Help planning a Michigan U.P. trip! - Need help with cheap lodging, off-trail suggestions and other fun stuff! started by srxfig
	October 15th 2009 at 1:06 PM  [ Modified October 15th 2009 at 1:08 PM ] Post #1
	srxfig New Member 80 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 16th 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois Current Sled: 99 SRX 700 2008-2009 Miles: 0
	Hey all! Planning a trip or two (or three) up this winter and I'm looking for some suggestions on where a decent/cheap place to stay might be. I've heard of some rustic cabins with wood-burning stoves and fun stuff like that. A shower would be nice but I'm not too picky...I'm there to ride, not go to the hotel's pool! Also, I just picked up a long-track bad dog super tricked out Viper and I'm looking to find some crazy deep deep snow on some off-trail jaunts! So to sum it up: Suggestions on some cheap places to stay...minimalist is fine for the accommodations Off-trail riding suggestions for crazy deep snow! Maybe to a quick trip to the Porcupines! And...always looking for cool people to ride with (NOT much of a drinking and riding sort of person, though I don't think there are too many peeps like that here) Rating: 0 Quick Edit Edit Topic

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	October 15th 2009 at 1:20 PM  [ Modified October 15th 2009 at 1:26 PM ] Post #2
	Sno-X-treme Senior Member 2991 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 25th 2001 Location: Menomonie, Wi, USA Current Sled: 2006 rev 440/700 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	sunshine motel just west of ontanogon is pretty nice and reasonably priced. Go south on the trail and head east on forest road 690 then start exploring. There are a TON are old logging roads everywhere. Powerline riding can be fun, look on google maps to see where the terrain gets steep on the lines. Many places are impassable however. My Youtube Videos Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 15th 2009 at 9:04 PM Post #3
	scaryfast Junior Member 288 Posts Group: Members Member Since: September 20th 2006 Location: Rockford, Michigan, USA Current Sled: 2000 Polaris SKS 700 2008-2009 Miles: 600
	I go to the east side of the U.P. to Paradise. Where we stay its like $60 a night for 2 beds and cheaper for one bed. There are some good off trail spots and a lot of the locals will take you to them if you just ask. There are a few weekends up there they have special events like radar runs, snowmobile parades and such. Its a good time and beautiful trails. We only drink after the sleds are put away for the day, and even if you get blitzed, the hotel is litterally across the street. We are always looking for people to ride along with us. PM if you ever make it there. days get shorter, nights get longer, snow gets deeper, life gets better Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 15th 2009 at 9:28 PM Post #4
	OhioPolarisKid Advanced Member 1154 Posts Group: Members Member Since: January 22nd 2008 Location: Farmersville, Ohio, USA Current Sled: 1999 Indy 500 XC SP 2008-2009 Miles: 1340
	What we did last year was we dropped the trailer at Grayling, and rode up to the bridge and got a ride across. From there we went to Newberry and then to Munising. One of the county roads heading out of Newberry is where youll find a ton of snow. My dad said they get some of the heaviest snowfall in the state. The banks along the road were 5-6 foot high and in the open the road was drifted over making it unpassable for a short track. Theres a few trails that branch off of it, and last year we almost took one that was id say at least 5 foot of powder, but we knew wed get stuck since it was dark. Theres so much to do in the U.P. its hard to list. We covered 600 miles in 2 days and for the most part we never back tracked until we got near the bridge, which was probably 70-80 miles from the trailer. We didnt even touch a majority of them. Stock 1999 Indy 500 xc sp with 2in risers 6985 miles No Problems www.myspace.com/farmboy3020 Real trucks have glow plugs. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 15th 2009 at 11:24 PM Post #5
	srxfig New Member 80 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 16th 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois Current Sled: 99 SRX 700 2008-2009 Miles: 0
