Lake Michigan Car Ferry Crossing -

[gnoble]

Have any of you folks taken your bike across Lake Michigan using the Car Ferry? We are considering a Great Lakes trip this summer that would include the crossing on www.ssbadger.com . Did you enjoy the trip? Were you able to load/secure/unload your bike yourself? Any lessons learned?

Thanks

[walnut11]

My wife,99ltc and I crossed from Ludington to Manitowoc(sp) In June of 04, we left at 7:00 am Mi. time. I loaded the bike (take 4 soft ties) used their large tie down straps plenty available I used the side stand down. For our trip thier were about 10 bikes of all flavors, we loaded first and they put us in secluded spot really tight quarters but adequate I guess, we had no problems, once the bike is tied down and the boat leaves the dock you can't go back down and get any of your stuff so pack a( day bag for the 4 hr trip books, cards radio whatever.
Stay upwind of smokestack this is a coal burning ship. Our trip was smooth as glass, I have heard where others are not and you might need sea sick pills.
They have food and drink onboard (ok I guess) Movies bingo and places to read and talk.
Slow as a snail but we had a good time, I don't think you will be disappointed with the trip.
Let me know if you need further info.
David Peck
Stockbridge Mi

[Patric]

Hi gnoble, We have used the S.S. Badger a few times . I liked it , we used there boatel one time . You load your bike the night before wile there are docked in Mi. , then spend the night in one of there state rooms . They have a bar ,& restaurant on board, and moves running . Then the next day you don't need to get up , you are all set . They searve breakfast on board , you just need to get up in time to eat .
We used it to run over to Wi. to go the Road America for the Superbike races . It works for use ...Patric ...

[patrick2000]

Have any of you folks taken your bike across Lake Michigan using the Car Ferry? We are considering a Great Lakes trip this summer that would include the crossing on www.ssbadger.com . Did you enjoy the trip? Were you able to load/secure/unload your bike yourself? Any lessons learned?

Thanks

Greg,

I've taken it a dozen , or more times. It is a great way to go if you want to avoid the Chicago traffic and don't have the time to ride through the Upper Peninsula.

[DRothermel]

Greg:

http://www.lake-express.com/

This one is much better than the Badger IMHO. Only takes half the time. I've taken both. New, modern and fast! This one runs from Muskegon to Milwaukee.

Dick

[dandoble]

We took a week last year and traveled around Lake Michigan. Nice peaceful and scenic trip. Lots of places to stop, rest, and enjoy. I have taken the Lake Express and it is much better and only takes 2.5 hours. They are very accommodating to motorcycles and the ferry is much newer. Very relaxing. Be sure you have your own soft ties. They offer ratchet tie downs but I believe they do not guarantee availability. You need to make reservation online as they fill up on holidays and weekends. It travels from Milwaukee MI to Muskegon, MI on a more frequent schedule because of it's speed. It is a little more costly but worth the cost.

The Badger is older and I have had people complain about the smoke from the stack. It is much older and slower. If time is not a concern it is better than traveling through Chicago.

It is also a nice trip up through Michigan or Wisconsin.

[BLBantz]

I have not been on the Lake Michigan ferry but have taken others around the country, both with and without the LT. Never had a problem, and they provide a nice break from long rides. I will advise you to make reservations early. Last year I tried to take the Lake Michigan ferry to Manatowic during a ride to northern Wisconson from NJ and they were sold out.

[rick_b8s]

If time is not a concern it is better than traveling through Chicago.
Media here in Chicago is giving lots of airtime to "traffic nightmare" of the Dan Ryan Expy. (I-94 south of the loop). The lanes have been halved untill further notice. Construction will continue for two years.
Boat sounds nice.

[dandoble]

This should give you an idea of what to expect. Riders go to the head of the line so they have time to tie down.

I thought I had attached a couple photos but the preview post did not show the attached photos.

[gnoble]

You got to love it when the motorcycles get to go to the head of the line. :)

Thanks all for your input on this subject. It is much appreciated. IMHO no Great Lakes trip is complete without covering the Lower Michigan stretch that takes you through Manistee, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey then up to Mackinaw Bridge. The scenery and roads are incredible. The plan is to continue north from the bridge and follow around the north rim of Superior. Since this will be a group ride the consensus is to avoid the traffic hazards in the Chicago area and take the shortcut across the lake. I can only imagine what the traffic is going to be like with the Dan Ryan under construction. Now all we have to do is decide if we are going to take the Slow Boat or the Speed Boat.

Thanks again.

[battleb]

We crossed on the SS Badger last year. As has been previously mentioned the bikes are loaded first. We chose the Badger because we wanted to take the time crossing and we didnt want to get off in the milwaukee area. One thing that was also mentioned was that they really dont have tie-downs for the bikes and you need to bring your own.The crossing takes about 4 hours and the food, while not particularly gourmet, was just fine

[daisy3d]

If you need any hints or notes on the Northern UP, let me know. I'm a Yooper by birth from Marquette County and an LT rider. Can tell ya what to see, eat at, and what to avoid IMO if it helps!

PS... Not bad to plan on weather extremes even in the summer when hitting Marquette county. I've been in snow in June, in a winter coat in July for fireworks in Marquette and seen the Coast Guard cutter (cutting up the harbor for iron ore tankers) in upper harbor Lake Superior in early May too!

You'll love it if you've never been!

Cheers,
Phil & Jen
Brooklyn, MI