A Trip to UP of Michigan by Bob Meyer (aka mktobob on the HSATF) Originally my wife Sue and I had planned on riding from our home in South Central Minnesota to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The more we studied the maps the more we realized that this was a VERY aggressive ride just to get there... let alone have the energies needed to enjoy the sites in the UP. I know half the fun is getting there but we had already covered much of the route there and really didn't cherish the thought of 11 hours each way. I admire and respect the fact that Sue has her own bike and rides well and is always ready for a ride, so we decided to trailer the bikes to the destination and hit the new area pretty hard, and that we did! Bikes Loaded and ready to go from South Central MN to UP of Michigan Tuesday morning July 5th. we took our two Rat Terriers to the "Puppy Motel" and bid our farewells. At 8am with trailer in tow we were on our way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We are the the kind not to take Interstates very often, so we opted for less traveled roads. Some of them were a bit rough, but the bikes did well on the trailer. We stopped several times and tightened the straps so they would not bounce too much. The trailer handled great behind the '05 Ford Expedition even with the wind catching tailgate on the trailer. Fully loaded we only saw a 2 mpg decrease in mileage. Wife Sue near waterfall just outside L'Anse, MI. Ten hours later we pulled into the Hilltop Motel in L'Anse,Michigan. The Innkeeper, Michael, was very accommodating. We off-loaded the bikes and readied them for Wednesday's ride. After a pizza and a couple of beers we were ready to turn it in. Great little motel...Hilltop Motel L'Anse, MI. At 7am Wednesday the temperature was 37 degrees and sunny by the water. We had the liners in our Firstgear mesh jackets with sweatshirts underneath. We were very comfortable as the temps soon warmed up and by the end of the day it was 82 degrees. The morning ride started in L'Anse and took us around Keweenaw Bay on Lake Superior. Just North of Houghton we stopped and toured an old copper mine. That was well worth $12.00 each and about 3 hours time. We continued on Highway 41 all the way to Copper Harbor, the most northern part of the Upper peninsula. That was a quaint little town with nice restaurants. We had lunch there and enjoyed the sites. Bikes taking a break near Escanaba, MI. Wife and I at Great B&B and restraunt near Foster City, MI. Water and Hills near Eagle River, MI. Lighthouse at Eagle River, MI. From there we took Highway 26 south along Lake Superior. What a great road with twisties and great views of the big lake. We stopped in Eagle Harbor and toured another lighthouse. For only $4.00 each we had a great tour of the lighthouse, living quarters of the keeper, and several other buildings dealing with Lake Superior shipping. We returned to our homebase of L'Anse via Highways 26,41 and other assorted highways. Lots of cool sites including the town of "Gay" Michigan. That was a great day of riding...just over 300 miles and back to the motel just before dark. Great twisties...Highway 26 along Lake Superior Rapids below small waterfall along Hwy.26. Day two of riding started bright and early on highway 41 East to Escanaba,MI on Lake Michigan. We were that close so we thought we would take in two GREAT Lakes. It wasn't that scenic of a drive but well worth the drive. From there we took highway 69 to Foster City where we found a quaint Bed and Breakfast. They had the best Swedish pancakes and French Toast! The Inn keeper was very nice and told us of the history of the once bustling community. Once the logging was finished the town died and about all that remains are a handful of buildings. From there we zig-zagged back to L'Anse and once again timed it out so we arrived before dark. It almost sounds like we are afraid of the dark but there are sooooo many deer and porcupines wandering the roads we thought it advantageous to stay clear of the roads on two wheels after dark Wife Sue gearing up after lunch in Copper Harbor, MI. Harbor at Copper Harbor, MI. On day three of riding we launched the bikes West on Highway 38 towards Ontonagon. From there we hit Silver City and toured the Porcupine Mountain area. Great scenery! Once again we ended up back at homebase and enjoyed some wonderful steaks at Tony's Steakhouse in L'Anse. Me taking a break. Three glorious days of riding racking up nearly 900 miles. Observations...yes we had a few... For the most part the roads are in great shape and offer some great riding. The locals are very nice and accommodating. The area is a bit depressed since mining is non-existent. Many of the towns have little commerce and many homes for sale at VERY cheap prices. Lots of motorcycles. Saturday morning before dawn we were up and going once again with trailer and bikes in tow. Eleven hours later we arrived home and declared the trip a success. I would recommend this area to anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery, plenty of water and a lack of noise and people. I hope you enjoyed this little synopsis of the best riding we have ever done!