Day 3- Friday:  Terrace Bay, ON to Duluth MN- 325 Miles

    This morning was some great driving.  We kept some of our rain gear on as it looked like it could have rained anytime, but it cleared as we rode.  We had breakfast in Nipigon at a truck stop; other places were closed since it was Canada Day.  Leaving Nipigon we found our third mechanical problem- the chain on Mike's FZR was quite loose, and it was adjusted all the way back.  We figured we'd run to Thunder Bay, and being a larger town we'd have better luck finding help there.  Barring that, we figured we'd find help in the states for sure- no holiday.  Here's a few pics of the ride that day:


  Great shot by Cal- he drove way ahead, climbed a rocky cut, and took a couple of shots as we drove by.

    Ok, so we get to Thunder Bay- everything is closed (Canada Day).  So, Mark walks into a bar next to a Harley dealership and asks if anyone knows a mechanic.  One guys stands up and says *he* is the chief mechanic at the other Harley dealership in town, and he is willing to help!  What luck!  Anyway, we head over to his shop, and he cross references some obscure old superglide chain they have in stock, they put it on the FZR, and we are in the green again!  Third problem solved!  Here's a pic of our bikes at Thunder Bay Harley:


    After the FZR fix, we headed out for the ON/MN border.  The ride was a great one- again, lots of hills and beautiful scenery.  After a not-too-long ride, we wound up at the border and crossed with no problems.  In Minnesota, there is no helmet law, so many of us thought it would be fun to try a short ride (about 5-7 miles) helmetless.  Cool, but weird.  I don't think I'm a non-helmet guy.

    In Minnesota the ride was awesome along the lakeshore.  Lots of rivers pouring down monster rapids into Lake Michigan.  Great views.  However, after our first stop (to re-helmet and for the Harley to gas up) someone found a nail in the front tire of Mark's BMW- so we rode to Grand Marais where we found a motorcycle/snowmobile/car/hardware store- turns out they also had a service bay.  While they made us swear not to ever tell anyone it was them that patched it (they were new to patching a motorcycle tire), they did it, so we continued on to Duluth.  Fourth problem- no problem.
    Here is where the Garmin GPS V ruled.  We needed supper- I clicked "find", and "points of interest", and "restaurants", and "American", and it came up with the local brewpub.  I hit "go to", and it told us, turn by turn, how to get there.  We had a sampler platter (not to worry- *small* beers, lots of food!):

    Next, with the GPS I looked up campgrounds, and with the cell phone we called to see who had sites available.  We found one, I hit "go to", and off we went.  Here is our site the next morning:

Day 4- Saturday:  Duluth MN to Milwaukee, WI - 397 Miles

      We got up and had to make Interstate highway mileage today  None of us are huge mileage fans on the Interstate, but we had to make up for a couple short days, so off we went.  Here's a few riding pics:

    Ok.  So, here we are cruising down the highway, minding our own business, moving at the average speeding, passing and being passed.  As we are making a pass, this cage driver in a van with a boat trailer decides to simply pull out without using his mirrors.  Needless to say, he forces Cal off on to the shoulder- Cal saw him coming, so he was prepared and was slowing down.  Here he is, boat and all.  If you are in a position or job where you can run a license plate number and get me a name and address, I'd love to send this guy a copy of these pictures, this website address, and a note saying "Hey, you suck.  Watch your driving!"  Anyway, here he is.  You can see the plate clearly on the first shot- you can see it on the second shot as well.

    Once again, for you cops, LEO's, or private investigators- send me an email with the name and addy of the guy with the Wisconsin plate of TYP-786.  Thanks!

    We arrived in Milwaukee.  Just a note- trying to lead a group of 10 bikes through heavy downtown traffic is not great fun, but we made it.  We stayed at the downtown Hilton- what a treat!  Anyway, after a good shower we went downtown.  We had reservations at the safe house restaurant (www.safe-house.com).  The place is way cool- secret entrance, secret exit, great food. 
    Next we hit a local Milwaukee brewpub with some great local music.  Here's a couple of pics- on the last one you can see what happens to Marc after some quality microbrew...

    We went to bed very late and tired.


Sunday evening:  Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon and home- ~42 miles

    We ended up getting an evening ride on the ferry- the noon trip sold out.  So, we went out for breakfast, drove out to the ferry dock, shot the bull, got some lunch and napped at a park by the lake for awhile.  We then headed out for the ferry.  Here's some pics:

    The first one is at the park where we parked.  Second- down by the lake- Milwaukee skyline in the background.  Third, same spot.  Fourth and fifth- they ferry.  Sixth- lined up to go on the ferry- seventh, bikes strapped on the ferry.  Eighth, Cal pulling his leather-clad pose on the ferry, and finally the view back towards Milwaukee.
    The ride home from Muskegon was uneventful, but a bit reflective.  A great trip with a great bunch of guys.  I already look forward to next year!

TOTAL DISTANCE:  ~1400 Miles

    Trip guys- if you want me to add anything, email me and let me know.  A fun time was had by all!