You can rent a satellite phone.

im envious. It’s on my bucket list. 🪣

I’m more concerned with 2 legged animals than 4 legged ones.

 

I can't comment on present conditions, but gas and rooms were available nine years ago. I doubt that there is any more than spotty cell phone coverage now. Even the AM/FM radio would keeps scanning some days. I did carry a Spot Satellite GPS Messenger that allowed people to track my movements which were diplayed on Google Maps. The unit also had an emergency SOS button and another Help/Assist button (which could be used for roadside assistance). It also allowed 2 predefined messages to be sent as text or emails to numerous contacts at onetime. These I used for letting family & friends know I was ok if I took a long stop or that I was done for the day. It was an awesome experience that I would recommend. The prior posts had some great info in them and there have been some older posts, by othe members, that detailed their experience. Best of luck to you.

 

Trip is very doable solo, I was planning on doing it solo but my one buddy ended up coming in 2018, we came across people that were walking and riding bicycles that were solo. I guess if you broke down a good pair of walking shoes might be helpful but people are friendly and would think help would come soon enough.

I don't think bears are a concern unless you tent along side the road. I carried bear spray with me because I was nervous but staying in campgrounds they don't seem to have problems with bears. We stayed in tent and never even became concerned about a bear attack, some campgrounds did offer bear boxes to keep your items that might cause a bear to come investigate but we discovered they were not even being used.

We always found plenty of gas, I did carry a one gallon rotopax but never needed it, but it was piece of mind and when I go again I will take it again.

I had good cell service from what I remember, I have AT&T. I didn't carry a satellite phone.

 

AT&T has the best coverage in Alaska. And you are converted on the loop from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back. Not so, much to get there though:

 

ignore closed minded idiots, they lead boring, unremarkable lives

I for one, would tuck my knees tightly in and cannonball into that trip....and to hell with the nay sayers and panty waists who say otherwise

do you see yourself sitting on a rocking chair of an old folks home saying "Gee, I sure am glad I didn't go on that stupid Alaska trip!!!"

 

Try contacting the Harley dealers in Alaska. They can provide travel information. Locally in Fairbanks (https://www.outpostalaska.com) ask for Keith in sales. He previously owned a MC tour company and knows Alaska. To the South ask these folks (https://www.harleyalaska.com) for recommendations. Carry some bear spray repellant and bug dope. Iridium Sat phone work well and cell coverage is good on the major roads between city centers. The inReach works well providing you have a list of contacts willing to check their mail.

 

1st, thanks to EVERYONE for your input. I will be going back and giving everyone a LIKE. And I am going to keep my subscription to this thread of course.

1. I heard that regarding going solo from multiple people. RARELY EVER and I mean RARELY EVER does my wife ask me not to do something. She did not ask me not go go solo there but she strongly prefers I ride with 1+ others. I am thinking abt listening to her MAYBE. So far it is a GO. I am 'juss gathering info right now.

2. You come with me? Really? After what happened last time? You and I were in YELLOW KNIFE and you thought it would be FUNNY so yo disabled my bike. Not once, but twice. In freek'n YELLOW KNIFE of all places. Oh, real runi.

You are correct, I do not work on my bike.

3. When? Right now in May. 3 others are coming with me (I am lead....yuck) to Utah. We'll ride the Moki Dugway, OMG Rd, Mill $ Hwy, the scary part of Rocky Mtn Roade TRAIL RIDGE I think it is) etc.... I will meet with my son and wife there. This group rides back. I'll meet up with 3 others I ride a LOT with. Then off to Alaska. My wife is crusing up there with friends, and I will meet her at a port of call.

WOW Iron ***, that is damn good sh*t!

Few times I heard people went solo. That is y I am checking into this.

I took a quickie look at MILE POST for the Al-Can...................feek'n WOW!!! LOOKS GREAT! TY TY TY TY TY TY TY

GOOD info abt Ketchikan. TY again! See mate. THIS is why I posted this thread. THIS info u r sharing 'n what others have said is HELPFUL. (Well, not so much with jf stoPPie.) To stoppie.

YES, I will be crossing in Blaine. I like going up the Sea To Sky Road there and I have a FAV place to stay in Whistler. LUV IT THERE!!!!!

Sweet Grass and Columbia Ice Fields. ?? Huh? I know abt the Ice Fields by Jasper Lake I think it is. I'll look into this. Not at all sure why I don't already know those 2 places. Been up in that area many times. Huh. TY again man.

Ferry reservation? Ok, again TY! I know some places I did have to get a reservation and THIS PLACE I am not surprised. ty.


Gun. F!!!! I HATE GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

I have a NEXUS Card with Canada since I go up there a LOT LOT LOT! I know....no guns. THIS pisses me off. NOT sure what I am going to do.

When I travel my friend, I have a map of what I call the ***** states. I try NOT to ride thru those. I know the options.

I know "Z", sadly CA is not firearm friendly. Hell, NOT even to their own citizens sadly to say. I know. I know.

tunaman, truth be told, FEW of us will ride more than 550 miles a day let alone trekking to Alaska from the USA. I hear you big time my friend and THANK YOU for your honesty. THIS is also why I am checking into this. Maybe 50% - 60% of my riding around the USA and Canada is solo. So I to LOVE IT. But I need to be careful now and not do something stupid bcs I am basically 70 yo with a medical or 2 issue. Younger...........no big deal. But either way, I hear you. I am getting more and more EXCITED but I have to put my heart and happiness aside and use more of my BRAINS if this is a smart thing or not.

Anyway...........I hear you and really like your honesty. <-- A great attribute to have.

THX BB. I have a SPOT. NOT the same thing. NVR heard of an Inreach. WILL check into it. Nice! ty.

YES! A sat phone is EXACTLY what I was thinking of. I need to check into this.

Why would u be more concerned with the 2 legged ones more than normal? Bcs we will not be able to get a gun into AK easily 'nuff. Or not have one with you if u need it bcs u did not pick it up yet or something??

Hi 14GP.

Gas and rooms is a BIG question. I know nothing other than hearing a few times it IS a concern. Above in this thread or below I think I saw it is not a concern. More research is needed for sure. TY.

I have a SPOT. TY.


Huh. NVR even thought abt contacting HDs up there. You make a gd point. TY.

Did not know that abt Inreach. I think the Iridium Sat may be in order. Have heard abt them b4 and they are GOOD. TY.

-----------------------

REALLY DO appreciate everyone's in put.............feel free to comment any time. THIS is helpful!!!

BC7

 

And here I was thinking you were going to ask to watch mummy for you while you were gone. Oh well, her loss.

 

Don’t over think t. If you’ve thought about doing then just do it.
What’s the worst that can happen to you that couldn’t / hasn’t happened to you on a long road trip in US.

 

I’m gonna subscribe to this thread, as I am definitely wanting to do the ride. But, I’d start from home....and make it about 9,000 miles. I’d spend a few days in Fairbanks to get the bike serviced, and do a round trip up the Dalton Highway to the article circle. Per Google Street Maps it’s paved to there. On the return I’d swing out a bit=East and go through the Canadian Rockies.

I have a few friends that might showed interest. But, no real commitments yet. Mrs. TG is on board with me doing it, and certainly isn’t interesting in riding with me, but, maybe fly up to somewhere and rude part with me.

Buzz, what time of year are you thinking of doing it? I’m leaning towards July.

my rough route: