Summer Trip-- PA to WI, and back

[Sin City Stan]

Originally Posted by bibendum

I like the ferry idea, ferrys are awesome. $50 seems steep, but when you weigh the cost of gas to ride around the lake, sure looks more appealing. I rode from Washington dc to Detroit in 7hrs, so about 10 I think to ride to the ferry. I think your starting point gives you about an hour jump on that... Could stay overnight in mi, and take the ferry over.

The ferry is a great option. When they say fast ferry they mean fast (42 Kts.). I saw it once when sailing offshore about mid-lake. Actually I didn't see it. It was about 10 PM and I noticed this big blob streaking across the RADAR. For about 30 seconds I was baffled, what the hell could be that big going that fast then I realized what it had to be. Had a similar experience on the other side of the Lake with airplanes landing at Mitchel Field in Milwaukee. It's freaky until you figure it out.

Unless you're suseptible to seasickness take the ferry. Worst case waves this time of year would be 4-6 footers which would result in a little rolling action on a ship that large.

Otherwise as Greg said, take I90 through Rockford. Also, I90 is known as the Northwest Tollway. So be sure to have your toll money in a handy place. I don't know what the tolls are now but I'm sure Greg can help you with that.

[aeropilot]

Originally Posted by bibendum

So, how many miles doess the ferry save?

http://www.lake-express.com/schedule/index.aspx

Looks like I'd have to take the 12:30, arriving at 4 (lose an hour due to crossing the time zone) and the ride itself is 2 1/2 hrs. 90 Miles across the lake.

For comparison, the same amount of time would get you from Milwaukee to Gary IN, of couse, going thru Chicago though. The Ferry seems like a great alternative for my trip and something that will allow me to stay rested up for the ride ahead once I get off the boat too.

I have EZ Pass for the bike. In PA, motorcyclists get 25% discount on tolls when using a MC EZPass. Looks like I"ll be able to use my EZ Pass for PA, OH, IN, and IL. Thanks for the note though, as I'll have to have a stash of change and 1$ bills in my pocket or a pouch for easy access.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by aeropilot

http://www.lake-express.com/schedule/index.aspx

Looks like I'd have to take the 12:30, arriving at 4 (lose an hour due to crossing the time zone) and the ride itself is 2 1/2 hrs. 90 Miles across the lake.

For comparison, the same amount of time would get you from Milwaukee to Gary IN, of couse, going thru Chicago though. The Ferry seems like a great alternative for my trip and something that will allow me to stay rested up for the ride ahead once I get off the boat too.

I have EZ Pass for the bike. In PA, motorcyclists get 25% discount on tolls when using a MC EZPass. Looks like I"ll be able to use my EZ Pass for PA, OH, IN, and IL. Thanks for the note though, as I'll have to have a stash of change and 1$ bills in my pocket or a pouch for easy access.

EZ-Pass works on I-90. The only toll you will see on the 74, 39, 90 route will right near where I live. Not sure of the fee, but think it is $1.10 if you pay cash.

Forgot about the time change. No wonder I scratched my head when the ferry schedule said 1 1/2 hours! one fast boat!!

Still would consider it though. Will give you a chance to rest...

[bibendum]

One more thing, check the ferrys website on what you need. I didn't have time at work to check, but the other ferry (the slow one, 4hr. Trip) requires you to provide 2 ratcheting tie downs for your bike.

[aeropilot]

Originally Posted by bibendum

One more thing, check the ferrys website on what you need. I didn't have time at work to check, but the other ferry (the slow one, 4hr. Trip) requires you to provide 2 ratcheting tie downs for your bike.

Lake express does provide them, but I will have them with me as well, just in case.

[aeropilot]

Crapola! The Lake Express Ferry is $82.50 for an Adult PLUS $40.00 for the motorcycle

Went to look at reserving my ticket today for a One Way trip, and that's what I get on the website. Guess I should have read the website a little further.....

Still, after 4 days of tent camping, may be worth it than not having to ride around Chicago again and being able to get some rest on the ride over.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by aeropilot

Crapola! The Lake Express Ferry is $82.50 for an Adult PLUS $40.00 for the motorcycle

Went to look at reserving my ticket today for a One Way trip, and that's what I get on the website. Guess I should have read the website a little further.....

Still, after 4 days of tent camping, may be worth it than not having to ride around Chicago again and being able to get some rest on the ride over.

Ouch... I guess I read it wrong also... and no one I know who took it ever mentioned the fee. That's a chunk of change... but you are more likely to survive that than dealing with Chicago... and besides the boat ride it nice.

Other than that... avoid Chicago and cut over on I-74 from Indy to catch I/74 / I-55 at Bloomington, IL and then catch I-39 North on the north-side of Bloomington... from there you can see on a map where you need to go... you'll make good time on that route anyway.

Just do yourself a favor and avoid Chicago my friend. We'd like to hear from you again...

[aeropilot]

I bit the bullet and made the purchase for the ferry. Comfort, relaxation, and safety....

Plus, it will be cool to see my SPOT tracker out in the middle of the lake

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by aeropilot

I bit the bullet and made the purchase for the ferry. Comfort, relaxation, and safety....

Plus, it will be cool to see my SPOT tracker out in the middle of the lake

Sounds like a wise choice. Enjoy the trip!!

[aeropilot]

Well, this weekend I"ll embark on my road trip. Saturday/Sunday weather look good for riding with cool starts to the day. I hope to end up in Oshkosh WI on sunday afternoon/early evening.

www.tinyurl.com/dustyalleygang is my SPOT tracker. It will show my position every 10 minutes during my ride days. (Sat/Sun this week, and Thurs/Fri/Sat next week) If you click the link now, it won't have anything. First reports will be Saturday. It's peace of mind for my wife and three daughters to know where I'm at.

Bike is ready, and after USRanger's report, I'm looking forward to my ride.

[fish]

Have a good safe dry ride. its sounds like a cool site

[Loafer]

Have a great time!

[chainsaw]

Are you going to the EAA fly in?

[aeropilot]

Yes. AirVenture in Oshkosh. I've arrived in Dayton area and taking a rest for tonight. I'll be camping at 48th and Lindbergh in camp Scholler for a few days.

Spent some time tonight flying the PiperCub at a local airport here with a good friend. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1342921763.718763.jpg

My SPOT tracker page works well. See link above.

[aeropilot]

567 miles today, 9 hrs 42 minutes. Lots of rain and crappy weather in PA. McDonalds is a good place to dry your gloves with those blow hand dryers. Frogg Togg gear worked great.

Looks like tomorrow is sunny and near 90 most of the ride.