Northern States trip off to a rough start

4Raven · 07-13-2012, 11:02 PM

I started on Wed. to Petoskey Michigan, but ended up with a lot of oil spraying down the side of my bike...O ring broke on the front timing cover. But found this awesome bike shop in East Jordan, MI...T and R Yamaha! They overnighted the part they ordered, found the oil I was using (not their local brand), and repaired the bike...even cleaned it too!!! In the mean time I rented a car and did 400+ miles from one side of MI to the other! By the time I finished my vacationing for the day (3 pm) and on my way back to Jordan, they called and said the bike was finished!

So ran my butt up to M119 to the Tunnel of Trees...awesome! Did the Mackinaw Bridge and ran to the other side of the UP by 8 pm !

Ready to run down the east side of Wisconsin, then hopefully over to Minnesota, Iowa, and back to Wisconsin..then Illinois, Indiana and back to Ohio....Seeing some beautiful sights and meeting some really great people along the way!

distantThunder · 07-13-2012, 11:35 PM

this is par for the course. long MC trips seem to always involve some crazy stuff going on - usually with breakdowns.

have a great time!!
DON'T let the screwy stuff interfere with your enjoyment of the ride.
roll with the punches and meet a lot of new folks :-)

good luck!!

dT

HKshooter · 07-14-2012, 09:25 AM

When you pass through Indiana drop me a line.

Lurch77 · 07-14-2012, 01:07 PM

Exit 157 to Freedom. Take that exit, and head north on the west frontage road to Team Motorsports in DePere, and you'll find another really awesome dealership.

Stainlesstehle · 07-14-2012, 07:53 PM

Son of Abraham! I need to get back to being here regularly again, I was in that area visiting family, it woulda been nice to partake in beverage consumption with ya.
Ride safe and enjoy your trip.

iamjustifyd · 07-15-2012, 12:22 AM

Glad to hear your bike was fixed soon and you got to see some sights!

siren · 07-15-2012, 08:15 PM

If you ever are in the area, there is another great little shop the next county over from me called Ray-C's. They are a family owned company in Lapeer, MI that are very knowledgeable and works with the local MSF courses as well as private LLC's that train. Great shop, great stuff, always helpful!

4Raven · 07-17-2012, 11:22 AM

Thanks....for some good info on dealerships...I was almost going to give up the ride, until I came back and my bike was all nice and shiny and ready to go...

HK sorry by the time I hit Indiana...it was so dang hot...I ran from the other side of Wisconsin, then south to Illinois and east to Indiana and finally had to stop in Toledo....I was so tired and it was so dark (midnight) that I thought I missed the hotel road and stopped the bike, but had my cramp buster on there and got tangled up, turned the wheel while applying the brake and tipped her over I did!!! No one stopped for a few minutes until another biker Chris, was his name, turned around and came back and picked it up. He checked it over and nothing wrong just a new little scuff mark on my exhaust pipe....oh the war stories!!! My right shoulder hurt like a biatch that night, but I was so exhausted I didn't even notice!! 658 miles or so....

4Raven · 07-17-2012, 11:28 AM

OH am I PO'd....I found that Freedom sign, stopped my bike and took a pic...and the picture didn't come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

arntufun · 07-17-2012, 11:40 AM

Thats so awesome that you take trips like that Raven.

To take a trip on two is cool, but to take a trip on three is glee !!!!!!

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk !!!!!!

HKshooter · 07-17-2012, 07:16 PM

Glad you're not hurt, Raven.
It's been so hot here I havent ridden in two weeks. Maybe I'll catch up with you next time.

4Raven · 07-18-2012, 11:34 PM

I am still working on the pics...had over 1K...
http://www.photoshop.com/users/escha...1?wf=slideshow

paula · 07-20-2012, 05:21 AM

nice pictures

4Raven · 07-20-2012, 10:03 AM

Thanks Paula!

LWRider · 07-20-2012, 05:44 PM

So, what were your impressions of riding in southwestern Wisconsin?

4Raven · 07-20-2012, 11:40 PM

LowR...wait til you see the pics from that day..I am still working on Michigan's ride...but Wisconsin was beautiful, especially La Crosse. I met a very nice couple during a rain storm and since that was their hometown and I was going to have to stay there for the night, they took me on a tour. First we stopped at a hotel and they made sure I secured a room for the night, then they took me on a tour of La Crosse and the bluffs and even took me over to Minnesota!...totally awesome! We rode until dusk and then ate pizza and I was in for the night! I definitely will go back there, because I didn't realize there were so many cool rock formations! Had fun in Green Bay at the stadium, took pics and bought Brian a throw back jersey!

ralphlong · 07-21-2012, 11:31 AM

How was the Makinaw bridge? I have heard it can be a little unnerving!

Ralph

4Raven · 07-21-2012, 11:38 PM

The Mac Bridge was totally awesome!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited...the outside lane is paved, there was construction at the end, but you could stay on the paved lane til the end...here are some pics I snapped...

paula · 07-22-2012, 07:54 AM

nice view

ralphlong · 07-23-2012, 08:57 AM

I was not aware that the outside lanes of the bridge were paved. I read somewhere else that having to ride the grated surface for so long, and having to experience the way a bike shimmies over that surface is not fun.

Is the paving a new thing?

Great pics BTW.

Ralph

4Raven · 07-23-2012, 11:40 AM

Not sure, I am not local there, but I have often heard it was all grated, maybe they are changing it over to paved or concrete rather. It was fun going across. I have been on much smaller bridges that are grated and they are okay, just can't stop suddenly or anything...slippery! Luckily it didn't rain that day and the wind wasn't bad, I checked that before I left for the day!
Thanks...couldn't resist the pics...it was such a great day!

07-13-2012, 11:02 PM	#1
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	Northern States trip off to a rough start I started on Wed. to Petoskey Michigan, but ended up with a lot of oil spraying down the side of my bike...O ring broke on the front timing cover. But found this awesome bike shop in East Jordan, MI...T and R Yamaha! They overnighted the part they ordered, found the oil I was using (not their local brand), and repaired the bike...even cleaned it too!!! In the mean time I rented a car and did 400+ miles from one side of MI to the other! By the time I finished my vacationing for the day (3 pm) and on my way back to Jordan, they called and said the bike was finished! So ran my butt up to M119 to the Tunnel of Trees...awesome! Did the Mackinaw Bridge and ran to the other side of the UP by 8 pm ! Ready to run down the east side of Wisconsin, then hopefully over to Minnesota, Iowa, and back to Wisconsin..then Illinois, Indiana and back to Ohio....Seeing some beautiful sights and meeting some really great people along the way! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-14-2012, 07:53 PM	#5
Stainlesstehle A legend in his own mind Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 2,004	Son of Abraham! I need to get back to being here regularly again, I was in that area visiting family, it woulda been nice to partake in beverage consumption with ya. Ride safe and enjoy your trip. __________________ God Bless You -Mark-

07-15-2012, 12:22 AM	#6
iamjustifyd Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Orleans Posts: 4,353	Glad to hear your bike was fixed soon and you got to see some sights! __________________ Sherry 2005 Honda Spirit 750 DC To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-17-2012, 11:22 AM	#8
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	Thanks....for some good info on dealerships...I was almost going to give up the ride, until I came back and my bike was all nice and shiny and ready to go... HK sorry by the time I hit Indiana...it was so dang hot...I ran from the other side of Wisconsin, then south to Illinois and east to Indiana and finally had to stop in Toledo....I was so tired and it was so dark (midnight) that I thought I missed the hotel road and stopped the bike, but had my cramp buster on there and got tangled up, turned the wheel while applying the brake and tipped her over I did!!! No one stopped for a few minutes until another biker Chris, was his name, turned around and came back and picked it up. He checked it over and nothing wrong just a new little scuff mark on my exhaust pipe....oh the war stories!!! My right shoulder hurt like a biatch that night, but I was so exhausted I didn't even notice!! 658 miles or so.... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-17-2012, 11:28 AM	#9
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	OH am I PO'd....I found that Freedom sign, stopped my bike and took a pic...and the picture didn't come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-13-2012, 11:35 PM	#2
distantThunder Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,157	this is par for the course. long MC trips seem to always involve some crazy stuff going on - usually with breakdowns. have a great time!! DON'T let the screwy stuff interfere with your enjoyment of the ride. roll with the punches and meet a lot of new folks :-) good luck!! dT

07-14-2012, 09:25 AM	#3
HKshooter Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 675	When you pass through Indiana drop me a line.

07-14-2012, 01:07 PM	#4
Lurch77 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Northeast Wisconsin Posts: 1,436	Exit 157 to Freedom. Take that exit, and head north on the west frontage road to Team Motorsports in DePere, and you'll find another really awesome dealership.

07-15-2012, 08:15 PM	#7
siren Verified Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 52	If you ever are in the area, there is another great little shop the next county over from me called Ray-C's. They are a family owned company in Lapeer, MI that are very knowledgeable and works with the local MSF courses as well as private LLC's that train. Great shop, great stuff, always helpful!

07-17-2012, 11:40 AM	#10
arntufun I can't find my kickstand Join Date: May 2011 Location: Amsterdam, NY Posts: 554	Thats so awesome that you take trips like that Raven. To take a trip on two is cool, but to take a trip on three is glee !!!!!! I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk !!!!!! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. NY SPYDER RIDER

07-17-2012, 07:16 PM	#11
HKshooter Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 675	Glad you're not hurt, Raven. It's been so hot here I havent ridden in two weeks. Maybe I'll catch up with you next time.

07-18-2012, 11:34 PM	#12
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	First day pics I am still working on the pics...had over 1K... http://www.photoshop.com/users/escha...1?wf=slideshow __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-20-2012, 05:21 AM	#13
paula Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Churchville NY Posts: 618	nice pictures

07-20-2012, 10:03 AM	#14
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	Thanks Paula! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-20-2012, 05:44 PM	#15
LWRider Challenged Mechanic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Wales, FL Posts: 2,321	So, what were your impressions of riding in southwestern Wisconsin? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-20-2012, 11:40 PM	#16
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	LowR...wait til you see the pics from that day..I am still working on Michigan's ride...but Wisconsin was beautiful, especially La Crosse. I met a very nice couple during a rain storm and since that was their hometown and I was going to have to stay there for the night, they took me on a tour. First we stopped at a hotel and they made sure I secured a room for the night, then they took me on a tour of La Crosse and the bluffs and even took me over to Minnesota!...totally awesome! We rode until dusk and then ate pizza and I was in for the night! I definitely will go back there, because I didn't realize there were so many cool rock formations! Had fun in Green Bay at the stadium, took pics and bought Brian a throw back jersey! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

07-21-2012, 11:31 AM	#17
ralphlong Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 1,311	How was the Makinaw bridge? I have heard it can be a little unnerving! Ralph __________________ I will come up with something profound.

07-22-2012, 07:54 AM	#19
paula Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Churchville NY Posts: 618	nice view

07-23-2012, 08:57 AM	#20
ralphlong Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 1,311	I was not aware that the outside lanes of the bridge were paved. I read somewhere else that having to ride the grated surface for so long, and having to experience the way a bike shimmies over that surface is not fun. Is the paving a new thing? Great pics BTW. Ralph __________________ I will come up with something profound.

07-23-2012, 11:40 AM	#21
4Raven Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,080	Not sure, I am not local there, but I have often heard it was all grated, maybe they are changing it over to paved or concrete rather. It was fun going across. I have been on much smaller bridges that are grated and they are okay, just can't stop suddenly or anything...slippery! Luckily it didn't rain that day and the wind wasn't bad, I checked that before I left for the day! Thanks...couldn't resist the pics...it was such a great day! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is liable to go to places no one has ever been before. - Albert Einstein

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