Drowned rat trip - Page 2

**Top Cat** · 08-10-2012, 09:45 PM

Well we rerouted south today to miss the storm system.
Worked pretty well till we ran into a detour that took us 30 freakin miles north and we got rained on just a little.

The plan is now to do the route in reverse and hope the storm system has moved to the east by tomorrow.
Greg, we are in Watseka Illinois for the night but Saturdays route,if the radar shows no rain in your direction, we will be going through Harvard which isn't to far from you. Maybe we could meet up for coffee or something.
I will pm you my cell #.
It sure is windy down in this neck of the woods. Fought that all day. really moved the bike around sometimes.

**glwilson** · 08-10-2012, 11:01 PM

Weather will be perfect for riding tomorrow in this area Tim.

No rain; but the wind might be a bit stiff at times. A large low pressure system was sitting on Michigan causing Illinois to get winds out of the north / northeast today -- which are always fairly cool and gusty.

You had 30+ MPH gusts out there today, and if they cross you just right they can jostle you around a bit out here in the "flat-lands" where there isn't anything to block the wind.

Be sure to go along the shore of Lake Michigan as close as possible once you are north of Milwaukee.

It is a nice route, albeit mostly flat though. The Lake is pretty, and looks as big as the ocean from shore.

Call me if you need any help while in the area.

Ride safe...

**Top Cat** · 08-10-2012, 11:06 PM

Thanks Greg, will do.
I really thought the wind was stronger than that today.

fish · 08-12-2012, 04:51 PM

well! how did the rest of the trip go?
We are in Wellsboro at the Sherwood. Round about way home tomorrow.

**Top Cat** · 08-12-2012, 09:24 PM

So far so good Lar.
Did 320 miles Saturday and very nice cool temperature. Perfect riding weather.
Stayed in Manitowac Wisconsin last night so we could take our time getting to the ferry across Lake Michigan. It is 63 miles across and takes 4 hours. The ferry goes at 18 MPH.
It is coal fired steam powered. We left a black cloud of coal smoke all the way across the lake

In Michigan now. We were at the motel for half an hour and 7 Harleys pulled in. The group got as far as the lobby before they cracked open their first beers

Yeah I know not all Harley riders are like that but the ones who are sure give the rest a bad name.
Tomorrow should be the best scenic ride of the trip , around the coast of Michigan.

**cnc** · 08-12-2012, 11:05 PM

Tim, I was thinking of you and Cindy over the weekend. We had crappy weather up this way as well. Psst, Wanta buy a snorkel mister?

Loafer · 08-13-2012, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnc

Tim, I was thinking of you and Cindy over the weekend. We had crappy weather up this way as well. Psst, Wanta buy a snorkel mister?

That was mean and funny as hell.

**cnc** · 08-13-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish

well! how did the rest of the trip go?
We are in Wellsboro at the Sherwood. Round about way home tomorrow.

Hey we all got home from Wellboro 3 weeks a go.

**Top Cat** · 08-13-2012, 09:44 AM

7 day forecast in this area is RAIN

I am sofa king sick of getting rained on we are going to finish as much of the Michigan section as we can and get on the freakin interstate and hold the throttle at 74 mph and head home.
This trip beats the hell out of working but the weather has been the worst we have encountered on any of our long trips.
Can you tell I am a little discouraged

Seriously, we will make the best of it and maintain our sense of humor

Well, putting on the rain gear and heading out

**cnc** · 08-13-2012, 01:05 PM

Sorry to hear that Tim. Cheryl and I had a trip like that when we went to Cape Breton. Rained every frigging day but the first one. Now I must admit it didn't rain all day long every day, but several of them. The other days it rained we would get a storm coming, duck in somewhere to put on rain suits, continue on in the rain, run out of it, strip the suits off cause it was so hot, ride on, only to repeat the process. Sometimes this happened 3 or 4 times in a day.
You know the minute you get home it wont rain for a week or more.

**Top Cat** · 08-13-2012, 09:46 PM

Well, after my rant this morning it was a great day of riding. We never got rained on and we must have missed a few showers as the roads were wet when we went through

I gotta say Michigan is the most scenic state we have ridden in on this trip.
Will see what tomorrow brings as far as weather. Going to try and finish the trip as planned.

**cnc** · 08-13-2012, 09:54 PM

Nice Tim. Enjoy. So no more Dr Suess?, you know Wet Rat in the Cat.

fish · 08-13-2012, 10:00 PM

At least it was cool. Elaine said Saturday and today (Monday) were the best days for riding in a long time. Sunday we had low clouds, a mist and light drizzle early. Some of the road were wet too.

**BudMan** · 08-13-2012, 10:15 PM

Glad to hear you're seeing some drier weather.
A little rain is one thing, but days of it grind on you.
Good luck and stay safe.

waterman · 08-14-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwilson

You had 30+ MPH gusts out there today, and if they cross you just right they can jostle you around a bit out here in the "flat-lands" where there isn't anything to block the wind.

Greg, we call that a gentle breeze out here.

