Ah Richland! My old stomping grounds! Some good riding going on M-43/M-89 out of Richland. Used to watch-out for the Ross Township police going on M-89 East towards Yorkville (south end of Gull Lake) /Battle Creek & around Gull Lake, lots of twisty roads there around the lake. We had our high school reunion at the Blackhawk, lots of fun.
There used to be a train from Chicago which made a stop at the south end of Gull Lake at what is called Yorkville, the rich residents would come this far into MI to get out of Chicago on the weekends, before WW II.
Serafino's Party Store on the square in Richland, Gull Rd., is run by friends of my family, they have a great stock of alcohol, plus a well-stocked deli, a big selection of whatever you might want, for after the riding day is done.
It's not too-far to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, just north of Gull Lake, they have all kinds of events there in the summer. The family who owns it used to sponsor AJ Foyt when he was driving.
http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/
Have fun riding, guys, and a safe time in my old neighborhood.
For those of you who don't know the area, here is a guide to the local 'wild'life:
Mattel recently announced the release of the improved limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Michigan market:
"East Grand Rapids Barbie"
This princess Barbie is sold only in the Gas Light District. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.
"Mattawan/Portage Barbie"
The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Wind star. Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.
" Battle Creek Barbie"
This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) ..unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.
"Richland/Gull Lake Barbie"
This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.
"Comstock Barbie"
This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.
" Delton Barbie"
This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Hickory Corners Barbie's trailer. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top . Also available with a mobile home.
"Saugatuck Barbie"
This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow . She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Suagatuck Barbie's and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.
" Kalamazoo Barbie"
This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant. 
