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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| A friend of mine retired last year, a Canadian fellow, lol. Anyhow he's planning an Alaska trip for next year and wants me to go along for company. We'd both be towing pop-up campers, he on his Kawi and me in the Vision. The plan is ride up the Alaskan Hwy from Canada/Sask, come back via Seattle and who knows from there. Neither of us works summers so we wouldn't have any time restrictions.
So what do you all think, should I plan it? Has anyone ridden this yet on a Vision? | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | Teach - 2009-04-14 9:43 PM
So what do you all think, should I plan it?
Is the Pope Catholic?? Hell yes you should!
Now, come back when you have a tougher question. Sheesh! ;P | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | You ABSOLUTELY have to go!!!!!!!!! I spent the last three years of my 24 years in the military in Alaska and I LOVED each and every minute of it. I was still raising kids and was not riding at that time but the desire was certainly there. You will NEVER EVER regret riding in Alaska, it is without a doubt the single most beautiful landscape you will EVER see with your eyes and it will certainly be MUCH better when seen from the saddle of a VISION!!!!!!! 
We will all await your report from the hopefully "unfrozen" north!!
Ride Safe, Ride Often!! | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | We are going to do it - either this summer or next. Did it last in 1994 by bike (1985 Virago) - and roads are better now. Motels/Hotels only for us, tho - too old for camping....
Won't be any problem for a Vision. Good rain gear a must - each day will be everything from Hawaiian sunshine to Alaska hail - and change every hour. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | If things work out you'll see us up there, also towing a Bunkhouse.. We wanted to go this year but its not going to happen..... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 203
Rapid City, SD | Watch out for moose on the roads. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 97
Brighton, Colorado | Last summer the wife and I took a cruise from Alaska. While we were up there for a couple of days, waiting for the ship to leave to head back down to Vancouver, we saw HUNDREDS of motorcycles up there. You could tell that a lot of them had been up there for a while. Don't wind up sitting in your easy chair at 85 thinking, 'woulda', "coulda", "shoulda." Do it while you have the chance. Not many people are given these types of opportunities, much less the ability to actually do it. Bring a camera with LOTS of memory. | |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Tim, if ever there was a time to do it, it is NOW.
- you'll never be this young
- you have your health
- your bike is still "new"
- time & opportunity never wait
When (not if) you go, it would be great for all if you could "blog" your way and back. We can set you up on the Victory Riders Network to upload photos from your cameraphone. You can share the trip with us all. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 137
Houston, Texas | I'll be riding the STARSHIP to Alaska in July...there are four of us going, we're all retired so we won't be on a time schedule. But I am planning my schedule to swing back through Spirit Lake on the way home for the AVR.
Hope to see many of your there.
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | About three years ago I was sitting on the bike at a red light. I had the Yamaha Venture at the time. Four older fellows stopped beside me and they started asking all sorts of questions, none of them had ridden a bike before. One of them commented something to the fact if he was 30 years younger he'd have himself motorcycle. None of those guys knew the joy of riding... When I get older I'll be able to remember all the fun things I've done in my life. I'be been thru it all, boats, bikes, horses, camping, hiking, flying, I even got to drive a train one time even though it was just an engine on a siding.... What memories..... Anyhow I was in Fairbanks in 1964, after the earthquake, I saw it before all the changes and I'm looking forward to doing it again, this time on the bike. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I thought this is the response I'd get, lol. I'll be meeting up with my friend at TWO in June and we'll discuss it in more detail, but I suspect I'll be going. Thanks for the input | |
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | Teach - 2009-04-15 5:25 PM
I thought this is the response I'd get, lol. I'll be meeting up with my friend at TWO in June and we'll discuss it in more detail, but I suspect I'll be going. Thanks for the input
Since help could more than a cell phone and a snack away this is just a thought.
http://www.internationalcellularrentals.com/Rent_A_Satellite_Phone.... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 137
Houston, Texas | Blackjack
I'll be making the Alaska ride in July and in upper BC and the Yukon there is zero cell service.....I have already made arrangements to rent a SAT phone for a month....$200 includes shipping both ways and a 100 minutes of air time, at least I can call the Mounties if we have a serious problem.
Also taking an extra set of tires, as one of my co-riders said; there are places to get a tire changed but very few places to buy a specific m/c tire.
