The family & I are moving to the Brainerd area in the next few months.  Anyone on here from that area?  Would be nice to hear some local insight to the area before choosing a house. 
Thanks.
Joe

Earlier this week I got the permission from the family to take a few days to myself (and my C14) and go.  My plan was for 3 days/2 nights in the tent.  Where was not decided until I left.  2 options where on the table.  Rapid City SD & Copper Harbor MI.  About as different as can be, but the better weather forecast made Copper Harbor the winner. 

Being my first solo trip I had some trial & error packing everything, but eventually all found it's place.  Quick test ride around home confirmed a well balanced load that did not obstruct the mirrors. 

I left 9:30 AM 6/23 from just west of Rochester, MN.  Still no real planned route, just went with it.  I hit a few local favorite roads on my way out.  Places like WI Hwy 95 from Fountain City to Hixton, WI.  Then just made a general east direction through middle Wisconsin.  Headed north from near Wausau to head to Lake Superior. 
I camped in Ontonagon, MI in their nice little city campground.  Maybe 30 feet off the water of Lake Superior.  410 miles for the day. 


Weather was perfect all day and into the evening hours.  Just as I was headed into the tent, the weather changed! Temps dropped into the 40's and the wind hit hard off the lake.  Blew in a thunderstorm, which made for a long night. 

About 5:30 I ran into town to get some breakfast.  Only the gas station was open, so Holiday coffee it was.  I went back, packed up camp, and headed for Copper Harbor. 

Not a real exciting ride until past Houghton.  Then once on M26 the fun factor went up fast!  One of the most fun roads I have been on anywhere!  No traffic, tight curves, rolling hills, beautiful scenery... you know the kind. 
Hard to read the sign in the picture, but it references the snow records in the area and shows the 3904" of snow in 1978-79, as well as the arrow marker for last winter which is adjusted each year.


Falls and dam at Eagle River

I had a suggestion from my dad to hit the Brockway Mountain Dr.  He has ridden it in the past.  I guess things changed!  More suited to a KLR, if that!  Really rough with on and off gravel sections (which where the best parts of the road surface).  There was some great views from up there. 
Brockway


Copper Harbor outlook

Nearing the end of the Brockway I was flagged down by a hwy construction worker that advised I may not  want to continue as they had just dumped loads of gravel and had not packed it in yet.   This was in a very steep section (down hill) with a 180 degree switchback, and the dumped material (a stretch to call it gravel) was nearly 8" thick.  I made it through, but wasn't pretty. 

Copper harbor was a nice little tourist trap town.  Picked up a few gifts for the family as a thanks for letting me go, and started home. 

I'm not really sure why, but on the return trip through Houghton I decided to push it and get home that day rather than another night in the tent.  I enjoy camping, maybe just missed the family.  I didn't care for Google's suggested route, so I decided to wing it.  I had not been through that area in years, and forgot how nice the riding is west of Ironwood, down through Mellen, Clam Lake, Hayward.  Then back on very familiar roads to get back home at 8:00.  About 935 miles for the 2 day total and 49MPG average.  Happy to be home, and off the seat for a while. 

My only bike related complaint is the OEM seat.  Not bad for me until around 8 hours.  Then I want something else.

Posting this link for my neighbor.  Parting with his bike to finish his education.  Please excuse the messy garage pics.

http://rmn.craigslist.org/mcy/4943860208.html

Last weekend I was visiting my parents to help around their farm in NW WI.  With the wife and kid off elsewhere I took the C14 for the 4 hour (one way) ride from SE MN. 
Sunday evening on my way home I stopped for gas and cleaned my shield in Minong, WI.  209.5 miles later parked in my garage my helmet looked like this.....

Also the 209.5 miles was without a stop.  No stop sign, stop light, or stop in traffic... which was amazing with holiday weekend traffic on I35 into MSP.  Average 52.9 MPG for the trip & had a high of 54.9 for the last tank on the way home!  Never expected that with the speeds on the slab. 

After 5770 miles on my stock tires I finally got new tires.  Months of winter storage gave me the time to read up, and decide on a set.   Another factor was the TPMS where both showing low battery when it came out of storage. 

I called a dealer & set up the TPMS (under warranty) as well as the new tires.  PR4 GT's in the 50 series rear.  Dealer swapped out the tires for no charge while doing the sensors.  Rode it in this past Monday (in the afternoon when the previous nights snow melted), was called Tuesday it was done.  Piked it up Thursday (again after the snow melted). 

Yesterday I spent most of the day riding.  Morning temps where a bit chilly- started out at 33 deg.  At noon I met up with another (sport bike) rider for some fun.  A good mix of rural roads, hwy, & city riding. 

After 390 miles all I can say is to repeat what others have said.  It is like a whole different bike!  Smoother and quieter on the highway.  Rolls in and out of the corners with almost no effort.  Holds very well in the twisty stuff.  I didn't drag a peg, but close a few times.  I'd rather wait for warmer weather before pushing any harder. 

I just hope to get good tire life out of these.  I don't usually ride that aggressive.  Just like to have fun once in a while.  Most of my riding is commuting or a leisurely cruise.  I'll post up my thoughts as I pile up the miles. 

Got the rear leaned over a little bit.  Can't see in this picture but over to the 2CT on the tread.

Front looks better.

My Labor Day weekend plans came together nicely.  My wife, son, daughter & I where going to join the wife's family up at the "Deer Shack".  The car was a bit crowded with 2 adults, 2 dogs, 2 kids, and all our stuff.  I also invited my friend Dave who just helped me re-build my deck as a thank you.  Dave & I decided to ride the bikes... even though he rides a chopped Sportster....

Friday Rochester, MN to NW WI
We had a nice ride up.  Weather was warm, and humid.  Had a little threat of a rain storm, but it passed with nothing.  The wife took the lead in her GMC Terrain... with a lead foot!  Dave & I took our time, had a nice ride, and pulled in just behind the wife because she had 2 stops for diaper changes on the little one. 
The deer shack.


Saturday we took a ride near Superior, WI to see my brother's new house/property.  First time home owner, he found a 40 acre property with a small house needing some work, and a few run down outbuildings for a great price.  From there to the Mouth of the Brule River.
 
Then back to the "shack" 



Sunday we spent some time with the family.  While Dave was out on the lake my Niece Taverie decided to be a model on Dave's Harley.
 
I think her parents are going to have trouble with this one! 

We had a threat of rain again, and did see a few drops but that was all.  It was a late arrival back at home, but a nice ride for the weekend.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/denali-dm1-micro-single-intensity-led-lighting-kit-with-full-wiring-harness-and-m8-mount

I got these for my old C10 Concours.  No need for them on my new bike, so I'll sell them.  I'd prefer local deal (SE MN) for $200 cash, but for 225 USPS Money order I'll ship them.  I'd even be willing to meet somewhere... you know how we all need an excuse to ride....

Shoot me an email joerau3009@gmail.com

If I don't sell them soon, I'll return them to twisted throttle.