Around Lake MI - Day 2

Today started off around 8:00 am when I left Traverse City and headed North. The Vespa is doing well, but I have noticed that I'm getting bad MPG. I estimate around 50 MPG from this morning's ride.

I think it's because I'm flat out for so long. So I'm stopping for fuel more often, but otherwise things are going well.

I had to take a detour due to road work, so I put on a few extra miles. I'm around 100 for this morning's ride. Next step is to cross the Mackinac Bridge and start heading West back to WI.

Michael

Around Lake MI - Day 1

This year I'm setting out on a smaller trip (in perspective to last year's ride.)  I left ME this morning on the ferry and headed to MI.

I'm taking the next few days to ride North to the UP and back down through WI. Why? Well, why not?

A few years ago a friend and I took the ferry over to MI, but we headed South back to MKE.  Since I've never been in the UP, I figured why not.

On day one I've made it from the ferry landing in Muskegon to Traverse City.  I couldn't take Hwy 31 as planned since the speed limit was 70 Mph.  So I spent most of the day winding through side roads.

It was a good day of riding, but I hope to make up more ground tomorrow.

Michael

CEC Day 10

The final day has arrived.

6:30
Due to arriving at the hotel so late last night, we moved the farewell meeting to this morning. I'm sure it will be another hour before we get on the road.

9:00
We hit the road around 7:30 and the first 100 km were quick. We pulled over for a fuel stop, had some snacks and took group photos. I had a chance to chat with the Houser's and check out "The Beast". They have been driving the G wagon around Europe for over two years. Now that's an adventure.

13:00
We made it into Cairo and to the pyramids! I have officially crossed the finish line. Now to return the bike and assess the damage from my crash on day three.

14:00

A short ride over to the hotel. After an assessment, the damage cost me $150 USD. Not to bad considering I put it on it's side. Now I'm just waiting for the shuttle to take me to my hotel so I can get some rest before my flight tomorrow.

I say goodbye to my scooter. She's a little worse for wear, but I am better for having had the chance to take it around Egypt. This has been an epic adventure and I am glad I was able to take part.

Sure there were struggles, but over all I had a great time and made a lot of new friends.

#CallangeComplete

Michael 

CEC Day 7

6:30
After a good night's rest, we had breakfast and fueled the bikes. Before leaving we did some stretching exercise. I think we were stalling for time.

9:00
Our fist fuel stop of the day. Monty, who was riding directly in front of me hit a dog. Or more precisely, a dig hit him. It ran out into the road at max speed and hit the front tire of Monty's scooter. There was no time to react. The dog did get up and run away.

11:00
We are riding through some gorgeous mountains. They just keep getting better and better. The road is a bit choppy in places. There are some good corners through the mountains, but we are moving slow due to the road conditions. Better to be safe than sorry.

And of course, more fuel.

13:00
Lunch stop for us and the bikes. We are getting closer to the cost, but it's still hot. I know people are getting cranky due to the low speeds. I can understand since we are in a beautiful place, but the roads are in bad shape.

15:00
One last fuel stop before we get to the hotel. This last leg has been tough. The road is bad. It looks like they are about to put down new payment and have already ripped up the old stuff. The difference is there is no pattern. The groves are sporadic, and the potholes are large.

16:00
We made it to the hotel as the rain started. Tonight we are camping on the Red Sea. Of course, these tents have lights and power.

CEC Day 9

7:30
Today is off to a slow start. We were scheduled to leave at 6:30, but have found out the road ahead is damaged due to the rain water coming down from the mountains.

We were told to gather again in two hours.  At least this gives me a chance to catch up on the blog and review some of the videos I've taken.

Of course, there are worse placed to be stuck.

13:00

I spent the morning walking around the town and relaxing in the hotel. We received word that the road ahead is now open and we are moving out. With the late start, I don't expect to get there anytime soon.

18:00

We are stuck in traffic. I have no idea how long this will last. But at least we're not driving through mud. 

The last two hours have been patches of mud and water that we've had to drive through, and it has slowed us down.

20:00

After a fuel stop in the dark, we finally made it to the hotel. All I can say is mud sucks. I do not recommend taking a scooter through a street filled with mud.

CEC Day 8

6:00
Today is a somber day for the group. Last night we learned one of the motorcycle riders, Bruce, was killed in an accident while driving the last leg of the ride yesterday. 

There is also rain moving in so we are starting about an hour late.

13:00
We had one fuel stop this morning and now we are at the Westin hotel for lunch. It was nice of the Westin to provide lunch for the CEC group. When we are finished with lunch, it's fuel time and then the last 80 km to the hotel.

13:30 

We have received word that the road is flooded ahead so it sounds like we will be at the Westin for at least two hours.

15:00
We got word the road is open so we can get underway. Of course by the time we made it outside to fuel it started raining.

18:00

We had finally made it to the hotel. It was raining most of the way and we drove through some serious water logged streets. I would guess the water was at least a foot deep.

CEC Day 6

6:00
Today's ride will be 300 kilometers back Noth to Aswan. Before leaving the hotel, we fueled the bikes, so we're good for the first 100 km.

It's now day six of ten; the group seems in good spirits. The support crew does a great job of keeping everyone laughing and having fun.

9:00
Our fist fuel stop of the day. I asked for my rear break to be adjusted last night because it was a bit soft. For the first 100 km, it seemed like it was locked on. During this stop I had them make an adjustment and now it's all good.

10:30
Our second fuel stop for the day and lunch. Seems early, but we only have 70 km to go before we get to Aswan. I think we're killing some time.

Petter gave us a little show in the sand, and they brought out the drone to do some filming.

And since we are killing time, here's a nice picture of a road.

13:30

We made it to the hotel. It's definitely hotter down South and it will be nice to be on the Red Sea tomorrow. For now, this is the view from the hotel. I can handle it.