Poky describes the day. I slept in, took my time repacking the bike, and had a nice breakfast. Most of the day I didn’t feel like pushing it.

Weather – Sunny and cool to start, drove west into rain, drove farther west into nice sunshine.

The hotel where I stayed had a large, sheltered entry way and an area with outdoor carpet. Bikes are parked on the carpet. The three guys in the first picture, Bill, Chris, and Terry, had ridden from Oklahoma and Springfield, IL to spend some time riding the area.

Most of the ride today was on MI-28 across the upper peninsula. It’s mostly flat, uninhabited, forest. Occasionally there’d be a view of a lake. 28 connects to US-2, which I’ll be riding for several days.

My first stop of the morning was at a MacDonald’s and there was an antique car in the parking lot, the same as in Folkston, GA last week. There was a group of old guys inside sittin’ around talkin’.

Added When we were kids, my brother and I would point out every A&W Root Beer stand along the way during our travels with the hope that Dad would stop and get us all root beers. Our not-too-subtle suggestion worked about every-other day. When an A&W Root Beer stand came into view today, I couldn’t help but stop and have lunch there. I had a great bowl of fish chowder, a hot dog, and, of course, a root beer.

I felt like quitting early, so I stopped at this very nice Best Western. It has an indoor pool and hot tub.

Today’s mechanical fixes – I added a bolt to the saddle bag repair to carry the load from the top of the case to the mounting pin directly, rather than relying on the broken piece of plastic. There’s another crack, so I’ll be watching it. Also, my auxiliary lights weren’t working. I figured out the problem is a bad relay. It’s a universal horn relay, which I can get at any auto parts store tomorrow.

The motel manager is planning a benefit ride in August to aid their food pantry. She and her husband have an old Gold Wing.

Saulte Ste. Marie, MI to Ashland, WI – 359 miles

Today’s Photo Album

Bill, Chris, and Terry from Oklahoma and central Illinois. Rode up to Sault Ste. Marie to do some riding in the area. Notice we all got to park our bikes on the porch of the motel under the canopy.

Along the way before the rain.

Along the way before the rain.

Another antique car in the parking lot of a MacDonald's. 1928 Model A.

Beach along the south shore of Lake Superior.

Beach and Bike. (Good name for a restaurant.)

Wakefield, MI

Wakefield, MI

The pool outside my room. Best Western, Ashland, WI.

The Map.