August 08 Ride

Fun West Michigan Ride

I got my plans for tonite: http://twurl.nl/7yvnzm 88.4 miles! (edit: gmap screwed up)

Matt: Trip by the numbers

Did a mileage breakdown, here’s what I got:

• 20.727 gallons used
• 798.7 miles driven
• $93.73 dollars spent on gas
• 38.53 mpg

I was hoping for better mileage, but considering my extra personal padding and the combined weight of what I was carrying, I suppose it’s not all bad. I did see about a 4mpg gain going from 87 to 93 octane, but part of that needs to weigh the speed we were going (faster on the 87).

I know I’d get an extra couple mpg with a fairing, but it’s just so much cooler without :)

Matt: Alive and in Michigan

Rolled into Hudsonville right around 4:30pm EST yesterday (Friday 8/8) afternoon. Really enjoyed the second leg of the trip on the second day. A lot of familiar sites were along that route between Mackinaw City and Bear Lake. Traffic wasn’t the most fun, and slowed down Andy’s day, but since he made it home safe, who cares? :D

Looking forward to hooking up with an old friend to find some good riding. Looked at a detailed map for Kent County (Grand Rapids area) and pretty disappointed to find all straight-lined grids. Ottawa County (along Lake Michigan) might have a little better luck, but I’m hoping Adam can show me some fun areas.

Highlight reel:

• First day, first leg. Andy has some great moto-term for this, but mostly 80mph freeway style riding. Not too much excitement, but saw parts of Wisconsin I’ve never seen before. Not sure there was much of a draw to go back again, either.
• First day, second leg. Real backwoods riding. Lots of 25-35-45 marked corners, all two-laned roads, and the tree canopy covered the road most of the time. Can’t remember if Andy’s extra wide turn was in this stretch or just before, but good thing we didn’t have any oncoming traffic. I think this is the part of the trip where we saw a couple deer hanging off the road, too. Middle of the day, a little out of character.
• First day, third leg. Welcome to Michigan: the land of “paved roads” posing as totally loose gravel. That first few miles before we hit any main roads was insane. It’s like they threw some asphalt some hundred years ago over washboard dirt roads, sprinkled it with gravel, and called it a day. Saying it was “unmaintained” would be an understatement.
• First day, rest. That Swedish restuarant was a trip. It was the quietest place I’ve ever been in (including libraries), and everyone (including the small kids) kept it quiet. The only interruption was the coo coo clocks that seemed to be on a rotating 10 minute schedule. Interesting, to say the least.
• Second day, first leg. 52 degrees is cold at 70 mph. Colder than I was expecting. Colder than I could handle. Liners helped, but didn’t help with our pace. Leaving Escanaba was scenic. Coming into Mackinaw was scenic. Everything between? Straight, two-lane highway, and “the fuzz” (cops) slowing things down in a couple spots. That wolf was a nice way to break up the trip inbetween, assuming it really was a wolf. Either way, brough some excitement into this part of the leg.
• Second day, second leg. Definitely my favorite, just for the nostalgia. If we weren’t trying to keep a brisk pace, I think we both would have appreciated stopping in a few places. Cool little tourist towns scattered along the Lake Michigan coast, each with their own unique character.
• Second day, third leg. Mostly highway driving, mostly open. Nothing too exciting, but it was fun to anticipate getting into Hudsonville. Oh, this was the only part of the trip where I was in the lead spot. Sort of intimidating, considering the variance in riding experience. Andy has 30,000+ miles, I’ve got maybe 1,000.
  

Any rate, great trip, great weather, great company, and we both made it to our destinations safely. Can’t ask for much more.

Day 1 Overview:

Day 2 Overview (Matt stopped at D):

My dad already has me fixing his computer and home network, so that means I’m officially home. I’ll post any fun rides I get on, otherwise, cya later!

Andy: up and groggy

I am up at the Dodge dealership for an oil change I had foolishly scheduled for 8:30. I feel ok, a little headache and other soreness, and my right thumb is sorta numb. Erika said I won’t be doing that again, too dangerous. She got a little nervous as the night went on.

Andy: At home and heading to bed

I don’t feel too bad actually, tired, of course, and a little sore, but not as bad as I would have thought. Location: Home

Andy: Final gas stop

179 miles to go officially then a few more home. I was pretty beat at Wisc. Dells, but then I went onto my reserve gas tank and also got a 2nd wind that lasted most of the way here. I’m going to lay down for 15 minutes and see if that clears my head. Location: Mauston, WI

Andy in the dark

I made it to rockford, stopping for a subway, a bathroom and to change to my clear visor. Just started to notice some fatigue setting in so this break was nice. I’ve been able to stay pretty comfortable on the bike, with regular stretching and shifting around. Location: Rockford, IL

Andy: getting thru it

I’m in La Salle, 2nd gas stop since leaving Matt in MI. It’s been pretty easy riding, although traffic and construction have slowed me down. I got stuck behind a Shelby GT 500 for about 50 miles, and by stuck I mean I stared at it sexy rear end and let it watch for cops with it’s radar detector… Nice! Location: La Salle, IL