Good places to ride between Joliet and Grand Rapids?

[FyrHazard]

Hey guys, I'm heading up to grand rapids this weekend to help a friend with a car restoration. Thinking about bringing the blaster along and riding on Lake Michigan.

Anybody familiar with the area? Got boat ramp recommendations/warnings, or want to ride?

Any input is appreciated!

Also, I'm coming up from IA, so if anyone needs something hauled between there I may be able to help you out.

Thanks!

 

[tipafew]

We typically ride Port Sheldon(pigeon Lake). It has a short channel to Lake MI. It's between Holland and Grand Haven. Can't ride close to shore if there are a lot of people around though. They get kind of worked up.

 

[DC SUPERJET]

there's a lot of places between the indiana/illinois line and grand rapids...lake street beach, michigan city, st. joe, south haven...the list goes on. I'd pick one where someone else will meet up with you. What day are you looking to ride?

 

[Fro Diesel]

I am game for a Sunday ride at Holland, PS, Southhaven, the Hot Hole, or where ever.

 

[FyrHazard]

I'm thinking Sunday would probably work out best for me, depending how well the stuff goes with this car. I'm game for driving a couple hours if necessary. Planning on heading back monday. What's the water temp like up there? Wetsuit necessary? Any good surf riding?

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

I could likely make sunday if you guys do port sheldon. Looks as if there might even be some decent waves.

Last saturday was pretty sick out there. 5-7' probably and a ton of skis. There was a crew of about 4 sj's that came through that actually had some decent skills. First clean barrel rolls I have witnessed in lake michigan surf. Good times...

 

[DC SUPERJET]

I'm thinking Sunday would probably work out best for me, depending how well the stuff goes with this car. I'm game for driving a couple hours if necessary. Planning on heading back monday. What's the water temp like up there? Wetsuit necessary? Any good surf riding?

Water is great, low 70s, no wetsuit requied. Surf just depends on the wind for the day. You'll be looking for some N or NW winds for the best/biggest surf. Sometimes it's not to bad with a good breeze from the west either.

 

[FyrHazard]

Sweeet. I'm up here in GR right meow. Looks like port sheldon would work out pretty nice. I'm used to riding on flatwater so I may be a bit of a newb out there, but I'd love to see some real skills in action!

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

Anyone going? Conditions look promising... I'll be keeping my eyes on the webcams/radar and heading out there (if all goes as planned) sometime early afternoon.

Tonight
Southwest winds 15 to 25 knots. Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog overnight. Waves 3 to 5 feet.
Sunday
Southwest winds 15 to 25 knots. Mostly sunny with isolated showers and thunderstorms. Waves 3 to 5 feet.
Sunday Night
Southwest winds 15 to 20 knots. Partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Waves 1 to 3 feet.

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/LM/846.html

:fingersx:

 

[FyrHazard]

I'm there providing the weather isn't deadly. Wanna meet up somewhere or just out on the water?

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

We are meeting at the port sheldon ramp at 130 if anyone else wants to go. Forecast is currently 4-7'...

 

[FyrHazard]

Well that was awesome dude. now I can at least say I've been on Lake Michigan. Thanks again!

 

[DC SUPERJET]

how were the waves?

 

[Dustin Mustangs]

Smaller than 4-7 no doubt. Maybe 2-4ish... still enough to have some fun and the sun was out which is an added bonus.