10 Days on a 70 year old bike

[Indianscout]

OK, so I've been back about a week now and just getting around to doing this report. So much has happened wile on this trip it has taken me awhile to take it all in. So let's see about getting started shall we?


First of all I ride a 1940 Indian Sport Scout, it's about 45 ci. or aprox 750 cc. Not a fast bike as it tops out around 55-60 mph unless I have a tail wind. My goal was to ride from central MN to Wauseon Ohio for the national antique motorcycle swap meet and races. Along the way I had hoped to meet a few of the friendly people here on MotoCampers. Little did I know the adventures waiting ahead for me.


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The forecast was t-storms for most of the week but I was still determined to make this trip. With heavy rains predicted just to the west of me I headed east in anticipation of out running the weather. By noon I had made it through all the construction in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and was into Wisconsin.

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By then the sun had managed to peek out for me.

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The day was reasonably uneventful and I made good time. My goal for the day was to make it to Mosinee WI as I was invited by Ron (Badger here on MotoCampers.com) to camp at his place for the evening. Ron was just the first of many wonderful people I would meet wile on my travels.

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Ron and his family really made me feel at home. His personal campground was better than most private ones I had stayed at in the past. After an evening of burgers, beer and excellent conversation we called it a night as Ron had to work in the morning and I had a boat to catch.


This is what I woke up to in the morning!


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My destination for this day was Manitowoc WI to catch the U.S.S. Badger to ferry me and "Peaches" across Lake Michigan. I made it with time to spare so I checked out the local museum like most tourist would do.

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Killing a little time until departure. Damn, looks like the SS Badger uses alot of fuel. Would hate to have to pay that bill!!

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Visited with a group of motorcyclists who where down from Ontario for a few weeks and now where on there way back home. About then we where given the green light to load up. Wile everyone else was getting there bikes loaded and tying them down I ran into my first big hurtle, Peaches wouldn't start!! I felt like everyone was watching me as I tried to kick start the old girl but with no luck. So I tucked my tail between my legs and pushed her on board. I thought I knew what was wrong as the kicker was soft and I was thinking a nut had come undone on the main shaft of the transmission. Thought I could fix it but then realized that I didn't have all the necessary tools I would need. Now what? Do I jump ship and call for someone to come and get me or do I move on ahead? I decided to stay on board and see what happens. Made a phone call to George (G wizz) as he had offered me camp space and assistance if I needed any if I was in the area. George informed me he was several hours away from Luddington MI as that is where we would be docking at later that evening. I asked if he knew of a shop I could contact somewhere in Luddington but again no luck. The distance was too far for me to ask him to drive and I thanked him before making another call. This time it was to a friend in SD who has ridden old Indian motorcycles for over 30 years. Mark knew of a guy in Michigan and said he would call him and find out what part of the state John was in. A few short minutes past before Mark called back to tell me John was in Detroit and even further away than George.....but John had given him a name and number to call. Tom answered on the first ring when I called. John had told him what was going on and he agreed to meet me at the docks with a trailer. Problem solved as Tom raced Indian scouts and had all the tools and parts I may need t get Peaches back on the road again.


All I could do now is to relax and enjoy the next four hours on the lake.....

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I had turned my phone off to save my battery as I didn't know when I would be able to recharge it. Much to my dismay when we docked I had found out that I had a missed call from George saying he too would be waiting for me at the docks!!!! Damn, send up a flair in Michigan and everyone comes a running! But now I have two people waiting for me and even though George had driven several hours to help me, Tom was the one who had the parts and tools. What do I do??? As I pushed Peaches off the boat a man asked me if I needed help pushing my old bike. Instantly I recognized George and shook his had. Then the guy next to him stuck out his had and said "Hi, I'm Tom". Very awkward as I tried to explain what had happened but the too had all ready talked and knew what was going on. Better yet, they knew each other from years past and had lost contact with one another so the chance meeting was a fluke. We all agreed that Tom was the better choice and we loaded Peaches on to his trailer. I promised George I would make it up to him as I had plans on doing some riding together later in the trip. By the time we got to Tom's place it was getting late so he put me up in his camper for the night and showed me where all the tools and parts where in his shop.


