Michigan riders

[Godzuki]

this sunday we are riding the 12th at noon in wayland Michigan just off 131 at the shell gas station is where we are meeting.

we will be riding around gun lake for 2 or 3 hours maybe more.

get in touch if you want to go.

[Capt. Home Slice]

Sorry I missed it, I was watching the Daytona races. (tivo'd)

A group of guys and I ride just about every sunday in the summer, we meet at the Sunoco gas station located on N. Territorial and U.S. 23 (right off the highway exit, on southeast side of this intersection) between 9 and 9:30. We leave right at 9:30. We don't ride like squids, just a spirited pace. Here's an excerpt from our local message board. If it sounds like something you guys want to join in on, anyone is welcome.

A guide to the sunday ride.

• Riding Order - This becomes a sore spot for new folks, as sometimes they insist on riding in the front of "the pack," even though they may not be familiar with the route. There is no "dishonor" in riding toward the rear of the pack, or elsewhere. Please don't feel slighted if you feel that you're a "fast rider" and get put mid or rear pack. It's all good, we're out there together to have fun. With a few exceptions, there are no such thing as "bragging rights" in our group. If you find yourself behind someone that seems "too slow," wait until the next stop on the ride, and approach your fellow rider and ask if they'd mind if you moved up in the pack. Everyone should be cool with this type of thing, it's all about a fun, safe time.
  
  Speeds - We do not ride at excessive speeds. In fact, it's not often that we exceed 80mph, most times much less than this. We travel at a swift but not jail-inducing speed from corner-to-corner, and in the "boring" sections. Kevin usually leads the ride, and has a good handle on setting a pace that 99% of our riders find entertaining and safe at the same time. Check your speed to the rider in front of you, and everything will be good. For folks not familiar with the route, remember that the pace is set up front, and please try not to end up in a position where you need to go at excessive speeds to keep "catching up" with the crowd. There is inevitably some "pogoing" of the pack, as those less confident in their machines or skills will feel less comfortable with the corner entry speeds we sometimes run. Just remember, your bike is very capable (I don't care what you're riding!), and your emphasis should be on smooth movements, turns, and throttle application. The pace typically does not require any significant braking (if any at all) to enter the corners, if you are keeping proper pace.
  
  "The Line" - One rule here - never cross the center line. Seems simple and obvious, but if you are riding such that you need to cross the yellow centerline, or are dipping into the white line on the right edge of the road, you are riding at a pace that is "above your head." Please don't do this. It's a recipe for a crash - remember, we're in Michigan, where the roads resemble the surface of the Moon. The far edge of the road is a treacherous place, not somewhere you want to be when leaned over (or upright for that matter!) and attempting to turn. If you find yourself "crossing lines" to keep up with the rider ahead, or to keep in front of the rider behind you, slow a bit and wave a few riders by. It's OK, nobody will call you a "wimp." I promise. I choose slowing down over crashing. Usually, anyway - unless it's at the track...
  
  Passing Fellow Riders - We don't often pass. Period. It's not a race, even though some of us will joke around as if it were. Passing in the turns will immediately get you an invitation to leave. If you are behind someone who is either causing problems (braking mid-turn, not holding a proper line, riding erratically, etc), or riding like a moron, it is best just to hang back and move in the pack after the next stop. The courteous rider who sees someone "crawling up his back" on corner exits, will pull aside on a straight and wave the "faster" rider past. We all do this when necessary, you should too. Courtesy is the key, don't be afraid to use it.
  
  Passing Cars/Trucks - We don't often have to pass other vehicles, but there is occasionally a car or two that insist on a laid back "Sunday Drive." The pack leader will decide when is best to pass a car, and the group is to follow. Please be careful and be prudent when this occurs, as the roads we ride are hilly and twisty. While it is in everyone's best interest to keep the pack together, it isn't worth any significant risk to pass a slower-moving vehicle. Pass at a reasonable speed, and when it is safe. With the advent and explosion of cell phone technology, it is wise to not piss off a vehicle operator, unless the entire group wishes to be ticketed. Be smart, and respectful.
  
  Staggered Pack Between Corners - The group proceeds from the departure point, and from twisty-to-twisty in a rather tight staggered pack. This helps keep the "chain" of riders to a reasonable length so not as to become a nuisance to the vehicle community at large. Respect the stagger and your fellow riders by attempting to hold a tight line and keep in mind that if you "wiggle" around, it may (will) become uncomfortable to the rider next to you. It feels weird at first, if you haven't ridden this way, but it will become more comfortable quickly. Keep the stagger tight, but not at a distance you're not comfortable with, and we don't ride side-by-side.
  
  Obstacles / Debris in Roadway - You will notice quickly that your fellow riders will "point out" road-kill, debris, branches, gravel, etc. in the roadway. This is usually done by sticking out a leg/foot, pointing at the offending debris. Seems goofy, but it is very effective in helping notify your ride-mates of something that should not be ridden over. Road kill can quickly toss your booty off the road if hit, not to mention gravel or fallen branches, etc. Please assist in this endeavor, by pointing with your hand or your foot if you see something that you wouldn't want to hit.
  
