)
What mechanical skills do I need to acquire prior to going? Right now its limited: Change tires/clean-lube chain.
I'm guessing there might be resources on the web that can answer all these questions (and more) so if you can point me in that direction, that would be appreciated also.
If MI doesn't work out, I may switch to Door County.
For route planning, should I just use a map (yahoo maps etc), some kind of mapping software, or go with the AC Great Lakes route?
What do you do with your car? I've thought about starting at Mackinack Is. (not on the island, but by the ferry) and leaving the car there and doing a circle tour, or leaving one car at finish point and another at the start, but then wife and I drive 2 cars to UP for no particular reason. Anyway, How have you done it?
I plan on writing the Michigan tourisim dept to get info about the UP, but is there anything there that is a "can't miss?"
Does anyone know the terrain? hilly, rolling hills, or flat? I'm set-up with a low-gear of 30-26 on 700c wheels. I'm not sure that's enough if its really hilly. I'm planning on having about 30 lbs with me (clothes/food etc.)
What mechanical skills do I need to acquire prior to going? Right now its limited: Change tires/clean-lube chain.
I'm guessing there might be resources on the web that can answer all these questions (and more) so if you can point me in that direction, that would be appreciated also.
If MI doesn't work out, I may switch to Door County.
Sounds like a great adventure. A few things...
1. I've vacationed in the UP during summer... beware of Skeeters & black flies. Arm yourself with some netting and/or spray.
2. As far as skills go... it's not too far away from civilization up there so basic skills will get you far. Tires, tubes and patching skills are a must as is a good patch kit and pump. You should know and understand your front & rear derailleurs as well as your shifters. As far as anything major... again, Humans aren't that far away.
3. Forget mapquest (Yahoo) and the like... consider the ACA maps (as you mentioned) but before any of that contact Jamie Noble. He has a lot of experience with touring in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. You can reach him at editor@bicycletouring101.com Tell him that Scott from Phred sent you and he'll take care of you. He's a great guy.
While you're at it check at his site too... bicycletouring101.com It's a fantastic resource that he's currently putting together for all tourists.
Good luck to you and welcome aboard!
11-24-04, 06:13 PM
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You might contact the League of Michigan Bicyclists. I did a tour with them last summer, and I'm sure they have some good info for you. I think they are at www.lmb.org
11-24-04, 08:37 PM
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Don't forget to check out the Keenewaw Pinensula, It's most senic up there. Brockway Mountain Drive to Copper Harbor. Also, riding from Munising out to the start of the pictured rocks nat'l lakeshore. And Marquette. Essentially, Lake Superior shore is more interesting than the Lake Michigan shore, and western UP more hilly and rockish than eastern UP. Have fun , it's great. Doing it on a mountain bike would allow you to tour on back roads and trails, which are numerous. Eat lots of pasties, an indegenous dish- 3 bucks and makes a meal.
11-24-04, 08:39 PM
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Hey Dogboy,
I'm trying to remember if Madison has a map store, I mean one that is basically maps only. I know there is one in Milwaukee off the zoo exit but don't know the name (just how to get there).
As far as hills go they aren't too massive depending on where you go, should only be "rollers", a bit like the area west of Madison. About "can't miss areas", I've always wanted to go to the west end of Superior, Bayfield and such. Have been to the Keweenaw peninsula in the winter for snowmobiling and it's great! The hills show up a little more over there.
Give it a go, and let us know.
I'm trying to remember if Madison has a map store, I mean one that is basically maps only. I know there is one in Milwaukee off the zoo exit but don't know the name (just how to get there).
As far as hills go they aren't too massive depending on where you go, should only be "rollers", a bit like the area west of Madison. About "can't miss areas", I've always wanted to go to the west end of Superior, Bayfield and such. Have been to the Keweenaw peninsula in the winter for snowmobiling and it's great! The hills show up a little more over there.
Give it a go, and let us know.
11-24-04, 11:20 PM
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This will be an awesome trip! I can't comment on the AC Great Lakes maps, but I see others recommend them. You might also check out https://www.randmcnally.com/ for their mapping.
