Southern Michigan/Central Ohio suggestions?

[racer1735]

I'm looking to take a short, 2 1/2 day 'weekend ride' in early August. Will begin and terminate the trip in the Indianapolis area...planning to leave on a Friday mid-afternoon and return early Sunday afternoon. Am looking for bike-friendly roads in either Southern Michigan or Western/Central Ohio, as well as recommendations for 'mom and pop' motels along the way.

[Steven]

I would suggest running the Lake Michigan shoreline. If your starting in Indy and want to stay off from the interstate, come up 31 and cut over to New Buffalo via US 12. Run the Red Arrow Highway north from New Buffalo to St. Joseph. From St. Joe, follow Blue Star Hwy north to South Haven then to Holland. In Holland, follow 31 North to Grand Haven, etc.

Lot's of good stuff in New Buffalo and up the lake shore (Union Pier, Harbert, Sawyer, Bridgman, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Hagar Shores, South Haven, Saugatauk, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Pentwater, Ludington, Manistee, Traverse City) The towns I listed are pretty much in order from south to north.

There's lots of good dining for any taste and budget. The port towns are cool if you like to walk the piers, hang out, troll for art, or take a charter for fishing. The coho and kings are getting busy right now.

For reference, I'm in Stevensville. It takes me about 3-1/2 to 4 hours on the main slab to get to Traverse City. Indy is 3 hours from here going the 31 route.

Don't have any good recommendations for mom/pop motels.

You could definitely fill your timeline staying keeping your destination in SW Michingan. Would recommend surfing the net and checking for festival on the Lake Michigan shore.

PM me if you need additional info. Good luck and riding.

Steven(*)

*from Stevensville