The Circle Tour

[Offroad]

Working on my Circle Tour I'm starting Saturday, last trip of the summer.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour | Lake Michigan Destinations

I'm debating if I want to go into Canada to take a detour around northern Lake Superior....has anyone taken that road? Is it worth the trip?

It'd make for a long day, but there aren't many hotels mid-way.

Empty Sea has given me several tips, must sees (tunnel of trees)...any other tips, suggestions, roads, hotels, restaurants is much appreciated!

 

[Cormanus]

Go to Canada. Become an international motorcyclist.

 

[Offroad]

My first long distance motorcycle tour!

I like to ride along water ;-)

This is almost 3000 miles in 8 days.

Hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew.

If things don't go well I guess I can jump from 2 to 6 but that would be a shame.

 

[Cormanus]

There are some biggish days in there offroad, but you can always slow down a little or add a day if it gets too much. You'll have a blast. And we'll enjoy hearing about it and looking at the pictures.

 

[use2b_imp]

Looks like fun especially around Lake Superior , be careful and don't push the pace . stop and smell the roses ....
now i have the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald stuck in my head ......

 

[QimmiQ_imp]

I would definitely do the Canada portion. I have done the Sault to Thunder Bay trip probably ten times in my life but never on a bike. And I've never done TBay to Duluth. It looks quite nice also.

Leg 5 is definitely long and a bit repetitive but the views and the vastness of the part of Canada really leave an impression on you. I have always felt that every Canadian should make the drive from Southern Ontario along Lake Superior, across the prairies, through the Rockies and down to the ocean at least once in their life. I actually prefer that drive East to West, especially if you catch the sunsets on the Lake. But beware the moose. I have usually laid over in Wawa, coming from Toronto. Somewhere near the Trading Post, there is a life size moose near the side of the road. Every time it scares the crap out of me. Lots of places to pull off and tip your toes in Superior too.

Enjoy! I am envious.

 

[KiowaEagle_imp]

That has got to be some beautiful scenery around there. Hope you have a blast.

 

[the Ferret]

Looks like an awesome trip offroad. Don't be afraid to alter your plans along the way if you need to shorten the miles or riding time. IT's not a marathon, it's a motorcycle trip. Please have fun..and ride safe. Wishing you good weather along your travels.

 

[CA200_imp]

Wow looks like a great trip. Spent some time in Bayfield - Superior in Aug . a couple
of years ago. Be prepared for cool weather at times. The wind can blow out of the northwest a lot and lake water never gets above 54 degrees. Hwy 13 is in good shape but not much up there until you get to Superior.

 

[Allen K_imp]

Off Road, I know the night before you leave isn't the best time to suggest a change of plans.
but I'll throw it out there anyway. On day 3, instead of turning west at what looks like Escanaba or maybe Gladstone, suggest you continue east and north on US 2 to MI 77. North on 77 to Grand Marais, MI. Then west out of GM on H58 to Munising. 58 will rival the tunnel of trees on your memorability meter. Then head for Marquette and Ontonagon. About 15 miles west of Ontonagon on 64 is the South Boundary Road of Porcupine Mountain State Park. It's another great road that will take you south and back toward your original day 3 route.

 

[Offroad]

Off Road, I know the night before you leave isn't the best time to suggest a change of plans.
but I'll throw it out there anyway. On day 3, instead of turning west at what looks like Escanaba or maybe Gladstone, suggest you continue east and north on US 2 to MI 77. North on 77 to Grand Marais, MI. Then west out of GM on H58 to Munising. 58 will rival the tunnel of trees on your memorability meter. Then head for Marquette and Ontonagon. About 15 miles west of Ontonagon on 64 is the South Boundary Road of Porcupine Mountain State Park. It's another great road that will take you south and back toward your original day 3 route.

Thanks Allen! This is the exact kind of information I'm looking for.

I really had to zoom in to see MI 77 and H58 but they look like great roads.

I will re-evaluate my route and progress every night and remain flexible like ferret suggested.

Also thanks QimmiQ....I hadn't considered Wawa as a stopping point, but I will now!

Also thanks CA200...I'll keep Hwy 13 on my route!

 

[KiowaEagle_imp]

Off Road, I know the night before you leave isn't the best time to suggest a change of plans.
but I'll throw it out there anyway. On day 3, instead of turning west at what looks like Escanaba or maybe Gladstone, suggest you continue east and north on US 2 to MI 77. North on 77 to Grand Marais, MI. Then west out of GM on H58 to Munising. 58 will rival the tunnel of trees on your memorability meter. Then head for Marquette and Ontonagon. About 15 miles west of Ontonagon on 64 is the South Boundary Road of Porcupine Mountain State Park. It's another great road that will take you south and back toward your original day 3 route.

Thanks Allen! This is the exact kind of information I'm looking for.

I really had to zoom in to see MI 77 and H58 but they look like great roads.

I will re-evaluate my route and progress every night and remain flexible like ferret suggested.

Also thanks QimmiQ....I hadn't considered Wawa as a stopping point, but I will now!

Also thanks CA200...I'll keep Hwy 13 on my route!

In my area Wawa's are always a stopping point...lol

Home

 

[Cormanus]

I guess you’d have to try a Wawa.

 

[Stichill]

Wawa

Just so you don't insult the natives, I've heard it's called...

TUNDER Bay

 

[Cormanus]

It was that illuminating site that prompted my post, Stichill. Food by app is a whole lot less appealing than food by motorcycle.

 

[emptysea]

Sunday morning's weather is looking a bit sketchy, so I'm thinking of canning my original plan to take you downtown via Lake Shore Drive before turning around and heading north. Instead, I'll take you up Sheridan Rd. through the Northshore and we can have breakfast at Full Moon Restaurant where more than a few motorcycle enthusiasts meet on Sunday mornings. After that we'll hug the lake until Milwaukee, skip through Brewtown with some haste (it's a great town to visit, but I think a scenic route will not be worth the price you pay in time), and then get back to the lake. I'll probably turn to head back home somewhere around Sheboygan or Manitowoc, leaving you to explore the rest of your Day 2 on your own.

Alternatively, we could skip Full Moon and have breakfast at Frank's Diner in Kenosha. Franks Diner | Kenosha, WI I'll text you later to iron out the details.

Hopefully, my boots will be dry by tomorrow. LOL

 

[Offroad]

I made it to Chicago I'm getting used to this riding in the rain stuff... It's really not so bad just the pain of getting in gear and if the sun comes out that gear gets hot really quick.

Funny I rode for an hour through Chicago on 4 to 8 Lane roads most of the time bumper to bumper and I never saw another single motorcycles except for 1 and guess what it was ....a Kawasaki 900.... look liked a new Retro and they were riding 2 up on it.

Can't wait to ride towards Green Bay with Empty Sea in the morning!

 

[the Ferret]

You two have fun.

I have a 10 hour truck drive home ahead of me tomorrow. Uggg.

 

[Cormanus]

Didn’t take the FJR then?

 

[the Ferret]

No Cormanus, had to bring a bunch of bow stuff and pottery, and a cooler and camp stools lol. Headed home in about 30 mins.