Any pics of Mackinaw Island dock porter bikes? - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

11-09-2004, 10:48 AM

Anyone know of any pics or other info on Mackinaw Island, Michigan,
dock porter bikes?

These are truly among the world's most amazing bikes and bike-workers.

Dock porters routinely haul a half dozen big suitcases piled into and
strapped onto the baskets of their bikes. I think that loads of 700
pounds have been recorded. Piles get so high that porters can't see
over them and need guiding to get to where they're going. I believe
there was a period of reaction against the danger of the huge loads.
There can be an 'outta the way!' attitude coming from the pride of
basically doing the impossible on these bikes. The porters tend to be
the stars of the island workers.

They and their bikes---and other Island bike culture---are surely
worth a HUGE ARTICLE in any bike mag or website.

But maybe someone has done something on them already? Anyone have any
leads?

Thanks, JP
outyourbackdoor.com