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Great Motorcycle Rides in the Great Waters Region

Four for the Road: Great motorcycle rides in the Eastern Upper Peninsula,

The salt is off the road and, like a siren song from the sea, you are pulled by an indescribable need to feel the freedom of the open road. Climb atop your motorcycle and lay tracks for the Eastern Upper Peninsula, where four great rides await you.

Four for the Road: Great motorcycle rides in the EUP

#1 Go West, Young Man

A scenic route awaits you to the west of Sault Ste. Marie, as Six Mile Road meanders past more than just great fish restaurants and two happening casinos. Follow the southern border of Whitefish Bay past a restored lighthouse and secluded beaches as you enjoy the winding, hilly Curly Lewis Highway, a bit of a misnomer for a road where you infrequently see another vehicle. Turn north at the end of the road and take M-123 north to Paradise, a quaint town where an ice cream cone is nearly a requirement. A gateway to Whitefish Point, with its shipwreck museum and bird observatory, to the north and the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls to the west, Paradise is a must. After visiting the Point and the Falls, make it a loop and visit Newberry before heading east back to “the Soo” again.

#2 Oh Canada!

It is a breathtaking ride north of Sault Ste. Marie into the Canadian Shield, where Highway 17 North will escort you past rocky cliffs, waterfalls, Lake Superior overlooks, marshy wetlands, and occasional wildlife sightings. And not just any wildlife…moose, and bear, and deer, oh my! The drive to Wawa, the next large community, is roughly 145 miles,but with a Provincial Park to explore and other must-stop locations, the actual itinerary is yours to decide. The riding is hilly, well-paved, and exceptional. Be sure to have your passport at the ready for your return to the U.S. and enjoy!

#3 Be an Island Explorer

When mainland living has become a yawn, ride your motorcycle aboard the Drummond Island Ferry, where a $6 round-trip fare will gain you passage to the island from DeTour Village on the southern end of Chippewa County. The island has many paved roads and a variety of scenic landscapes. Beaches, picnicking, and an enjoyable loop to the north are all worth experiencing. The Ferry launch is approximately one hour south of Sault Ste. Marie and the route is speckled with quaint communities, local cultural sights and, of course, ice cream shops.

#4 Biking for Veterans

Hundreds of bikers will gather in Sault Ste. Marie for the 6th Annual Veterans Motorcycle Rally on July 9 – 11, 2009.The list of activities is endless, but a sampling includes motorcycle rodeo, live entertainment, games and contests, blessing of the bikes, motorcycle parades, food and beverage tents, vendors, and so much more. The event is held in

honor of Veterans and all proceeds benefit a variety of Veterans’ organizations. Come feel a real Upper Peninsula welcome and swap stories and favorite rides with your fellow bikers.