On June 9, 2008 (Monday) at 6 PM, Rosie's had its second annual Jeep Night. Rosie's Diner was made famous by the Bounty Paper Towel commercials back when the diner lived in New Jersey. Now, the diner lives in Rockford, MI and besides having good food, a nostalgic atmosphere, the diner also hosts several car events throughout the year. The Jeep Night is just one hydrocarbon burning event.
The 2008 Jeep season was officially kicked off by the Jeep Blessing in Mesick, MI. The Blessing is a once a year event hosted by the Cadillac Jeepers to encourange safe 4x4'ing and a chance to pray for our Jeeps to stay in one piece for the wheeling season.
The Cedar Creek Trail is a 24 mile long trail system designed for ATV's and motorcycles. Along the trail system is a network of forest roads (two-tracks) that are Jeep-able. Forest Roads are roads that are owned, operated and maintained by the State of Michigan. Typically these roads are very primitive and offer good 4x4'ing opportunities. There are also some Forest Trails in this area which are roads that are accessible only by ORV's that are 50" in width or less. Unfortunately, Jeeps are approximately 66 inches wide so the Forest Trails are off limits.
The Horseshoe Trails system is just west of Holton, MI and consists of two-tracks that wind around the CCC trails.
Put the Jeep Blessing 2008 on your calendar so you won't miss it. With over 500 Jeeps attending, it promises to be a fun time.
The Missaukee Trail is a large network of trails that seems to go on forever. They trails aren't very challenging, but there is a lot to see.
We took a Jeep trip to the Ogemaw Sport and Trail Center with Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association and Great Lakes 4x4.com. At one time, this ORV center allowed Jeeps, trucks and rails to run the trails, but for the last few years it has only allowed motorcycles and ATVs. The two organizations prepared a presentation for OSTC to allow 4x4's back on the trails and this weekend was a trial run. We attended the event along with about 200 other 4x4's to show our support and had a great time wheeling.
Rosie's Diner is a restaurant located on M57 just east of Route 131 in Kent County, MI. Rosie's Diner was made famous because it was used in the Bounty paper towel commercials with Nancy Walker as Rosie the Waitress. Please visit Rosie's Diner home page for more history and event news. On June 11, 2007, Rosie's had its first ever Jeep Night.
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes is probably one of the most popular 4x4 locations in Michigan. For the new Jeeper, there is a lot to know before venturing out onto the dunes. So, checkout our trip report so you'll have a smooth trip.
The Tincup Trail system is a 17 mile loop through the woods that provides visitors with a rolling trail, lots of trees, mud-traps and a few hills. The difficulty of this trail is low, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting. This isn't a two track, but what Michigan calls an ORV Route which means that motorcycles, quads and Jeeps share this trail.
The White Cloud Trails area is mostly a Cycle Conservation Club (CCC) trail, but there are numerous two-tracks surrounding the area. Also, there are several geocaches in the area that are worth checking out. This is a short trip that won't take too much out of you. Maybe take the kids and enjoy the woods and a little light 4x4'ing. Click on the link above to see some suggestions for things to check out and pictures of the area.
We received some queries from Jeep Hobby customers and visitors about accompanying us on our next 4x4 trip. After warning everyone that we are definitely not tour guides and that our trip was not expected to require heavy 4x4ing, we invited the Great Lakes 4x4 Community to join us on our "Fall Color Tour." Eighteen vehicles showed up at our meeting place in Newaygo, and needless to say, we were slightly overwhelmed. That was fifteen more than we'd ever ...