Lake Superior Circle Tour Do's & Don'ts?
#1
03-01-2012, 01:05 PM
Lake Superior Circle Tour Do's & Don'ts?
Going August 22nd. We know the MN and MI part but mainly looking for info on the north shore of Lake Superior. I have sent away for tourist and travel info, and did extensive reading on line, but a good first hand experience from another rider is always best. I put this in the Road Trips section then realized that is where ya put stuff after the trip to tell people about your trip. We have helmets and passports and there will be 4 to 6 bikes all solo. Any info is much appreciated.
Kris
Kris
#2
03-01-2012, 01:17 PM
Road Master
the Mrs. and I did this a few years back although on 4 wheels, we camped at Lake Superior Provicial Park near Wawa and at Sleeping Giant PP near Thunder Bay
both are excellent parks/campgrounds and very scenic, heck, all of the trip on the north shore was scenic
we were surprised that it stayed light so late at night, we didn't think of it as that far north but IIRC I was reading outside until after 10:30 at night without any lights
if you go to Sleeping Giant, please look for the wife's prescription sunglasses that she lost on a hike LOL, it still messes her up that she lost those
both are excellent parks/campgrounds and very scenic, heck, all of the trip on the north shore was scenic
we were surprised that it stayed light so late at night, we didn't think of it as that far north but IIRC I was reading outside until after 10:30 at night without any lights
if you go to Sleeping Giant, please look for the wife's prescription sunglasses that she lost on a hike LOL, it still messes her up that she lost those
#3
03-01-2012, 01:25 PM
Border- make sure the record is clear, even a DUI ( or parking tickets) can stop a crossing.
The US started it, Canada is reciprocating, and newly computerized records track offenses back to the dawn of time- even if you have prior crossing, be prepared.
Have a clear idea of where you are going, short, concise answers get you through faster
No Guns, weapon type knives or pot
Loud pipes can get you stopped, no club vests, no red and white support gear, a 'real' DOT helmet, just be mellow
Cross as individuals NOT as a group.
Just plan to meet up the road at a gas station.
that way if someone gets stopped, the rest won't have their stuff dug through- and the whole thing will be speedier.
rabies cert if you take your dog
verizon and sprint phones will likely not work, tmo and att, get the intl plan for better rates. turn off data roaming on smart phones, or the phone bill will cost more than your trip.
free internet at most mcdonalds and starbucks, some tim hortons ( coffee shop)- I use my ipod touch and skype to make my calls home- I also use a googe voice number so that my voice mails to my cell phone and transcribed and emailed to me ( free)
the Northern route is awesome- build in TIME for storm delays- storms come off Superior from the SW fast and hard.
so check the weather and have an extra day planned in case you have to wait it out- it's the high winds that take the fun away.
Ride West to East, so you are on the lakeside of the road
moose- usually evening and early morning- September is the rutt and they go mad- so be careful- I saw one take a run at a locomotive in 1974.
It'd be smart to wrap up the riding by 6 pm
Mike
The US started it, Canada is reciprocating, and newly computerized records track offenses back to the dawn of time- even if you have prior crossing, be prepared.
Have a clear idea of where you are going, short, concise answers get you through faster
No Guns, weapon type knives or pot
Loud pipes can get you stopped, no club vests, no red and white support gear, a 'real' DOT helmet, just be mellow
Cross as individuals NOT as a group.
Just plan to meet up the road at a gas station.
that way if someone gets stopped, the rest won't have their stuff dug through- and the whole thing will be speedier.
rabies cert if you take your dog
verizon and sprint phones will likely not work, tmo and att, get the intl plan for better rates. turn off data roaming on smart phones, or the phone bill will cost more than your trip.
free internet at most mcdonalds and starbucks, some tim hortons ( coffee shop)- I use my ipod touch and skype to make my calls home- I also use a googe voice number so that my voice mails to my cell phone and transcribed and emailed to me ( free)
the Northern route is awesome- build in TIME for storm delays- storms come off Superior from the SW fast and hard.
so check the weather and have an extra day planned in case you have to wait it out- it's the high winds that take the fun away.
Ride West to East, so you are on the lakeside of the road
moose- usually evening and early morning- September is the rutt and they go mad- so be careful- I saw one take a run at a locomotive in 1974.
It'd be smart to wrap up the riding by 6 pm
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; 03-01-2012 at 01:42 PM.
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03-01-2012, 01:58 PM
#6
03-01-2012, 02:02 PM
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#8
03-01-2012, 02:08 PM
Speedo?
Do our baggers have both KPH and MPH? Mine is an 08 with white or silver faced gauges.
km conversions approx
50 kms= 31 mph
60 kms 37 mph
70 kms 43 mph
80 kms= 49 mph
90 km= 55 mpg
100 kms = 62 mph
110 = 69 mph
120 = 75 mph
border pt 2:
if turned away DO NOT attempt at another crossing
if this is thought to be a potential, make a plan B for the UP or the Dakotas
Mike
50 kms= 31 mph
60 kms 37 mph
70 kms 43 mph
80 kms= 49 mph
90 km= 55 mpg
100 kms = 62 mph
110 = 69 mph
120 = 75 mph
border pt 2:
if turned away DO NOT attempt at another crossing
if this is thought to be a potential, make a plan B for the UP or the Dakotas
Mike
#9
03-01-2012, 02:13 PM
That stretch of road (Hwy 17) is part of the Trans Canada Hwy and sees a fair bit of heavy truck traffic. Since it is also quite hilly, these trucks tend to fly down the hills in order to keep their speed when climbing again. It can be a bit unnerving to see them climbing up your backside so it's probably a good idea to give them some leeway.
#10
03-01-2012, 03:47 PM
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Just a heads up on fuel stops on the north shore not a lot of them and they close early.There are some remote stretches with all bush.The wawa area is known for it's moose population,avoid at night.The leaves will be turning ,making for awesome photo ops.You'll be suprised at the difference between the south and north shore,the north shore being much more rugged.Check out quimet canyon in the dorion area 50 min east of Thunder Bay has a cool suspension bridge over the canyon,short ride in.In ontario,on the highway we get away with 10 kmph over the speed limit with out any reprecussions from leo's ENLOY!