WOLVERINE, MI

There is no better way to wake up than to the sound of bacon sizzling in the pan and people chatting. Those are some of the sounds motorcyclists make when getting ready to churn up the dirt. And those were the sounds and smells in the woods of Wolverine, Michigan, on September 26 and 27, as the Great Lakes Dual Sporters Motorcycle Club put on a superb ride.

The weatherman didn't quite get it right, because on Saturday morning clouds were covering the sky and there was a bit of a nip in the air, but that didn't discourage any of the 118 riders who'd come from all over Michigan, other surrounding states, and even as far away as Colorado and Alaska.

At this ride, participants were given a roll chart (a long strip of paper with signs and a few words in a special holder) that told them how far to go in what direction. The route could also be loaded into a GPS.

After several hours of riding over the wondrous Michigan terrain, riders arrived at the lunch stop. The Chandler Township Hall is an old one-room school house (above) that has been kept in pristine shape. Even before walking into the building, one senses its old-school charm, surrounded by old oak trees, standing tall. Once inside, one's eyes are drawn to the old lights hanging from the ceiling covered with square panels. In the front of the room is a great arched, low stage, where the teacher use to sit.

Lunch was served up by a group of volunteers better known in the community as Friends Helping Neighbors of Chandler Township. A home-cooked meal out on the trail has its great rewards. And knowing that these people help many others makes it even sweeter.

Next, the riders were off on more great trail, dirt roads, grassy two-tracks, and anything else the club decided to throw in.

Upon returning to camp, one of the event's sponsors, BMW of Detroit, provided the riders with a delicious roasted pig with all the fixin's, followed by a drawing for many great prizes. Sicass Racing, Rocky Mountain ATV, Bike Bandit, Total Power Sports of Grayling, and Great Lakes Power Sports all supplied gift certificates, a coat, and other great stuff any motorcycle rider needs.

Sunday morning brought fog, but it didn't take long for the big yellow ball in the sky to melt it away, and the bright sunshine made the changing colors of the leaves even brighter. Loading their roll charts for the new day's course, the riders headed out for another fun-filled day of adventure.

At this event, the club also offered a route for the Adventure Riders. They cover more of the dirt roads and blacktop but still get to see all the great scenic views that Michigan has to offer. The leaves were just starting to change - what a sight to behold! No knobbies needed for this route, and no worries of falling down and having to pick your bike up, be cause these bikes are not made for that. This time of year, with the changing colors of fall, makes for a beautiful ride down country roads.

The Great Lakes Dual Sporters Motorcycle Club is a great organization. They only have two rides a year that are AMA-sanctioned and open to the public, but for its 400 members, the club has much more to offer throughout the year. This year, one month before the Chandler Hill Challenge, the gentleman who was the driving force behind this ride unexpectedly passed away. Ted had laid out most of the route for this event. So to honor this great man, they have dedicated this event to him and named it Ted's Chandler Hill Challenge. His wonderful wife, Ann, graciously continued with the tradition of having the staging area for this event on her property. Without Ted, Ann, and all the other volunteers, these events would not be possible. For more info about this ride and to see pictures and videos of what you missed, go to gldsmc.org.