Riding on the Edge

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park


This National Park is a not to be missed stop on your way to West Bend. Enjoy 35 miles of Lake Michigan's coastline, explore North and South Manitou Islands, and climb the dunes! Learn about the history of shipping, logging, and agriculture of the area by visiting former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations, and Port Oneida Historic District. There are 25 campgrounds in this National Park. If you are coming with an RV check out these Campsites which range from rustic to full service with RV hook-ups. There are volley ball and basketball courts.

Leave Empire on M-21 and continue on M-22 and you are 38 miles from Northport. You might want to stop at Leland and catch a ferry to visit either one of the Manitou Islands.

If you turn around and go back to Ludington only 160 miles are between Sleeping Bear and West Bend, WI. Press On. You are 277 miles from the pasties in Escanaba.

Welcome to Northport



At the northern tip of Leelanau County, Northport was the gateway to Grand Traverse Bay and one of the earlies settlements in the county. Today, the village of Northport boasts a harbor and park, 6 antique shops and several art galleries.

The hills around Northport are filled with cherry and apple orchards. Keep and eye open for cherry and apple orchards that sell locally baked pies.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper? This is your chance. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum is accepting applications to become a volunteer lighthouse keeper. Keepers live in the northern apartment of the lighthouse for a period of one or two weeks

Make a reservation to stop someplace in this area of Northern Michigan. You are now 490 miles from West Bend. You are 276 miles from pasties in Escanaba.

Leave Northport on M-201 on and continue on US-31 (M-22) and you are 29 miles from Traverse City.


Click here for the entire article. Thanks BMW MOV

Traverse City - # 6 on the Map



Travel America Magazine named the Traverse City area one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Traverse City is the self proclaimed Cherry Capital of the World, holding an annual week-long Cherry Festival the first full week in July. With luck you might arrive in time for some fresh cherry pie.

If you wish a closer look at Traverse City click here.

Leave Traverse City and take the road less traveled, M-37 north to the old lighthouse on the tip of the Peninsula. The distance is 20 miles.

You are now 248 miles or about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Pasties in Escanaba.

By the most direct land route you are now one day's ride or about 461 miles to the Rally in West Bent

Old Mission Peninsula





Follow the road less traveled and take a 40 mile detour to explore one of Michigan’s least traveled roads, Route 37. The slim peninsula is home to world class wine production. Numerous farm markets and stands appear throughout summer. Several locations offer pick your own cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Don’t forget to visit the wineries for a local vintage to share in West Bend. At the northern tip of the Peninsula find Lighthouse Park. A short walk takes you to the classic old lighthouse and beach.

Summer is a bustling time with cherry harvest in full swing. Numerous farm markets and stands appear throughout the season all over the Peninsula. Several locations offer pick your own cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Summer’s endless activities include hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking, sailing, boating, fishing and antiquing. Patios are open for cocktails and dining. And don’t forget to visit the wineries for wine sampling and beautiful scenery.

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From the lighthouse return South on Route 37 to Traverse City and follow route US-31 north to our next stop, Charlevoix. The distance 67 miles.

Charlevoix - # 7 on the Map



Charlevoix is surrounded by four bodies of water, Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake, and Pine River Channel, make all four seasons a wonderful experience. Be sure to get a picture of the Charlevoix South Pier Light.

The unrivaled beauty and charm of this classic resort town makes it the crown jewel of northern Michigan vacation destinations. Its setting in the midst of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake provides a magical appeal that has attracted guests for more than 100 years.
Blue water, white sand, gleaming yachts in one of the world’s most beautiful harbors — that’s just the beginning of what makes Charlevoix so captivating. Elegant Victorian homes, white picket fences and vibrant petunias accent the gracious atmosphere.

Wonderful parks provide the perfect place to sit back and simply while away the time.
The main street in Charlevoix is only four blocks long, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to stroll from one end to the other. The number and quality of art galleries, clothing boutiques and gourmet restaurants is certain to bring several stops along the way.

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From Charlevoix follow route US-31 N to Petoskey. The distance 17 miles.

You are now 199 miles or about 3 1/2 hours from Pasties in Escanaba.

Click here for the entire article. Thanks BMW MOV

Petoskey - # 8 on the Map

Petoskey is located on the shores of Lake Michigan's beautiful Little Traverse Bay in northwest lower Michigan. Long a resort area, Petoskey is known for its fresh air, spectacular beauty and, of course, Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey Stone.
History buffs will love the varied historic architecture of Petoskey and its neighbor, the Bay View Association - an area so unique that the entire community has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

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Petoskey/Charlevoix Ranked as #2 Small Town Getaway by Midwest Living Magazine
The Petoskey/Charlevoix area is proud to be ranked #2 in the list of the 100 Best Small Town Getaways published in the June 2007 issue of Midwest Living Magazine. Come see why the editors of this prestigious magazine recognize our area as a "perfect place to escape for a little shopping, sightseeing and relaxing." In their ranking, the editors noted the area's beaches, harbors, shops, and galleries and specifically mentioned Petoskey's Gaslight Shopping District. Golf at the Bay Harbor Golf Club was heralded as the "Midwest's Pebble Beach."

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Come back tomorrow! Forest Beach & Middle Village are on the menu. Our own said these roads are not to be missed. Come back tomorrow for some spectacular riding.

How far are we from the pasties and the rally?

From the pasties? 182 Miles!

From the WI rally? 396 Miles!

http://www.sainturho.com/

The above link contains information on one of the more colourful characters in the region........Rod.

But has he had any success in driving the Hodags out of Wisconsin?



Not our own special hodag but the evil hodags in general.

WOW! Never thought this part of the country could be this fascinating!

You folks are trying to pull the same wool over our eyes as the folks in the Pacific Northwest. Dream up all kind of stories about

Winter Weather
Black Flies
Hodags
Scary wind driven bridges
Freezing weather until July 4
Winter that starts July 5



But now the rest of the USA has found by reading Riding on the Edge that Michigan and Wisconsin are idyllic destinations and so this summer tens of thousands of us will descend on West Bend, WI.

The secret is out! Get those pasties ready.

Curviest, Most Twisty Road in Michigan

Forest Beach & Middle Village - #s 9 & 10 on the map

Surely worth the ride Forest Beach and Middle Village were added to the route to force the program to take a route recommended by
of the MOA forum. Go this route to enjoy Lake Michigan Scenery and reach Cross Village.

From Petoskey follow route US-31 N and turn onto M-119 to Cross Village.. FritzC MOA #27954 writes about this route,

ÔÇ£M-119 is the curviest, most twisty road in Michigan and NO shoulder except three foot diameter White Pine Trees that refuse to move over!ÔÇØ

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The distance to Cross Village, our next stop is 30 miles.

Leggs Inn and Soul Food

WARNING! - Advance At Your Own Risk - Viewing Could Be Dangerous To Your Health and/or Waistline!


Viewing today's Riding on the Edge may cause hunger pangs or worse if there is any German or Eastern European DNA in your genetic helix. Advance at your own risk. Please don't complain to me in West Bend if you go here and your travel schedule is set asunder.


Cross Village - # 11 on the Map

Soul Food


From MOA Forum member,
,

“If near Mackinac Bridge, you must go to Legs Inn!!!

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Just north of Petoskey, take M-119 to Cross Village where Legs Inn is located.

Leggs Inn



Legs Inn is located on a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Legs Inn is a collection of nature and hand carved furniture and massive fieldstone fireplaces. If the timing is right stop in and enjoy Polish soul food; kapusta, pierogies, potato pancakes, kielbasa, golumkis. and much, much more!
Golumki


The Menu <- Check it out

Selections from the menu:

• Appetizers
Smoked Whitefish –
• Legs Inn Smoked Whitefish Spread -
• Bigos (Hunter's Stew) -
• Babcia's Potato Pancakes -
• Old World Sampler -
• Kabanosy -
• Polska Kielbasa & Sauerkraut - Authentic lean smoked Polish Sausage grilled and served on a bed of our homemade sauerkraut and served with our home baked Rye bread. 5.95
• Artichoke & Spinach Dip
• Pierogi
• Buffalo Chicken Wings -
• Chicken Tenders -
• Breaded Mozzarella Sticks

• Polish Dinner Selections
Includes: Garden Rice Blend, Fresh Saut?®ed Vegetables or Choice of Potatoes. Homemade Soup or Salad. Home Baked Bread & Butter.

