On a Parts Unlimited ride you never know who the pilot might be when you hear the sound of a machine coming up from behind. In Brett Hardy’s case, it’s Scott Summers.

Lisa Reif (left) and Kathy Sommervold of Parts Unlimited kept things organized at the official check-in. It’s people like this behind the scenes that make it all work right.

One of the best benefits of a dealer ride like the UP300 is the chance to talk to knowledgeable industry representatives such as Ron Bowen, the Pirelli brand specialist at Parts Unlimited.

Doug Muellner explains the details of the STM clutch that FMF is now importing to the United States…available through Parts Unlimited, of course.

After getting checked in and stuffing their goodie bags full, attendees got to relax the night before the ride began with a Pig Roast and Bon Fire.

Dr. Steve Augustine (left) and Parts Unlimited’s Lou Lopez get ready to fill their energy tanks prior to the three-day ride. No one goes home hungry from a Parts event.

Let’s ride! On Day One, the UP300 riders headed down a road to the designated trail areas. Routes were available for both two-wheel and four-wheel participants.

Travis Pranger of David Allen Racing heads through a great single track section.

UP300 riders never say die. As long as the engine is still running, there’s still a chance you can make it!

Jeff Fredette is another Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee to participate in the UP300. He’s brought a few Six Days Gold Medals home in his day.

Parts Unlimited Regional Sales Manager Gary Cartwright came out to ride with the dealers and sales reps from his territory.

More and more ATVs come on the UP300 each year.

Scott Summers (111) takes a break on the trail with a few other riders of note; now retired Greg Albertyn, Fred Andrews and John Dowd.

Larry Mills of DP Brakes was one of the dedicated Parts Unlimited vendors who sped directly from Parts Unlimited’s RM400 in Colorado to the UP300 ride.

Lou Lopez of Parts Unlimited shows good form as he motors past the Fall color.

It’s best to just get out of the way and let Summers take the trail at whatever pace he wants.

A cool Fall day and a chance to ride with your buddy through the scenic hills of the UP. Hard to beat that.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Dick Burleson. Another guy whose definition of “just cruising along” isn’t the same as yours or mine.

Scott Summers (111) chases Fred Andrews (01) and John Dowd.

Scott Marenberg (left) and Cory Atwood of Iron Pony Motorsports enjoying their day in the country.

The ride is over and the horses are all back in the barn. Let’s eat and have some fun.

Rides like this don’t happen until dedicated people like this all agree to kick in their support, both financially and personally, spending time away from their businesses and families. Thanks guys.

Representatives from Marquette County Search and Rescue received a nice contribution of $1,000 from the ride. Presenting are Brad Kruckenberg (3rd from right), Dick Burleson and Lou Lopez.

$2,000 to the Sandstormers. They have been involved in every one of the UP300 rides and are an invaluable asset. A big thanks to them as well.

Last, but not least, was a contribution of $2,500 to the Sands Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The Moose gang in the orange shirts (from left): Dick Burleson, Brandon Mueller, Kyle Phillips and Brad Kruckenberg present the 2006 UP300 Dealer of the Year Award to Tom Parker of Tom’s Cycle of Indiana, Pennsylvania.