Trying to cover all of the bases.
Any more ideas or suggestions is appreciated.
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | There is a possiblity that the snack could be you!!!!!  You might want to think about carrying some firepower if your going to wait along side the road in Alaska! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | VisionTex - 2009-04-16 12:02 PM
There is a possiblity that the snack could be you!!!!! You might want to think about carrying some firepower if your going to wait along side the road in Alaska!
I couldn't agree more, but canada simply will not allow a handgun period and only longs guns during a hunting season. I have heard of people trying to sneak them in and they have lost the firearm and been denied entry, Because you are already in canada when you clear customs you might even be jailed for a time. Prehaps our fellow canadian riders could cast some light and correct me if i'm wrong.
Blackjack | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | In bear country, always ride with someone that runs slower then you.
Ride Safe and Run Fast. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
| Mail your hand cannon to Tok Alaska and pick it up there.
Then just mail on the return trip.
Been up there 4 times fishing and hunting, bears are not behind every tree but you never know.
Glock
50 cal S&W  | |
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | Glock - 2009-04-16 3:59 PM
Mail your hand cannon to Tok Alaska and pick it up there.
Then just mail on the return trip.
Been up there 4 times fishing and hunting, bears are not behind every tree but you never know.
Glock
50 cal S&W
Glock
You are correct but i would feel a whole lot more comfy in the the cacadian wilderness if i had my old pal close at hand. There is nothing like 440gr of hard cast lead to take a bears mind off dinner. But like Radioteacher says if your the fastest runner in the group you have nothing to worry about. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Well, it's a new year, a new decade - and time to think about the summer of 2010
I will be 66 this May, and I don't appear to be winning the battle with Father Time. So this has GOT to be the year. ALASKA by V V
It would be fabulous to hear from those of you who have had the adventure - what kind of problems you ran into, when is the best time to go, where to stay (we are NOT campers), what 'extras' we should pack, etc.
This thread 'died' in April last year - we are interested in a follow up - or catch up. Anyone die of bear bites? (I think more likely to die of mosquito/black fly bites) | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | "The Don" I was thinking that he should have gone and come down here and worked in my place for the summer and I would have taken the trip since he was undecided and neeeeeededdddd prodding. Git 'r' Don! I got no suggestions other than "GiT" | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Chickinman - we got nicer riding weather here right now - and in the summer - than you. I ain't gonna give it up for YOU ! So I will 'Git R Done' ! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Winston-Salem, NC | Sarah Palin likes to ride 2 up I hear. Let me know if you see Russia> | |
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Tourer
Posts: 374
Tucson, AZ | Im planning on that ride for next year. Am thinking about putting the bike on a boat out of the states and getting a cruise outta the deal. That way Ill have more riding time in Alaska...at least this is the thought. I sure dont wanna think...I should have done that ride.
mike | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| If any of you are going to Alaska I could offer some insight, I drive a semi up there from Central Calif. or Arizona (depends on where the fruits and veggies are shipping from) a couple of times a month - year round.
Once things start warming up the season changes from winter driving to road construction driving. You will experience varying states of road repair until it starts snowing again pretty much everywhere. There can be short little strtches to miles long sections. It can be dirt, mud (it rains a lot during the non-snowing time), gravel, packed gravel with what I call an oil base (but I'm told it isn't), back to pretty great roads. The good part is that any sections under construction are well marked in advance.
Animals: White tail deer throughout Alberta and British Columbia; Moose (usually more of a problem in the winter as once the snow melts they head off deeper into the woods), Elk - large numbers around Toad River and north; Bears - they cause traffic jams with RVers who find the need to just stop in the middle of the highway to take photos, makes it pretty exciting when 80,000 lbs comes around the curve at highway speeds and has to accomplish an emergency accident avoidance manuver followed by less than pleasant vocal exchanges hurled their way - which I doubt they hear due to the engine brake screaming, air horn blasting, and what not; Cariboo-by far the stupidiest animal up north, they will mill in the roadway, run in front of you for miles sometimes, run to the right off the road and as you pass dart back to the left side right in front of you - they are found pretty much north of Muncho Lake, but can be a little farther south sometimes; Buffalo - RESPECT them - they always have the right of way, heavy numbers (at least two seperate herds) 20 miles south of Liard Hot Springs and north, they will drift out of the way - BUT ONLY AT THEIR DESIRED SPEED. DO NOT BLOW YOUR HORN AT THEM lest you desire some vehicle modifications done by a two ton animal with a huge head and horns who fears nothing, a small car did that a couple of years ago and lost the battle after being rolled over a couple of times, the passengers inside needed new change of clothing after that exchange I'm told. I saw the car a couple of days later and a wrecking yard would have a hard time finding a part worth salvaging.
