"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
08/10/2016 at 10:05 • Filed to: TWO WHEELS GOOD, ORGAN DONOR, MOTORCYCLE, CAMPING
3
17|
"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
08/10/2016 at 10:05 • Filed to: TWO WHEELS GOOD, ORGAN DONOR, MOTORCYCLE, CAMPING | 3
| 17 |
Summer is too short in Minnesota.
I went camping in northern MN twice last year and had a blast. This year life has gotten in the way and I although I tried to go once, rain prevented me from making it. This weekend, rain or shine, I’m going.
I was talking to my girlfriend last night about our weekend plans. To our surprise, we realized we didn’t have any. Then she suggested I go camping because I haven’t gone yet this year. I looked last night and there was one camping spot left in all of northeast MN.
And I got it.
I did go camping this year, but in Nebraska for a road trip/concert. This is my setup.
Tettegouche State Park is a gem right on Lake Superior. It features a series of waterfalls as the Baptism River meets Lake Superior, including one that is 70 ft high. I was there for a short time last year on my way back from a weekend away in Grand Marias (hey that rhymes) and it was one of the highlights of the trip. Camping there should be a blast.
Looking towards Lake Superior from the falls. My campsite will be just a 100 yards or so from this spot.
Of course, the bike needs a little work before I go. I recently had what I thought was a Fuel Pressure Regulator issue (a common issue on early VTX 1800s). After some searching I found that the previous owner had unplugged the vacuum line and capped it. Then, he plugged the Hypercharger into where the FPR should go. So, I got the FPR working again but need to re-route the vacuum on the Hypercharger so the butterfly opens.
Looking from Lake Superior back up towards the Baptism River. The bridge is Route 61, the main road from Duluth to the Canadian border.
After that, it should be a fluid check and a general once over, pack up, and go! The ride should be a blast. 220 miles, some along famous route 61, right along Lake Superior. It’s a road I’ve wanted to ride since I moved to the Twin Cities 2 1/2 years ago.
Should be a fun trip!
bob and john
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 10:09 |
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heads up, the roads up there suck just north of duluth
Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 10:21 |
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You talk about rain or shine for camping. Rain camping is honestly more fun than camping in the dry, as long as it is not too windy or cold. Having the right gear makes it quite comfortable but you still feel like its a survival trip instead of just hanging out in the woods. Making a fire, keeping your living space dry, and just doing whatever hiking and whatnot just becomes so much more difficult. But if you end up successful despite it and can share it with some friends, it always makes for a more memorable camping experience. Maybe I like the challenge or maybe I am just crazy, but my favorite camping trips have been plagued with endless rain.
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Hammerdown
> bob and john
08/10/2016 at 10:28 |
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They suck south of Duluth too.
Roundbadge
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 10:29 |
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This was our home for two nights last week, on the Ohio River in the Wayne National Forest. The idyllic picture belies the 90+ degree heat and 95%+ humidity. We’ll be back next year.
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Hammerdown
> Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/10/2016 at 10:30 |
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I don’t disagree with you. However, any trip I take on the bike where I don’t have to use my rain gear is a good trip for me.
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Hammerdown
> Roundbadge
08/10/2016 at 10:35 |
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Looks like fun!
Nisman
> Roundbadge
08/10/2016 at 11:21 |
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This looks awesome. What campground is this? Might have to do a bike trip down here myself.
Pickup_man
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 12:27 |
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Looks awesome, I’m headed up to the Duluth area in September for my anniversary. I would love to make it a motorcycle camping trip but I don’t think the wife would go for it.
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Roundbadge
> Nisman
08/10/2016 at 12:30 |
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Leith Run campground . There are 3 tent camping sites, and numerous trailer sites at which you could set a tent up.
Be forewarned, it’s a fairly long walk from the parking lot to the tent camping area if you’re hauling stuff from the vehicle. Regardless, I loved it. The restroom & showers are exceptionally clean.
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Hammerdown
> Pickup_man
08/10/2016 at 12:51 |
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Hahaha. My GF is the same way. Luckily she’ll let me go solo
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Pickup_man
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 12:56 |
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Mine likely would too, but probably not on our anniversary haha. It’s not so much that she’s against camping, or motorcycle rides, but the combination of a 6-7 hour ride and a full weekend of camping isn’t really her thing. It also doesn’t help that I currently ride a Sportster with a cramped and very uncomfortable back seat, I’m hoping to change that next season though.
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Hammerdown
> Pickup_man
08/10/2016 at 12:59 |
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What are you looking at getting?
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Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 13:07 |
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Oh yeah I always forget how much it must suck to motorcycle in the rain. If anything, its the not having a windshield wiper on your helmet that has to be the worst. Sure there is rainx but I cant imagine its as good as being in a cage in that scenario. Even better when I have seen go karts at autocross in the rain. Those guys are nuts!
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Hammerdown
> Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
08/10/2016 at 13:16 |
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The rain on the visor issue doesn’t bother me so much. It’s the water that always finds its way through the rainsuit and pools at your crotch that gets ya.
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Pickup_man
> Hammerdown
08/10/2016 at 13:20 |
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09+ HD Street Bob most likely, I’m in love with the style and after sitting on a few I like the way they feel, it’s basically my Sporster but bigger. I’ve looked at a few others and test rode a couple different bikes and haven’t fallen in love with any of them.
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Hammerdown
> Pickup_man
08/10/2016 at 13:21 |
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Nice bikes. Good luck!
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Nisman
> Roundbadge
08/10/2016 at 17:25 |
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Thank you!