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In the morning Tom had left for work but his wife had the coffee pot on and breakfast was ready. As I dug into Peaches I realized that it was not what I had thought it was but turned out to be a sheared wood riff key on the drive gear. Guess I hadn't tightened it good enough and it finally gave out.
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Tom came back home by then as he only had to work a half shift that day and found me a key to replace the old one. Checked out the rest of the bike and decided everything was good to go. With some confusing directions on how to avoid the local traffic I took off but was lost within a few short blocks. Tom had suggested I stay off the slab with my old bike as I may just get run over by some crazy cagier but I was too stubborn to go back for directions. So I took my chances on the slab and soon found myself in the mix of rush-hour traffic. It seems I had one sympathetic trucker who appeared to be running point for me as he slowed down to match my speed after he had passed. Soon I had found my exit and bailed off the slab for the back roads.


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It was 4:30 before I had managed to get Peaches road worthy and back on the road again. I had a few miles to put on before I made it to Wauseon yet that day. Ahead of my was a rather large storm cell all though I really didn't care to get wet, the best route for me was to continue to head east until I hit my road south. Bu the time I hit Lansing MI, the sky was black and it had started to rain. Lightly at first but then you could tell it was getting heaver. But about the time I was going to pull over and don on my rain gear it had stopped. By the time I had pulled into Wauseon the sun was back out again. My luck was holding as I had skirted another storm!

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I decided not to push it so set up under the pavilion providing both shade and protection from any one of the storms they had predicted for the weekend.


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I made a hot lap around the grounds to see if I knew of anyone and then hit the showers as it was hot and humid. Sleep came slowly as I had set up next to a rather large group of partiers, Thank goodness for earplugs!!!!

[DILLIGAF61]

and now Paul Harvey lets hear the rest of the story

[Indianscout]

The next morning I meet up with some friends and we spent the day checking out cool old bikes and other items of interest. Motorcycle swap meets here have a carnival type atmosphere and you never know what you will find.

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How about a few Harley projects to work on this winter???


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A sweet pair of older Nortons.

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Some people don't know what to bring, so they bring it all...........

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Later that afternoon I discovered in order for me to qualify for any long distance awards I needed to be present at the awards on Sunday. This would set me back a day as I had planned on leaving on Saturday to meet up with George. A phone call to George to let him know the change in plans. Then he told me that I was going to miss out on the smoked ribs that his wife Deb was making for supper and I almost changed my mind on trying for the awards! But I had made it so far and it looked very promising for me to take it with 850 miles so I decided to stick it out. After all how often would I have the opportunity to do something like this?

The gang I was hanging with at the meet where all happy that I was staying another day and we decided to celebrate by going to the races that evening. I enjoy watching the old bikes and like many others would love to give it a try myself. Tom who had been generous enough to help me fix my bike was racing and I wanted to cheer him on as well so we found a good spot and sat back to enjoy.

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My crappy little camera doesn't do the races justice but it was good. One of the last heats in Tom's class there was a delay as the announcer was jaw-jacking around and both the bikes and racers where getting a little over-heated waiting for the race to begin. Suddenly one of the bikes caught fire! The rider calmly set the bike down and got off. Then to every ones horror it was discovered that no one had the proper fire extinguishers available. The crowd watched as one guy sprays water on a gas fire!

That's Tom on his bike with a front row seat.

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Found this clip on line and it'll give you some idea of the screw-ups of the officials..

YouTube- Fire at Antique motorcyle races in Wauseon Ohio

As it was I knew the rider of this bike. He and his twin brother come from a very close knit family and you don't mess with their family as you can see his brother showing his distaste for what the announcer had to say after wards! You can bet that after the races their father had a little "talking" with the announcer too! This event more or less killed the races as everyone had had enough and started to leave. Word spread though out the meet and no one was pleased on how ill prepared the track was for a fire or how every thing was handled. I took a shower and called it a night. Thank god for ear plugs.....again!


Saturday found us at the grandstands for breakfast promising us another day of walking around and jus bsing with the vendors. Some had better means of getting around than others

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I was shot by evening ad had plans turning in early as the last two nights had been a bit tough of me. Little did I realize that I had set up camp on the front stage for the evening entertainment and tonight would be another late one!

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I had no other choice but to join in the festivities for the night and had a good time if it too. But when my head hit the pillow that night I didn't need the ear plugs!