Oh, and check out Tahquamenon Falls (https://www.exploringthenorth.com/tahqua/tahqua.html) - truly one of the most unique falls I have ever visited! Crystal Falls is a neat little town... Iron Mountain has (or had) an iron mine you could tour. My uncle used to live there, so it's a special place to me. Check out L'Anse and Baraga, two of Michigan's Native American towns.
Once, in a history class, we had to create a vacation entirely in the state of Michigan. I did mine on the Upper Penninsula.
Oh, and check out Tahquamenon Falls (https://www.exploringthenorth.com/tahqua/tahqua.html) - truly one of the most unique falls I have ever visited! Crystal Falls is a neat little town... Iron Mountain has (or had) an iron mine you could tour. My uncle used to live there, so it's a special place to me. Check out L'Anse and Baraga, two of Michigan's Native American towns.
Once, in a history class, we had to create a vacation entirely in the state of Michigan. I did mine on the Upper Penninsula.
11-25-04, 02:13 AM
#7
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Anyone think it possible to do a circle tour of the UP...The only routes circumventing the UP is US 2 and M28...Is it possible for touring bikes to use these two roads...?
11-25-04, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Anyone think it possible to do a circle tour of the UP...The only routes circumventing the UP is US 2 and M28...Is it possible for touring bikes to use these two roads...?
11-25-04, 12:48 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by Becca
On the Eastern side of the state, it should be fairly flat and easy on both roads. On the Western side, it's going to be hilly to mountainous. Other than that, it would be a great ride!
11-26-04, 04:19 PM
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US2 and M28 are not the most bike friendly rides. Shoulders on both are hit and miss. U2 gets a lot of camper traffic in the summer, M28 gets a lot of trucks. Traffic is worse on both in the eastern half of the UP. I would try to find other routes first, but there are not a lot of other choices. Most of the local roads don't connect through or are gravel.
I agree that the eastern part is flat, the western has more hills, but nothing that is too bad. I find from Munising west to be the most interesting part of the UP.
I agree that the eastern part is flat, the western has more hills, but nothing that is too bad. I find from Munising west to be the most interesting part of the UP.
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The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. M.L.King
11-27-04, 02:06 PM
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I did the Circle Tour of Lake Superior several years ago. The west and north were awesome. The UP was the most boring riding I've ever done. It is flat and so few towns. Maybe it was my route. I don't remember any problems with cars in the UP.
The Canadian side was truely superior.
The Canadian side was truely superior.
11-28-04, 02:37 AM
#12
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A Yooper booster here...Have not bike toured there yet..But, been on many a vacation there...Tahquamenon Falls, The Paradise area wilderness, Tahquamenon River canoeing, Tahquamenon Falls River paddle boat tour, Picture Rocks' scenery, Soo Locks, Brockway Mountain Drive, Porcupine Moutain Park, Lake of the Clouds, Isle Royale, Kitchi-a-kippi Springs, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge....
Nothing boring about the UP....
I always thought bike touring caused you to see more. Think UP boring...Maybe not the case.
Nothing boring about the UP....
I always thought bike touring caused you to see more. Think UP boring...Maybe not the case.
11-28-04, 04:59 AM
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I didn't really mean to knock the UP. The Tahqumenon Falls were great (great beer). I guess it was because it was the latter part of the tour. From Paradise to Munising was so flat and isolated. The whole tour was great.
11-28-04, 09:37 AM
#14
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Two UP bumper stickers I have had on my car..."Say, yah to the UP,heah!" and "God's Country."From the Land of Hiawatha...
I sort of like the flat portion of the UP..Go off the Main road heading towards Paradise..Some of the finest forests in the Eastern US...On canoeing trips...It is said , you must walk like 20 plus miles through really rugid wilderness to make it to civilization...So you had better mark the trees and take a compass, before your walk takes you in circles...
W/O heading to Alaska, it is difficult to find the depths of this wilderness..The UP has three major wilderness areas...Tahquamenon Falls area, Huron Moutains, Porcupine Mountains...Some of my favorite real estate on the planet..
I sort of like the flat portion of the UP..Go off the Main road heading towards Paradise..Some of the finest forests in the Eastern US...On canoeing trips...It is said , you must walk like 20 plus miles through really rugid wilderness to make it to civilization...So you had better mark the trees and take a compass, before your walk takes you in circles...