	Nice...I will for sure PM you when we get close ScaryFast...my friend has a place in the U.P. near Ishpeming, Meyer Yamaha and all that...but it looks like he's not going this year so it's just going to be me and one or two other buddies. I'd love to find some 5' drifts...got a 153" on my new sled...anxious to see what it can do! From prior years I've found that there's typically plenty of snow after Christmas...anyone have a clue, in a typical year what the snow is like in the earlier part of the month? My pal is getting back surgery and I'm hoping to convince him to have one ride this year prior to going "under the knife." It would likely be the weekend of 12/19-20/2009. And of course, I'm sure some years plenty of snow at this time, others none... Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 15th 2009 at 11:27 PM Post #6
	Sno-X-treme Senior Member 2991 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 25th 2001 Location: Menomonie, Wi, USA Current Sled: 2006 rev 440/700 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	Earlier you need to look at snow maps and go off that...decent snow is more scattered. Motels aren't booked so that's not an issue....actually I've only ever once had an issue getting a motel during the season. If you call in the morning, even at peak times, you can pretty easily find places to stay. My Youtube Videos Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 1:28 PM Post #7
	Backwoodsrider Man--I love the Deep stuff!! 454 Posts Group: Members Member Since: March 28th 2006 Location: Rapid River, MI, USA Current Sled: '05 RMK 800 2008-2009 Miles: 2043
	If you in the Ishpeming then north of Marquette in the Big Bay area is the place to go. with that new 153 you'll get to put it to a good test up there, lots of Hills and Deep snow!!! pretty much wide open riding, lots of forestry and old logging roads and oh yea did a mention the Hills!!! lots of places to stay in Marquette if you don't mind a little trailering, if you want to stay up there in Big Bay, theres a couple of places, should be able to find them on-line I would think. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 1:34 PM Post #8
	ibreakstuff Jug Inspector 2066 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 20th 2006 Location: Southwest Suburbs of CHI, Illinois, Egypt Current Sled: 02 Edge X 700, 98 XCR700 2008-2009 Miles: 1100
	Quote originally posted by srxfig Hey all! Planning a trip or two (or three) up this winter and I'm looking for some suggestions on where a decent/cheap place to stay might be. I've heard of some rustic cabins with wood-burning stoves and fun stuff like that. A shower would be nice but I'm not too picky...I'm there to ride, not go to the hotel's pool! Also, I just picked up a long-track bad dog super tricked out Viper and I'm looking to find some crazy deep deep snow on some off-trail jaunts! So to sum it up: Suggestions on some cheap places to stay...minimalist is fine for the accommodations Off-trail riding suggestions for crazy deep snow! Maybe to a quick trip to the Porcupines! And...always looking for cool people to ride with (NOT much of a drinking and riding sort of person, though I don't think there are too many peeps like that here) Peppermill in Rockland is great, the owners are cool. Peppermillrentals.com - $25 per person per night. Fuel and food across the street, general store up the street a bit. Owners will guide you if they have time, and at least tell you where the good spots are. Slednutz Snowmobile Forums Quote originally posted by BRP-4-LIFE I'm not a sno-x racer. I'm not a pro freestyle rider. Im not extreme. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 1:52 PM Post #9
	srxfig New Member 80 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 16th 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois Current Sled: 99 SRX 700 2008-2009 Miles: 0
	Wow!...$25 is dirt cheap...this is the place to stay fo-sho!!!! Thanks for all the info guys (gals??)...keep it coming! Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 2:00 PM  [ Modified October 16th 2009 at 2:02 PM ] Post #10
