John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15213
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« on: June 08, 2021, 03:19:26 PM » |
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Leave Manitowoc at 2:00pm Wednesday, get into Ludington, MI at 7:00...lose an hour. It saves me well over 200 miles and the saddle time involved, total time not taking the ferry is right at 7 hrs. to the planned destination in MI and it's all riding time. Time lapse via the ferry is close to the same but I'm napping for 4 hrs. during the crossing. Total riding miles with the ferry in the mix is about 175 & 3 hrs. riding, going over the top of the lake is 438 miles/7 hrs. riding the entire way. Cost me $128 to save at least 4 hrs. riding and over 250 miles. I'll take that any day! 
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Rams
Member
    
Posts: 16205
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2021, 04:23:56 PM » |
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Back when I was a young Marine, my unit used to maintain security for "Special Weapons Transport". Not often but, once in a while we'd be involved in providing security to larger vessels that were too big for our dock. That always involved getting in a small boat and going out to that larger vessel. Learned one thing, this KS Cowboy gets nervous when he can't see the shore line.  Wear a life preserver is my only advice.  Rams
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15213
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2021, 04:33:45 PM » |
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Back when I was a young Marine, my unit used to maintain security for "Special Weapons Transport". Not often but, once in a while we'd be involved in providing security to larger vessels that were too big for our dock. That always involved getting in a small boat and going out to that larger vessel. Learned one thing, this KS Cowboy gets nervous when he can't see the shore line.  Wear a life preserver is my only advice.  Rams Sounds like my wife, she always said she doesn't mind airplanes or boats as long as she can keep one foot on solid ground. I've used the ferry a couple times before and so far hasn't bothered me although was a bit rough during one passing. Tomorrow is supposed to be quite calm with 1-2' swells. Told the young gal I made the reservations with I hoped she was a better prognosticator than the weather channel. 
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John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15213
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2021, 04:44:04 PM » |
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Bon voyage!
Stu, the last crossing it was rather breezy out in the middle of the pond and a couple little old ladies were rather amusing. The wind kept blowing their skirts up, accompanied by the little squeals and giggles. Finally one dug in her purse and pulled out a pair of jeans, put them on right there on the deck under the dress, then told her friend..."honey, you're on your own." The other lady dug in her purse and pulled out a couple large safety pins and commenced to pin her skirt together about knee high. I thought the show was over until one rather vain middle aged guy lost his toupe in a rather strong gust coming over the bow. Dude looked like he was chasing a coon for about 30 yds. until it went overboard...lost to the deep forever. A little girl was watching it all and was quite alarmed by it...thinking part of his head had blown off. 
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Oss
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Posts: 12595
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2021, 04:55:28 PM » |
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I left Gig's place one day on the way to Lacrosse to sunny skies
Took the ferry to Milwaukee from Muskeegon It was about 3 hrs across if memory is good in a heavy squall
But about a ways before Muskeegon hit bodacious lightning storm almost missed the ferry But it was a nice nap until landing in Wisconsin
Met Lothair for lunch then rode to lacrosse for voai meetup
nothing wrong with enjoying the better things in life right ?
I did ask a member of the crew for assistance with the tie down straps, they were helpful
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« Last Edit: June 08, 2021, 05:34:54 PM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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bassman
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« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2021, 05:15:32 PM » |
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I took the Muskegon Ferry across Lake Michigan several years ago (2006).....remember them providing "rope" to use as tie downs to secure motorcycles. Was very cautious of how other bikes close to mine were secured by the riders....MANY had NO clue how or where to secure their bikes with the rope. More than one had "shifted" during the ride across the lake and were in direct contact with their neighbor bikes whom they had never met before. Can lead to some interesting interactions among the riders at the end of the ferry ride when they learn of damage to their bikes. Ferry took no responsibility in the damage or securing the bikes. Have no clue if things have changed over the years or how your ferry operates but might be nice to be aware. Just my 2 cents (and don't expect any change back....LOL !)
Enjoy your trip / Inzane !!!!!
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old2soon
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« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2021, 05:48:52 PM » |
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Sides Being Safe My friend-PICTURESPICTURESPICTURES of the ferry ride Please. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam. VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15213
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2021, 06:45:11 PM » |
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One thing about the trike...it won't be tipping over. Just don't want others banging into mine. They require you to bring at least two tie downs if on a bike so we'll see.
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Rams
Member
    
Posts: 16205
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2021, 06:52:53 PM » |
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One thing about the trike...it won't be tipping over. Just don't want others banging into mine. They require you to bring at least two tie downs if on a bike so we'll see.
Just strapped down the trike and the bike in my trailer. Used four straps on the bike and three on the trike. I assure you, they ain't going nowhere I don't tow them.  I and they will also stay dry the entire trip.  Rams
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2021, 07:08:40 PM » |
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safe voyage. But you will miss going over the mackinaw bridge if going up and around... I was up there once but in a cage going over that bridge and on 3 wheel trike I would feel tad bit more comfier than on 2 wheels. Not so sure why a trike would need to be tied down with 2 straps, but guessing better bring them along just in case.
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Rams
Member
    
Posts: 16205
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2021, 07:17:32 PM » |
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safe voyage. But you will miss going over the mackinaw bridge if going up and around... I was up there once but in a cage going over that bridge and on 3 wheel trike I would feel tad bit more comfier than on 2 wheels. Not so sure why a trike would need to be tied down with 2 straps, but guessing better bring them along just in case.
Have crossed the Mackinac several times in both four and two wheels. A decent rider won't have an issue. Rams
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VRCC# 29981 Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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old2soon
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« Reply #11 on: June 08, 2021, 08:53:04 PM » |
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safe voyage. But you will miss going over the mackinaw bridge if going up and around... I was up there once but in a cage going over that bridge and on 3 wheel trike I would feel tad bit more comfier than on 2 wheels. Not so sure why a trike would need to be tied down with 2 straps, but guessing better bring them along just in case.
When I was flat bedding and hauling dozers and road graders and such We figured a 3000 lb test chain at 2500 lbs I believe divided the gross weight of the machine by 2500 and added two more chains. Two straps are actually in case one breaks. I'd feel better with 3 straps holdin my ride down on a ship. The whole trick to a Good tie down IS doing it correctly. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam. VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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MarkT
Member
    
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2021, 06:40:11 AM » |
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I bought extra straps at the Ludington HF for the crossing. Didn't need ANY it turned out. There were plenty of straps already at the bike parking spots. A good thing - the "parkers" don't presume to move bikes. Done the Badger crossing several times. Always enjoyable - 4 hour chill on your trip; enjoy the ride on a historic National Monument, SHIP - it's way bigger than a boat or ferry. That's the S.S. Badger in my signature pic.
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