storm
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Post by storm on Apr 5, 2011 9:36:29 GMT -5
The trip to Drummond Island will be on Saturday August 13th. Drummond Island is a large island at the east end of the UP. It is an offroaders paradise with all kinds of terrain and trails, from mud puddles to swamps, bumpy trials to rocky ridges, there is enough variety for everyone to enjoy.
It is about 2.5 hours from Petoskey, including the ferry ride. The ferry runs often in the summer so you shouldn't have to wait long. Even with the drive time it is a pleasant day trip to the island with several hours of off road fun possible before your trip home. Be aware that you may be tired after driving off-road for a few hours, so be careful driving.
Some of us are already planning on staying overnight, which gives us the opportunity to socialize Sat night and have more off-road fun on Sunday. The official event is Saturday but any who want to stay longer are welcome to join us or enjoy many other options on the island. Hotel rooms, cabins, and campgrounds are available for anyone that would like to stay. We could get a group cabin or a few smaller cabins near each other if anyone is interested in a cookout after wheeling. I would be happy to point you in the right direction for accommodations if you would like to stay overnight.
I will plan a few ride options to decide on when we get there, conditions can change considerably if there is recent rain. Some of the holes can be too deep for smaller vehicles after a good rain storm and we won't want anyone to risk sucking water. There are many miles of trails available for Jeeps, and also available is the Turtle Ridge Off-road Park (for a small fee), which is 400 acres of off-road fun. On the normal trails there are some nice scenic stopping points including beaches (no driving on them), a large limestone cliff at Marble Head that overlooks the lake, there is a nice natural rock stair here that some Jeeps may want to try.
Costs: Don't forget the bridge fare, $3.50 each way. The ferry will cost about $12 for a normal passenger vehicle, larger vehicles may cost more and trailers definitely will. It is highly recommended that you have a 2011 Michigan DNR ORV sticker to drive the off-road trails, they cost $16 I believe, can usually be purchased on the island, and the sports store in Alanson has them as well as many other sporting stores.
I plan to have firm details by the end of June. If you are interested in this trip please respond and answer these questions...
Are you interested in a cookout during or after wheeling on Saturday? (Both are possible)
Are you interested in staying overnight?
Would you prefer to do a normal trail ride on Sat, or visit Turtle Ridge on Sat?
Any questions or suggestions, air them here or you can email me at brindall@gmail.com.
-Kevin
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n8it
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Post by n8it on Apr 15, 2011 11:56:25 GMT -5
I was on the Drummond Island this last weekend and the ORV signs had not yet been replaced. So the DNR was not enforcing their rule that ORV permits are required on DI. I'm sure they will have the new signs up by summer.
I will spend the night on DI to have two days to ride. There are also a couple of campgrounds available if you want.
Dave
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storm
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Post by storm on Apr 16, 2011 20:04:04 GMT -5
A friend of mine went to Turtle Ridge and he said the trails they took were pretty tough on the stock vehicles. I have not been in there yet. I have done the trail to Marblehead a couple of times and a few other state trails.
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storm
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Post by storm on Jun 20, 2011 12:33:48 GMT -5
Drummond Island Details – August 13th and 14th. Trails were tested with 2 Jeep Wrangler Rubicons (stock). We tried to pick trails that are more challenging than normal but are passable by a stock Jeep. Past trail rides have mostly been drives down mild two tracks with occasional obstacles, this will be long stretches of frequent obstacles with occasional places for the adventurous to play (the hardest stuff has bypasses). Most drivers with stock Jeeps will find this ride extremely bumpy and challenging, but I think even novice drivers should be able to handle the challenge with a little help. Due to the rough nature of these trails I do not recommend this ride for infants, or people with serious back problems. The terrain is varied, but there are long stretches that can only be passed by high clearance vehicles like a stock Jeep Wrangler or higher, lower SUV's like the Jeep Compass, Cherokee, or Liberty, or a Ford Explorer, etc. will have extreme difficulty with the many rocks and obstacles and are unlikely to make it. Longer vehicles (4 door Jeeps and trucks) and wider vehicles (full size trucks) will have more trouble with the tight turns and narrow sections between trees. A full size Pickup might have some problems as there is at least one spot where the trees are very close together. Watch your mirrors!! The trails starts mostly dry and rocky (very bumpy) with some rock steps to climb and a nice aggressive rock hill for the more adventurous (stock Jeeps probly can't climb this but there is a bypass). As the trail proceeds it never really gets less bumpy but it starts getting wetter the further you go. The trail is in sections so there are many