Alaska 2008
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
RE: Alaska 2008
Bill I am in Santee and Rideing to the Arctic Circleleaving San DiegoJune 14 returning 1 July.
If interested drop me an email DLJx2@***.net
If interested drop me an email DLJx2@***.net
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
RE: Alaska 2008
I have been invited to make this trip to Alaska by two friends who are going fora second time, this coming june 08.
I have also been invited on a trip deep into Mexico in April 08. 1,000 miles south from the Texas border.
Both trips are 4 to 6 weeks, but I can't do both.
this is going to be a tough decision
I have also been invited on a trip deep into Mexico in April 08. 1,000 miles south from the Texas border.
Both trips are 4 to 6 weeks, but I can't do both.
this is going to be a tough decision
RE: Alaska 2008
I have a friend at work that rode from Lewisville Texas, to Alaska, then on up to the Arctic Circle. The first year he was blown off of the road into the ditch about 4 miles from the Arctic Circle, he totaled his BMW. He said the Alaskan Highway is still got about 400 miles that is gravel. (Attached links have some photo evidence). The very next year he drove up he made it all the way to the Arctic Circle. I have been thinking of shipping my 08 Ultra from Dallas Texas to Seattle Wa, and starting the ride there. My back and I I am getting too old for that long of trip.
Middle of August is a little late, the weather will start getting very cold and snowy. I would recommend a back support. Steve said you will need one! http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...Item=BACKALINE
Here are the links for Steve's trip! Enjoy the pictures.
Paul,
First link is for pics from 2005's "unsuccessful" attempt,
Then 2006's
http://k12steve.smugmug.com/gallery/1152757/1/53783816
http://k12steve.smugmug.com/gallery/1954075/1/99235432
Regards,
Steve
Middle of August is a little late, the weather will start getting very cold and snowy. I would recommend a back support. Steve said you will need one! http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...Item=BACKALINE
Here are the links for Steve's trip! Enjoy the pictures.
Paul,
First link is for pics from 2005's "unsuccessful" attempt,
Then 2006's
http://k12steve.smugmug.com/gallery/1152757/1/53783816
http://k12steve.smugmug.com/gallery/1954075/1/99235432
Regards,
Steve
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Alaska 2008
He said the Alaskan Highway is still got about 400 miles that is gravel. (Attached links have some photo evidence).
The Alaska Highway does not have any gravel outside of areas of construction no matter what anyone may say or think. And has not had any for over 10 years or better.
You will get gravel on the Dempster (which is all in Canada, eh), the Top of the World, and the infamous Dalton (the Haul Road).
If you choose to attempt the Haul Road from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, I wish you good luck. It has several hundred miles of gravel, it is owned by the big trucks hauling equipment and supplies to the oil patch and they don't share. It will be extremely dusty when dry and slimey when wet. If you hit it when it is being graded it could be your worst nightmare. Fuel stops are far in between, so take your own.
I do not recommend it.
As far as the Alaska Highway goes, shoot even the women ride their Harleys between here and the lower 48.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Alaska 2008
For all you "Cheechakos" thinking of coming to Alaska.
Leave the frickin' firearms at home. You don't need them and if you are too scared to venture out on the Alaska road system without one maybe you should just stay home.
And August is getting late in the year to attempt a ride up and back. You may make it just fine, but the chances are high that you will encounter snow and freezing rain particularly at the higher elevations.
Leave the frickin' firearms at home. You don't need them and if you are too scared to venture out on the Alaska road system without one maybe you should just stay home.
And August is getting late in the year to attempt a ride up and back. You may make it just fine, but the chances are high that you will encounter snow and freezing rain particularly at the higher elevations.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: PNW
RE: Alaska 2008
And August is getting late in the year to attempt a ride up and back. You may make it just fine, but the chances are high that you will encounter snow and freezing rain particularly at the higher elevations.
What he said, you have some long hard days with no siteseeing or rest. Or make arrangements to ship youre bike home. Might be hard to find storage in Chicken...
What he said, you have some long hard days with no siteseeing or rest. Or make arrangements to ship youre bike home. Might be hard to find storage in Chicken...
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: s.w. wisconsin
RE: Alaska 2008
i know that you do not suggest riding up the dalton hwy. from reading your post. but i was wondering if you can set me straight on something? i know that they use calcium chloride (sp & maybe wrong product) to keep the dust down on the road. i have read that it is very corrosive and doesnot wash off. can you tell me if the "does not wash off" part is true?
thanks
thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
RE: Alaska 2008
First, get the Milepost, it will pay for itself. I did it in 2001 on my shovelhead. It was the last state for me on the mainland to ride my shovel through. On a newer bike, piece of cake. I did it in 25 days, 11,000 miles. The road is all paved except for construction areas and they can be 20 miles long or longer. The rest of the road is pretty good, people are very friendly, gas is pretty much available, although I recommend filling up often. What can I say? The Yukon and AK are absolutely amazing. Depending on where you are starting from you can go through the Canadian Rockies around Banff and Lake Louise. I went June 30, into July. So you know, when you read about the mosquitoes, there is not a single mosquito in Alaska! That's right, they are all married and have large families. No joke, they will carry you away, bug spray is an essential of life. Read up, be prepared and ask a lot of questions. It can be done easily, but it is also very remote, so be prepared for that unexpected posiibility, because the next town may be a long ways and then it's just a gas station and restaurant. All I can tell you is get ready to go WOW!, all day, every day for a while, it's a long, beautiful, life changing experience. IF you have any questions or I can be of help, just let me know.