Michigan Thumb Coast Ride


THE BREAK IN PERIOD IS OVER! So yesterday when I had to make a trip up to Ubly Michigan for work it was time to get some quality saddle time on the new CRF250L.  You may also notice there are some new Acerbis Vision hand guards on my bike.  I will cover those more later after my upcoming trail riding trip in mid July.

After a cold morning ride north, the work portion of my day was over around 2:00 pm and it was time for the fun part of the ride.  Due East of Ubly on Atwater road was lake Huron and M25 aka Lakeshore road.  It was a perfect clear day (as you can see from the picture above) and there was almost no traffic.  It should have been about a two hour ride, but between a couple stops to take pictures and look at the lake, and missing a turn or two it was about three and a half hours all together.
From Google Maps
 If you have a long afternoon to ride I would recommend taking some time to ride M25.  Your not always right next to the lake, but there are plenty of day use parks and road side parks to stop at and enjoy the views.



As well as some great places to stop and get something to eat in both Lexington and Port Sanilac.  If you happen to be ending your trip near Almont like I did the Smoke house is another great place to stop in and get a snack.

All and all I did about 210 miles during the day.  I can safely say the seat wears on you after about 2 hours, its rock hard by then.  I also discovered that if your trying to do anything like freeway speeds don't intend on doing any passing.  The stock gearing on the bike will get you to 70mph + but it won't do it quickly and there isn't much left if you need to pass someone.

These things do force you to slow down and take on a whole different kind of ridding.  Sticking to roads posted 55mph or lower is much more enjoyable.  This way you end up seeing more interesting little towns, and finding more places to stop and take in the sights then you ever would just running up the freeway on a crotch rocket.  So other then some minor complaints about comfort and top end speed, this little bike is really growing on me.


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