places to bail out and go back to the main roads if needed. The last section before Marblehead is extreme mud, only modified vehicles will make it through the mud holes, but it is possible to bypass these as we did with the Rubicons while testing the trails. If you have a lift and bigger tires you will be able to have as much fun as the stock vehicles. Our ride was about 15-20 miles total offroad and lasted about 6 hours, driving pretty slowly and using low range a lot. There are plenty of opportunities to end the ride early if we get tired or if we are taking a long time. Conditions were considered dry last weekend and there was plenty of mud. If it is much wetter on Aug 13-14 we will adjust accordingly. Stock Jeeps are just fine on this trip, just be aware that these trails are more challenging than the local trips we have been taking. If you want to do any site seeing before or after the ride let me know, I have some recommendations. For those interested in an overnight stay and more wheeling on Sunday, I have rented a cabin a few times from Yacht Haven. They have a variety of options from about $140 per night (sleeps about 4) up to $265 per night (sleeps more). They were not awesome but they were clean and simple. It is possible to get several cabins together if we reserve them early enough. There are many other options for cabins, plus a hotel and campgrounds. There are links below for info, a trail map, and to Yacht Haven for cabin information. I will post some pictures and videos later. www.drummondislandchamber.com/index.php?page=ATV_ORVwww.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/ForestsLandWater/ORV/Maps-Trail/drummond_island_trail.pdfwww.diyachthaven.com/cottagesatyachthaven/cottagesinforates.htmlIf you are interested in going please reply so I can get a tentative head count. |
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Post by hmbrown on Jul 2, 2011 13:12:38 GMT -5
So if it's that rough we won't be able to go as Steve's back is not good at all... boo hoo!
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andiv
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Post by andiv on Jul 2, 2011 15:51:10 GMT -5
Sorry, won't be on any rides for a while. Have fun!
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Post by Administrator on Jul 3, 2011 13:09:47 GMT -5
Put us down for a definite, positive, maybe. Rocky is still in pieces.
He is without both drive shafts, front bumper, winch and is in dire need of a tune up. No front bumper no tow bar which I am a little reluctant to go with out right now.
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storm
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Post by storm on Jul 4, 2011 9:42:46 GMT -5
I do not mean to scare anyone off with how rough it is. I have back issues myself and made the whole 6 hours just fine so maybe this is a better recommendation...
Don't go if...
If you have had recent surgery of a serious nature.
If you have a slipped/damaged disk and there is potential risk of spinal damage.
If you are an infant (infants are susceptible to motion damage as their brains are not fully developed).
I have occasional back pain, especially after I try to lift something too heavy or if I sleep wrong. I made most of the trip with no issues but by the end I was getting a little sore and took some motrin. Please consider this: The trail is in several sections with main trail/road crosssings occasionally. If you have issues there are several spots where you can easily head back to main roads and call it a day.
I don't want anyone to miss Drummond Island. If you are not sure about the difficult trails the main group is doing, please come anyway. I can provide a map and directions to a couple of awesome rides that are far less bumpy... you will have an amazing trip either way, and then you can still enjoy the cookout with us afterwards.
Regards,
Kevin
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Post by jfield98zj on Jul 5, 2011 13:36:24 GMT -5
I plan on coming along and staying the night! I finally got my 98 Grand going, it has 3" of lift and 31's. Does anyone think I'll have any trouble in spots on the island? It's already been rolled so if I get more scratches and dents it's not a big deal. Can't wait
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n8it
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Post by n8it on Jul 8, 2011 16:43:37 GMT -5
My wife and I will be going and we are planning on camping.
Dave
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storm
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Posts: 32
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Post by storm on Jul 8, 2011 21:40:43 GMT -5
I plan on coming along and staying the night! I finally got my 98 Grand going, it has 3" of lift and 31's. Does anyone think I'll have any trouble in spots on the island? It's already been rolled so if I get more scratches and dents it's not a big deal. Can't wait The 98 Grand should be fine, most of the places we will be going will need careful driving more than clearance and traction, but there are spots for everyone to have fun. Those with a snorkel might even get a chance for some fun the rest of can only watch. Do you have lodging plans already? I and 3 others already plan to book a cabin together. |
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Post by jfield98zj on Jul 9, 2011 12:07:55 GMT -5
I'm hopefully bringing my two friends with me and we'll probably either book a cabin or anything available. Do the reservations fill up fast?
