Northern Michigan XSives

[birch]

I would love to get a group to go for a ride every month or so during the summer. It would not have to be strictly XS/FJ, but it sure would be cool to have a few of the old girls in a pack. I live in the Cadillac area, but would be willing to meet someplace within an hour of here to begin and end a ride in one day. Usually, I have alot of stuff going on during the summer, so weekend trips are pretty much out of the question.

I think the Grand Rapids area to the Petoskey area would be awesome. We could find a mutual meeting somewhere in the middle and cruise around a bit. If anyone has any ideas on how we could organize something like a Saturday ride, I am all ears.

Casey B.

[Erik the Red]

I was in the midst of a reply to your Baldwin thread, but here would probably be more appropriate. I'm in Gaylord and I know there's a bunch of good riding around Traverse City. We should hit up M-119 sometime here. Now that's some great riding. Are you saying that weekend trips like gone-all-weekend are out, or that any riding at all on Sat or Sun is out? I'd love any excuse to get out & about more, so let me know when you're down for it, and we can figure something out. Anyone else interested?

[birch]

A Traverse City ride would be awesome. That is exactly what I was thinking. I've ridden around that area a few times and it is beautiful.

A Saturday or Sunday jaunt is perfect for me. I just cant afford to take a whole weekend (overnight) trip any time in the near future.

Memorial weekend is all spoken for, but the weekend after that I have nothing planned. Also, I think we are situated almost exactly the same distance from Traverse city. I am about an hour and fifteen minutes away (Cadillac/Tustin area), and on the map, it looks like you are about the same. This would be perfect for a 10 or 11 o'clock meeting somewhere. Does 119 run through Kalkaska?

Does the weekend after memorial day work for you?

Also, my brother just got a 97 yamaha crotch rocket. He loves to ride just as much as I do. It would be awesome to have a pack of strictly XSives, but I know others who might make a valuable addition to a ride, even though they havent been blessed with the greatest bike in the world.

Casey B

[Erik the Red]

The Leelanau Peninsula is a good ride. M-22 hugs the water, you go by Sleeping Bear Dunes, and timed properly, you could be treated to a spectacular sunset across Lake Michigan (but the ride home could get chilly).
M-119 goes from just north of Petoskey up to Cross Village, where there's a really good Polish restaurant (the Legs Inn). Probably the best twisties in the area, possibly in lower MI.
I think everyone who has the chance ought to do these rides; by all means, bring your bro.
I could probably do Sunday 6/1. I have a thing on Saturday, but I'm pretty sure it's only a one day deal. I'll double check on that. Wanna tentatively plan on one of those rides? TC or 119 -doesn't matter much to me where; I just like to get out & about... you know how it is.

[birch]

The T.C area would be perfect for me. I would love to do the Cross Village ride, but I think it might be a little bit out of my range for a day trip.

The first weekend of June also works for me. Is 6-1 a Saturday or a Sunday? Either day works fine for me. I just need to know for planning purposes.

Other than that, count me in. If you know any other people that might be up for a ride, that would be great. I talked to my brother about it and he is all in. I also have an uncle that might be up for it. I will ask around.

If it works for you, we can write it in stone assuming the weather is nice. I have ridden in the rain before, but it is not all that fun.

Casey B.

[Erik the Red]

Okay, let's do TC, then. 6/1 is Sunday. How about meet around TC at 11:00 (Tom's Food Market @ the corner of 72 and 22?). We can head up M-22, and then just tool around the different roads in the Leelanau till whenever. I'll see about getting a county map before then. I'm not a fan of riding in the rain. Bike's naked, and it gets cold real quick. So, weather permitting, let's plan on riding.

Anyone else around the area interested?

[birch]

11:00 at Tom's sound great. I will be there for sure. I will post on Saturday night after I check the weather just to be sure. Either that or a P.M. would work.

I talked to my brother today, and he is worried about a long ride on his crotch rocket. If my memory serves me correctly, there are many overlooks and scenic areas that we could stop every half hour or so. I told him that I would check with you first before I told him we would give him some ass out of seat time. If you don't mind stopping every once in a while, he is pumped up about it as well.

Casey B.

[Erik the Red]

Yeah, that's fine. I don't mind stopping every now and again. I've only been out to Empire, but I'd assume there will be roadside parks and/or overlooks scattered throughout the area. I don't have internet @ home, so I'll PM you my phone number and we can verify last minute that way. I'm looking forward to it- I've only been out once this year so far. Gotta get more saddle time!