North Shore Trip 06
The following is account of Jason and Alex's annual motorcycle trip, which seems to get a little more elaborate with each passing year. This year 500 miles were put on over the course of two days. That's down from last year when 500 miles were put on in one day. I guess we decided we'd like share a few words on our trip that didn't have to be shouted to each other at a stop light.

It started out innocently enough.

"Lets take a little trip north."

"Maybe we could camp?"

"I'll see how much junk I can strap on my ride."

And so it went.



By the time we had every thing secured to our bikes it looked like we had ransacked the staging area for an attempt on Everest. We must have been quite the sight. From behind all you'd see is a little wheel with a pile of garbage heaped on top racing down the freeway. <back to top>



At least I had a back rest! <back to top>



It was a perfect day for a ride. Not to warm. Not to cool. The sun was shining. Before we knew it we had made it all the way up to Silver Bay. (About 1 hour up the shore of Lake Superior) <back to top>



We had lunch at the legendary North Woods Cafe. I had a patty melt. It was the best ever. Discussion then turned to what we'd have for supper. Mac and Cheese with pepperoni was the dish of choice. Since we packed no food we needed to visit Zup's Grocery. (Next door to the Northwoods Cafe) Here we purchased enough butter and milk to make about fifteen boxes of Mac and Cheese. Then Jason decided to give me a wimpy paper bag to carry the milk in...

Sure, I cried a little, but I was able to get over it. <back to top>



From there it was off to the campsite. I'd tell you where it is, but it's kind of a local knowledge only place and the last thing I want is a bunch of you goof ball bikers rolling in every time I go up there camping! = ) If you follow the direction of my index finger you can just barley see our tent. But where are the bikes you ask? <back to top>





We tucked them neatly into the brush up an old mining road. You wouldn't have seen them from the main road had it not been for Jason's bright red reflective bike cover. <back to top>



While parking the bikes we found some things a careless miner had left laying around. We were left with little choice but to climb on top of them and pose for the camera. <back to top>





Next, Jason and I decided we'd climb up on some rocks to seek enlightenment. Above, Jason receives his enlightenment. <back to top>



Obviously it didn't last long. <back to top>



Still, he was endowed with super firewood collecting capabilities, which he made good use of. <back to top>



Then a ship went by. (And some locals with a dog. The dog tried to eat my Mac and Cheese.) <back to top>



As you can see, it was a gorgeous evening. Jason and I stayed up until we we were so exhausted we couldn't talk any longer. We watched the stars and talked about God and our wives. You know, all the usual campfire conversation. Good stuff. <back to top>




The next day we piled all our gear back on our bikes. The packing didn't go as smoothly the second time around. My theory is it absorbed unusual amounts of North Shore moisture thus tripling it's size. The excess bulk of our gear caused the zipper to blow out on my bag. Thank goodness for duct tape!

And so, with Duct Tape flapping in the wind to the tune of Bad to the Bone, we went our separate ways. Twas a good trip! Can't wait till next year.
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