We asked our clients, friends, and fellow bikers to tell us their favorite Michigan Rides!

Here are the 10 most popular:              1-877-245-3752

Ride 1

Michigan Tunnel of Trees Ride
By Rob Hoover of Livonia, MI

Motor City HOG Road Captain and Riders Edge Instructor

 

If you love the twisties on your motorcycle, Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees on 119 will definitely keep you smiling. This ride begins from Otsego Club and Resort in Gaylord, MI, which is located at 696 M-32, Gaylord.

• Start out going West on MI-32 E State Rd toward Hidden Valley Rd.
• Turn right onto N. Center Ave/N Old 27. Continue to N Old 27.
• Turn Left onto W. Main St/ Silver Lake RD.
• West on W Main St/Silver Lake Rd toward Pine St/ CR-C58, W Main St/ Silver Lake Rd becomes CR- C58.
• Head North East on US-31/Bay View RD toward Lake St, continue on US-31 toward MI-119/Harbor-Petoskey Rd.
• Turn left on M-119/ Harbor- Petoskey Rd, continue to follow M-119.
• Go Northwest on State ST/ MI-119 toward E 3rd St. Continue on MI-119.
• N on S Lake Shore DR/MI-119 toward 5 Mile Creek RD.
• Northeast on Lake Shore Dr/MI-119 toward Chippewa Dr.
• Turn Right onto N State RD CR-C77 for 1.8 miles then turn Right on to N Lake Shore Dr You will see the historical Legs Inn for a great lunch or dinner. This is a favorite for motorcyclist, there is also a patio over looking the lake where you can enjoy for food and have a spectacular view of the lake.
• After lunch you can head south on Lake Shore which is also 119 and follow 31 back around Charlevoix, or what ever you choose, can't go wrong around here.

 

 

Ride 2

Jen and Leo Hudson – Romeo, MI

There is much to do and great scenery and roads to ride, depending on where you live you may want to break it up in a long weekend trip.

• Begin on I-69 towards Flint, to I-75 N.
• Take exit 254 left toward downtown Grayling, continue on I-75 business loop.
• Turn left on M-72 (M-93). M-72 becomes M-72 SE, continue on to M-72.
• Turn right on Darrah Rd. (CR-571)
• Bear right onto US-131(M-66) Williams St.
• Turn sharply left onto M-88 (E. State St).
• Continue on M-88 turn right onto M-88 (N. Bridge St) you are arriving at the Stone Waters Inn Bed and Breakfast, Bellaire, MI.
• Trip total is 231 miles, and approximately 4 hrs. Get a good nights rest because you won't want to miss, all the scenery, there are many bluffs overlooking Torch Lake that you know you will have to stop and photograph.
• Day 2 from Bellaire, take Bridge St (M-88) North which turns into scenic Hwy,
• Go west on 88 which then heads North @ Austin Rd (right).
• Make a sharp left on 88 heading West and follow right curve heading North,
• Follow the Scenic Hwy which is still 88 West to 593 South which will take you around Torch Lake.
• Continue on 593 to Us 31 South and follow it around the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
• Connect with 72-East for an amazing ride thru Pier Marquette State Forest.
• At 605 head south at Supply Rd 605 and 660 combine.
• Turn left on Boardwalk Rd to 131 North heading back to your room.
• Continue on 131 to 88 at Mancelona take 88 back to Bellaire.

 

 

Ride 3

Joe and Pam Brinn of Gaylord, MI

 

• Starting from Oscoda, take River Rd West from US 23; as you leave Oscoda, you will notice you are following the Au Sable River. This Route has been classified as a National Scenic Byway by the National Forest Service and you will soon see why.
• As you head west you will come across the first of many suggested stops along the way, The East Gate is the first, just a short walk to the river to Whirlpool, named for the small whirlpool effect created by the current in this area.
• Continue West on River Rd you will see Foote Pond created by the damming of the River.
• As you continue West thru the National Forest to Lumberman's Monument and Visitor Center. This National Park is a monument to the lumberjack and his trade.
• Continue West on River Rd and the next stop is Eagles nest overlook, usually there is a pair of eagles there, the lookout is great for picture taking.
• Continue west on River Rd, next stop Largo Springs, which was considered a Holy Place by the Native Americans, it offers a breathtaking view of the Ausable River.
• Continue West till Highway 65 and take a right, heading north, then turn right on Bissonette Rd bear left on Bissonette bordering the old air base, at F41 turn right till reaching US 23 staying in the right hand lane to US 23 and into Oscoda.
• Time for lunch no better place than Wiltses Restaurant on F41, one of the first home breweries in Michigan, or the Ausable Inn just south of town.
• Total miles 45. Time not including stops 1 hr 35 minutes.

 

 

Ride 4

Natalie Crain of Highland, MI

Free Spirit Chapter

 

My favorite ride is Copper Harbor and Route 28 between Munising and Marquette.

• After crossing the Bridge (Mackinaw Bridge that is) Head west on 2 all the way around Lake Michigan.
• Then take 117 to N. Engadine.
• Stay on 117 to 28 West in to Munising on to Marquette.
• Get on 28/41 into L'Anse.
• Stay on 41 thru Houghton then get on 26 to Eagle River and to Copper Harbor. Once at Copper Harbor see the sights from Brockway Mountain Drive, forest on one side, Lake Superior on the other. 
• Some great places to check out are the Pictured Rocks National Lake shore, Hiawatha National Forest and many waterfalls in Munising, and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, one of the most historic navigation beacons on Lake Superior, The Thunder Bay Inn, was used as a location for the Film Anatomy of a Murder. There is also The Majestic Huron Mountains, and thru a tunnel of trees that arch over the roadway, along County road 510 where you can take a rest. Still many great places to see here, as well as fabulous roads to ride, depending on the amount of time you have
• The UP’s Shipwreck Coast is found between Marquette and Whitefish Point. IT was named by National Geographic as one of its “Drives of a Lifetime.” The Huron Mountains hold the highest point of Michigan. Check out lighthouses and waterfalls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising), Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and Hiawatha National Forest.

 

 

Ride 5

Tracy Eikner of Brighton, MI
Free Spirit Chapter
Tunnel of Trees

Departing from East Jordan, Michigan:

• Start out on m-66, which starts out as Lake St head northwest, beautiful ride along Lake Charlevoix.
• At US31 which is also Bridge St for approx 14 miles turn left onto US 31 (West Mitchell Street) continue on US 31.
• Bear left onto M-119 (Harbor-Petoskey Rd) stay on 119 for one of the most amazing rides there is. Plenty of scenery to look at as you are along the waters edge for the majority of this ride, along Little Traverse Bay and then along the coast of Lake Huron. This is a motorcyclist delight with the trees towering over you creating the effect of riding in a tunnel, the road offers many twisties and you will never get tired of traveling this stretch of road. In fall with the changing of the trees, it looks like a fireworks display of colors.
• Stop at Cross Village and visit the Historic Legs Inn for a bite to eat, and then head back the same way you got there, since there is no other more beautiful road to travel in that area.

 

 

Ride 6

Jim and Cathie Pigeon of Dearborn Heights, MI

From Teamster Horsemen Motorcycle Association

Let's go riding!

• Cruise out US-12 through Dearborn, Saline, Clinton, Jonesville, Coldwater, Sturgis(Michigan not South Dakota) and to New Buffalo.
• From there jump on 94 and head up toward St Joseph/ Benton Harbor and get on 196-31 and cruise to Holland, beautiful in the spring with the Tulip Festival.
• Continue up 31 and you'll come to Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Ludington for some great beaches.
• Get back on 31 to State 598 West to State 22 for a very scenic ride.
• Spend a night in Frankfort and enjoy the beach and lake.
• You can stay on 22, and check out some sand dunes.
• Stay on 22, cruise the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay and visit Traverse City.
• Get back on 31 on up to Charlevoix, then on to Petoskey.
• Heading N on 119 to Cross Village, jump on C66 Levering, North again on 31 to Mackinaw City.
• At Mackinaw City hit 23 Southeast toward Alpena. There are many nice side roads to take you right down to East Tawas.
• Stay on 23 till you come to 13, just after Standish, and head south to Pinconning for some cheese.
• Stay on 13 to Bay City hook up with 25 and cruise around the thumb enjoying the sights and finally pull into Port Huron.
• Stop at Cheap Charlie’s and fuel yourself up. Get home any way you like

 

Ride 7

Gary Lewandowski of Clinton Township, MI

 

• My ride begins in Charlevoix get onto 31-North. On the way Nine Mile point is a great place to get a few photos.
• Continue on 31 which will be heading east soon along the Little Traverse Bay.
• Just after Petoskey you will continue on what will be 31(68) stay on that around Crooked Lake until you get into Alanson.
• Turn right onto 68 and follow it around Burt Lake, once you cross I-75 you will be entering Mackinaw State Forest.
• Continue thru the forest which will be 68(33).
• When you get to Black River Rd turn left, follow this road along the coastline of Black Lake.
• Following Black River Rd. at Cheboygan get on 23 heading northwest, and take it along the Straits of Mackinaw to Mackinaw City for lunch.
• Get on I-75(31) then connect and stay on 31 Down around Lake Paradise, and head back to Charlevoix. Or if you still have some energy left, head over to Wilderness State Park to the west of Mackinaw City and travel 81 toward Sturgeon Bay. 

 

Ride 8

Harold Jacobs of Plymouth, MI
 
With 2,147 miles of shoreline surrounding the mainland of Michigan, keep in mind that this is not a one day trip.

• This trip begins in New Buffalo, MI, on the Red Arrow Highway as you head north once in a while you will see a break in the trees to see Lake Michigan.
• Follow The Red Arrow Highway to the Blue Star Memorial Highway north, This is a very scenic road that you will be sure to enjoy. There are way too many places to list to see on this trip to list here, such as National Forests, amazing scenery as well as Historical sites, beaches, sand dunes and lighthouses. The list goes on and on, a great place to find information on what interests you is www.michigan.org then click on the places to go. Also some fun places to eat are, The Thirsty Perch in downtown South Haven, and the Hearthstone in Muskegon, just to name a few.
• Well we are still on the Blue Star Highway continue till you get to 31 North thru Ludington, Manistee then break off to 22 and follow it thru Frankfort. You will connect back to 31-North at the Grand Traverse Bay.
• Continue on 31-N thru Charlevoix until Mackinaw City where you will connect with 23 South, Thru Cheboygan, Rogers City, Alpena, Oscoda and Tawas.
• At Bay City take 25 East all the way around the thumb into Port Huron.
• Continue on 25 until you hit 29, just south of Marysville, and thru Marine City, right around Selfridge you will hit Jefferson Ave, which will take you right downtown Detroit.

 

 

Ride 9

Spanky of Detroit, MI

 

This is a weekend trip. Destination White fish Point U.P. This trip must be taken in August or early June other wise black flies & Mosquitoes are out night and day.

• Take I-75 north to exit #202 Rose city.
• Follow US-33 north to Atlanta.
• In Atlanta pick up US-33 North again to Onaway.
• In Onaway Take US-33/US-68 west about 5 miles to County Rd F05.
• Go North around Black Lake (Great Road) you came out on US-23 south of Cheboygan.
• Follow US-23 to Mackinaw city. Some of you will quit here the rest will cross the Bridge North.
• Continue I-75 North get off exit 348, US-123 north to the town of Paradise. Here you will find rooms on the water a small bar and food. White Fish Point is 10 miles up the road.
• Find your own way home.

 

 

Ride 10

Debbie Parinello of Redford, MI

Free Spirit Chapter
Bystander Assistance Course Instructor

 

This is a portion of my favorite ride, I have many but this is the very first one that I took in Michigan when I first started riding back in oh lets see 1987 or so. At that time within at least the first ten years or so I could count on one hand the number of Women I saw riding their own bikes, so it is great for me to see how many are out there now. Needless to say I cut my teeth riding with some very experienced men, on some really twisty roads. So here it is:

• Start at Inkster Rd, turn onto Hines Park heading west.
• Follow Hines Park to just outside Plymouth, MI to North Territorial.
• Stay on North Territorial - out near Pinckney State Recreation Area take a right onto Hankard Rd- one of the most fun curvy roads I have been on, however take caution if it has rained recently for gravel and sand in the hairpin.
• At the end of Hankard hang a left and get to Patterson Lake Rd. which will take you into famous Hell, MI. Get a bite to eat at the Dam Site Inn for lunch, and then get back to it.
• Head east on Patterson Lake Rd to Pinckney Rd.
• Turn left to 36 then turn right to Whitmore Lake.
• Turn right, on E. Shore Drive to 7 Mile and follow that back into the city.

 

 

 

 

A couple of other websites that provide a list of some great rides include www.motorcycleroads.com ; www.openroadjourney.com ; www.lets-ride.com
from the Northern-most city in Michigan, which is the city of Hancock in the Keweenaw Peninsula, to Monroe, Michigan there are some awesome places to ride a motorcycle. 

Some things that we should remember when riding with groups include constantly check your mirrors to see whether your fellow bikers and the folks you are riding with are still behind you. When you miss someone, stop at a safe location so that they can catch-up. Everyone should have a means of communication like cell phones, walkie-talkies or CB radios so that if group members are left behind, plans can be made to meet somewhere along your route.

Oftentimes people put the best rider in the front to lead the way; this is understandable. However, a writer of equal skill, or even better skill, should be the cleanup rider or the one that rides behind the group last.  Each member of the group should ride their motorcycle at their own speed and skill level. This should be considered when or if breaking the group down into smaller sections as described in the next paragraph.

Some people believe that, if there is a large group of riders, it should be broken down into smaller groups of five or six motorcycles.  Each member of the group should know the route and the next proposed stopping location.  Keeping your distance is perhaps the most important thing to remember when riding with a group. Most safety manuals of each state and the National Highway Traffic Administration recommends being at least 2 seconds behind the motorcycle directly in front of you.

Many motorcycle safety instructors believe the staggered formation, when riding in a group, is the best way to ride. There are always exceptions to this or any rule for riding motorcycles. For example if you're riding through the plains of say Kansas and it's very windy the group may choose to ride in single file formation in the right part of the lane, if the wind is blowing from right to left.  Certainly, you should not ride through curves or corners in staggered formation. Everyone should choose their own path through the corner.