Sunday morning promised to be another hot and humid day but I had a mission to find Tom as I had missed him after the races. To save some shoe leather I drove Peaches around the site and managed to find him in a far off corner. We spent some time discussing the races, how Peaches was running and my next destination. Again I thanked him for going above and beyond in helping me get back on the road. His only reply was to "pay it forwards". I can assure you that I will do just that someday.

A few shots of Tom's bikes.

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Riding back to camp I came across the family of bike that had been in the fire the night before. I didn't recognize it as they had it almost cleaned up! A solder joint had broken and dumped fuel onto the engine resulting in the fire. But in cleaning it up they found out that it hadn't even blistered the paint on the tanks so they fixed the line and had it running again shortly!! I know that is going to be a story told around a few evening fires!!

My phone rang and as I answered it realized it was Mark from SD who had helped me locate Tom. He said that John had seen me riding around on Peaches and wanted to meet me. I too wanted to at least shake his had in gratitude for hooking me up with Tom so I found out where he was at and rode over to meet him. John is an old biker and Mark had saved him a few times when he was broke down on the side of the road. Helping me was his way of "paying it forward". I was reminded on just how small this world really is and again vowed to pay my share forward.

I took Peaches over to the staging area as the rules state that the bike must be shown in order to qualifier. It was getting very hot and they took forever to get the show on the road. Mean wile I visited with a few good'old boys from West Virginia. We had allot in common including the fact that the ones dad had owned and riding an early scout like Peaches. Rumor spread of a guy who had ridden his old pan head up from Florida with over 3K miles. If so this would put me into second. Sure enough here was the bike.

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It was enjoyable just to look at everything he had strapped onto that beast. Everything had a place and purpose but there was little that you could consider new as you could see the road miles on the equipment as well as the bike. The owner said he had over 300k on the bike as he take off three months in the summer and up from Florida to Sturgis and sometimes to visit family on the west coast. Imagine my surprise when he didn't stick around for the awards! I found out later that he has done this for years and the award means little to him. He has my respect for riding that old iron around like that!

I did receive the award but humbled by my competition, Perhaps one day soon I can do something like that as well but right now I needed to get back on the road and haul ass over to Georges.

I needed to head north to Georges but first had to head west so I could add Indiana to my map of places I had ridden Peaches in. I know I just hit the corner but I can say I did it so turned and began my journey north.

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Again I hit a small shower along the way but managed to find his place with few problems. My timing was perfect as Deb had supper on the table as I pulled in! I had missed the smoked ribs the day before but she had made a wonderful BBQ with the left-overs. I felt like it was Thanksgiving as she had made one hell of a meal. Sweetcorn, beans, home made cole-slaw and killer home made cucumber pickles. I didn't know if I was going to be able to get up from the table when she laid another one on me. She had also made two home made pies! Torn between the choice of lemon or lime I opted for the lemon not knowing if I had any room left for it or weather Peaches could haul my fat ass the next day!

Deb and George had the hotel set up for me and after getting a tour of the place and spending some time with the dogs I knew I needed o turn in. The last few days had been hard on me regardless of the fact that I had not been on the road much and we had a few days adventure ahead of me yet to come.

[DILLIGAF61]

you had to chose lemon or lime pie ???? tsk tsk tsk you just double stack and eat lemon-lime pie sheeesh amateur :java1: :cake1:

[Indianscout]

you had to chose lemon or lime pie ???? tsk tsk tsk you just double stack and eat lemon-lime pie sheeesh amateur :java1: :cake1:



Sorry, guess I'll just have to practice.......:lol

[Indianscout]

I awoke to the sound of whooping of sand hill cranes, something I haven't heard in my neck of the woods for some time now. I packed up my gear and was escorted down to Peaches by a few of Georges dogs. I needed to get in my puppy fix as I had left mine at home so I played with them again for a short time before going in for coffee. Again Deb out done herself as she had made an excellent batch of biscuits and gravy. I couldn't possibly pass this up all though I was still full from the banquet the night before. George finished up a few last items and then we where on our way.

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We took a morning break to check the bikes and stretch our legs a bit. We had lots of time to make our destination so we had a lazy day ahead of us.

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Around noon we stopped in a small cafe for another bit to eat. No doubt I am an amiture as I had all ready eaten enough in the last two days to last me the rest of the trip. But I am a sucker for good food!


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We pulled into an over look of Lake Michigan. I instantly recognized it as one I had stopped into about 15 years ago. Other than the trees had grown up some it was pretty much the same. George was deep in thought.

