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Travelling, Friends, and Trips
Started by LearMech at 10-28-2009 3:35 PM. Topic has 45 replies.
  
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 10-28-2009, 3:35 PM
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LearMech
 
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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![Idea [I]](http://choppercharles.com/cs/emoticons/emotion-55.gif)
West Michigan Guys
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Hey guys, I've had a couple of you PM me lately so I'm posting this to try to get a roll call of us on this side of the state so we could maybe get together in the spring....OR you could all come over to my house now and help me sand on my bike and help me paint it just kidding...but really if you want to...haha
Anyway I figure if we start now it gives us all winter to thow ideas around.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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10-28-2009, 4:30 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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262 miles away. I would need a good weekend to do that. But it isn't impossible. I have some crazy family members in Mattawan, Paw paw and Dowagiac but I'm not in the mood to see them. It's still a quicker ride than out to Minneapolis. And Melody had friends in the zoo possibly Portage.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
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10-29-2009, 1:25 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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If I can convince the wife to let me do it and I can get some bags for the bike I want to do a lap around the lake next summer, maybe you can join up as I pass through your area if that sounds cool?
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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10-29-2009, 2:13 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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I've been thinking about that lap too. We did in in the car this past July with some detours and it wasn't to bad but on a bike it would be totally different.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
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10-29-2009, 3:46 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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I've been using mapquest to take a look, it's aroun930 miles right now to leave Battle Creek drive straight to South Haven and then follow the lake around and end in Holland. for me it would then be another 40-50 miles back to Battle Creek.
I'm in the middle of editing the trip to stay off the interstate and ride as many lakeshore roads as possible(pain in the butt)
I'm thinking 3-4 days minimum. Thinking it might be an option to take the ferry across to Milwaukee and start from there to cut the Chicago area out...
Just thinking out loud now so I'll stop typing before I write a book
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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10-29-2009, 4:19 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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I'm not sure how much the fairy costs but I think it's a waste of time seeing as the ride from Kzoo to Milwaukee by car is only about 3 hours. Riding the lake shore up from chicago isn't bad either I did most of it last weekend. If I would have been smarter I would have left earlier and drove all the way down to chicago and back. I ended up just south of North Chicago. Was a 5 hour ride using all backroads or lesser than interstate roads. Average speed 0-45mph.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
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10-29-2009, 5:06 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Last time I drove it Milwaukee was over 5 hours from here, it usually takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours just to get to Chicago....either way I was just thinking the Chicago route wouldn't be that interesting but if it is then that's definately the way to go, the ferry is horribly overpriced and it offers no time savings, just thought it would be more fun.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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11-01-2009, 2:19 PM
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Dash
Joined on 08-25-2008
San Francisco, California
Posts 628
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Regarding the Chicago route, that huge US Steel property in Gary, IN may be worth driving close to if it is possible. FYI, I often summer in Michigan. If I'm there in 2010, I'll be riding either my Goldwing or my Moto Guzzi.
'67 Honda Dream
'70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
'75 Suzuki GT250
'76 Goldwing
'81 GL500 Silverwing
'82 GL500 Silverwing <--just bought it 16 Mar 2010
'90 Yamaha XT350
'91 Kawasaki KDX200
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11-12-2009, 7:38 PM
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Joel
Joined on 08-13-2009
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts 621
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Driving around the entire lake seems like a big ride. The longest I have rode is probably 2 hours. I am fairly new to riding. I would like to ride however the length of time it will take is a pretty good size committment to make. Going counter clock wise, up to the to the UP then across the top of lake Michigan then go North to Lake Superior shore line then head back down to the bridge and follow the other Lake Erie or Huron lake Shore southward. I suppose that is just a big a trip as going around Lake Michigan.
Learmech keep working out the details and I'll start saving my PTO (Paid Time off).
1971 Yamaha 360
1977 Xr75
1973 Cl350
1980 cx500 custom
1983 gl650i
1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)
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11-12-2009, 8:01 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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11-13-2009, 8:32 PM
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DavidfromWisconsin
Joined on 03-19-2008
Appleton, WI
Posts 2,458
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In my opinion, the ride around Lake Superior is a much nicer ride than going around Lake Michigan. Depending on if you want to see anything you should figure 4-7 days to go around either lake.
The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's UP alone is worthy of 2-4 days.
If you want to go like hell, you can do them in 2-3 days, but you won't see much ...
David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave
'82 GL500I alias Candy
'82 GL500I alias Candy II
'00 BMW K1200LT & trailer
'81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)
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11-13-2009, 8:54 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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 DavidfromWisconsin wrote: |
The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's UP alone is worthy of 2-4 days.
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I suppose then I could stop by my parents. I only lived up there for 27 years. Riding through the hills of Copper Harbor in the spring or fall is pretty sweet.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
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11-15-2009, 7:14 AM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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I've kinda mapped out both trips, Like Stitch said Michigan is about 1000 miles and Superior is over 1200.
Definately a decent undertaking, not just something that you can throw together in a couple weeks.
Don't know about anybody else's preferences but I'm wanting to camp each night to save money(and I think it's more fun). THen I can afford to eat wherever I please(also more fun).
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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11-15-2009, 9:22 AM
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DavidfromWisconsin
Joined on 03-19-2008
Appleton, WI
Posts 2,458
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If you need any place to see going around Lake Superior, be sure to ask ... but be prepared to be swamped with ideas!
David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave
'82 GL500I alias Candy
'82 GL500I alias Candy II
'00 BMW K1200LT & trailer
'81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)
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11-22-2009, 8:04 AM
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Crshndbrn
Joined on 11-05-2009
Lansing, MI
Posts 159
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I like the lake michigan loop idea- I may dive in on that ride with you. My only concern is the bridge- I can't say as I've crossed it in about 25 years and I surely have never crossed on a motorcycle so I may be going very slow across it.- see you at the other side.
1982 Silverwing GL500
1983 Silverwing GL650
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11-28-2009, 9:28 PM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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I am in SW MI (Holland), and have 2 CX's. I have made the ride over the bridge a couple of times too, but on my ST1100. Not scary at all, but some may want to not ride of the grating.
jim
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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12-03-2009, 10:02 PM
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Vintagehondarider
Joined on 03-26-2009
Holland, Michigan
Posts 3
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Sounds like fun, but too far for me.
82 SilverWing, VIN#188
76 CB500T, the rat, cafe in process
76 XS500
75 CB200T
71 Trail 90
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12-03-2009, 10:08 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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Almost seems like we need a mini michigan rally.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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12-05-2009, 7:05 AM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Ya know,
I don't know how many of you have heard of or been to Gilmore car museum but they have a motorcycle show every year I think in June or July. They have not published the 2010 list of events yet but it would be fun to meet somewhere and ride in as a group.
I went this summer and it was just absolute sensory overload. All the bikes plus all the great cars.
www.gilmorecarmuseum.org
Mike
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-05-2009, 8:19 AM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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LearMech- That is a great idea! I was there last year and a few before that, and its mid-June I think. That is close for you and I and not too bad for the people from WI, if they choose to come.
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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12-05-2009, 12:50 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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You know I have never heard of it nor been that far into the no mans land between grand rapids, Kzoo and Lansing. But I'm game.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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12-05-2009, 2:25 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Might be a fun weekend do some riding in the area as well as the museum.
When I find a definate date for the event I will post it and if I'm free for the weekend then anybody coming from far away that want's too can pitch a tent in my backyard or I have a couple of air matresses in the basement depending on your preference.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-05-2009, 9:37 PM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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Stitch- the area is quite nice actually, and the museum is first class. They have at least one diner there (50s style) and the bike show will be well-attended and busy, with a lot to see and a swap meet too. I used to commute every day just a few miles from there, so have some idea of what the area is like, plus its an hour from my own home. Rural, farms, some rolling hills, not much traffic... very nice riding overall. The little town of Richland MI is about 5 miles away, and then Kalamzoo is about a half hour or so south (and there is a Honda dealer there, BIG one). But that would be a neat place to meet, might even get my CX out for it!
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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12-06-2009, 6:43 AM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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I like the ride from Richland to Hastings on M-43 and there is a nice micro-brew in hastings. Jim I would have to defer to you but I've always thought the drive from Battle Creek to Holland via M-89 and M-40(i think) would be a great ride going to Ottowa beach. Also a good micro-brew in Holland.
I am sensing a theme in my destinations.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-06-2009, 9:43 AM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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LearMech- yes the route from BC to Holland is quite nice, sesveral small towns and places to step. I rode it last year from April to November every day, in all kinds of weather. I know a few places to duck into in heavy rain too! Ottawa Beach (being a very busy state park) requires a temporary permit, but its a nice destination, another one being Saugatuck, which has a lot of nice eating places and shopping to explore. And its close to my house! Now we have to remember to arrange this come June! Perhaps an email address exchange?
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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12-06-2009, 12:34 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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I've sent a PM to several of the guys in the area that posted on this thread to se if I can get some more guys to go. I didn't PM stitch or Joel cause I already have your emails and I figured your in if you can make it.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-06-2009, 12:56 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Finally found the info from this years show and it was June 14th.
I would guess that the 2010 show will either be the 13th or the 20th of June. just to get a date in your heads.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-06-2009, 2:07 PM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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Vintage- where are you located in Holland? I am on the soth side, near Macatawa.
jim
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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12-10-2009, 1:31 PM
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Dash
Joined on 08-25-2008
San Francisco, California
Posts 628
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Mike, I received your PM but my response keeps turning into a mailer-damon thing. Anyway, I don't yet know my schedule for 2010 but if I'm in Michigan in the June-July time frame I'd sure like to participate in a ride to the Gilmore Museum. I went there some 15 years ago and the place is fantastic.
