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Did the circle two up on a ultra, it was a challenge and took some tolls injuries, us and the bike, But now I can tell everyone I did it. Which is the only reason to do it.
I rode to Alaska in early June of 2019 and there was no shortage of Harleys on the AlCan - outnumbered only by Beemers. A few Triumphs and Goldwing - and some KLRs. Literally hundreds of bikes - some going to Dusk to Dawson and others not.
The section from Haines Junction to the border was very bad with frost heaves. My worst road construction zone was 45 minutes east of Tok on AK-1. It was muddy and steep - a puckering ride for sure but the worst was only an eighth of a mile.
I chose not to ride to Deadhorse and I have no regrets. Under different circumstances I would have ridden to the Artic Circle sign.
Im glad I rode to Alaska. Maybe Ill do it again someday or maybe not. Theres a lot on my riding bucket list down here in the Lower 48. Portions of the ride was days of sheer monotony - talking about you Saskatchewan and eastern Alberta.
One never knows how much much time is left on the clock in the game of life. All you can do is optimize what you have. The co-worker who rode with me to Alaska did so for that very reason. He was a Covid denier who did not get vaccinated and died of Covid two and a half years after our trip. Im not saying that to be political - Im saying it to point out the clock is ticking for all of us and his clock ran out. The ride to Alaska was his last and only big ride of his life.
I did this route last June on my '02 Ultra. Great trip. Got in an IB Saddlesore in from mile Zero on the Mackenzie Highway via Mile Zero on the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse YK.
I did this route last June on my '02 Ultra. Great trip. Got in an IB Saddlesore in from mile Zero on the Mackenzie Highway via Mile Zero on the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse YK.
I rode to Alaska in early June of 2019 and there was no shortage of Harleys on the AlCan - outnumbered only by Beemers. A few Triumphs and Goldwing - and some KLRs. Literally hundreds of bikes - some going to Dusk to Dawson and others not.
The section from Haines Junction to the border was very bad with frost heaves. My worst road construction zone was 45 minutes east of Tok on AK-1. It was muddy and steep - a puckering ride for sure but the worst was only an eighth of a mile.
I chose not to ride to Deadhorse and I have no regrets. Under different circumstances I would have ridden to the Artic Circle sign.
Im glad I rode to Alaska. Maybe Ill do it again someday or maybe not. Theres a lot on my riding bucket list down here in the Lower 48. Portions of the ride was days of sheer monotony - talking about you Saskatchewan and eastern Alberta.
One never knows how much much time is left on the clock in the game of life. All you can do is optimize what you have. The co-worker who rode with me to Alaska did so for that very reason. He was a Covid denier who did not get vaccinated and died of Covid two and a half years after our trip. Im not saying that to be political - Im saying it to point out the clock is ticking for all of us and his clock ran out. The ride to Alaska was his last and only big ride of his life.
My last long road trip was in 2019. I rode to Tuktoyaktuk/Arctic Ocean and to do it I had to move my wife to a nursing home for 19 days at $275 a day for respite care. Now they tell me it would be $330 a day.
I'm her fulltime caregiver so sometimes it can be someone else's health that prevents you from doing long trips.
I'm glad I did the trips when I did, no regrets. Do them when you can, never know what will happen later.
the Saddlesore was the toughest part for sure, luckily no major construction going on so we had no trouble making it. The rest was pure gravy, great weather and kept it to under 500 miles per day.
the Saddlesore was the toughest part for sure, luckily no major construction going on so we had no trouble making it. The rest was pure gravy, great weather and kept it to under 500 miles per day.
because of the construction, potholes, and Frost heaves… My old bones did about 300 miles a day before they started complaining
because of the construction, potholes, and Frost heaves My old bones did about 300 miles a day before they started complaining
The worst stretch of highway was between Burwash Landing and Tok, if a rider's not paying attention those heaves will result in ejection from the saddle. Second worst was the American side of the TOTW, looked like it hadn't been graded since spring and was pretty narrow in places. Everywhere else the highways were in fantastic shape, but on the way back we did have to detour down highway 37 when the Alaska Highway washed out. The Gods were smiling on us, riding the Cassiar was one of the best parts of the trip.
Heading to Anchorage this summer, mid June time frame. I hate grated bridges, thankfully the Chesapeake bay bridge no longer has the metal grates.
I expect cell phone coverage to be poor at best, did anyone ever take along a sat phone or sat hot spot like Zoleo Satellite Communicator?
Starting point is Gettysburg PA
Update on my travels.
Would like to say I made it but had to turn around at Red Deer, Canada between Calgary and Edmonton. Of all the days of riding I only had maybe 2 days of good weather, all the rest was cold, high winds and rain. The final straw as the heavy downpour of rain at Calgary, rai/moisture got into the electronics and other places.
There was a couple of highlights, Banff was beautiful and of the four days I stayed was great. Day of my departure, it snowed missed it by an hour.
I want to give a two thumbs up to two different HD shops which had simply the best customer service I have ever had. Both are in Canada, the first was the dealer near Swift Current SK. I was cold, wet and not in a happy mood, wind was kicking my butt. As soon as I walked in the door a rep offered me a hot coffee and a place to rest. Was not expecting that at all.
Second place was Red Deer AB, aka Gasoline Alley. I was able to crawl in with my bike on a Sunday, thinking they were closed (maintenance) but no they took me right in. The guy behind the desk was outstanding as will as members of the maintenance team. Had the bike up and running the next day, but I delayed weather was bad plus roads ahead were questionable due to 3 days of heavy rain. The shop was right next door to a Holiday Inn, and they offered a nice discount thanks to the harley shop.
Maybe I could have made it, but I didn't want to take a chance since I canceled all my hotel accommodations since I got delayed.
Maybe sometime in the future but, don't think so, not disappointed just moving on.
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