USA4CT - Ride Day 22 - June 19, 2013 - Wed

Start Time: 0700 CDT
Stop Time: 1830 EDT
Start Location: Superior, WI

Stop Location: Gaylord, MI
Lodging: Quality Inn
Dinner: Wild West Sports Bar
Miles Traveled Today: 501
Weather: 48-75, Sunny

Well the highlight of today was the crossing of the Mackinac Bridge. This is quite a bridge. It is the longest suspension bridge in the Western hemisphere and the third longest in the world (It was the longest from the time it was built in 1957 to 1998!). The bridge is 5 miles long and 552 feet above the water (and you can see the water through the steel grating as you are crossing!!!). A real thrill ride, for sure! Fortunately there was not much wind in the straits today, since the bridge will sway back and forth up to 35 feet in the wind!!

One lane was closed for maintenance while we were crossing. Traffic was very light so there was no delay.

Interesting that one lane is paved and one lane is steel grate. We had to ride on the steel grate for awhile since the paved side was closed for maintenance on a portion of the bridge.

We were surprised at the few hotels at exits going south on I75 from the bridge. We stopped at Gaylord. The Hampton Inn was already sold out and we ended up at a Quality Inn for the night.

We plan to get to Clarksburg, WV for our last night on the road!