• Taste of Poland - This assortment includes generous servings of Golabki (Cabbage Roll), Kielbasa (Polish Smoked Sausage) with old fashioned Polish style sauerkraut and choice of Pierogi (Polish Style Dumplings). 16.95
• Polska Kielbasa - Expertly smoked, authentic and lean Polish sausage, served with Polish style sauerkraut and freshly ground horseradish. 13.95
• Golabki - Rolls of tender steamed cabbage leaves filled with meat, rice and seasonings and smothered in our homemade tomato sauce. 14.45
• Pierogi - Polish style dumplings steamed on the grill and filled with your choice of lightly seasoned ground sirloin, potato with Farmer's Cheese or sauerkraut with mushrooms. 14.45
• Polish Combination - Combination of any two (2) of the following Old World specialties: Polska Kielbasa, Golabki or Pierogi. 15.95
• Old World Kotlet - Combination of ground beef and pork, breaded with eggs and seasonings and delicately pan fried. Served in a creamy dill sauce with fresh vegetables. 15.95
• Stuffed Pork Loin - Tender roasted pork loin with a delicious plum stuffing, served with our own homemade plum sauce and a garden blend of wild rice. 16.95
• Bigos - Slow-cooked hearty Polish Hunter's Stew made with sauerkraut, cabbage, Polish Smoked Sausage and mushrooms, served with kopytka dumplings. 13.95
• Vegetable Nalesniki - Polish style crepe filled with a blend of fresh seasoned vegetables and delicately grilled to perfection. 12.95
• Vegetarian Golabki - Rolls of tender steamed cabbage leaves filled with a combination of rice, steamed vegetables and seasonings and smothered in our homemade tomato sauce. 13.95
• Vegetarian Combination - Choice of any two (2) of the following Old World vegetarian specialties: Pierogi, Vegetarian Golabki or Vegetable Nalesniki. 14.95
• Vegetarian Taste of Poland - Generous assortment includes servings of the following three (3) vegetarian Old World specialties: Vegetable Nalesniki, Pierogi and Vegetarian Golabki. 15.95

• International Menu Selections
Includes: Garden Rice Blend, Fresh Saut?®ed Vegetables or Choice of Potatoes. Homemade Soup or Salad. Home Baked Bread & Butter.
• Great Lakes Whitefish -
• Great Lakes Blackened Whitefish
• Whitefish Polonaise
• Goulash -
• George's Goulash
• Pork Schnitzel -
• Breaded Pork Chops
• Marinated Chicken
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Fisherman's Catch
• New York Strip
• Legs Inn Chicken -
• Old World Hunter's Feast -

• Polish Luncheon Specials
Includes: Dill Pickle and choice of side: Homemade Coleslaw, Potato Chips, French Fries, Kopytka Dumplings, Homemade Sauerkraut or Saut?®ed Vegetables.
• Great Legs Platter
• Pierogi
• Golabki
• Vegetarian Golabki
• Polish Hearty Lunch
• Blintzes-Nalesniki
• Vegetable Nalesniki
• Babcia's Potato Pancakes - Just like 'Babcia' used to make. Our freshly grated potato pancakes are made to order and served with escalloped apples or sour cream. 7.95

• International Luncheon Specials
Includes: Dill Pickle and choice of side: Homemade Coleslaw, Potato Chips, French Fries, Kopytka Dumplings, Homemade Sauerkraut or Saut?®ed Vegetables.
• The Reubenski -
• Straits Whitefish Platter
• Blackened Straits Whitefish Platter
• Legs Inn Burger
• Grilled Chicken
• Black Bean Gardenburger
• Legs Inn Steak
• Cross Village Club
• Legs Inn Turkey

If you have not exploded from the consumption of Soul Food get back in the saddle and

From Cross Village follow CR-66 to Rt US-31N to I-75 to our next destination, Mackinaw City and the Big Bridge. The distance 24 miles.


Thank You

How far are we from the pasties? 170 Miles!

From the WI rally? 388 Miles!

+1 ON THE WARNING!!!
Make sure your bike is not loaded to max weight limits as you WILL be adding a few pounds to the load after a fantastic (and large) meal.

Mackinaw City - # 12 on Map



Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse


Take a tour up the tower and into its lantern room.

Mackinaw City is one of the top-of-the-list places to see in Michigan. Experience Fort Michilimackinac, the Old Mackinac Lighthouse, and Mill Creek. If you have the time take one of three ferries to Mackinac Island. There are more than 50 hotels and resorts in Mackinaw City

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Mackinaw City is located in Cheboygan County at the very top of Michigan's lower peninsula, at the southern side of the Mackinac Bridge. Gateway to the Upper Peninsula, it is one of the top-of-the-list places to see in Michigan. Experience Fort Michilimackinac, the Old Mackinac Lighthouse, and Mill Creek. Also serves three passenger boat lines to Mackinac Island. Great shopping, our new waterpark, unique attractions, live nightly entertainment, vacation packages and over 50 hotels and resorts.

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European fur traders and settlers established a stockade village on the Straits of Mackinac, a key strategic point in the Upper Great Lakes. This settlement was called Michilimackinac, now preserved in time as Colonial Michilimackinac. Outside of the settlement, today's Mackinaw City offers visitors adventures found nowhere else. In the mix of old and new there are 3 other National Historic Sites along with Colonial Michilimackinac. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Historic Mill Creek, and Fort Mackinac. When it's time to return to the present you will find Thunder Falls Family Waterpark, nightly laser light shows, golf courses, parks, beaches, and over 100 shops and fine dining to delight you. Fill your days and set the stage for memories you will cherish, all within the backdrop of the Majestic Mackinac Bridge.

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Fill up the gas tank. From Mackinaw City follow I-75N to RT-2. Keep the water on the left. If you see a lot of water on the right that is Lake Huron. Go back to RT-2 and continue West to Manistique. The distance is 93 miles.


How far are we from the pasties? 146 Miles!

From the WI rally? 364 Miles!

Gone for a couple of days.

Have to leave leave Michigan for a couple or days but then will return to Mackinaw City, Big Mac the Bridge and into Yupper Territory. Getting closer to the pasties every day.

Michael Friedle is flying his personal aircraft to give me a lift to the Airheads at the Aerodrome.

A part time job for Skipper Nye?

Mackinac Island



This island is wonderful for what is not there. No cars, no buses, no trucks, no motorized traffic. But do be careful where you step.

Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Transportation is limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot. When you step off the Island Ferry Dock, you will be in a living Victorian village. Automobiles are not allowed Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. When you step off the Island Ferry Dock, you will be in a living Victorian village. Explore the historic Fort Mackinac, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the downtown, try the different varieties of homemade fudge or relax at the Grand Hotel, famous for the movie "Somewhere in Time." Once you've visited our beautiful Island, you will find that it is your island, too.

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Hey Captain Rob,
You might catch a gig on the way home. The 99th Annual Chicago Yacht Club-Race to Mackinac. There is always room for a another good sailor.


Race to Mackinaw Island

Tomorrow a closer look at that Bridge on the Port Side - The Mighty Mac and then we will resume our journey to West Bend. Dobber's will keep the Pasties warm.

Big Mac Website

Big Mac Web Cam

MOA Members comments on the bridge

This summer, as the Mackinac Race celebrates its 99th running, the bridge that has become a symbol of triumph to sailors racing in the Mac, will celebrate its 50th birthday. According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority the bridge opened to traffic in 1957 and has provided a passageway between MichiganÔÇÖsÔÇÖ upper and lower peninsulas.

Building Big Mac was no easy feat. Tthe idea of a bridge connecting the two peninsulas was suggested in 1888 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II who wanted to increase traffic to The Grand Hotel, located on Mackinac Island. In the years following several ideas were presented including a floating. In 1954, construction for the 1,024,500 ton bridge started and Big Mac opened three years later.
So how do you celebrate a bridgesÔÇÖ 50th birthday? Start with a parade and firework show and much more! The Mackinac Bridge anniversary celebration will take place on July 28th and is full of fun activities for adults and kids alike.
The Iron Workers Skill Demonstration show will give people a feel for what it took to build Big Mac. History buffs will appreciate the Oral History Presentations and Q&A sessions with the ironworkers who built the bridge and members of the Bridge Authority. Oh and donÔÇÖt forget-no anniversary celebration is complete without cake, and lots of it!
So this year when crossing the ÔÇ£Mighty MacÔÇØ on the way to the Rally, wish it a Happy Birthday!

