Author Topic: north lakes.  (Read 9484 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline cyclist

north lakes.
« on: May 15, 2005, 09:58:33 pm »
 :)I,am planning on taking the north lakes ride. Has anybody ever done this ride before, and what was it like. What are some points of interest.


Offline Peaks

north lakes.
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2005, 10:41:12 pm »
Have people done the Great Lakes before?  sure thing.

Highlights?  Mackinaw Island, Tunnel of Trees.  

Also, we had a great stay in Foster City.  Some great people there.


Offline cyclist

north lakes.
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2005, 08:54:32 pm »
Ok i will keep that information in mind when i partake in the ride. Thanks for the reply. Have a wonderful day.


Offline scrooge

north lakes.
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2005, 03:11:52 am »
My wife and I did this route (more or less--we felt free to stray from the route in Wisconsin), went from Grand Rapids, MI north, took the ferry across the lake at Ludington, and went around the top and back down--a great time!

As was mentioned, the tunnel of trees is wonderful.  In general, the 40-50 miles around Macinaw were the most scenic.  The UP is also nice--Highway 2 has a nice wide shoulder but lots of traffic.  Our regret is that we didn't leave ourselves a little more time to venture off Highway 2--I guess there's some nice things up there that we missed (can't remember the names right now).  Also make sure you've got the tools you need--no shops between Macinaw and Escanaba (and the one on Macinaw Island really doesn't have what's needed to fix road bikes).  Also remember bug spray and even one of those little misquito nets that you can put over your head for the UP!  We stayed at a place called "Flowing Wells" National Forest campground and thought we were going be eaten alive!  I've never experienced anything like it.  

As for camping, we really enjoyed Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin ($7 for a night of beautiful camping!).  Another good thing to know is that all state parks in Michigan have a policy that they will accept cyclists at any time (which is good, they're usually full).  

Overall, it was a great first tour.  Mostly flat, with some longer, gentler hills in the Central LP and in Wisconsin as well.  If you have time for it (and depending on your route), I'm told you may also want to spend a few days in Door County in Wisconsin (supposed to be wonderful biking!).  


Offline RussellSeaton

north lakes.
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2005, 04:39:36 pm »
What time of year did you all do the North Lakes tour?  I'm thinking about roughly following the route in October for a week or so.  I'm hoping the mosquitos will be killed off by frost by then but daytime temps will be fine for biking.  I can bring along a warm enough sleeping bag for the cold nights and start mid morning to allow the sun to heat things up a bit.


Offline scrooge

north lakes.
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2005, 08:56:46 pm »
We went at the end of July--probably peek bug season