In 2008, Doug Oosterhouse’s annual motorcycle camping trip took a brutal turn on the Haywire Grade Trail in Michigan when deep sand and a hidden hole caused his fully loaded KLR 650 to crash. With no cell service and a serious injury that left his foot pointing the wrong way, getting help was no easy task. What followed was a painful ordeal, major surgery, and a lesson in just how quickly an adventure can go sideways.

More DEEP TROUBLE Episodes:
Listen to captivating stories of riders who found themselves in DEEP TROUBLE. We shed light on the challenges they faced, the strategies they used and the valuable lessons they learned. Most critically, we discuss how the situation could have changed if some controllable aspects had changed. We talk about the possibilities and potential outcomes so that perhaps other riders can learn from their experiences and avoid making those mistakes that get them into DEEP TROUBLE.

DEEP TROUBLE - ARR’s Exclusive Episodes

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HAYWIRE GRADE TRAIL: The Haywire Grade Trail is a 32-mile (51 km) multi-use rail trail that runs from Manistique to Shingleton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As the state’s first designated rail trail, it follows the old Manistique and Lake Superior Railroad, featuring a surface made of a mix of gravel, coarse limestone, and loose sand. The trail is open year-round to off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, with conditions varying based on weather and seasonal maintenance. Riders should be ready for deep sand in certain sections, which can present challenges for motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Proper trip planning is vital for a safe and successful ride, as there are minimal services along the route and limited cell coverage in remote areas.

Rider Skills - Controlling Your Motorcycle in the Sand - Jimmy Lewis