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Passenger Vehicle - $1.25 per axle or $2.50 per car, van, motorcycle, station wagon, SUV, pick-up truck.

OK we are now over the Bridge and into the Upper Peninsula, Yupper Territory.

How far are we from the pasties? 140 Miles!

From the WI rally? 358 Miles!

Only

days left until I head west. Better get this series done.

Manistique

Manistique - # 13 on the Map

Once a thriving lumber town, Manistique is now a central destination for enjoying attractions and recreational activities year round. History buffs can tour Seul Choix Point Lighthouse and Historic Fayette town site. Visit "Big Springs." Two hundred feet across, the forty foot deep Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's largest spring. Over 10,000 gallons of water gush every minute from fissures in the underlying limestone.

Seul Choix Point Light
Seul Choix Point Lighthouse (pronounced SIS-SHWA) in nearby Gulliver, Michigan was built to light the way for the increasing number of vessels carrying the iron ore that was being shipped out of Escanaba,MI. Seul Choix Point Lighthouse is now a community park for everyone to enjoy. Built: 1895 this light, whose name is French for "only choice", was once the center of a thriving fishing community in the only harbor of refuge along this stretch of Lake Michigan. Today, the lighthouse complex is the only thing that remains active.

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From Manistique follow US-2 West and then south to Escanaba. The distance is 53 miles. A real treat awaits in Escanaba.

From the pasties? 53 Miles!

From the WI rally? 271 Miles!

more days until I leave Ballston Spa for the rally!

Escanaba - # 14 on the Map

At last you have arrived. The pasties are waiting!



Escanaba offers marinas, waterfront parks, a shopping mall, a fine arts center, many small town shops, a downhill ski park and tubing run. Escanaba is the home of Dobber’s Pasties located at 827 North Lincoln Road. I once had a flat (Apartment) on Baker Street in London. My local train station was London Marylebone. The West Cornwall Pasty Company had a shop in the station that hooked me on pasties. Pasties are a hearty and hot, hand-held "no dish" meal originally created for Welsh miners who have no time to come above ground for lunch. In time past some miners set their pasties on a mining shovel and held them over head-lamp candles until warmed.

I know where I will stop for lunch on my rally to the Rally. I was so impressed by the Dobber’s website I ordered pasties by phone, 1-800-786-4443. I can’t get back to London’s Marylebone Station soon but I can enjoy the Pasties on my way to West Bend.

After munching on pasties head to Menominee on US-35 to Menominee. The distance is 53 miles but you should arrive before you left since Menominee is in another time zone. Set your watch back on hour if heading west.

Are you ready:
Hodag?
Mika?

Distance to that Holy of Holies, is one of the most hallowed sites in all of sports, Lambeau Field is 110 Miles.


1265 Lombardi Ave
Green Bay WI 54304
(920) 496-5700

Distance to the Rally is 217 miles.

Will have bike checked out, fully gassed and ready to roll westward in just one week. Time to finish this thread but there is all of Wisconsin left to go and a part owner of the Green Bay Packers, has a special tip to pass on tomorrow morning.

Menominee

Menominee is located at the gateway between the Upper Peninsula and Northeastern Wisconsin. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, whatever time of the year. Menominee offer hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Stop and photograph the Menominee North Pier Light Station.

Finding this Light

As you enter Menominee, US-41 takes a jog onto 10th Street and heads in an east/west direction as it passes through town. Continue east on 10th Street towards the lake to 1st street. Turn south onto 1st Street, and turn east onto Harbor Drive. Follow Harbor Drive along the lakeshore until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. From the parking lot, it is a short walk along a wooden walkway and across large, flat breakwater rocks to the pier. Once on the pier, it is a smooth and easy walk out to the Light.

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Bid Adieu To Michigan, twist the throttle and on toward that Grand Old Badger State, Wisconsin and the Rally.

Turn on speakers and Click Here

Our next stop is Green Bay. Get there by following US-41 and then I-43 south. The distance is 56 miles.

Distance to the Rally via

Green Bay
Manitowoc
Sheboygan &
Port Washington

is 173 miles.

About now it is time to zero in on all the great links posted my Mika in Morning Reads.

Here is a couple to start with:

Best Scenic Drives in Wisconsin

Washington County Fair Park

Thanks Mika