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Post by hmbrown on Jul 11, 2011 21:14:23 GMT -5
We do want to go & who says we have to do the whole ride???
What's the timing,etc???
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Post by hmbrown on Jul 15, 2011 14:53:38 GMT -5
Saturday August 13th:
11:00 am - Meet at Drummond Island Ferry.
The ferry leaves at 11:40 am for the island and it lls up early,
be early or it will ll up and you will miss it. (Directions to Ferry Below)
**Feel free to plan your own arrival and meet us at the trailhead before 12:30 pm.
11:50 am - Ferry arrives on island. Group follow the leader to trailhead parking lot
across from Drummond Island Resort (about 15 minute drive).
12:05 pm - Eat Lunch/Snacks at trail head while we wait for stragglers. (BYO Lunch/Snacks or you can eat on the drive up).
12:30 pm - Road trip begins!! We leave on time if at all possible.
If we start later we could delay dinner and I am sure we will be very hungry by then.
6:00 pm - Group follow the leader back to cabins for Cookout and socializing, if interested. (Approx depends on trail decisions)
Sunday August 14th: (Not required, stay for one day or both. On Sunday we will visit Turtle Ridge O road Park.)
Morning - Eat Breakfast (fend for yourself, there are restaurants and stores available).
10:00 am - Meet at my cabin (Same place as cookout).
10:30 am - Leave for Turtle Ridge. Turtle Ridge trails have not been planned, we will just wing it!
Directions to Ferry: (about 2 hours from Petoskey)
Go north across Mackinac Bridge on US 75. After 15 miles take exit 359 onto M134 east to DeTour.
In DeTour turn right on Elizabeth St (still M134). Ferry is now right in front of you, get in line on the right.
Directions from Ferry to Trailhead:
Continue east on M134 till stop sign. Turn left on S. Townline Rd and continue till next stop sign. (Yacht Haven cabins are near here).
Turn right on E. Maxton Rd, past 5 curves (You will pass Turtle Ridge).
After 5th curve, a left, the trailhead parking lot is about a half mile further on the right.
Advice:
•Ferry cost $12 per Jeep, extra for adult passengers, trailers, etc...
•Mack Bridge fee $3.50 each way and they don't accept credit cards so make sure you have cash or a bridge pass.
•Gas prices are a little higher on the island. I recommend filling up in DeTour
but there is a station on the island, on M134 on the way.
•Reserve cabins, hotel rooms, camping ASAP, it is summer and I am sure they all fill up quickly.
•Bring Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for the trail ride.
•It is a good idea to tie down, or lock up every loose object in your Jeep if you can. The trails are bumpy in places.
If you will have an open top (weather permitting), anything in the back could bounce out on a bumpy trail.
If you bring a cooler you might want to tie it down so water/ice doesn't splash or tip out on the hills.
Rollovers are unlikely but are always possible on any trip no matter how easy. Try to secure everything you can...
this goes for passengers as well, please use your seatbelts.
•These trails are recommended for high clearance vehicles, smaller stock SUV's may have difficulties with
the ground clearance in some places. I can't tell you for sure what is okay, but if you have a Jeep (Wrangler style)
you should be fine, any other SUV with a lift or larger tires should also be fine. If you would like to come to
Drummond with your 'lower clearance' vehicle, I would be happy to point you in the direction of appropriate trails,
there are some beautiful trails that you even take your minivan on. We’ll all meet for cookout!
•A Michigan DNR ORV sticker is mandatory (by law) for some of the trails, if you don't want to buy one it is your choice
and your ticket if the DNR should be out there stopping people. I would be happy to point you in the direction
of non-ORV trails if you don't want to take the ORV trails. You can still meet up with us for the Cookout later too.
•4WD is mandatory on the trails the main group will be taking.
•Recommended: Spare tire, tow strap with no hooks, clothes and shoes you don't mind getting very dirty, towels and wash water
or handiwipes are useful. Other drivers will have bigger straps and winches so just do the best you can with what you have,
everyone is welcome regardless. The more good gear we have the easier it is to keep things moving.
•Maps available upon request. Directions available upon request.
For more information contact: Kevin Deady brindall@gmail.com 231-330-5705
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storm
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by storm on Jul 18, 2011 12:33:17 GMT -5
I'm hopefully bringing my two friends with me and we'll probably either book a cabin or anything available. Do the reservations fill up fast? Yes, get your reservations now if possible. I am arranging mine today. If you need help finding something let me know. |
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