W/O heading to Alaska, it is difficult to find the depths of this wilderness..The UP has three major wilderness areas...Tahquamenon Falls area, Huron Moutains, Porcupine Mountains...Some of my favorite real estate on the planet..
11-28-04, 08:40 PM
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well i've lived in the UP now for 7 years and can say without a doubt that if you enjoy the outdoors it is in no way a boring place to live or visit. what it is, is vastly under rated and unknown.
i have not yet toured the UP by bike but have been nearly everywhere that most people know and rave about and many places that are not widely know and are even better. a tour of the UP would be wonderful. for mapping it i would recommend that you stick to the northern lakeshore, as others have suggested it as well, it is much more scenic. i would recommend that you buy the Michigan Atlas & Gazetteer by the Delorme Mapping Company, you can find it on amazon for about $15 and for the UP it is by far the best, it will display all the main roads and all secondary and even most logging roads that are unknown. Using this you will have many options and will be able to stay away from the main highways as much as possible. it also contains info on many areas of interest.
don't miss
tahquamenon Falls state park
pictured rocks national lakeshore - great visitor center
grand island NRA- near munising
seney national wildlife refuge
marquette - great mountain biking
keweenaw Peninsula - make sure to bike the eastern side and the western and brockway mtn.
houghton/hancock - again wonderful single track riding
porcupine mountains - rent a cabin
there really is way too much to list here and so much to see that you could see a number of things everyday and take days off along the way to rent a mountain bike, kayak, or hike. for 5-7 days consider doing less mileage if you would be interested in doing some other activities as well, maybe start at tahquamenon falls. i'm not sure if you have been to mackinaw island or not and i apologize to all those who cherish it but during that time in august it will be a zoo, especially if you only go for a day. i would not recommend it. don't get me wrong the place is great if you go at the right time and have it to yourself but the crowds at times make it feel like an amusement park.
there are bike shops in the soo, munising, marquette, houghton, calumet, that you would ride right by so that should not be a problem.
other posters are correct about the topography, eastern flat and western hilly. another poster suggested a link to a site that contains a good deal of info, i highly recommend it, and here it is again
https://www.exploringthenorth.com/mich/mich.html
good luck with the planning, i'm starting to plan a similar tour for the early summer should be great
feel free to ask more questions
i have not yet toured the UP by bike but have been nearly everywhere that most people know and rave about and many places that are not widely know and are even better. a tour of the UP would be wonderful. for mapping it i would recommend that you stick to the northern lakeshore, as others have suggested it as well, it is much more scenic. i would recommend that you buy the Michigan Atlas & Gazetteer by the Delorme Mapping Company, you can find it on amazon for about $15 and for the UP it is by far the best, it will display all the main roads and all secondary and even most logging roads that are unknown. Using this you will have many options and will be able to stay away from the main highways as much as possible. it also contains info on many areas of interest.
don't miss
tahquamenon Falls state park
pictured rocks national lakeshore - great visitor center
grand island NRA- near munising
seney national wildlife refuge
marquette - great mountain biking
keweenaw Peninsula - make sure to bike the eastern side and the western and brockway mtn.
houghton/hancock - again wonderful single track riding
porcupine mountains - rent a cabin
there really is way too much to list here and so much to see that you could see a number of things everyday and take days off along the way to rent a mountain bike, kayak, or hike. for 5-7 days consider doing less mileage if you would be interested in doing some other activities as well, maybe start at tahquamenon falls. i'm not sure if you have been to mackinaw island or not and i apologize to all those who cherish it but during that time in august it will be a zoo, especially if you only go for a day. i would not recommend it. don't get me wrong the place is great if you go at the right time and have it to yourself but the crowds at times make it feel like an amusement park.
there are bike shops in the soo, munising, marquette, houghton, calumet, that you would ride right by so that should not be a problem.
other posters are correct about the topography, eastern flat and western hilly. another poster suggested a link to a site that contains a good deal of info, i highly recommend it, and here it is again
https://www.exploringthenorth.com/mich/mich.html
good luck with the planning, i'm starting to plan a similar tour for the early summer should be great
feel free to ask more questions
11-28-04, 08:56 PM
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Rode Makinac Island years ago on our tandem. No cars . . . but lots of horses & horse puckey all over the road; lots of bicyclists (mostly rent-a-bikes) that stop in the middle of the road and create traffic havoc. If you just want to dawdle along, fine. If you want to get in a few serious laps around the island: forget about it!
