Well...

Since i recieved a couple of good comments on the other story, i thought that i would share one more with you.

To start out with, we put over a hundred miles on both grizzly's and used about 10 bucks in gas (that's for both bikes total). We started out in Ishpeming, MI and headed to Champion (17 highway miles). I really should have kept tract of the miles, but forgot to set the trip meter. Most of it was fast trail, as we were going to the bro's to get him and his big bear (stock). From there we headed down to a small town called Republic (this is where the fun started [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] ). There is an old strip mine that was on our way. We couldnt ride IN the mine but did ride around it! There was a fence line that went up the side of a steep bluff. All three bikes made it up. The big bear had the hardest time, not because of power, but those darn "cheezie" tires. We never went out of 2wd to climb just to see the difference in the tires/cc's. The stock griz spun those rubbers like you wouldnt believe. I swear that i will be replacing these tires before 500 mi. Already, half the tread is worn out. Anyways, this face that we were climbing had rocks/bolders on it. The fence line up the bluff was about 100yds in length and had a pitch that would make a young man go grey. There was alot of "rubbing" of the skid plates, but no one got hung up. After the bluff, we headed to the swamp. The water is still to high to go into most of the places that we wanted to ride. Even the snowmobile trail was flooded out. We did, however, find some of that MUCK that everyone looks for! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] This was the type of mud that three day old coffee cant even compare too. There was about a foot of water on top of it and as soon as the tires hit it, the thickest/blackest/GEW started flying! I am going to make one very important comment.... WINCH! HEHE

I finally got to a point that even the 660 (with dif lock on) would not spin the tires. It wasnt that the bike hit "top center", it was just that thick of mud. Even with the tires at a stand still, she never died on me. I am really considering putting a performance kit on the bike now. Maybe a dyno/HMF kit. I dont know about adding wieghts to the clutch...but we will see.

The big bear was the biggest supprise! Only a 2x4, this bike swam through the mud holes....Do to its light wieght, the bike did not sink like the grizz. He was able to make it through some stuff that WE could not! BUT there was stuff that we made it through that he couldnt either. Just goes to show, that EVERY bike has its advantages.

The worst hole that i hit, was actually on a small path that lead along the swamp. It was a slow tech type of path, with several small moving water crossings. I was feeling pretty confident about my new tires (since i was in 2wd and the other griz was in 4wd), the other bikes were spinning tires in the muck and i was just cruising through. All the sudden, i see a small area, only about 20 inches across and moving water in it. I really didnt think much of it, so i just kept her going! WRONG! The front tires went into the hole only to put me in a "FRONT WHEEL STAND". I let off the gas and down she came. I could actually tell you, that the water was cold. I know this, because me NOSE touched it! I really think that my prosthetic leg is the only thing that kept me on the bike. It caught the handle bar and kept me from dumping over her. Anyways, i put her in 4wd and locked the dif. The front end lifted out of the hole only to get the rear tires into it. I was able to spin the tires (coating myself and my buddy with mud) but couldnt get her to pull out. I knew that i was riding on the floorboards and that hard mud was rubbing the whole undercarage. That's when ole' trusty came in handy.

With only the help of a sappling, the winch (with the bike gas'n too) pulled right out. After my crossing of the "bottomless pit", the others wouldnt even attempt it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

It was a nice day, all and all, but made the strongest of muscles ache the next day. Asprin and smiles for everyone [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

9 hours we rode and i cant even tell you how bad i didnt want to come home. hehe

Please share your stories as i love to read all the excitement when i am unable to ride.

Thanks

Jonathan

 

Frogman, Were the bridges up on the snowmobile trails? I mean throught the swamp? Rode from Koskis corners to the The reasturant up towards Michigamme. That is a really nice ride..


2002 Grizz
27" ITP 598's
2500 Warn winch

 

What bridges???? the only ones that we crossed were wood and permenant...at least i thought they were!!!!

We went out today from Wolflake road and up and around the lake then headed towards big bay...damn rain!!!! We ended up turning around and heading back to the house...still put 40+ miles on her today! I left the bikes there at Wolflake Rd. Would you like to ride out that way with us??? we are thinking of heading to Big Bay. Both Faye and Brian have a ride now but no trailer...that's why i ask. I will try to call you if i can.

Jonathan