2nd Annual Mid Michigan M/C Camp-Out & Pig Roast.

[frogmaster]

2nd Annual Mid Michigan M/C Camp-Out & Pig Roast.

WHO: Motorcycle Campers and their Friends and Families.

WHEN & WHERE:

Friday, Saturday - 25, 26 June 2010.

Campground: http://www.gammywoodscampground.com
Check-in begins @ 1pm Friday 25 June. Check-out begins @ 1pm Sunday 27 June.
Located at 1855 Coldwater Road, Weidman, Michigan, 48893.

This is Just far enough North the give that "UP NORTH FEELING" without excessive Northerly Travel for our Friends in IL, IN, OH and ONT and Central to Michigan.

All reservations must be paid in advance to guarantee campsites. Master Card and Visa gladly accepted. To make reservations please phone 989-506-8005.
If you wish to make a reservation as a Group (ie: 6 campers in the Smith group) we need just one name representing your Group.

***It is Traditional and Greatly Appreciated by All to bring a dish to pass when attending a Pig Roast provided by the Host.***

Comments from Attendees of the 1st Annual Mid Michigan M/C Camp Out 2009:
"Beautiful, Quiet, Clean Restrooms & Showers, Great Value, Peaceful, No Road Noise, Shady, (I will be back next year)"


OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

Soaring Eagle Casino: http://www.soaringeaglecasino.com

Golf Courses, Canoe Rentals, Hiking Trails, Fishing, Restaurants, here is a Visitor Bureau link http://www.mountpleasantwow.com

[G wizz]

Would someone see that G Wizz and Ironheadziggy gets to read this thread. I know they would love to come to this camp out along with the rest of us that will be there. I can't wait to meet them and hear the camp fire storiesP^
This should be a wonderful fun filled summer of great camp out with a bunch of new friendsP^

CONSIDER IT DONE.

Can't speak for Ziggy, but I'm thinking of going.
It's not much of a trip though ... as it's not all that far from where we live ...

G wizz

[DILLIGAF61]

CONSIDER IT DONE.

Can't speak for Ziggy, but I'm thinking of going.
It's not much of a trip though ... as it's not all that far from where we live ...

G wizz not at all that far north is it shoot barely north of Bay City I bet they don't even have an accent down there

end of june hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[G wizz]

not at all that far north is it shoot barely north of Bay City I bet they don't even have an accent down there

end of june hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

So Dilligaf,
Does hmmmmmmmmmmmmm mean you are considering going too?
Maybe we could hook up on your way through ...

G wizz

[Ironheadziggy76]

I won't get to make this one. :( That's the weekend of the AMRA Harley Davidson Summer Shootout at Beech Bend Raceway. It's about 50 miles from my house in Bowling Green, KY and my bunch never misses it.

[G wizz]

I won't get to make this one. :( That's the weekend of the AMRA Harley Davidson Summer Shootout at Beech Bend Raceway. It's about 50 miles from my house in Bowling Green, KY and my bunch never misses it.

WOW! ... Beech Bend ... Bikers Dream ... Boy does that bring back memories ...
Last time I was there, Easy Riders had put on a big biker bash there.
Let me see ...:think1: That had to be about thirty years ago. Man was that a high 'ol time. Saw things there I never thought I'd ever see ...

Ziggy,
Is the campground still open? Last time I heard, they were thinking of closing that part of it ...

G wizz

[Ironheadziggy76]

It's still open, they even have WiFi now! :p They have 500 sites, 250 of which are full hook up. They are supposed to have a multi-million dollar expansion to the water park ready by the opening of the 2010 season. The wonderful covered bleachers with chairbacks are still there. P^ Here is a link to the updated site, check it out, it sure has changed. The last time I was in the amusement park the old Wild Mouse roller coaster was there. That's been a long time ago, as I have only been to the dragstrip lately.

http://www.beechbend.com/

[G wizz]

It's still open, they even have WiFi now! :p They have 500 sites, 250 of which are full hook up. They are supposed to have a multi-million dollar expansion to the water park ready by the opening of the 2010 season. The wonderful covered bleachers with chairbacks are still there. P^ Here is a link to the updated site, check it out, it sure has changed. The last time I was in the amusement park the old Wild Mouse roller coaster was there. That's been a long time ago, as I have only been to the dragstrip lately.

http://www.beechbend.com/

Amusement park? What Amusement park?
When I was there, it only had the drag strip, and the campground by the river ... No Water Park either.
Bleachers at the drag strip were open wooden bench type as I recall ...
My, how things change over time ... I just took a tour of the place, by the link you provided. Sure looks different now.
I rode down to Beech Bend on my trusty 'ol 60 Panhead, with three hard core club members from Kalamazoo, Big Foot, The Professor, and Charley Tuna.
Let me tell ya, the bikers that showed up there surly did some hell raising that week.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Wouldn't have happened to been in 1978 would it? :eek: They had a mess that year, 2 dead, and hundreds injured! :(

[G wizz]

Wouldn't have happened to been in 1978 would it? :eek: They had a mess that year, 2 dead, and hundreds injured! :(

Yes ...

[G wizz]

Was wondering ...
Who from this forum is planing on going to the IBMC June campout in Michigan ?
Looks like vabob & I will be there ... :tent1: ... anyone else?

G wizz

[DILLIGAF61]

hey G check you privete messages

[G wizz]

hey G check you privete messages

I did ... :confused: ... nothing there yet ...

