Any Interest in a September rally in the UP?

 I have a ride in Sept. But if timing is right yes.

I'm interested too.  I think that ride may fit into our schedule.  We've ridden around the top of Lake Superior, but haven't done much along the south shore.  We've ridden MI-28 and U.S. 2, but Lake Superior can only be seen from about Marquette to Munising on MI-28 and not at all from U.S. 2.  My road atlas shows a number of scenic routes in the area.  That far north the leaves may even be changing color.

I'm interested. Some of the Chicago motorcycle groups have taken rides up there. It would be nice to have a sidecar event there.

Mark Segraves

Chicago, IL

We probably would be interested.  

Put me down.  I've been there to ski.  

Dave USCA president

Man............I'm so ready for a Looooooooooooooooong ride.  After all the cancelations I'm in. 

Regarding the September mini rally...

Since we won't have a ton of folks, we're going to use the BMWRA Riders Weekend to do the heavy lifting.  Registration isn't open yet but I'll let you know when it is.

Dates - September 3-6 2021 - Yes, that's Labor Day Weekend
Location Big Snow Resort - http://www.bigsnow.com  
Accommodations - There is a hotel and there are rental condos. Basic hotel rooms start at $78/night [probably plus tax] and if you rent for two nights, you get the third night free.  One bedroom condos start at $109/night and the same deal applies.  There are also two bedroom condos starting at $149/night with the same buy three for the price of two deal. Camping is available, there are rest rooms, showers, a pool, hot tub.  The campsites have fire rings and there is a water source but no electric.  Camping is $10/person/night.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HOTEL/CONDO AND CAMPING ARE AS TOLD TO ME BY BIG SNOW.  I HAVE NOT BEEN THERE YET.

The rally... It's the BMWRA Riders Weekend.  The whole thing is centered on riding the area.  The Upper Peninsula has some great riding along the shores of Lake Superior and through the woods.  There will be route maps, created by locals, handed out but you're on your own [find a friend that wants to make the same ride].  I'm told there will be on road and off road routes.  As an aside, the last time I rode up there, I saw two bear cubs playing along side the road [and left before mama bear showed up].

Many folks will take to time to run up to Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It's a 300 mile round trip but something you can check off your bucket list.  NB- Gas in Copper Harbor is VERY expensive.  Try to fill up on the way. You could also wander around in Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park [much closer]. Or, you could go west toward Hancock & Hurley, once the bawdiest towns in the US or further toward Ashland with a stop at the Bad River Lodge & Casino.  There are lots of places to explore.  Or, you could hang around with folks at the resort and enjoy the pool.

We're using the BMWRA Riders Weekend because they welcome us, the event isn't limited to BMW owners or members of the BMWRA and they have done the negotiations with the venue.  The BMWRA event fee is $60/person and it includes two dinners and two breakfasts.  This event is limited to 249 attendees. I'll have more information a soon as it's available.

Big Snow lays claim to two facilities, Indianhead and Blackjack.  The respective addresses are Wakefield and Bessemer, MI.  The towns are 5 miles apart.  Does anyone know which location is the rally HQ?

Copper Harbor sounds interesting.    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore would be even further and what I've seen of photos would make a trip there appealing.  I've seen the iron ore loading docks at Marquette  from a distance.  Marquette would likely be an interesting place to explore.

OK, FINALLY, I have details and a little hard data.

The event will generally be 3 September - 6 September.  Yes, that's Labor Day Weekend.  This is almost a non-rally, more of a gathering for folks who share an interest in motorcycles and some BEAUTIFUL riding.

The rally fee is $60, for that you get two breakfasts and two dinners and free camping.  The free camping includes RVs but you'll be boondocking, there are no hookups, just a nice level parking lot.  There's a casual restaurant and a bar on site.

If you've already called the resort and got quoted some pretty high lodging rates, you'll have to call back armed with the secret discount codes.  There are two lodging deals...

With the code "BIKE" you get a special room rate of $78 but only use "BIKE" if you just plan to stay one night.
With the code "MOTO" you get the $78 room rate and if you stay two nights, you get the third night FREE.  That works out to $52/night.  I'm sure there are taxes on those rates but there's nothing to be done about that.  There are also some nice condos, one and two bedrooms with kitchens and living rooms.  I don't have the rates on those but the stay two get the third free deal applies there as well. The reservation number for motel and condos is 800-346-3426.  

Don asked which mountain we'd be staying at.  The lodge, restaurant and bar are all located at Indianhead Mountain.  There are a handful of restaurants nearby, mostly scattered around Wakefield, MI which is about three miles away and Hurley, Wi which is 13 miles away and much bigger than Wakefield.  Hurley used to have the reputation of being one of the bawdiest towns in the US but things are quieter now.

You can register at https://bmwra-forms.org/pure-upper-peninsula-weekend/  

Registering for the rally and booking accommodations at the resort are two different things but if you're camping all you need to do is register for the rally.

Got a question, you can PM me [it's under my profile picture], send an email to AL@BMWRA.org or call 612-759-4666

'See you there

Al

Thanks for posting the very helpful info - I am hoping to be able to attend. No MM tho' and I will have to depart Sunday. A lot depends on whether I have my rig back by then

Do you happen to know if the special rates apply before 9/3? 

Hi to you and hugs to TLMA

Duncan

Al 

Have you and/or Jan given any thought to opening up the UP Rally to non-USCA sidecarists by posting info on advrider/hacks?

https://advrider.com/f/threads/sidecar-events-links-only-please-no-replies.557873/page-9

Just a thought

Duncan

Duncan, et al, 

The discount codes work [for ANYBODY during the event] and for BMWRA members on any day that isn't part of one of Big Snow's "black out dates".  Most of those dates are either while there is another event running or the major ski weekends in the winter.  Again, the codes work for anybody during the event. so if you want to come early the discounts still apply.