CannonTracks - Northern Highland, Michigan Railroad, Nicolet NF

Yesterday I got a wild hair and decided to check out the CNNF route. I dusted off the klr and packed cool weather and rain gear and set off from home around 9:30. The route I ran was from Three Lakes to Eagle River. I came from the south and wanted to get started so I picked up in Three Lakes. I thought I would finish there also, but by the time I reached Eagle River it started to rain and it was getting late, and my butt was getting sore. I was able to run the whole route through. The only area I was worried was around the Gen MacArthur pine, as there were road closed signs posted. I think they had replaced culverts and re-graded the road. So far as I saw the work was done. The road closed signs were off in the ditch, not barricaded across or anything. I think they either just finished repairs, or didn't care to take them down when they were done. I rode it alone, evidently because I have no friends. The only spot I was worried was in the area where it's marked "some sand". That area is the only spot on the route that I rode that was the typical two track with ruts and a large center hump. The KLR's t-63's sneered at the sand and threw stones like a Gatling gun. After the "some sand" section there was about 5-6 large puddles that I went around, being alone I wasn't going for any crazy stuff. After all that, by the time I got to the second set of gps tracks, it was mostly nicely graded gravel road through the national forest, or pavement. I didn't see anymore two-track, puddles, ruts or sand. I had a great time, but I did prefer the terrain on the NH-AL birds-head route. I think this route is better for big bikes, or for solo riding, as it's less challenging, but very scenic. I had quite a stop and smell the roses ride. I also ate the ripe raspberries across the road from the gen MacArthur pine. Thanks again to Cannonshot for all the efforts in scouting, logging gps coordinates and making these routes so close to home. It makes it worth keeping the KLR around for sure. No need to go on a three month epic leave the wife and kids at home ride. Just plan a couple nights in a tent with a few friends and enjoy the challenging terrain and scenic views in northern WI. With a little luck, you may just end up in the U.P. Here are a few shots I took along the route.

I'm your friend, dumb@$$, anywho, buy my s10 and take 'Hatley Rockette' with you next time...

I need not your moto, as I already have a tiger. I didn't take the big bike because I wasn't sure what i would encounter. The tiger would have probably gotten stuck in the "some sand" section, and napped like a narcoleptic in the mud puddles that followed. It needs more aggresive tires for that. The second and third set of gps tracks would have been fine for it.

Thanks Cannonshot for the great maps! I just picked up my first dual sport/ adv bike and I am excited to do some riding this summer! I have a cabin right in the heart of the Nicole national forest near Stevens lake, just outside of Long lake. I will also be attending the wabeno dual sport ride in June.

Nice, I have got to get back up there and this was just about the motivation I needed.

The wife and I got out on Saturday and found the sweet spot between the rain clouds. Started 9AM after a good breakfast at Lucy's Lunchbox. I presume it was Lucy who was kind enough to let us park the truck and trailer in parking lot for the day, there are a few spaces that have lots of trailer room. She was happy to make the place look "more busy". This was my wife's first time getting in the dirt and sand, beyond some graded gravel previously. She was on a TW200 and I had the KLR with 80/20 tires. We rode the route directly up to Boulder Junction for lunch. Wife had a lot of fun even though it was a challenge for her first ride. It reminded me of my first day in sand 7 years ago so I tried to keep that in mind while setting the pace. Really we didn't find too much sand, but any sand is a lot to remember to a newbie. The afternoon we skipped a few dirt sections and stayed more on the road to keep on time. Great ride and beautiful scenery all around. Can't wait to come back again. We camped the night prior at Franklin Lake in the national forest which I also highly recommend. After the ride, we discovered the rain found our tent instead of our bikes, and eventually the wind gave our tent a toss. We packed in and headed south for the night knowing we weren't getting dry sleep anytime soon. Stopped at Central waters on the way home, going to have to stop back up there on the way to Wabeno this weekend. Thanks @Cannonshot for the great route! I'm excited to try the others.