[DILLIGAF61]

hmmm wonder what happened to it all it said was that I was thinking Gaylord might be perfect for say a 4day 3 night camp Traverse bay to the west AuSable river to the east and of course the "Mighty Mac" to the north 70 miles to Taverse, 58 -the Mac, 71-Alpeana, 75-Glennie fowlowing the AuSable River Rd. starting over by Mio additional 32 miles to Lake Huron or then of course for a good party theres cycle -moore if you can get the ice cream machine turned on woo-hoo be the least expensive camping also

[G wizz]

hmmm wonder what happened to it all it said was that I was thinking Gaylord might be perfect for say a 4day 3 night camp Traverse bay to the west AuSable river to the east and of course the "Mighty Mac" to the north 70 miles to Taverse, 58 -the Mac, 71-Alpeana, 75-Glennie fowlowing the AuSable River Rd. starting over by Mio additional 32 miles to Lake Huron or then of course for a good party theres cycle -moore if you can get the ice cream machine turned on woo-hoo be the least expensive camping also

Are you refurring to next years campout? Or were you planning somthing for this summer?

[DILLIGAF61]

well actually I was thinking next year but then again I'll arrive in Glennie on 8/7 family reunion is 8/8 and I planed on staying up north for a week being back home on the 16th next year I'll be up from the 5th Thu 15th (reunion on the 6th) my only real plan this year is like every year is the family reunion

maybe even a motocamper / IBMC campout

[frogmaster]

I'll be there with a dozen of so of my friends P^

[VABob]

Excellent!

I got a nibble of interest from a local riding buddy. Hopefully he'll decide to join the adventure!

[frogmaster]

BUMP UP its June ya know P^

[VABob]

Looks like there are two threads on this campout:

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2576

Can the magic of the moderators combine them?

[VABob]

Looks like this thread is cross posted:

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2971

Can the magic of the moderators combine them?

[Trailace]

Looks like this thread is cross posted:

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2971

Can the magic of the moderators combine them?
Done P^

[Mr. Guy]

Good thing Rick saw that, I don't know how. :eek: :D :D

[VABob]

Good thing Rick saw that, I don't know how. :eek: :D :D

Remember he said he was watching the trouble makers! ;)

Thanks Rick! :cool:

[Trailace]

Remember he said he was watching the trouble makers! ;)

Thanks Rick! :cool:

Your right. :p

[bigdoghd]

Well I'm in just got my reservations. Going to cheat and stay at thier cabin they have there. This way I can see who packs what and what I'll need to get. Actually got the wife to come......going to have to tell her sooner or later were not staying at a Hilton, ahh what the heck.....can't be that different ehh?Good thing is there's no pots and pans in the cabin she can hit me with.....lol judging by the size she couldn't take a full swing anyway.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Y'all be sure to :takepics2: for those of us who can't make it. P^

[bigdoghd]

:( Well everything fell a part on my end.Just could not get away. So how was it? Hpw may people showed? Did you guys beat the weather?

[Ironheadziggy76]

:( Well everything fell a part on my end.Just could not get away. So how was it? Hpw may people showed? Did you guys beat the weather?

Don't you just hate it when that happens! :( Sorry ya didn't get to go.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Has anyone heard from George and Deb yet? I don't know how far this event is from their home, but they had some bad storms from what I've been reading. I've seen Bob and michigancamper on here so far, anyone else MIA?

[frogmaster]

I was able to Meet and Camp with GWIZZ and VABOB (Good guys). Short story NO RAIN....
Friday
Saturday P^

Then Sunday Rain from 06:30 a.m to 09:30 a.m. Then 3 or 4 Hours no Rain, then Rain on/off rest of Day in Northern Michigan :(. I have maybe a dozen pictures that will post later... at work right now :rolleyes:

[frogmaster]

I was able to Meet and Camp with GWIZZ and VABOB (Good guys). Short story NO RAIN....
Friday
Saturday P^

Then Sunday Rain from 06:30 a.m to 09:30 a.m. Then 3 or 4 Hours no Rain, then Rain on/off rest of Day in Northern Michigan :(. I have maybe a dozen pictures that will post later... at work right now :rolleyes:


http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01443.jpg

VABob = Front
GWIZZ = Back

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01448.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01446.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01444.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01445.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01441.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01440.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01439.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k249/frogmaster_2006/DSC01438.jpg

Last Year was 10 this Year was 15 50% growth not bad for Year 2. Hope to see more in 2011. FYI VA-Bob came from Virgina!!! so what excuses did the Midwesterners have? :rolleyes:

[Ironheadziggy76]

Looks like y'all had a great time, I would have loved to have made this run. Maybe next year I can hook up with VA Bob and head up that way.

[VABob]

Has anyone heard from George and Deb yet? I don't know how far this event is from their home, but they had some bad storms from what I've been reading. I've seen Bob and michigancamper on here so far, anyone else MIA?

I'm still traveling with george in michigan. Having a blast. I only brought the droid so updates are limited.

[Trailace]

I'm still traveling with george in michigan. Having a blast. I only brought the droid so updates are limited.

Thanks for the update Bob.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I'm still traveling with george in michigan. Having a blast. I only brought the droid so updates are limited.

Thanks Bob, I hadn't seen George on here in a few days, tell him I've been checking on him!

Y'all have a great time! P^

[VABob]

Thanks Bob, I hadn't seen George on here in a few days, tell him I've been checking on him!

Y'all have a great time! P^

Another great day of riding. Made it over the Big Mac, turned around and did it again on our way to the tunnel of trees. George is a GREAT tour guide and riding partner. He even took me to a restraunt where I could kiss a moose.

http://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#photo/bob.gossweiler/5488406066719791185/5488406423546301682

[Ironheadziggy76]

He even took me to a restraunt where I could kiss a moose.


Uh, well, um, Bob maybe you have been out riding too long! :p

[dan1551]

I think I know her!