'67 Honda Dream
'70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador
'75 Suzuki GT250
'76 Goldwing
'81 GL500 Silverwing
'82 GL500 Silverwing <--just bought it 16 Mar 2010
'90 Yamaha XT350
'91 Kawasaki KDX200
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12-10-2009, 1:54 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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OK, I'll try to send you an email through the forum and see if you get my email address that way.
Either way I'm sure there will be more posts here as well.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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12-10-2009, 5:41 PM
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Crshndbrn
Joined on 11-05-2009
Lansing, MI
Posts 159
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I never got a PM, but I'd be happy to go and it's not far from me.
1982 Silverwing GL500
1983 Silverwing GL650
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12-10-2009, 6:02 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Sending you an email now Crshndbrn.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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01-26-2010, 4:08 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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Gilmore has finally released their 2010 schedule of events and as previously thought the date for the Vintage Motorcycle Show is Sunday June 13th.
Here is a link http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/html/event_details.php?event_id=7&
Of course we have been talking about getting a ride together for that day ending at the show but they also have a vintage bike ride on Saturday morning if anyone is interested in that as well.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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01-26-2010, 5:33 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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Another date to mark on the calender.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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04-26-2010, 7:06 PM
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Brother Motif
Joined on 10-22-2009
Sheboygan, WI
Posts 14
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I was talking to my best friend recently about a ride similar to what was posted. i would love to join a ride if I can.
Thanks for posting the route!
'79 CX500D
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04-26-2010, 7:15 PM
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Joel
Joined on 08-13-2009
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts 621
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Stitch are you going to be able to make the ride to Gilmore?
1971 Yamaha 360
1977 Xr75
1973 Cl350
1980 cx500 custom
1983 gl650i
1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)
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04-26-2010, 9:30 PM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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Sure glad it is the 13th, as I just bought tickets to Jethro Tull on June 20.
Joel- whatever happened to the parts swapping with Matt in Joliet?
And who is going to meet at Gilmore June 20?
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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04-26-2010, 9:48 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,838
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Not sure if i'm going to be able to go or not. Would have to leave after work on friday. Might be a hard ride.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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05-05-2010, 2:45 PM
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LearMech
Joined on 10-21-2008
Battle Creek, MI
Posts 237
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I am looking for a babysitter for Sunday. My wife works the whole weekend so I'm hoping I can find one so I can ride to the show. If not I will still be there but with two kids behind...I'll be the one sweating and constantly telling them not to touch...they pulled a dominoe affect at the bicycle shop a couple weeks ago.
Mike
82 GL 500
82 GL 500 project bike currently in planning stages a.k.a daydreaming
*My Bike*
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05-05-2010, 3:19 PM
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Joel
Joined on 08-13-2009
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts 621
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Who from this forum is going to ride to Baldwin for the Blessing? I would hate that someone from the forum was there and not get the chance to meet them.
Learmech how many do you have attentivetively riding from this forum?
1971 Yamaha 360
1977 Xr75
1973 Cl350
1980 cx500 custom
1983 gl650i
1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)
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05-17-2010, 10:52 AM
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Joel
Joined on 08-13-2009
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts 621
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CALLING OUT!! Did anyone from this forum attend the Blessing of the Bikes this weekend at Baldwin Michigan?
I saw a maybe a 1/8 of the bikes there and all I saw were 5 gl500's. And of those five the riders new nothing of Choppercharles.com. Two of the gl500's were purchased within the last two months.
1971 Yamaha 360
1977 Xr75
1973 Cl350
1980 cx500 custom
1983 gl650i
1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)
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05-17-2010, 11:32 AM
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jim from Michigan
Joined on 12-27-2006
Holland Michigan USA
Posts 164
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I was there too, on my VTR1000 Superhawk. I saw (and took pics of) a CX650C and several GL500s too, no CX500 stds though. Sounds like you went around interviewing Joel! Did you see the guy buzzing the crowd with the plane? Good grief..
Jim in SW Michigan (home)/Evanston IL (office)
78 CX500
91 ST1100
00 VTR1000
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05-17-2010, 2:35 PM
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Joel
Joined on 08-13-2009
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts 621
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Yea I thought I was going to have to duck a couple of times. :)
I was parked about 4 rows back from the front. It was a nice day to ride. I rode with a group of 9 bikes. And no I didn't do interviews! just chatted. I didn't have my journal and pen with me.LOL
1971 Yamaha 360
1977 Xr75
1973 Cl350
1980 cx500 custom
1983 gl650i
1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)
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05-17-2010, 5:44 PM
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InWeldingWeTrust
Joined on 04-13-2010
Kentwood, Michigan
Posts 97
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I am still finishing some work on the GL, but would be interested in a ride out somewhere, I am in grand rapids
'82 GL500
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05-17-2010, 7:55 PM
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stratman1985
Joined on 06-01-2009
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Posts 55
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I had the flu all weekend. I would've liked to see the other 650C though...never actually seen/heard another one in person before.
1983 CX650 C
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Report
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Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Travelling, Fri... » Re: West Michigan Guys
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