	Sno-X-treme Senior Member 2991 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 25th 2001 Location: Menomonie, Wi, USA Current Sled: 2006 rev 440/700 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	Quote originally posted by ibreakstuff Peppermill in Rockland is great, the owners are cool. Peppermillrentals.com - $25 per person per night. Fuel and food across the street, general store up the street a bit. Owners will guide you if they have time, and at least tell you where the good spots are. HA, I know exactly where that is. I'd highly recommend staying away from the Adventure motel. That place is sketchy, and not exactly the best price. I've stayed there once, and only once. I really wish I had my sleeping bag along to curl up inside instead of the bedding they had. Quote originally posted by srxfig Wow!...$25 is dirt cheap...this is the place to stay fo-sho!!!! Thanks for all the info guys (gals??)...keep it coming! Rockland area definitely has alot of good riding terrain. Honestly get on the powerlines or logging roads from rockland toward Ontanogan or towards twin lakes and start exploring. I've got a whole bunch of sick spots way pointed on my GPS, and marked on Bing maps, but I'll only give a few of them up. I've spent many hours completely lost and then stumble upon something really damn cool! My Youtube Videos Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 2:04 PM  [ Modified October 16th 2009 at 2:12 PM ] Post #11
	ibreakstuff Jug Inspector 2066 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 20th 2006 Location: Southwest Suburbs of CHI, Illinois, Egypt Current Sled: 02 Edge X 700, 98 XCR700 2008-2009 Miles: 1100
	That's PER PERSON per NIGHT. It's not very rustic, fyi. In fact some of their places are REALLY nice. Tell them Bryan from Slednutz sent ya. Quote originally posted by Sno-X-treme Rockland area definitely has alot of good riding terrain. Honestly get on the powerlines or logging roads from rockland toward Ontanogan or towards twin lakes and start exploring. I've got a whole bunch of sick spots way pointed on my GPS, and marked on Bing maps, but I'll only give a few of them up. I've spent many hours completely lost and then stumble upon something really damn cool! Shhhh...... I also drive the hour to Eagle River/St. Germaine for a day and looked at the Derby track and the vintage museums. Cool stuff. Slednutz Snowmobile Forums Quote originally posted by BRP-4-LIFE I'm not a sno-x racer. I'm not a pro freestyle rider. Im not extreme. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 16th 2009 at 3:50 PM  [ Modified October 16th 2009 at 3:56 PM ] Post #12
	Sno-X-treme Senior Member 2991 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 25th 2001 Location: Menomonie, Wi, USA Current Sled: 2006 rev 440/700 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	Quote originally posted by ibreakstuff Shhhh...... Lol, I recognize where most of those pics were taken. Can't exactly remember which line it is but I'm pretty sure (have been on every one out of rockland up to octonagan, twin lakes, and south). When you see tracks way off by the woods taking the stupidist line, those are probably mine You know where this is? By far the most challenging one I've found. My buddy had precision skis, which don't hold a sidehill to save his soul, so we didn't venture past the first downhill. He had one hell of a time getting out though....I ended up having to ride his sled out. Thats him at the bottom, screwed. Sitting sideways, sled wants to go downhill into the woods. Was hilarious watching him try to get out. Made for a few good videos. Me Scotty Then there's this spot too...pretty cool area (I thiiink this is the same line some of your pics are from but a few miles away....this is where you have to cross a river at the bottom and go up into the woods onto an old train bridge and then back onto the lines) And quite a few open spots full of untouched powder. This one was right off a main unofficial trail...you've probably been past it. Then some woods riding off FR 690 Me taking the harder and more challenging line to get up and not making it the first try. My Youtube Videos Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 19th 2009 at 12:57 PM Post #13
	srxfig New Member 80 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 16th 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois Current Sled: 99 SRX 700 2008-2009 Miles: 0
	Whoa! That's some good stuff boys...so Sno-x-Treme...did you offer to "show me around"...maybe? But thanks a ton for the suggestions...looks like it's going to be a good winter! Question...I'm presuming there will be enough trail riding the I should take the Maverick 2" lug track off eh? I've got a cut-down to about 1" 153 with studs that I was going to swap out for the U.P. trips. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 19th 2009 at 2:11 PM Post #14
