Bridge Mat

[garyl62]

I know this has been a topic probably every year about if you can ride across without or not, but wondering if there is a "regular" date they put it down? Any ideas if it will be in place for opening day or is it usually later than that?

 

[Deleted member 10829]

It typically is a bit later than opening day, usually a couple of weeks. I think some of it has to do with when shipping ends and the bridge can stay in place.

 

[tjmaxx]

I know it wasn't in place opening weekend last year.

 

[GTL]

Can a snowmobile cross the bridge if the mat isn't down? Just wondering if we come up before that happens.

 

[maddog24]

Yes. No problem crossing it. Just go slow.

 

[duramax]

Any updates, coming up next Friday.

 

[indy_500]

X2 would like to know.

 

[goofy600]

Just heard a rumor that the mat won't be down until mid January, does anyone have any info. He said he read it on sled crazy.com or something like that. I figured I would go to the best people for info because they usually say mid December .

 

[Admin]

Just heard a rumor that the mat won't be down until mid January, does anyone have any info. He said he read it on sled crazy.com or something like that. I figured I would go to the best people for info because they usually say mid December .

This is true. The MI DOT is having reconstructive work done on the bridge and because of that, the mat will not be put in place until mid-Jan. I actually plan to head down there and shoot a video of me crossing on my sled to show what it is like to cross the bridge without the mat in place to help ease any worries/concerns. It really is no big deal. Back in the early to mid 90's then did not even put a mat down.

-John

 

[goofy600]

Thank you John I figured is would be the best place for the correct answer. Good idea with the video also!

 

[garyl62]

I crossed it twice a day when I was up 10 days ago. No trouble at all. I went about 10mph every time.

 

[whitedust]

When frozen is there a problem just blasting the ice on the canal? We did it just didn't want to mess with the bridge & mat was down at the time. If not legal would like to know?

 

[Admin]

When frozen is there a problem just blasting the ice on the canal? We did it just didn't want to mess with the bridge & mat was down at the time. If not legal would like to know?

To the best of my knowledge, there is no law against riding the waterway from one shore to another. To be 100% within the law, one would want to make sure that they have permission to use the land they use to get onto and off of the ice. Also anyone looking for me to say it is safe will always get my standard answer, which is: Ice is never completely safe, just varying degrees of safeness. It would be up to them to make that determination.

-John

 

[whitedust]

To the best of my knowledge, there is no law against riding the waterway from one shore to another. To be 100% within the law, one would want to make sure that they have permission to use the land they use to get onto and off of the ice. Also anyone looking for me to say it is safe will always get my standard answer, which is: Ice is never completely safe, just varying degrees of safeness. It would be up to them to make that determination.

-John

Can't remember if we went under the bridge or not south to north but just followed the worn in tracks very visable at the time nice smooth up bank on Hancock side. Took the matted bridge north to south passage many pictures at Hancock side in front of bridge entrance....good times.

 

[Freerider]

We cut across from the Houghton RV park to the Ramada last year and passed a Sheriff on a sled half way across. We stopped at the Holiday in Hancock and BS'd with the Sheriff a little bit while fueling up and getting snacks. He mentioned nothing about us crossing the ice, so I would assume it is fine.

 

[indy_500]

I crossed it twice last weekend, it sure sounded like **** but hey my carbides are still intact (somehow)

 

[bogiewheel]

I am quite certain its legal

Be careful going under the bridge as there have been heaves that sent riders into the bridge. On top, yes it sounds like a horse with shoes on a steel street but somehow you end up on the other side parts in tact.

Heading up to Greenland tomorrow, chili at the Misquito by evening.

 

[EXCESSIVE FORCE]

Just saw the video....LMFAO !!!Good one john...

 

[blu2u2]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X41-gvNzNso

Nice Video John!

 

[just_ride]

Good one John! Nice sponsors!