  Distance - Please fuel at the Sunoco station starting point if you have a longer ride to join the group initially. If you are not extremely familiar with the route, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to catch up with the group in the event of an un-scheduled fuel stop. The ride can be made on a single tank of fuel for most bikes, assuming you leave the initial departure with a full or nearly full tank. There are ample opportunities to get off the bike, stretch your legs, and refuel if you goof.
  
  Stops / Lunch - We typically make three stops throughout the ride. The First and Third stops are at fuel stations, so be prepared to fuel then if you get in a bind. The second stop (mid-way) is at a little "Mom & Pop" restaurant called "The Pickett Fence." A wide variety of foods are available, as well as ice cream for the "Sunday Morning Banana Split" crowd. There is no fuel available, but they have decent food and are very reasonable about acommodating our sometimes extensive group of riders - in fact, in the summer months, they actually bring in extra help to deal with our large group specifically! The folks there know us, so please be respectful and reasonable with your volume level and language. It's extremely cool of them to host an onslaught of 30-40 riders at once, who arrive adrenaline-pumped and fill most of their parking lot - please treat them with respect, and be patient waiting for your food. Keep in mind that they have other patrons (some with children!) as well, and remember to keep your discussions to language and topics that you wouldn't hesitate to say in front of your own (or your friends) children - or your mom! We like it there, it's a good place to stop - and we don't wish to be "uninvited."
  
  Wheelies / Stunts - This activity is highly discouraged, in general. Do it once, and you may get a sideways look. Do it again, and you will likely receive an invitation to leave the group. We all like to have fun, and the machines we ride are wildly entertaining - without question. Stunts and wheelies are fun, but please do them on your own time, not ours. This is not a scolding, but a simple requirement. The occasional "enthusiasm wheelie" happens, and is not a major offense. That said, we wish to remain a safe and respectful (of the communities that host us) group of riders, so please keep this kind of riding under reasonable control.
  
  Respect - I have used this term a number of times in this description. The Sunday Ride has been taking place for many years, and we wish it to continue. When coming into any of the many small residential areas we pass thru, please kick it up to a higher gear and get your RPM down. We all love "loud pipes," it's a biker thing. However, it is in our own best interest to keep things as reasonable as possible when passing thru residential areas. We don't need complaints flooding the local police departments, nor is there any reason to antagonize the very communities that live on the roads we ride. We all pay taxes and have a "right" to ride the roads - without question. BUT the locals have an equal right to sleep in on Sunday , and to require that their children/pets/etc. have a safe environment. Be respectful of the community, other drivers on the road, and your fellow riders, and we will continue to ride these roads for many years to come.

[Yamarocket630]

Where is N. Territorial Rd. in relation to Flint?

[Godzuki]

yep i also would need a set of directions from my side of the state say from 94 in kalamazoo or131 heading north toward GR.

[Capt. Home Slice]

Ouch, it's kind of a hike for you guys! Check out the map. (zoom out for full view)

The loop brings us back to the meeting spot around 2 or 3 pm.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory =&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitu de=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=36 6+E+North+Territorial+Rd+++&city=Whitmore+Lake&sta te=MI&zipcode=48189

[chuckmorgan79]

sounds like a good time. i live in royal oak, but i'm willing to make the trip.

when do you guys start riding?

[gtoast]

Originally Posted by Yamarocket630

Where is N. Territorial Rd. in relation to Flint?

straight down us23 past the i 96 interchange by about 20 mites. im in davisburg just north of clarkston

[Capt. Home Slice]

Originally Posted by chuckmorgan79

sounds like a good time. i live in royal oak, but i'm willing to make the trip.

when do you guys start riding?

Typically when the temps reach about 55-60 F is when the group heads out. I'll post up here when we're planning to start the "sunday ride" season.

[Godzuki]

ill do the same with our group here. maybe we could head over for a sat ride or something then come on back sunday.

[Capt. Home Slice]

Originally Posted by Godzuki

ill do the same with our group here. maybe we could head over for a sat ride or something then come on back sunday.

That could be a possibility, now just have to find a place to stay. Have any friends in the area? If not, and you don't mind Rottweilers and crashing on the couch/floor, some people could stay at my house... Just an idea.

[scottydigital]

Go on one sunday ride, and you will be hooked!!!

No joke, you might even walk away from it, not all are so lucky though.

Captain Homesquid, I love you XOXO

[gtoast]

Originally Posted by scottydigital

No joke, you might even walk away from it, not all are so lucky though.

im walking fine now

[R6_seller]

Hey everyone, i'm a newer rider and looking for people to ride with I just might have to meet up with you guys, it sounds like it'd be fun... take care

[Capt. Home Slice]

Originally Posted by R6_seller

Hey everyone, i'm a newer rider and looking for people to ride with I just might have to meet up with you guys, it sounds like it'd be fun... take care

Check out our local club. http://www.ducsunlimited.com/ We're not Ducati specific, just love to ride.

[whitestripe]

R6_seller - welcome. Also check out other boards if you haven't already. Cycle Forums