	Sno-X-treme Senior Member 2991 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 25th 2001 Location: Menomonie, Wi, USA Current Sled: 2006 rev 440/700 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	Quote originally posted by srxfig Whoa! That's some good stuff boys...so Sno-x-Treme...did you offer to "show me around"...maybe? But thanks a ton for the suggestions...looks like it's going to be a good winter! I gave you a general area...start exploring, that's about the best advise. I know the places I found last year, but want to find more places so I'll be lost quite a bit wandering around. Look at maps beforehand to figure out where public land actually is/isn't. A handheld GPS does wonders to figure out where the hell you are. We went from Ontanogon to Rockland basically entirely by logging roads and old jeep paths which was a total adventure. We found some sick stuff on that trip. Had no clue where we really were, busted out the GPS, found out Rockland was less then 2 miles, and headed in it's exact direction. Worked awesome! Quote Question...I'm presuming there will be enough trail riding the I should take the Maverick 2" lug track off eh? I've got a cut-down to about 1" 153 with studs that I was going to swap out for the U.P. trips. 121x2"? I ran a 121 x 1.75 snox track for a bit before I went to a 136. Had to keep the momentum up with the 121 and did alot more carving back and forth to get up hills...I had to work a bit harder but got just about everywhere I wanted. IMO you're really better off with a deeper lug then more track. The 153 will float better but I rarely had issues, even with my 121. There generally isn't the bottomless powder like out west so the 153 really isn't an advantage. My buddy has a 136 x 1.25 and vs my 136 x 2 he really struggles. We've got the same motor, same gearing, and for this compariosn the same sleds minus the track. He's just not getting enough bite and isn't pushing enough snow. That's his black sled in the videos where he's struggling to get up that one hill. I just walked up the hill, 1st try, where he really struggled...even I struggled when I rode it out to get the thing moving and have enough bite to keep it going uphill. Took me 2 tries to get it out of the valley. My Youtube Videos Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 19th 2009 at 2:17 PM Post #15
	powersledder PSI Powered 3606 Posts Group: Members Member Since: September 1st 2006 Location: Houghton, MI, USA Current Sled: 07 IQr 2008-2009 Miles: No Speedo
	Thats a pretty sweet camo rmk in your pics IBS, whoever built that sled must have been pretty talented....and a great rider for attempting such a dramatic climb in that pic! Polaris 800HO monoblock cylinder for sale PM me with offers Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 20th 2009 at 9:53 PM Post #16
	srxfig New Member 80 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 16th 2008 Location: Chicago, Illinois Current Sled: 99 SRX 700 2008-2009 Miles: 0
	Quote originally posted by Sno-X-treme 121x2"? I ran a 121 x 1.75 snox track for a bit before I went to a 136. Had to keep the momentum up with the 121 and did alot more carving back and forth to get up hills...I had to work a bit harder but got just about everywhere I wanted. IMO you're really better off with a deeper lug then more track. The 153 will float better but I rarely had issues, even with my 121. There generally isn't the bottomless powder like out west so the 153 really isn't an advantage. My buddy has a 136 x 1.25 and vs my 136 x 2 he really struggles. We've got the same motor, same gearing, and for this compariosn the same sleds minus the track. He's just not getting enough bite and isn't pushing enough snow. That's his black sled in the videos where he's struggling to get up that one hill. I just walked up the hill, 1st try, where he really struggled...even I struggled when I rode it out to get the thing moving and have enough bite to keep it going uphill. Took me 2 tries to get it out of the valley. Well...I have three sleds at the moment but my new Viper with a 153" is primarily what I'd be riding...and I was asking because I feel the 2" lug will be way too big of a lug if there is any prolonged trail riding...so I was going to swap the track for the trail track...another 153 but with the paddles cut down to around 1" high. The question then remains, the 2" track seems like it should come off...first trip won't be until at least January. I think I'll get plenty of float out of the 153 with 1" lugs, and have the advantage of some small studs for the trail too. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit