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Some of the hardest days for us to get going were the nights we spent in the motels with the Canadian work crews! We did not find the dust as bad as you make it sound, but we moved up when they were stopped and talked to the crew. We also had a fair amount of rain, so cleaning mud off was more of an issue than dust.
Here I am with one of Canadas finest road crew!
Yes, the weather really will dictate the experience for sure. Great Pic and I bet the Canuck work crews were a hoot!
Never been to Alaska, but ride all over the southwest and have for over 30 years. I ride to my kid's place in Idaho from So Cal several times year. So, suspension, yes yes and yes. I had Progressive 944's on my E-glide and they were way better that the air system that bike had, but like anything probable was. I put Ohlins 776's on my 17 Road King Special and wow what a difference. Way more confidence inspiring and comfortable, no joke.
As for tip over guard lights, after a few near misses out on lonely desert roads and some foggy mountain mornings, I put Custom Dynamics fog lights on. Also, huge difference. I have attached pictures that really don't do justice to how much more visible I am with them. I try very hard to not ride at night but I also added Custom Dynamics Adaptive Pro Beam headlight, dual color turn signals, LED rear tripple light and the control modual that makes them flash a few times when I hit the brakes.
On the gear, I think everyone has said it: layers, water resistant jacket and pants, heated gear (I just use heated glove liners), motorcycle protective Gore Tex boots.
I got a set of Aerostitch waterproof glove covers many years ago and they are the bees knees. They fold up tiny, actually are waterproof and really help block the wind when it is cold. I won't travel without a puncture repair kit and compressor and a jump box. I've been SO glad to have those when I needed them.
For my safety and peace of mind for my love ones, I also travel with a SPOT emergency locator/communicator. I have the base model, cost like $100 and it's $12 a month when it is active. Seen phones lost and destroyed on bar mounts and if you have no cell, Google maps is not your friend. I use a Tom Tom Rider 550 dedicated GPS. It's great because it gives updates on road conditions up ahead, like construction and accidents.
Anywho, I could go on and on 'cause I love motocycle touring but I'll leave it at this. Hope your trip is a safe and successful one!!!
Thanks man, you hit a lot of points that are on my list for prep, but you listed some I should consider, GPS nav and emergency locator. Will look into those.
I hit one so hard, my BIL behind me thought Id crashed. It was filled with water, with puddles everywhere, so no idea how deep and big this hole was. I made it, but it hurt me. Tires, wheels were fine. Just lucky. The rest we could see usually.
Dang, yea I will be careful for sure. I will have all the time I need and no need to rush. I hear there's a section on the Alcan where you should not be going more than 45-50.
Any big trip should be started with new tires. Boggles my mind people getting new tires on trip unless longer then life of new tire.
Your mind is easily boggled. Road from NC to AK this summer. Simple tire change in Fairbanks. Too easy.
Good comments from other members. Heated gear saved my butt. High plains cross winds were brutal. BC and YT are beautiful. Should have worn full face helmet. Torque bolts so you can remove with your toolkit. Should have carried disposable gloves and a dab of bearing lube. Changed oil at O'Reilly's and Walmart. 60/40 camping and cheap hotels. Time of my life. Best to you.
Last edited by tngarren; Nov 14, 2024 at 06:17 AM.
I went up and back again this year, lost track of how many times I have been up that damn road, now. It is in pretty good shape overall. You just never know what winter is going to do to it.
The frost heaves are still all over Beaver Creek, and honestly, the AK side is about as bad as I have ever seen it until you get to Tok. Lots of heaves, cracks, and poorly "repaired" potholes.
But atleast I got the ***** to ride the haul road two up on a full dresser, and not just turn around at the sign after taking a pic, if you want to get down to brass tacks.
Originally Posted by NorthWestern
I went up and back again this year, lost track of how many times I have been up that damn road,
Alaska Highway does have some challenges no doubt. But the other thing I think that is daunting, is on day one thinking you got 3600 miles in front of you are more.
But when you break it down it aint bad. First time at Columbia Icfields say some sign, and I am like wow, I am that close. 3 years later came back, and went rest of way. If I lived where you are, I like to think I would be going up a lot more.
Last edited by Rounders; Nov 14, 2024 at 06:22 AM.
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