School Me On Mackinac Bridge Drive

[Pete-IN]

Saw on Facebook a drone photo of tractors parked before the bridge drive. Looked to be maybe 2000 (just a guess). 2000 tractors means about 2000 trucks and trailers to find a parking spot somewhere. Where do they park all the tractors and truck/trailer combos? Looks like a logistical nightmare. Once you get across, how do you get your tractor back across? Do you have to take a buddy along to bring your truck/trailer across the bridge to pick you up. I knew this was a popular event but never realized the amount of old iron until I saw the aerial photos. I have no desire to participate, I am just curious.

 

[Dieseltech]

I've been across the bridge six times with a tractor. The gravel pit on the south starting end has room for some trailers, and some stay at hotels. The crossing day there are busses to move people back and forth as needed in the morning and afternoon. Once your tractor is at the Little Bear arena on the north side you MUST bring trailers to load it up there. You must also join one of the MANY Michigan clubs for insurance reasons and get your Crossing magnet sign the morning of the crossing, or the Bridge authority will NOT allow the tractor on the bridge. Lots of trucks/trailers park at the airport on the north side too. Last year I was the leader with friends from Minnesota and Wisconsin on the drive to the crossing and back. We drove the 914 miles round trip in nine days that year from northern Indiana. We hired some friends to haul our tractors back to the south side on the crossing day afternoon.

 

[psimmer]

Local tv station says over 1100 tractors crossed the bridge.

 

[rrlund]

Our club was the first one across this year.

 

[ss55]

Saw on Facebook a drone photo of tractors parked before the bridge drive. Looked to be maybe 2000 (just a guess). 2000 tractors means about 2000 trucks and trailers to find a parking spot somewhere. Where do they park all the tractors and truck/trailer combos? Looks like a logistical nightmare. Once you get across, how do you get your tractor back across? Do you have to take a buddy along to bring your truck/trailer across the bridge to pick you up. I knew this was a popular event but never realized the amount of old iron until I saw the aerial photos. I have no desire to participate, I am just curious.

What date does it happen?

 

[rrlund]

What date does it happen?

It was last Saturday, September 12.