08-10-2012, 09:45 PM	#16
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Well we rerouted south today to miss the storm system. Worked pretty well till we ran into a detour that took us 30 freakin miles north and we got rained on just a little. The plan is now to do the route in reverse and hope the storm system has moved to the east by tomorrow. Greg, we are in Watseka Illinois for the night but Saturdays route,if the radar shows no rain in your direction, we will be going through Harvard which isn't to far from you. Maybe we could meet up for coffee or something. I will pm you my cell #. It sure is windy down in this neck of the woods. Fought that all day. really moved the bike around sometimes. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-10-2012, 11:01 PM	#17
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Weather will be perfect for riding tomorrow in this area Tim. No rain; but the wind might be a bit stiff at times. A large low pressure system was sitting on Michigan causing Illinois to get winds out of the north / northeast today -- which are always fairly cool and gusty. You had 30+ MPH gusts out there today, and if they cross you just right they can jostle you around a bit out here in the "flat-lands" where there isn't anything to block the wind. Be sure to go along the shore of Lake Michigan as close as possible once you are north of Milwaukee. It is a nice route, albeit mostly flat though. The Lake is pretty, and looks as big as the ocean from shore. Call me if you need any help while in the area. Ride safe... __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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08-10-2012, 11:06 PM	#18
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Thanks Greg, will do. I really thought the wind was stronger than that today. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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08-12-2012, 04:51 PM	#19
fish Top Contributor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Aquashicola Pa. Posts: 6,377	well! how did the rest of the trip go? We are in Wellsboro at the Sherwood. Round about way home tomorrow. __________________ I'm not prejudice I hate everyone equally;) 08 nomad blue/silver MaryJane 74,010miles VBA #299 Her's 10 900LT 36,700 09 Bath NY. 10 Lake George NY. 11 National Maggie Valley NC. 12 Pa Wilds (Wellsboro) Pa. 14 Lincoln NH. 17 National Lake George NY.
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08-12-2012, 09:24 PM	#20
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	So far so good Lar. Did 320 miles Saturday and very nice cool temperature. Perfect riding weather. Stayed in Manitowac Wisconsin last night so we could take our time getting to the ferry across Lake Michigan. It is 63 miles across and takes 4 hours. The ferry goes at 18 MPH. It is coal fired steam powered. We left a black cloud of coal smoke all the way across the lake In Michigan now. We were at the motel for half an hour and 7 Harleys pulled in. The group got as far as the lobby before they cracked open their first beers Yeah I know not all Harley riders are like that but the ones who are sure give the rest a bad name. Tomorrow should be the best scenic ride of the trip , around the coast of Michigan. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-12-2012, 11:05 PM	#21
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	Tim, I was thinking of you and Cindy over the weekend. We had crappy weather up this way as well. Psst, Wanta buy a snorkel mister? __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136
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08-13-2012, 09:44 AM	#24
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	7 day forecast in this area is RAIN I am sofa king sick of getting rained on we are going to finish as much of the Michigan section as we can and get on the freakin interstate and hold the throttle at 74 mph and head home. This trip beats the hell out of working but the weather has been the worst we have encountered on any of our long trips. Can you tell I am a little discouraged Seriously, we will make the best of it and maintain our sense of humor Well, putting on the rain gear and heading out __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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08-13-2012, 01:05 PM	#25
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	Sorry to hear that Tim. Cheryl and I had a trip like that when we went to Cape Breton. Rained every frigging day but the first one. Now I must admit it didn't rain all day long every day, but several of them. The other days it rained we would get a storm coming, duck in somewhere to put on rain suits, continue on in the rain, run out of it, strip the suits off cause it was so hot, ride on, only to repeat the process. Sometimes this happened 3 or 4 times in a day. You know the minute you get home it wont rain for a week or more. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136
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08-13-2012, 09:46 PM	#26
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Well, after my rant this morning it was a great day of riding. We never got rained on and we must have missed a few showers as the roads were wet when we went through I gotta say Michigan is the most scenic state we have ridden in on this trip. Will see what tomorrow brings as far as weather. Going to try and finish the trip as planned. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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08-13-2012, 09:54 PM	#27
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	Nice Tim. Enjoy. So no more Dr Suess?, you know Wet Rat in the Cat. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136
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08-13-2012, 10:00 PM	#28
fish Top Contributor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Aquashicola Pa. Posts: 6,377	At least it was cool. Elaine said Saturday and today (Monday) were the best days for riding in a long time. Sunday we had low clouds, a mist and light drizzle early. Some of the road were wet too. __________________ I'm not prejudice I hate everyone equally;) 08 nomad blue/silver MaryJane 74,010miles VBA #299 Her's 10 900LT 36,700 09 Bath NY. 10 Lake George NY. 11 National Maggie Valley NC. 12 Pa Wilds (Wellsboro) Pa. 14 Lincoln NH. 17 National Lake George NY.
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08-13-2012, 10:15 PM	#29
BudMan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Greenwood, Ark. Posts: 4,736	Glad to hear you're seeing some drier weather. A little rain is one thing, but days of it grind on you. Good luck and stay safe. __________________ Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers
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