[DILLIGAF61]

Another great day of riding. Made it over the Big Mac, turned around and did it again on our way to the tunnel of trees. George is a GREAT tour guide and riding partner. He even took me to a restraunt where I could kiss a moose.

http://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer#photo/bob.gossweiler/5488406066719791185/5488406423546301682

"big mac" what you rode over a sandwich???? its not big its mighty Mac..lol
the tunnel of trees is great wasn't it?
did George take you over to the scenic side of the state of the state to see Paul Bunyon? dinosaur gardens? shipwreck museum in Alpena? AuSable River Rd.(a national scenic byway) Huron Nat.forrest? how about to the center of the state to Hartwick Pines state park ?(the only stand of old growth timber in Mich.) damn it 5 more weeks of work till I leave for Michigan

:ChopperEmo: :tent6::tent8:

[G wizz]

Well , I'm home ... Just saw Bob off, he's on his way back to Virginia now.
Had a great time at the IMBC campout. Frogmaster was a wonderfull host.
You guys missed a real good pig roast.

Gave Bob a tour of the northwest side of lower Michigan.
Had good, but cool weather up near the Bridge. Highs in the mid 60's ... lows at night, down to 40.
When Bob and I rode over the Mackinac Bridge, it was very windy ... I was blown from one side of the lane to the other ... real thrill ride ...
Bob will, I'm sure, post pictures of our trip when he arrives home.

Bob and I camped at Cyclemoore Campground up near Traverse City, and while there, I made arrangements to host a Motocamper campout there next year ... details to come later this year ...

G wizz

[Trailace]

I made arrangements to host a Motocamper campout there next year ... details to come later this year ...
G wizz

:ear Do tell!

[VABob]

Had another great day of riding. made it to zanesville Ohio before little Bambi heads peering over gaurdsrails suggested that I stop for the night.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Had another great day of riding. made it to zanesville Ohio before little Bambi heads peering over gaurdsrails suggested that I stop for the night.

Looks like you are going to have some great weather for the next few days! P^ Be safe and enjoy. :)

[DILLIGAF61]

hey george how about around 8/11 to 8/13 or 14 so I can go
Im going to be at cycle-moore around the 11th thru 13th this year on my way south from the up going to muskallonge state park ...have you been there?

where all did you take bob?

[VABob]

My Trip to Hell, Michigan

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDU2UJTmVbI/AAAAAAAAOhY/bBccG7ySQtQ/DSCN1408-2.jpg.. (http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJj364yDI/AAAAAAAAOYM/fmmbkwNrsCw/s640/DSCN1408.jpg)

G.Wizz asked if I wanted to come up to a campout for the local international brotherhood of motorcycle campers (IBMC). I had never been to an IBMC campout despite being a member for several months. I had a lot of fun at the recent motocampers campout down in Cherohola Tennessee, where I met George and his wife, Deb. The plan was to ride to George’s house before the campout, with some site seeing of Michigan after the campout. But first, I was going to Hell, MI.

June 19th

I decided to drive up through West Virginia through rt 33. This is a nice route with some curvey roads going through a couple of the local piedmonts.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDKWcn9scLI/AAAAAAAAOVA/pJ5VypEESY0/s912/Rt33intoBlueRidge.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDKc9URvwMI/AAAAAAAAOV0/JbTwyRHQNsk/s912/BrandyWineRecreationalCampg.jpg

With a late start in the day, I ended up spending the night in the George Washington Forest, getting rained on, and realizing that I had brought my winter tent and my smaller tarp. Moreover, I got very little sleep because of other people in the park. See the Brandywine Recreational Area Camp report for more details (click here for campsite report). The next day, I turned around and headed back for Richmond. Repacked and rested, I started again on the journey to Hell.

On June 21st, the trip started again. With another late start, I was hoping to make the other side of the blue ridge mountains before dark. Unfortunately, about an hour and a half into the trip, a tractor trailer had turned on route 81 and was blocking all lanes. Myself and two other motorcyclists found the nearest exit and setup in the local hotel. I had made a whopping 74 miles before having to stop.

On June 22nd, I made progress. 489 miles of progress. I drove through the expressways of West VA, met fellow riders along the way, and made it up to Perrysburg, Ohio. As I turned onto I-475 toward the Michigan border, I see a big sign: “BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION: FIND AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.” Not much help, since I had already turned onto the interstate. I spot a red-roof-inn type hotel out of the corner of my eye. It was next to a gas station. Great. I stop, get gas, and I see that there is a movie theatre right across the road. Perfect. I’ll take in a show and get a good night’s sleep before going to Hell in the morning.

I check into the hotel, and go over to theatre. I had just missed the 7pm start times, and the next round of movies start at 9:45 earliest. By the time the “A-Team” or another fine specimen of filmography finished, it would be midnight. I feel my days miles catching up to me fast. I decide to get a bite to eat at the mall and then go back to the room for the night.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJqiZjMCI/AAAAAAAAOZc/M06ydU275cU/s912/Route.jpg

Wednesday, June 23

I had found out from the waitress that the bridge construction was not a problem. Perrysburg was a small-ish town, it turns out, not like big towns like Chicago. Traffic was never a problem, even with one lane bridges. And she was right, there was no problem-- regarding traffic at least. George had e-mailed me the night before warning of weather. I saw on the hotel tv that severe weather was heading my way, but maybe in the afternoon. I should have no problem getting to Hell.

Once I crossed into Michigan, the traffic became closer and the turn signals became sparser. The roads also became rougher, with frost heaves giving good punches to my kidneys. Looking up, I see a big, dark cloud. Uh, oh. I start checking the oncoming traffic for signs of movement by their wiper blades. The road bends to the west. The dark clouds fade behind me and the sky brightens.

BOOOM! Flashes of lighting are miles in front of me. The rain starts to drop on my windshield, despite the clear sky above. Luckily, I am at my turn off to Hell. After the turn off, there is a truck stop. I pull in, park the bike, and the rain starts dumping. I’ll stop here and get a bite to eat. I eat my Italian sandwich and wonder if it is called a hoagie or a grinder in Michigan. With me, I have a “Droid” mobile phone with radar maps. I check the radar for on coming rain. Looks like there will be an opening in a few minutes.

I am standing outside and I start doing the double hop to get into my rain pants. A passerby insists that I don’t drive in the weather, while another quips that I must REALLY like motorcycling. I smile, and as I zip up the rain jacket, the clouds begin to break. As any motorcyclist knows, rain gear is always the first defense against rain actually falling on a hot day. It is time to get to Hell.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJkNIbV1I/AAAAAAAAOYU/VzTXHSw4F2U/s912/DSCN1406.jpg

Hell is just a few miles down the road. Or so I thought. With the black clouds still nearby, I find myself detoured away from Hell. I end up riding a big square through a very scenic neighborhood. Nice detour. Still I know from the radar that another big swath of rain is coming my way.

I end up following my radar, but I miss the turn to Hell and end up at the blocked bridge that, on the other side, I began my detour. I turn around and see the road I need to turn on to go to Hell: Darwin Road. So far, these Michiganers have a sense of humor about naming things. Or is it, Michiganders. Maybe Michiganites. Hmmm. No wonder they have a sense of humor.

I drive into Hell and find the restaurant that has good reviews on google buzz: The Dam Site Inn. In full rain gear, I go in and the waitress welcomes me. The bar is well stocked with a variety of beers. No drinking while riding is one of my rules, but it would be nice if there was a campsite or hotel in walking distance. I ask the waitress about any campsites nearby, and she knows a few. Not sure if there is taxi service in Hell though. We start chatting about the impending squall as I pull my rain gear off. It hasn’t started again, so I head out to take some photos. I find that Hell isn’t so big. Just three buildings. An icecream shop, two bars, and a weather station.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJkw-6-vI/AAAAAAAAOYc/kdS8-jTaXb4/s912/DSCN1397.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJoWUAVyI/AAAAAAAAOY8/aMsTkqqKADw/s800/DSCN1402.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDQJpJRE_RI/AAAAAAAAOZE/KRa3xj_GpUI/DSCN1404.jpg

The rain begins again and I head back to my hideout in Hell. New at the bar was a regular. He and the owner begin shouting out (mostly wrong) answers to Jeopardy! Reminds me of college days, but I don’t see any stale pizza around. The regular is interested in my ride and why I was in Hell. I tell him about motocampers and the upcoming IBMC campout. The people in Hell are a friendly bunch, and it turns out that Hell is a great place to hide from a storm.

Next up... George's house.

(for all the pictures of Hell, click here to go to my gallery (http://picasaweb.google.com/bob.gossweiler/MichiganTheRidetoHell?feat=directlink) )

[Ironheadziggy76]

I've been looking forward to this! P^ :Popcorn

[VABob]

George’s House and MI South-West Loop

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDZdlSBS7AI/AAAAAAAAOio/K9x4jGaApUY/s912/TheSouthWestLoop.jpg

G.Wizz asked if I wanted to come up to a campout for the local international brotherhood of motorcycle campers (IBMC). The plan was to ride to George’s house before the campout, with some site seeing of Michigan after the campout. I had already been to Hell, MI, and now it was time to get to George’s house.

June 23, 2010

The Ride to George’s house was about 93 miles away, and it was 1:00pm. I had ridden interstate most of the way to Hell, and the GPS was showing some more interstate ahead. Michigan’s frost heave was beating me up, highway construction was further slowing me down, and the over-loaded trucks in my rear view mirror were raising my blood pressure. As Michigan was making fun of dyslexic drivers, the route took me to the junction of I-96 and I-69 near Lansing. I-69 was much nicer than I-96.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDaWp7RQi-I/AAAAAAAAOrM/wJtW46ssgsI/SouthWestRoute-1.jpg

After Eaton, I then headed off the highway onto state roads, 66, 79, through such great towns as Charlotte and Nashville. The sky was now beautiful with no clouds, but still a little windy. The roads were straight roads, that seemed if Michigan was laid out on a grid. Beautiful country. Michigan is pretty nice, once you are away from the highways (aka, expressways).

The roads kept getting smaller, until I ended up on the road to George’s. None of the mailboxes had numbers on them. Ugh. There was one house with the numbers on it. It was George’s. Having missed it, I went to the crest of the next hill and did a little j-turn. I got to Georges house to see that his drive way went upward. And it was gravel. A good turn around place was not obvious from the road. I HOPE this is the house!!

Bob is not a gravel or dirt rider. He has almost no experience on dirt roads. He did not grow up on dirt roads. However, during the trip to Mt. Evens and Bear Tooth Pass last year, he was forced to learn pretty quickly as they had totally ripped up the roads and the roads were mostly mud and base road rock- the big stuff.

Soon a pack of dogs emerged barking and waging. George and Deb shortly followed afterwards, letting me know it was ok to go up the rocky incline. They’ll get out of your way, George says of the dogs. Here we go, and I ride right up into a nice conrete pad in front of their garage. Made it. :)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDZdl892w4I/AAAAAAAAOiw/oT_o1y0I_7Y/s912/2010-06-24%2021.53.20.jpg

George and Deb’s house sits on a hill, with a nice breeze and good view. It is one of those houses that you want to set up a hammock let the world go on its merry way. The garage is filled with tools and projects and bikes, as a garage should be. The house was part of a working farm, I later learn, were George and Deb did double duty while going to work full time. There are horses on part of the property, some on the left side of the house, and on on the right. I would later see more of the one of the right, his name was Nitro.

We talked for a little while the dogs sought out our attention. There was Rocky, and Dopey, and Blue, and -- ok George you need to help me out on here---, all nice dogs that make up a fine pack as they get the run of the house and back yard. Deb fixes dinner that we are all glad to have. For sleeping quarters, I am offered to set up a tent in the backyard or... well lets just say a tent was not put up.

George had taken an enclosed trailer and converted to living quarters. He insulated the trailer, put vinyl and new wall coverings on, installed shelves, added two windows, electrified the inside, and there were two lamps, a couple of desks, and even mirrors and artwork on the walls. A screen panel covered the back door, so when the door was dropped down more air could circulate. The queen (or large double) bed was dropped down but it could be folded up when carrying bikes. Very very nice. Even though it was like having a hotel room, I am still adding my night's stay on the camp counter!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDZdmNCBBqI/AAAAAAAAOi4/S5K5M3iVlt0/s912/2010-06-23%2023.36.27.jpg

That night, Deb, George and I took out a map and we started highlighting areas in Michigan that I might be interested in going. I had e-mailed George a short list, and Deb had already put a bunch of the items into the GPS map program and had plotted camp grounds. Deb is a great trip organizer. She is wicked quick with that GPS map program too. Soon we had the paper map dotted with yellow highlighter. It looks like I could do an inner loop or an outer loop, or both.

June 24, 2010

George and I decided to do a short ride before making it up to the IBMC campout. I wanted to go to Kalamazoo, just to get a picture. Not sure why, I don’t have a gal there, and I’ve never been to Baraboo or Waterloo. Guess I just like funny city names, but we did make it to Bangor.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/TDZdoCc-qpI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/ak6VtW0LRyo/s912/DSCN1417.jpg

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Bangor was a pretty town, with a eatery near the train tracks. I’ll have to remember that the next time through. From Bangor, we road north on 140-- the Blue Star Memorial Highway, with glimpses of the lake now and again. George took me to the West Side County Park. In this park, there are stairs that lead down to the beach (or is it shore??). The sand was an off white, not as white as the shores of Pensacola used to be, but not nearly as brown of the sands of Nags Head. It looks like an ocean and in the distance there are large ships just barely visible. But the water is fresh water... not salt water. There was an urge to dive in and feel how an ocean of freshwater would keep me afloat. After a few minutes, George and I decided to ascend the stairs. He let me go first.

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Leaving the beach, we went to Saugatuck. Saugatuck is a slip with a yacht community. This is where the recession proof folk go to hang out. The down town is well kept, with a little flowered courtyard in the town. There are many European nationalities around, giving Saugatuck an international flair like Boca Raton, but in a small town way. George takes me to a sandwich shop where the food is marvelous, albeit a little slow. Which is fine by me, because then we can watch the people and their dogs as walk the area. Not LA, but there is a premium put on fashion in Saugatuck.

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We start heading back to George’s house. Along the way, he shouts to me... Do you like mysteries? I nod my head yes. We take a turn and end up at a cemetery. George leads me into the cemetery looking for something. A lot of the gravestones are from the mid-1800’s and early 1900’s. Many of the people died when they were over 70 years old. Must be living a good hard life, I thought. George finds what he is looking for, two headstones.

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Looking closely, the first reads: “John Claus, Born..1846, Died May 23, 1897.” Next to him is his wife: “Catherine Clouse, 1847 - 1926.” So the mistery is, why did she change her name after her husband died? The name has stuck in George’s family ever since. I think I know the mystery and I told George my hunch. It is simple, John Claus’s father died, John needed to keep his father’s business going. But Catherine, couldn’t go because she had a child to raise at the time. They needed to change their name because John’s new line of work must be kept very very secret. What was John’s father’s business? I suspect his name was Santa. Look at George. Am I wrong??? :D

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Next up... The Michigan IBMC Campout and Pig Roast


Click here to go to my gallery with all the pictures (http://picasaweb.google.com/bob.gossweiler/MichiganSouthWestLoop?feat=directlink) )

[dan1551]

Wow Bob ,I think it`s safe to say I`ve NEVER been so entertained by a ride report........................ OK thats it VABOB has to be the "MOTOCAMPER OFFICIAL RIDE REPORT WRITER" or "MORRW" from now on!...............Any comments?P^

[G wizz]

Was begining to wonder when you was going to post this.
Maybe Trailace can move it over to a seperate "trip report" for you, so we don't have to file through so many pages ...

[VABob]

IBMC Campout: Bob’s POV

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G.Wizz asked if I wanted to come up to a campout for the local international brotherhood of motorcycle campers (IBMC). I had met George at his house after driving through Hell, and we had done a short loop through South West Michigan. Today, we were headed up to the International Brotherhood of Motocycle Campers’ 2nd Annual Mid Michigan M/C Camp-Out & Pig Roast. The mere name of the campout was a mouthful, so I was hoping the roast was equally as grandeur.

June 25, 2010

One of the sites that had kept popping up in my search for Michigan travel locations was a establishment called “The Corner.” The Corner was the site of an annual chili hot dog eating contest and the Hall of Fame wall. The Corner started the contest in 1968, so it is neither the first nor the most famous of hot dog eating contests. The twist is apparently it is a chili hot dog eating contest... not just plain hot dogs. I was ready to get started on this pork filled weekend.

We took scenic back roads past Middleville and then jumped on the expressway. Sitting in southwest Michigan, I am not sure why the town was named Middleville. Arriving in Rockford is a nice very clean kept town-- a place Andy “Giffith” Taylor would have lived, if only he was a Northerner. We parked right up front near the door. George remarked that we couldn’t have gotten a better spot. He hadn’t seen the 15 minute parking sign for the spot. Our bikes drew a small crowd during lunch. George’s bike and his handy bottom mount luggage rack drew a large crowd during lunch. I kept fidgeting because that’s not always a good thing when you are parked in a 15 minute parking space. But George was right, no one messed with the bikes and no meter police came rounding the corner as they do in Richmond, VA, Washington DC, Newark DE, or every other urban place I’ve parked illegally.

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The waiter came and asked us for our drinks, and he eventually came back to ask us for our food order. Wanting to try what they had, I ordered their “World Famous Chili Dog”, a sauerkraut dog, and a slaw dog. George had a hot dog basket that came with fries, slaw, and two of their famous chili dogs. After what seemed like an eternity, the food came. The waiter said he had a party come in just before us, and I was thinking: How long would it take to cook up 44 hot dogs? We ate and the dogs were under-inspiring. George has it correct-- the dogs at The Corner have the taste of boiled Vienna sausage. The chili on the dog was not very spicy, and they forgot to drain the water after apparently steaming the hamburger meat. Now I know the secret to their contest: It would be hard to eat very many hot dogs because of sheer culinary boredom. Probably, after he bit into his last hot dog, Tim Janus-- the current record with 43.5 hot dogs-- said: “Enough already, can I have a bratwurst?”

We left The Corner and headed to the IBMC campout. The cookout was at the Grammy Woods Campground (http://www.gammywoodscampground.com/). The Grammy Woods Campground is a new campground only a few years old. On arriving, we stopped at the stop sign and was greeted by one of the camp hosts. She signed us in and tells us about the facilities. She also warned us about the ditches that the owner put in to discourage speeding and to stop people who didn’t stop at the stop sign. Even though she didn’t mention it, I kept an eye out for Carrizo cane planted as to keep the kids off the grass. The roads, with the exception of the speed traps, were well packed with small stones. The campground had a pond with a beach that has a special bottom to make it nice to wade in. The lots in the campground were very large. So much so that on driving to our camp space, I had overshot our lot and ended up where the IBMC’s organizer, Charlie (aka, Frogmaster) was staying. In the campground, there is a bath house that has separate showers from the men’s and women’s lavatories. Overall the campsite is well run with friendly people, and is in good shape. There are a few things that could be improved, such as adding a sink basin for washing up dishes. Apparently, as one of the fellow IBMC’ers mentioned, the water spouts that are in the campsites are too low to put a bucket under. There are other amenities, such as a basketball court and a game room. I wish they had a laundry facility, but I was told there was one just down the road. They also play movies on Friday or Saturday. When we were there they had strung a large sheet in the trees and then projected a Disney movie onto the make shift screen. The camp hosts deliver firewood. Cost is between $19-24 per night depending on water and electrical hook up.

We set up next to Charlie who already had his tent set up. He was in pulling a cargo wagon, and his tent was a nice tent just large enough for short people to stand up in. It had an awning large enough for a picnic table. His girlfriend (Mi Mi? Charlie help me out here) is very charming and is a nice addition to the group of what will turn out to be mostly guys. George set up his tent and his awning, and I set up my hammock. I am using a different tarp that I had in Cherahola with fewer tie outs, but we nonetheless have lines strung everywhere. Surprisingly, I don’t think either of us tripped over a single guy line that weekend. Maybe it was because of the wonderful orange, Speer no-tangle line that I was using.

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We even strung up a carport using the tarp I use as a cover for my bike. George figured out that if we used my tent poles with an empty water bottle, we could prop the roof up a little bit in the middle. You can see it in one of the pictures that Charlie (aka, Frogmaster) took.

Note for hammock campers: the diagonally draped 8X9 hammock did an excellent job and it was a little easier to get in and out of the covered area that with an a-frame. If the tarp was a little longer on the tie outs, it would have given perfect summer coverage even in a heavy a storm. The tie outs using shock cord that I learned from Shugmery youtube site (”http://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery”) also are key.

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We are setting up when a fellow rider pulls up, trailering what looks like a coke machine! Charlie has good pictures of this, but my droid is failing me at night time shots. Larry made it out of a fiberglass shell and then added the covering and accoutrements, such as the coin knob, to make it look like a coke machine. He added a plate to the bottom so he can stand it up. It looks like a real coke machine siting next to a tree. If he put a coin jar behind the fake coin slot, I bet he could pay for some camping trips!

He also has a teddy bear sitting on his luggage rack. No biggy, huh? You have one too, don’t you? Does yours blink left or right depending on what turn signal you are using?? His does!! Very, Very Cool.

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George and I take a ride to the local grocery store. I am going to get to use George’s aluminum dutch oven tonight. I am not sure what George likes, so I go with something simple-- chicken and vegetables with dumplings. George picks up some beer-- Budweiser Lite Clamato. I try some later-- would be perfect for cooking a pot of drunken shrimp, but I would avoid adding it to any beer biscuit recipes. Later that night, I start cooking dinner. George and I realize that I have made enough for a small army. Thank goodness, we have hungry neighbors. I suspect they initially thought we were coming for their brats, which they kindly offered even before dinner, but instead they became guinea pigs in my dutch oven experiment. They seemed to like the dumplings, and the five of us polished it off with a couple plates each. I really need to work on my portion control!

Later that night, George and I decide to join the campfire ring that the rest of the IBMC group was having. The first thing they said was: You the Harley Riders? Much of the talk in the next few minutes was how Harleys were such crap and Hondas were far superior to anything. Darn, where was a cockey Beamer when you needed one? The anti-Harley talk was mostly coming from the older folk in the group whose last Harley were in the AMF days, in which they were stuck. Yep, joy joy. The conversation shifted to stories of fame and glory long past gone, with a few cliquish jokes going round the group and about which IBMC campout they were riding to next. But quiet honestly, at that point it, to my ears it was just old man farts. Luckily, later that night, one of the younger members of the IBMC group stayed and we got talking. He was a big guy... bigger than me. He had knee replacements and we talked about that and about the different tents and campers he owned and tried out. He also had true camping and riding stories to share. It was a good way to book-end a day with good company.