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We took 55 west to the town of Manistee and then 31 north along the lake before George decided to take some back roads. Sure glad he knew where we where going as I had no clue. That is until we made it to camp.

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There has been several reviews about Cycle-Moore campground and it is all true. This is my kind of campground. $6.00 a head as long as you have a motorcycle with you. You can ride it or trailer it in and the price is the same. Our host Steve and George go way back and it didn't take long before I felt right at home. As a small gesture of thanks for all he had done for me so far, I picked up the tab for Georges camp fee but he retaliated by saying he was buying the beer and pizza. I still felt guilty for George going so far out of his way to pick me up at the landing. He assured me it was no big deal as he had to drive up in the area to pick up the trailer anyway. Then was just as good of time to do it as any and it was not much further to meet me at the docks. That helped put me at ease but I still felt like I needed to at least pay it forward for what he had done for me.

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George didn't waste any time in claiming his spot and soon was set up. It took me a little longer as I had to check out this wonderful place. I mean how can you not love a place that has this in the bathrooms? P^

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Soon word was out about some nut from Minnesota riding an old Indian motorcycle was in camp and a few locals rode out to greet us. Our host Steve had just finished restoring a 1941 Indian Scout for another local and we where suppose to meet up but with my delay at the meet and his work schedule things didn't pan out. But Jason did see us at a gas station on the way up but couldn't stop in. Guess I'll just have to go back and try again.

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Steve (in the cart) catching up on a little business with one of the locals.

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It was a wonderful evening as we had beer and pizza, talked about bikes, roads and stories. George told me that two more would be joining us this evening as Toe Jam and Rag Doll from MotorCampers form was suppose to be in yet this evening. A large RV pulled in with what George called one of the most expensive trailers he had ever seen. Phil and Cris had both their bikes in the back of the truck they where towing behind the RV. George just confirmed my suspicions of him being a jokester! The four of us had a chance to meet and catch up on each others plans and soon it was agreed upon a trip around the Leelanau peninsula in the morning.

[badger]

Hey Tim ...
Good to hear you made it safely out and back on your trip. What an adventure, and what a great write up!

It was a pleasure meeting you and swapping stories :)

[DILLIGAF61]

I guess I'll be the one to take pics of the inside of cyclemoore all the old bikes and everything else lying around one of the most laid back campgrounds in the US

[bigTom]

This is some really good stuff! Keep it coming!

[Indianscout]

Hey Tim ...
Good to hear you made it safely out and back on your trip. What an adventure, and what a great write up!

It was a pleasure meeting you and swapping stories :)

Thanks again for the camp space. I can't begin to thank you enough for all you did and look forward to hearing about your adventures out west.

I guess I'll be the one to take pics of the inside of cyclemoore all the old bikes and everything else lying around one of the most laid back campgrounds in the US

What, just alot of old motorcycles. I can see that stuff in my own garage! :lol

This is some really good stuff! Keep it coming!

Thanks, I'm working on it!

[DILLIGAF61]

What, just alot of old motorcycles. I can see that stuff in my own garage

so you keep an old biker in your garage too lol

[Indianscout]

What, just alot of old motorcycles. I can see that stuff in my own garage

so you keep an old biker in your garage too lol


Doesn't everybody??????? :lol

[Indianscout]

We awoke to an over-cast morning and thought it was going to rain on our day. But after breakfast at Dilbert's just down the road the sun came out with promises of a good day. Since Peaches was the slowest bike in the group I got volunteered to run point. George got us to Traverse City and fell back to the rear. As we headed north on Highway 22 but I soon realized that we had lost a rider somewhere. As I pulled over I saw flashing lights and saw that George had been pulled over!

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Great, now what??? Phil and Cris went on ahead to the next gas station to use the rest room. I hung back but after what seemed like an hour rode back to see what was taking so long. George, with a straight face said to go on ahead as he was going to jail! What! Then he laughed and said he had been pulled over by this conservation officer in regards to his modulating head light. Damn, he got me again!! Modulating head lights are legal in Michigan but this officer was thinking otherwise and was trying to get an answer from the office with no luck. George gave him his cell phone number and told him to call when he found out one way or the other. The officer agreed with him and then got out and walked over to my bike. Fearing the worst I was expecting him to ask for my license and insurance but he just wanted to look at Peaches. After a few general questions he wished us luck and let us go on our way again. We meet up with the rest of the gang and headed back along our planned route.

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Lot's of water, hills and twisty roads makes this area ideal for motorcycles!


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I had thought it would have taken much longer to reach our destination but by noon we had reached it. Fish Town, home of another one of George's favorite stops.

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We walked around and saw this kid having some fun of his own with home made ride. It did look like fun!

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And just around the corner was what George was looking for......

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I had the "Log Jam" under recommendations from George, and he was right, delicious!

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We hit the road again with plans on just riding around to check out some of the other roads but then I notice Peaches needed to have her valves adjusted. The rattling told me that I should head back to camp and give her some attention. She might have been fine but I was still a bit paranoid as I had a few more miles to put on her before heading for home. I told the rest that I was headed back to camp and they could go on without me but the all decided to head back as well.

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Once we got back it only took me a few minutes to make the adjustments and all was well again. By the time Phil walked over to watch me I had finished the job so we checked out the local maps to see where we had been.

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The rest of the day we spent in camp checking out the shop, visiting with Steve and Shirley. I did some more maintenance on Peaches as I was to leave in the morning and continue on to the rest of the U.P.

My plan was to check out the Tunnel of Trees, cross Mackinaw Bridge and find a place to camp somewhere around Munising. Again George had suggestions for me as he and Deb have covered much of the area I was headed for. George is a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate his willingness to share it with the rest of us as he does. Thanks again George!!



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Sometime in the early morning hours we did get that rain they had promised all week. It consisted of a light sprinkle but our tents where dry by 8:00 AM allowing us plenty of time to break camp. Phil was kind enough to bring over some coffee and visit before we pulled the pin. Great coffee Phil and it was great to meet you. Good luck on the rest of your trip!


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Some of the touristy things along the way.....

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I caught Highway 119 and eventually found the Tunnel of Trees. Was not disappointed as it is everything I was told it was. Little traffic other than bicycles but endless hills and curves.

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And before I knew it, it was over. I had contemplated turning around and doing it again but realized that I needed to be moving on. I know a return trip one day is necessary!

I managed to get lost for a short time but remembered how difficult it was to "really" get lost in this area but eventually found my next destination.

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With the center lanes being metal grids it has always been a concern for motorcyclists on making the crossing. The last time I made this crossing was during a rain storm and it was not a very pleasant experience at the time. But this time it looked clear and took the outside lane which is asphalt. That is until reached the northen part and the outside lanes where close due to construction. Merging onto the grid was and adventure in itself but Peaches did well and we crossed without incident.

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-321/945879931_ERj6k-L.jpg

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-330/945879946_k7jfR-L.jpg

From St.Ignace I took Highway 2 along the north shore of Lake Michigan. Knowing it may be t he last time I see her on this trip I wanted to follow it as far as I could before turning north. But another storm ahead made me change plans and I made my turn early.

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-337/945879969_AzGou-L.jpg

Late that afternoon I pulled into Minising and looked for the public campground George had recommend. I stopped at the information center and found out not only had they raised their rates but where full up for the night. The lady recommended a state camp ground only about 5 miles further in Christmas. Furnace Bay campground was just what I was looking for. I fond it with no problems and for $16.00 a night was cheaper than other private grounds in the area. I managed to snag one of the last ones and wasted no time in setting up.

I had just finished eating and when the host's stopped by to look at Peaches. I believe they ride also by the questions they asked. They suggested that if I wanted to go out for dessert that I could do so by taking a short walk just through the woods.

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-345/945879985_xBKT9-L.jpg


I found the trail by camp site #38 and cut into the woods not knowing what to expect. They where right as it was only about a block and I came across this small creek, on the other side was a sports bar called "Froggys"

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-346/945889893_nNowU-L.jpg



And in Froggys I found desert!

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-348/945888367_xJKyD-L.jpg

[Ironheadziggy76]

This is a great report with great pics, keep it coming.

[Trailace]

:Popcorn Keep it coming.

[Indianscout]

Attention ... Fellow Forum Folks ...

Now that you've gotten a taste of what Northern Michigan has to offer, from all these wonderfull pictures and trip reports, keep in mind we'll be having a ~~:)~~ Motocamper Campout ~~:)~~ here next summer, in the heart of the best riding in the state. P^
More information to follow later this year ...

