My First Solo, 5-Day Trip Around Michigan

Michigan's Beautiful Upper Peninsula

Being alone is something that most people do not like. It’s quiet with no body to talk to but you. As humans we strive to find someone to be with at all times. To share experiences and communicate is very basic to our nature. I grew up with three brothers and a sister. Given that one of the brothers is a twin, being alone was something that never happened. You can imagine that once I decided to embark on my very first motorcycle trip, going solo was a new world for me. I discovered peace and tranquility aside from the fun that is my siblings company.

It was the summer of 2011 when I mustered up the courage to go. I had never done something like this. A five-day ride around Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula was such a big deal that I contemplated even going. My motorcycle was (and still is) a 2001 Kawasaki ZRX 1200r. With a limited budget, a friend lent me his personal camping gear. A kiss on the cheek from my loving and concerned girlfriend, and I was off. My goal was to reach the northernmost point in Michigan: Copper Harbor.

Picture of my ZRX 1200r with saddles and camping gear 

Starting from St. Clair, Michigan, I set out down country roads up the “thumb” of Michigan. For those who like flat, straight, and open country roads with thousands of acres of farmland for eye candy, then the thumb region of is great place to visit (you could also check out the wind power farms). However, for me, I was more concerned about reaching the winding roads of northern Lower Peninsula (Michiganders often call this region “Up North”).

It wasn’t until around Bay City (at the bottom of Saginaw Bay) that I started to realize I was alone and independent. It was an empowering feeling. A sense of confidence slowly set in as my grip on the handlebars relaxed and eyes started comprehending the real beauty of the Michigan landscape. Never before had I been on my own, without all of my siblings, my twin brother. It had been two hours and I missed them already. The journey continues.

By the end of the day, traveling down M-65 through the Huron National Forest, the beautiful winding road and rolling hills had me exhausted. I found a campsite just before the astounding Mackinaw Bridge. The tent was easy to setup, and in minutes I was enjoying a cigar by the campfire overlooking Lake Huron. In the morning, I would set out to cross the spooky 5-mile Bridge. You could see through the grating down to the water as I looked down on my way across.

Campsite Overlooking Lake Huron Near Mackinaw Bridge

Campsite Overlooking Lake Huron Near Mackinaw Bridge

Several hours later I would arrive at Munising. What a beautiful little town. 

My next stop was Houghton just before the Keweenaw Peninsula. I was almost there to Copper Harbor, but had to rest at a local hotel (a hot shower was rejuvenating). How very interesting Houghton is. There is a river separating Houghton from Hancock. It is a majestic contrast in the sepia tone twilight.

The next day would be the day I reached my destination. Following the nearly 20-mile stretch of winding roads on the west side of the Keweenaw Peninsula, I reached Copper harbor. (Pictures of

The northernmost part of the upper peninsula: a gift shop. 

copper harbor) During that 20-mile stretch, I had a close encounter with Lake Superior. Lake Superior is the scariest and deepest of the five lakes. I was traveling at a comfortable speed around a turn when I noticed that recent traffic had kicked dirt onto the asphalt. Needless to say, after some squalling tires and a few skipped heartbeats, I stopped before the plunge into the water.

Where the ZRX 1200r almost met Lake Superior

It was time to head back. For the next three days, I would head home. Following the west side of the Upper and Lower Peninsula. There are many great roads and lakes in Michigan. Those roads and landscape helped me gain independence and confidence. Additionally, they taught me how to be alone and peaceful. However, I was glad to finally get home to be with my family again.