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The next day, George and I got up, and I tried to make breakfast in the aluminum dutch oven. I used the old trick of putting water in the bottom and waited for it to boil before putting in the eggs. This makes them fluffy and keeps them from burning or sticking to the pan. We had purchased egg beaters, which has extra water in them, but a little extra shouldn’t hurt. I waited, and waited, and then was wondering why water wasn’t coming to a boil. Well, it was, but just in the middle. The aluminum conducts heat well, but like titanium pans, it cools off fast. The shallow bit of water in the middle was boiling, but there wasn’t enough water to hold the heat, so the water on the edge of the pan was hot, but not boiling. I tried a trick from egg poaching where I spun the water and then dripped the egg into the middle. The stirring cooled the water and eggs, so the proteins never really coagulated, at least not more than into little bits and pieces. In the end, it tasted ok, but was way off in texture. If I had added starch and chili oil, it would have been a fine egg drop soup. George was kind not to say anything.

That afternoon those who were in tents decided to go on a ride, seeing that the We-Only-Like-Honda group had taken off without an invite to anyone else. Fine by me. George had a secret place he wanted to show me. Also OK, by me. If it was like that last mystery place he had showed me, I’m up for the intrigue. As we drove, I started realizing how square of a place Michigan really is. Blocks, within blocks, within blocks. As if another George-- Georges Braque-- painted it himself.

We ended up driving through a little town and through a little more construction. We crested a hill, and there was the prize: Jay’s Sporting Goods. Jay’s is what a sporting goods store would be if Dicks and Bass Pro merged. There is high end stuff, and there is wally world cheap stuff. I went over to look at shoes, because the shoes that I purchased to replace my replacements for my crocks stank. I had long hunted for something other than crocks but that could pack down as small, because crocks have week soles that could puncture when driving in a tent stake. Not good for a diabetic. The replacements for my crocks were sandals that never smelled right after the trip to George Washington Forest. I thought I had step in some dog poo, but after several washings, they still stank. Yes, they still stunk even if I didn’t put them on my feet. I found a good pair of camp shoes at Jay’s and continued to the rest of the store.

After about an hour, I spotted George talking to a sales person about water containers. I walked up and started telling George what I had recently learned about all the different types and manufacturers of water containers, the size of spouts, gravity vs non gravity filters, even which size would fit into what part of the Harley touring package and sidebags. It was probably about this time that the sales agent realized-- I not only knew about water gear, but I also knew George.

The sales guy took me over and I bought a new 12X14 Tarp. I had been looking for a 10X10 or a 12X12 Tarp, but figured I could always cut it down. My ride sponsor is also my seamstress. :-) Then we started looking at stoves and pots. The sales guy left, and in another hour George and I were ready to leave. We made it to the parking lot, went promptly over to the Army Surplus store. An hour later, I came out with some new cord, and George makes it out with some equally small odds and ends. Our wives should be proud that we didn’t buy a halftrack that was sitting in the lot. I recently met some one who fixes those.

We left and went back to the camp. That night was the camp barbecue. It was unclear whether to bring plates or not, but we were supposed to bring a side dish. I figured no one was going to pick up vegetables, and I picked up some squash and onion that I could cook in foil. George did his famous beans with pineapple and hot sauce. Speaking of secrets, George spilled the beans. Literally. About three quarters way through cooking, George pulled his pot off the stove so I could cook the squash. The pot started to turn sideways in the handle, I was pointing and trying to get his attention, but I think one of his hearing aids had a dead battery (or he turned it off during last night’s “conversation”). Luckily, he noticed and was able to get the pot put down before all the beans were lost. George quickly went to the store and back and refilled his beans. We went over, ate a great pot luck dinner with fantastic pork. Of all the side dishes, George’s famous beans was the only pot totally cleaned out. It was, again, a crowd favorite.

George and I went back to the campfire for a second bite at the IBMC apple. There were several who were talking among themselves, but the group conversation was always taken over by the three effete Yodas. I was hoping that the person I was talking to the night before would help open up the conversation some. He had brought his computer and had hooked it up to his DROID. YES DROID. I like this guy. I hope he joins motocampers. But my hopes were dashed again by the old ones: “Were’d you go? Only thirty miles? Huh, we drove ALL over, Ha, Ha, Only thirty miles, you Harley folk crack me up.” About this time, Charlie pipes in: Bob drove up from Virginia, So I guess he wins as the farthest rider! Me, I just smirk.

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There was some talk of what happened to BigDogHD. He was supposed to make it up, but wasn’t there. He said that he had reserved a cabin, but there were cars parked at the only cabin. I was thinking that his wife got involved and he ended up driving. Or, well, lets just say I’ve missed a few trips last minute because of family. We missed you BigDog, sorry you couldn’t be there for the Harley bashing!

Besides Charlie’s girlfriend, there was another woman with the group and was talking about how the group had gone to Alaska. They had trailered their bikes and took them out when the bears were gone and the weather was good. They had done up their trailer like George had done, although I doubt it looked like a hotel room, like George’s. After awhile, I said: Did you know that George went to Alaska? Yes, I had kicked the conversational door open. But then, the old grump to my right wakes up. He was the one who had made it clear the night before that he had sold a couple of “suckey” Harleys to buy his Honda (my inner thought at that moment: are you saying that you are stupid now or when you bought the two Harleys?). He says, “But you really ought to go to Nova Scotia.... Ever been?” Door slam.

These guys had ridden so much, seen so much, that they had nothing to learn from others or to hear about from others. Old man’s disease, with a lack of willingness to learn. Some people have it at birth, many motorcyclists I know never get it. After a while, the conversation switched to my trip up to the Mackinaw Bridge. “OOOH,” They say between nodding off to sleep, “You best be careful. The bridge is high up and the winds will, well they will sweep you away.” And I was thinking, go ahead say it-- make what, to you, is a pop culture reference: “It'll sweep you away like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.” I muster a response: "Is it as bad as the bridges in Kitty Hawk? You know, where the Wright Brothers went to find stronger winds?" After a couple of blinks, probably recounting if they knew the Wright family, they changed to the next danger-danger item: “Have you ever been over grate before? Let me tell you how to travel over grating....” Ugh, really, not his fault that he couldn’t see my eyes glaze over. Or maybe he could, but mistook it for glaucoma. The conversation then switched to: “Mt. Washington. We drove up Mount Washington. Ok, well not all the way, there was gravel, and a big drop off with no railing. We had to turn around!” Reeeally, I thought. “I bet you enjoyed Mt. Evens,” I say, “It is a thing of beauty isn’t it?” With a blink, they ask, what is Mt.Evens? My turn: "Oh, its the Highest Paved Road in the US." It’s nice from the top. :D

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Having enjoyed the company of three men and two women at the IBMC outing, it was time to pack up. The next morning George and I head for Cyclemoore Campgrounds.


click here to go to my gallery (”http://picasaweb.google.com/bob.gossweiler/MichiganIBMCandCycleMoore?feat=directlink") )

[VABob]

Dan1551: Thanks. and lol that's funny reference, but I think Ed spelled it "mUrrow". The title, would have to be, Unofficial. :lol2

George and site admins: Fine by me, cross reference is easy to do. Just tell me where you decide to put it.

[Mr. Guy]

NICE report Bob, very good story telling. P^

All those people that think they know it all are REALLY starting to annoy those of us who do. :rolleyes: :D

Guy

[Trailace]

Was begining to wonder when you was going to post this.
Maybe Trailace can move it over to a seperate "trip report" for you, so we don't have to file through so many pages ...
I'll try to move it later but right now at work, I'm sure it won't be no big deal.

Hey Bob good report and I'm about halfway through with it. Thanks for taking the time.

[Trailace]

Okay here is the link to your new article My Trip to Hell Michigan (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=33218#post33218)

[VABob]

Thanks.

[frogmaster]

2nd Annual Mid Michigan M/C Camp Out & Pig Roast 2010, Final Report & Pictures.

Early in 2010 we posted this Campout on IBMC and multiple other websites targeting M/C and Campers in the States of IN, IL, OH, MI, WI and ONT-CA.

The Rain Blockade of 2009 was nowhere to be found in 2010. I arrived about 12:30 pm on the 25th to see about half of all attendees already there and set up (must be nice to be retired) (someday). We had Great Weather Friday & Saturday and the Central Fire Pit was the Social Gathering we all enjoyed. Saturday late a.m. 2 or 3 groups left for a local rides and all ended up at Jay’s Sporting Goods similar to a half size Cabelas or BassPro. Saturday eve was the Gammywoods Campground Pig Roast and with all attendees bring a dish to share it was one heck of a spread and nobody left hungry. Sunday 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. there was rain, those who slept in was able to break camp after the brief rain passed.

Some of the long time IBMC Members commented on the Location and Facilities were Top Notch and encouraged me to make this an annual event! ( 3rd Annual is in the planning for 2011).

Again a special Thank You to JOHN RUSCHAK for his Mentorship and Guidance, not to mention rounding up fellow IBMC Campers from the 2010 IBMC International and getting them here.

Overall 25% more attendees than 2009, meeting my goal of growing this event year over year.

Thank You to all Attendees for making this another great event!

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Finally VaBob and Gwizz Picture
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[Trailace]

Apparently someone thought I was "bashing an event that I never attended" and removed a post of mine.
I guess the powers that be can add/remove or do anything they want to their website but for someone to say (even in a PM) asking for me (my post) to be removed is ridiculous.

I did express my feelings concerning the way Mrs. Gammy run her campground and stated that I would never support her campground by going there.
Is that "bashing an event"?

I did also kid VABOB about his observation of 'the Wingers' at the event and 'kiddingly' suggested that since I was a Winger also, he may have lumped me into the same group also had I been there.

Talk about being 'thin-skinned', come on frogman, get over it. My post didn't concern you OR your event.
Larry K. (aka: michigancamper)

PS: Is this gonna be removed too? :confused:

Your right we can and I might delete this one as well. If your not happy with the way Mrs. Gammy runs her campground do a review in the campground section and state your feelings.

[VABob]

Hopefully this post will go in the trash the other posts. But meanwhile while words are incorrectly being put in my name, I am posting this.

First, an instructional video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIyr5TXqe8Y


Now for some clarity:

1) Reread what I said about the campground. I liked the campground, AND thought there were areas of improvement. I never spoke to the owner of the campground. GWIZZ, Frogmaster, and Larry did. If there are conversations between Larry and GWIZZ, then Larry should attribute that to him, not me.

2) You'll see that someone else tried to chide me for being a goldwing hater. I am not. It was the fanboy-like behavior of some of the IBMC members that was so uninspiring.

3) I had a good time at the event. I met some good people, had some good food. My thoughts: focus on the positive, make fun of the trolls.

4) To be clear, my other experiences with IBMC members-- few as they are-- have been very positive. There are other threads and posts where I have said good things about IBMC. (BTW- where did "grandpa" go? I miss his daily IBMC reaffirmations)

5) I have met Frogmaster. Great guy.

6) I don't know Larry. He doesn't know me, except he and GWizz chatted. Larry probably is a good guy, is excited to have new friends, and is expressing it incorrectly.

If any one has a problem with this, please don't waste time going johny-torch. I am not going to feed the trolls. Feel free to PM me with your flame rather than waste the public bandwidth. Just know that my reply will be, at best, "Meh" .

Back to camping!

[DILLIGAF61]

That vidio was funny !!!!!!!

btw bob headed up to mich tonite for a week will be at cycle moore thursday

[Mr. Guy]

Nice video Bob, now if only it could be followed.

Guy