G wizz


I plan on being there if I can!

[Indianscout]

When I turned on my phone the next morning I found that I had a voice mail. It was my good friend KCDakar (ADV). I knew she was on a trip of her own but that was the BMW rally in Oregon. A return call found her drying out in a motel in Aberdeen South Dakota after spending a long day riding in a rather large rain storm. She was just using up the last few days of her kitchen pass and putting on some miles before heading home. I had originally planned to head up to Copper Harbor for a day or so but the booklet I had picket up at the information center said there was some large motorcycle gathering up there this weekend and camping spaces would be difficult to find. With those plans nixed I suggested we meet someplace. We picked a town on the map and agreed to meet and camp there for the night. First one there would secure a campsite and then let the other one know. So with new plans made I broke camp and headed back out onto the road, but not without taking a few pictures first.

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-292/945888316_gi37a-L.jpg

What would you expect from Christmas Michigan??

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-293/945873955_nvsEU-L.jpg


The sky was dark and the air damp as it looked like I might be spending a day in the rain like KCDakar had the day before. She has been known to be a rainmaker and so I blamed the weather on her.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-350/945889911_VSxVF-L.jpg


First chance I get I pull over and take a short walk along the beach of Lake Superior. The wet sand whistles when you walk on it, something I remember from my college days when I used to go sailing in the Apostle Islands.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-349/945917997_8RxM2-L.jpg


Have I told you how much I like Michigan rest areas? Clean like Wisconsin's only with a nicer view.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-352/945889924_dUg4g-L.jpg


Our destination was Iron River Wisconsin. Tracy said her GPS gave her an ETA of 4:30. I was amaized that she had planned on covering so much ground but then she has done lot of long distance riding and was not on a 70 year old bike! I pulled into town a full hour head of her so stopped and fueled up. I asked the cashier about a place to camp and he suggested on just out of town about 2 miles. When I asked him if it was a private camp ground he replied "No, everyone uses it......."

I did check out a few other possibility's but found out that most places where booked for the on coming Blue Berry Days. But I did find a spot at the place the cashier told be about but it was a little pricy for my cheap taste. For $15.00 a night per unit (sleeping bag/tent) I had use of clean bathrooms and a shower. The ground was lumpy and full of deb-re so finding a place good to set up was not very easy. After doing some grounds keeping I managed to clean off a spot and set up my tent.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-354/945889938_7z5nx-L.jpg


I had called and left a voice mail with Tracy when I was about 30 miles out to let her know where I was and to call me to let me know where she was. It was 4:45 and I had expected her to call anytime but then realized that I had no phone service! I took off into town hoping to get a better signal. I managed to find a spot with some but not as good as I needed. But it was enough to leave her a voice mail, or so I thought. She called right back but I kept losing her so decided it was best for me to head west towards her in hopes if a better signal. I must have been about 5 miles out when she called again. I pulled over and managed to have enough to find out she was lost!! Her GPS had taken her off the main road and put her on a RV path!!! It was difficult to talk to her as I kept breaking up but did manage to get things straightened out some what. I decided that since I knew I had good signal east of town, perhaps I would be better off heading back east. With feeling of pending doom I pointed Peaches back to the east. I must not have gone about a mile when a BMW pulled up along side of me and gave me the "salute". Here it was Tracy as she had only been down the road a short distance from me! I returned the salute and we headed on into Iron River together.

First order of things was to get camp set up.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-355/945889952_ZTrPN-L.jpg


Then what to do about supper? I had the answer as I had stopped into the local grocery store and grabbed a couple of small steaks. We both broke out our food supplies and managed to put together a decent meal out of it all. Steak with mushrooms and garlic, mashed potatoes and sweet peas. It reminded me of Debs banquet I had only a few days earlier but without the pie. :lol


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-356/945892914_ZRFcV-L.jpg


After supper the camp host's came over to collect our fees and when they found our stories they dropped the price to $15.00 for both tents instead of each. That made the whole thing better but they said that it was only good for one night as they where booked for the weekend. I am finding it difficult to find good camping withing an hour of Duluth on the weekends and will keep this in mind in the future.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-362/945892939_WxD5F-L.jpg


We spent the rest evening catching up a friends and family, discussed bikes and equipment, messed around the the cameras a bit, then made plans for in the morning. Since I had never been to Aerostich before it was decided that it was a crime since it was on my own back yard and I had no excuse.



