2014 Iron Butt Great Lakes Gold

The experiences described in these posts were Steve’s at the time he took the ride. Each rider’s experience is unique. These posts do not describe what is usual or likely for the ride described.
 
The Rules
The Great Lakes series of certifications is intended to document a successful ride around the “Great Lakes” of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario located in northeast area of North America near the border of the United States and Canada.
You must complete the ride in 50 hours or less. Please note that depending on the route you take, the mileage around the Great Lakes is 2,450 miles. Attempting to do earn this certification in less than 50 hours is not recommended.
In order to obtain your Great Lakes certification, you should be familiar with the rules for a SaddleSore 1000, which basically require that you obtain start and end witnesses, log each fuel stop, and obtain a gas receipt for all fuel purchases along the way.
 
The Ride
September 12, 2014 – Planning a quick ride next week. The Iron Butt Great Lakes GOLD: Ride around the “Great Lakes” of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario …in less than 50 hours. Gotta get miles in before the snow! 🙂

​September 25, 2014 — feeling determined in Syracuse, New York –  It’s time …well, in a few hours. Attempting an Iron Butt Great Lakes GOLD. That’s 2,400+ miles around all 5 Great Lakes in one big loop in 50 hours or less (Finally getting to it!). Leaving after 6 AM Friday morning.

​September 30, 2014 –
Here’s details on the Iron Butt Great Lakes GOLD ride I just finished early Sunday morning. Attached is a picture of my SPOT track.
The challenge was: Ride a big loop around all 5 of the Great Lakes …in under 50 hours.
GPS Miles Rode: 2,461
ODO Miles: 2,539 (My bike’s odometer is about 3+% over reality)
Finished in: 44-hours 47-minutes
Slept: ~2-hours in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada (3.5-hour stop at hotel)
Gas: About 70 Gallons
US States: NY, PA, OH, IN, IL, WI, MN
Canadian Provinces: Ontario (it’s Big!)
Time Zones: Eastern, Central
Deer in US: A dozen or so
Deer in Canada: 1
Moose and Squirrel: 0
Idiot drivers: Too numerous to count
Weather: PERFECT! albeit chilly nights, and fog in spots.
Views along coasts of Great Lakes in Canada: Priceless
Thanks to: Wayne for the idea & help to do this ride (instead of a BBG3000). And, all the help from Robert, Minna, and JT.