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What is the latest in riding SOLOinto Alaska say from Blaine, Washington. (State of Washington.)
Going to Anchorage.
Going to the Arctic Circle.
Going to Prince Rupert (to take the ferry to Ketchikan).
Point is...........is traveling into and back from AK safe SOLO.
1. Bears.
2. Places to stay.
3. Fuel.
4. Cell Service? (Rent a satellite phone?)
5. Breakdown.
6. Etc....
I am not looking for specific information necessarily on the above (though it is welcome) but I am more looking for the general overall idea of going solo.
As always my friends, THANK YOU in advance.
BC7
When I went in June 2019 Bears weren't a problem if you give them space. Fuel was readily available at 50-100 mile intervals. Watson Lake Yukon and Tok, Alaska were choke points for lodging, if I didn't have reservations at both of these it would not have been posable to stay there. No cell service after about 10 miles into Canada. Your carrier can set you up so you will have service. Iwouldn't ever go back without having cell service. It would have come in handy when I broke down in S. Alberta and needed a tow to Calgary for repairs. Have a great trip and allow plenty of time for stops and days off. I did it in 28 days and would have been nice to 2 or 3 times that. Blaine was as easy as just showing your pass port and driving in.
Been here (AK) 56 yrs and have ridden most roads via one mode or another. Have flown all over the State. Not much different than Canada actually. If you make it here its the same as what you just travelled over. If you stop for rest - repairs - site seeing prepare for seasonal bugs and dress for the weather (https://www.weather.gov/afg/). Bear repellant spray works on bears and two-legged a-holes. Avoid dumpsters and places that can attract them just like any camping place. Really not a problem. A Sat phone would ensure coms Statewide. They can be rented (https://www.satellitephonesak.com).
Dont over think t. If youve thought about doing then just do it.
Whats the worst that can happen to you that couldnt / hasnt happened to you on a long road trip in US.
GOOD point!!
Originally Posted by TriGeezer
Im gonna subscribe to this thread, as I am definitely wanting to do the ride. But, Id start from home....and make it about 9,000 miles. Id 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 its paved to there. On the return Id 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 isnt 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? Im leaning towards July.
my rough route:
I am set to leave abt Mid May or late May. Won't be in AK until I think the 1st wk of July. PLENTY of time.
Originally Posted by PA1195
Been here (AK) 56 yrs and have ridden most roads via one mode or another. Have flown all over the State. Not much different than Canada actually. If you make it here its the same as what you just travelled over. If you stop for rest - repairs - site seeing prepare for seasonal bugs and dress for the weather (https://www.weather.gov/afg/). Bear repellant spray works on bears and two-legged a-holes. Avoid dumpsters and places that can attract them just like any camping place. Really not a problem. A Sat phone would ensure coms Statewide. They can be rented (https://www.satellitephonesak.com).
Vry gd PA1195. NICE info!!!
I honestly think a fair amt in my head is what the Al-Can was YEARS AGO............BAD shape. Potholes, crevices 'nuff to reek havoc with the bike if u hit one. But I understand most of that is a thing of the past.
I do not think it is at all hard topped. I think hardpack.
PA1195, u road the Al-Can lately? I suspect if u were to leave AK u would fly out.
Bucket list trip for sure… glad you took my comments in the nature that they were intended. Back in the day I would have done it in a heartbeat, and in fact back in the 80’s I started looking into it for a driving trip solo. I guess things have changed a lot since then. At the time it seemed to be a very solitary place, more often than not, from the accounts I could find at that time.
I still have it on my list, and now that I have a proper touring bike may have to bump it on my priorities - thanks for starting the conversation. I’d probably still be inclined to find a riding partner, but being an only child I’m very comfortable within my own skin.
I like TriGeezer’s plan to go all the way to the Arctic Circle… time to do some research.
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