A light rain on the tent awoke me. Damn it girl, you did bring it along with you didn't you! But as I crawled out I found out it was only a light mist and had quit by the time I got back from the bathroom. The sun peeked out and a small breeze helped dry off the tents enough to break camp.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-365/945892948_YnusA-L.jpg


First order of the day was coffee and a hot breakfast. The forecast said it was clearing up around Duluth so this would give us a better chance of avoiding any rain.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-372/945895429_jmavJ-L.jpg


The sun did manage to come out so I felt lucky to have dodged the bullet again.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-387/945896510_seQg2-L.jpg


Again I took the lead to set the pace. Tracy is known to have a heavy hand so riding with me is kind'a like the tortoise and the hare. :lol


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-385/945896564_6USfR-L.jpg


Crossing the Bong bridge into Duluth MN.


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-379/945895457_3zgP2-L.jpg


This time Tracy's GPS managed to keep us on the highway and off the snowmobile trails. Then, there it was!


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-380/945895476_h3hDv-L.jpg


http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-381/945895493_aizcD-L.jpg


The people of Aerostitch where great. There was alot of buzzing going on when someone hollered through the shop of an old Indian motorcycle parked outside. Didn't take them long to figure out who's it was. Question as to how far I had ridden and what, if any, problems I had had made me feel as if I had also ridden around the world with it! There was no attitude about it not being a modern sport bike but just plain enthusiasm about motorcycles.


My camera finally had enough and gave it up about then. Too bad as we did have some fun that afternoon so you'll have to hit her up for pictures. Tracy needed to do some work on her bike and the radar at Aerostich showed a large storm cell moving in. The decision was made to haul ass back and so we did. So we wrapped up our purchases and headed out. Just as we pulled into my garage, the skies opened up complete with lighting. I consider myself lucky as not once did I need to use my rain gear in the 2300 miles I did in the last ten days.


Overall I did learn a few things about motorcycle camping and plan on a few updates with my gear. Peaches ran very ell with only the one breakdown. The people of Michigan and Wisconsin are very friendly and will go to great lengths to help out a fellow rider. And I need to pay it forward a number of times in return for everything that was done for me on this trip.


Will I go back....in a heart beat!!!!!!

[TOE JAM]

Great report. Maybe one day I will figure out how to organize mine!

[Indianscout]

Great report. Maybe one day I will figure out how to organize mine!

Figure it out and post it up this winter when most of us up here are climbing the walls from cabin fever!

[bigTom]

It's the pictures he has problems with. Rick's kids helped him out last time!

Nice report, nice trip, nice bike. Life is pretty good, huh?

[Indianscout]

Nice report, nice trip, nice bike. Life is pretty good, huh?

The trip turned out much better than I had hoped it ever would have. I would do it all over again and plan on visiting the UP again sometime soon. I need to check out Copper Harbor and a few other areas, just hope the Peaches is up to the challenge when that day comes. But even if she isn't, the great people I meet on this trip have assured me that help is closer than I ever thought!



Tim,
You made mention of how lucky you were not to get caught in the rain.
It wasn't luck .. . I have a very good relationship with the rain gods over this regin.
I asked 'em not to dump rain on you & Peaches ... :sun1:

G wizz


Looks like it is getting deeper than my boots.:boots1: Excuse me wile I grab a paddle and inflatable raft...............:lol

[Indianscout]

:rolleyes:

You think I'm full of BS do you? :rolleyes: Well then, ... you give me a better explanation of why you didn't get wet. ;)


Looks like you got me again George! Guess I'll have to let you know when I plan on another trip so you can clear the way for me and Peaches. :please1:


:lol

[Trailace]

I guess we'll just have to start calling George sunshine, great report man. Thanks for sharing and tell Tracy she needs to join the site if she hasn't already.

[Indianscout]

I guess we'll just have to start calling George sunshine, great report man. Thanks for sharing and tell Tracy she needs to join the site if she hasn't already.


She knows about it but as they say you can lead a horse to water........



Great stuff. Love the boot shot, a must.

Have you read the book, Longrider by Mark Tiger Edmonds? Great read on many different dimensions.


I'll have to check it out. Always enjoy a good book!

[JohnDelivers]

Great write-up, I really enjoyed it.
Great pics too, thanks for sharing them.