However the UP itself is great. Include Drummond Island in your tour, nice ferry boat ride and nice riding on the island.
Have fun!
However the UP itself is great. Include Drummond Island in your tour, nice ferry boat ride and nice riding on the island.
Have fun!
11-28-04, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by blwyn
US2 and M28 are not the most bike friendly rides. Shoulders on both are hit and miss. U2 gets a lot of camper traffic in the summer, M28 gets a lot of trucks. Traffic is worse on both in the eastern half of the UP. I would try to find other routes first, but there are not a lot of other choices. Most of the local roads don't connect through or are gravel.
I agree that the eastern part is flat, the western has more hills, but nothing that is too bad. I find from Munising west to be the most interesting part of the UP.
I agree that the eastern part is flat, the western has more hills, but nothing that is too bad. I find from Munising west to be the most interesting part of the UP.
I've never tried riding a bicycle on M28, but the thought is more than scary. Imagine a fleet of 18 wheelers drafting each other at 90 mph and you have a not uncommon experience on M28 between Seney and Shingleton. This stretch is over 20 miles of one long straightaway.
My Grandfather was raised in Marquette and a veteran travelling salesman who included da YOOP in his territory. He knew every old logging trail up there and could get around on them like they were major highways. Most of them are intact and many of the better maps show the more important of these very back roads.
Many of the important attractions have already been mentioned, but please be sure and include the Soo locks in any eastern UP tour.
Doc
11-28-04, 11:33 PM
#18
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About the flat eastern portion of the UP...Flat yes, but the forest is thick and deep...Not boring to me...
11-29-04, 12:42 PM
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Hi!
(snip)
3. Forget mapquest (Yahoo) and the like... consider the ACA maps (as you mentioned) but before any of that contact Jamie Noble. He has a lot of experience with touring in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
(end snip)
Well I have to admit to only have gone around Lakes Huron and Erie. I still have at least three more to go (unless you count Lake Champlain - Wasn't that one named a great lake in the US for funding or something)?
On crazyguyonabike.com I currently have a journal with links to other people's experiences going around the various lakes ( https://jrngreatlakescircle.crazyguyonabike.com ) if that helps out.
There are also books out there with actual routing info if you like having the route planned for you. I think I mention the link to the books in my Round Lake Erie tour report.
(snip)
You can reach him at editor@bicycletouring101.com Tell him that Scott from Phred sent you and he'll take care of you. He's a great guy.
(end snip)
Thanks for the great compliment. It's always nice to read positive things about yourself! (grin)
(snip)
While you're at it check at his site too... bicycletouring101.com It's a fantastic resource that he's currently putting together for all tourists.
(end snip)
That site is growing on a daily basis and it's always looking for content so if you would like to assist please feel free to do so.
Hopefully the site will eventually reach the point where it's full of great touring info to help beginner and veteran cyclists alike. Of course to reach that point it has to be found in the search engines too!
Thanks again and if I can help please feel free to drop me an email!
~Jamie N
(snip)
3. Forget mapquest (Yahoo) and the like... consider the ACA maps (as you mentioned) but before any of that contact Jamie Noble. He has a lot of experience with touring in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
(end snip)
Well I have to admit to only have gone around Lakes Huron and Erie. I still have at least three more to go (unless you count Lake Champlain - Wasn't that one named a great lake in the US for funding or something)?
On crazyguyonabike.com I currently have a journal with links to other people's experiences going around the various lakes ( https://jrngreatlakescircle.crazyguyonabike.com ) if that helps out.
There are also books out there with actual routing info if you like having the route planned for you. I think I mention the link to the books in my Round Lake Erie tour report.
(snip)
You can reach him at editor@bicycletouring101.com Tell him that Scott from Phred sent you and he'll take care of you. He's a great guy.
(end snip)
Thanks for the great compliment. It's always nice to read positive things about yourself! (grin)
(snip)
While you're at it check at his site too... bicycletouring101.com It's a fantastic resource that he's currently putting together for all tourists.
(end snip)
That site is growing on a daily basis and it's always looking for content so if you would like to assist please feel free to do so.
Hopefully the site will eventually reach the point where it's full of great touring info to help beginner and veteran cyclists alike. Of course to reach that point it has to be found in the search engines too!
Thanks again and if I can help please feel free to drop me an email!
~Jamie N
11-29-04, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jnoble123
Hi!
(snip)
3. Forget mapquest (Yahoo) and the like... consider the ACA maps (as you mentioned) but before any of that contact Jamie Noble. He has a lot of experience with touring in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
(end snip)
Well I have to admit to only have gone around Lakes Huron and Erie. I still have at least three more to go (unless you count Lake Champlain - Wasn't that one named a great lake in the US for funding or something)?
On crazyguyonabike.com I currently have a journal with links to other people's experiences going around the various lakes ( https://jrngreatlakescircle.crazyguyonabike.com ) if that helps out.
There are also books out there with actual routing info if you like having the route planned for you. I think I mention the link to the books in my Round Lake Erie tour report.
(snip)
You can reach him at editor@bicycletouring101.com Tell him that Scott from Phred sent you and he'll take care of you. He's a great guy.
(end snip)
Thanks for the great compliment. It's always nice to read positive things about yourself! (grin)
(snip)
While you're at it check at his site too... bicycletouring101.com It's a fantastic resource that he's currently putting together for all tourists.
(end snip)
That site is growing on a daily basis and it's always looking for content so if you would like to assist please feel free to do so.
Hopefully the site will eventually reach the point where it's full of great touring info to help beginner and veteran cyclists alike. Of course to reach that point it has to be found in the search engines too!
Thanks again and if I can help please feel free to drop me an email!
~Jamie N
(snip)
3. Forget mapquest (Yahoo) and the like... consider the ACA maps (as you mentioned) but before any of that contact Jamie Noble. He has a lot of experience with touring in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
(end snip)
Well I have to admit to only have gone around Lakes Huron and Erie. I still have at least three more to go (unless you count Lake Champlain - Wasn't that one named a great lake in the US for funding or something)?
On crazyguyonabike.com I currently have a journal with links to other people's experiences going around the various lakes ( https://jrngreatlakescircle.crazyguyonabike.com ) if that helps out.
There are also books out there with actual routing info if you like having the route planned for you. I think I mention the link to the books in my Round Lake Erie tour report.
(snip)
You can reach him at editor@bicycletouring101.com Tell him that Scott from Phred sent you and he'll take care of you. He's a great guy.
(end snip)
Thanks for the great compliment. It's always nice to read positive things about yourself! (grin)
(snip)
While you're at it check at his site too... bicycletouring101.com It's a fantastic resource that he's currently putting together for all tourists.
(end snip)
That site is growing on a daily basis and it's always looking for content so if you would like to assist please feel free to do so.
Hopefully the site will eventually reach the point where it's full of great touring info to help beginner and veteran cyclists alike. Of course to reach that point it has to be found in the search engines too!
Thanks again and if I can help please feel free to drop me an email!
~Jamie N
Good to see you here Jamie! Was wondering when you would stop by...
Me
11-29-04, 11:25 PM
#21
Get outdoors! :)
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Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Becca.How did you feel about the roads...Enough room for bikes and cars both?
11-29-04, 11:32 PM
#22
Get outdoors! :)
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Some sites of interest for planning a trip in Michigan:
https://travel.michigan.org/outdoors/...=G3653&m=4%3B1
https://www.december.com/places/up/blue.html
https://www.westernup.com/
https://travel.michigan.org/
https://www.wmta.org/
https://travel.michigan.org/outdoors/...=G3653&m=4%3B1
https://www.december.com/places/up/blue.html
https://www.westernup.com/
https://travel.michigan.org/
https://www.wmta.org/
11-30-04, 10:59 AM
#23
Senior Member
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In Michigan there is a policy in the State Parks that all touring cyclists and hikers are given a camping spot even when none are available. This was quoted to me on almost every checkin so it's widely known especially by the Rangers. Only once was I almost turned away by a weekend part timer and once the ranger was contacted the ranger immediately quoted the policy and gave me a place to stay.
You may end up camping alone in the group camping section but you will have a place to sleep. It's a great policy that goes a long way towards giving you peace of mind on this long distance days.
I wish that more places did this. The effect of the policy was that I camped in State parks everyday but one when in Michigan. When back in Ontario I didn't camp in a provincial park even once.
~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com
You may end up camping alone in the group camping section but you will have a place to sleep. It's a great policy that goes a long way towards giving you peace of mind on this long distance days.
I wish that more places did this. The effect of the policy was that I camped in State parks everyday but one when in Michigan. When back in Ontario I didn't camp in a provincial park even once.
~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com
11-30-04, 11:16 AM
#24
No one carries the DogBoy
Thread Starter
wow, incredible response. Thanks for all the input! Now I just have to get busy and figure out the details. I'll post back (probably much later) when I iron out my initial plan.
03-01-05, 08:09 PM
#25
Jungle Explorer
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There is some good information on this thread, so take some notes. In any event, I think you will really like a ride across the U.P., so enjoy it! A couple of suggestions:
Stick to the north in the western U.P. This area is very hilly but beautiful.
Swing through the Porcupine Mountains near Ontonagon--very scenic, very nice state parks, very nice ride along Lake Superior
Then further north to the Keewanaw Peninsula--Houghton & Hancock are awesome towns, and the scenery around Copper Harbor is astounding.
I would recommend going up one side of the Keewanaw and back down the other as the road hugs the shoreline each way.
Around the central U.P. you might consider swinging south (near Escanaba) and hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline on U.S. 2. Yes, you'll be passed by lots of logging trucks and Winnebagos, but the shoulder on U.S 2 is generous most of the way. This almost un-molested strech of Lake Michigan shoreline is also one of the most beautiful in the state.
Prevailing winds in the U.P. are from the west, so you may consider finishing your ride in St. Ignace (Mackinaw City would require a trip across in the back of the Mackinaw Bridge Authority's pickup truck). That being said, a couple of friends of mine followed this advice a few years ago and hit head winds across US 2. Go figure.
Don't expect a lot of amenities on your trip. While party stores and ma & pop restaurants are prevelant enough, there aren't an overabundance of hotels on your route and you may find yourself staying somewhere (ahem) less desirable (a consideration if your wife is accompanying you). Camping opportunities, however, are a dime a dozen.
As for bugs, don't worry too much about this if you're heading out in August. The real issue is the black fly hatch that runs from mid-May through mid-June. You'll have a few mosquitos in August but nothing a Wisconsinite shouldn't be able to handle.
A Michigan state highway map should be all you need for this trip. If you still need one, email me your address and I'll pick one up and drop it in the mail to you.
Best wishes for a safe and fun trip!
B.
Stick to the north in the western U.P. This area is very hilly but beautiful.
Swing through the Porcupine Mountains near Ontonagon--very scenic, very nice state parks, very nice ride along Lake Superior
Then further north to the Keewanaw Peninsula--Houghton & Hancock are awesome towns, and the scenery around Copper Harbor is astounding.
I would recommend going up one side of the Keewanaw and back down the other as the road hugs the shoreline each way.
Around the central U.P. you might consider swinging south (near Escanaba) and hugging the Lake Michigan shoreline on U.S. 2. Yes, you'll be passed by lots of logging trucks and Winnebagos, but the shoulder on U.S 2 is generous most of the way. This almost un-molested strech of Lake Michigan shoreline is also one of the most beautiful in the state.
Prevailing winds in the U.P. are from the west, so you may consider finishing your ride in St. Ignace (Mackinaw City would require a trip across in the back of the Mackinaw Bridge Authority's pickup truck). That being said, a couple of friends of mine followed this advice a few years ago and hit head winds across US 2. Go figure.
Don't expect a lot of amenities on your trip. While party stores and ma & pop restaurants are prevelant enough, there aren't an overabundance of hotels on your route and you may find yourself staying somewhere (ahem) less desirable (a consideration if your wife is accompanying you). Camping opportunities, however, are a dime a dozen.
As for bugs, don't worry too much about this if you're heading out in August. The real issue is the black fly hatch that runs from mid-May through mid-June. You'll have a few mosquitos in August but nothing a Wisconsinite shouldn't be able to handle.
A Michigan state highway map should be all you need for this trip. If you still need one, email me your address and I'll pick one up and drop it in the mail to you.
Best wishes for a safe and fun trip!
B.