Fuel is available up and done the Highway during the warm season. Most places open up on or around Memorial day and stay open until Labor Day for the tourists. Everyone treats you well, their livelihood depends on it.
Places worth checking out: Dawson Creek the start of the Alaskan Highway, Fort Saint John - last "big city" until you get to Fairbanks, Anchorage, etc., Liard Hot Springs - plan to soak in the hot springs - they are awesome - I use them even in the winter, oooohhhh what a feeling!!! Whitehorse in the Yukon home of the milepost forest.
Things to have: bug spray, baby wipes - I find a lot of uses for these and a couple of packages can be worth their weight in gold, some of the "roadside facilities" seem to not get restocked often enough and run short on TP at the wrong time if you get my drift, pick up a current copy of the Alaskan Milepost Magazine, tons of great info, rain gear - you will use it, and finally a sense of adventure, patience, and a positive attitude.
It is some of the most incredible scenery I have ever enjoyed, every trip is a new one for me. A good camera is a must obviously.
CBs: most long haulers use VHF and several different channels - if you have one and need the freqs, send me an email I'l get them to you. Those of us from "down below" also have our CBs on CH 19 usually. So you can often contact a driver if needed.
Lastly, give the trucks room, the hills can be long and steep, the road is a wonder winding through the country. Most are pretty much hauling ass to get up and around and coming down, they are more respectful up north than down in the lower 48, but they have no problem flying by if there is room to pass. The Canadians who run the road more frequently and know it like the back of their hand will blow your hair back. They actually drive better on the Highway I think than any where else I've been.
So go forth and enjoy. I'll be doing it on my Vision in the next year or two myself.
Just my $.02 worth,
Steve | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | sierravic - 2010-01-17 11:10 AM
If any of you are going to Alaska I could offer some insight, I drive a semi up there from Central Calif. or Arizona (depends on where the fruits and veggies are shipping from) a couple of times a month - year round....
So go forth and enjoy. I'll be doing it on my Vision in the next year or two myself.
Just my $.02 worth,
Steve
Steve....that was an awesome read! Well done...loved it and I'm not even going! | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| If you ride to Alaska part II;
I?m not trying to hijack this thread, but after I posted some info the other day I realized there was still some info that you probably won?t find in any books or magazines. So I?ll try to be brief and hopefully helpful.
When riding and you see an orange traffic cone on your side of the road (also watch for them on the other side, too) and it has a small flag sticking up out of the top and maybe even a diagonal stripe (of course the flag could also have fallen out, been pulled out, or was never there to begin with), that is to warn you of something wrong on the road. A hole, a bump, a dip, a crack, etc. Two cones in a row means the road is damaged a little more than if only one cone. Three cones means slow down, the road is really a mess. The problem is the cones are usually right at the spot in the road where the damage is, so ride looking ahead.
Along that lines are the frost heaves. Naturally occurring phenomena of the earth rising, twisting, buckling, diving down, and rolling on its own accord no matter what man tries to do to straighten it or smooth it out. These are found just outside of Whitehorse, YK. But don?t let that little patch fool you, the best is yet to come. About an hour and half further north after passing through Destruction Bay next to Kluane Lake (KooLaahNay) you will get to the next fun section. On a motorcycle it probably will not be too bad, just watch for the large open cracked areas, in a big rig it is an e-ticket ride if you don?t know they are coming.
The next section is north outside of Beaver Creek, YK. This is 20 miles from the Alaskan Border. This section gets real bad. You will also encounter them on the Glenallen Highway from Tok to Anchorage, AK., and also on the Parks Highway between Fairbanks and Anchorage (in and around Healy).
When you get into the frost heave areas, watch for the skid marks on the far side of dips and bumps, especially dual wheel skid marks. That is where grandpa (or possibly grandma) launched the RV, got air - incredible scene with a 40 foot Class A and tow vehicle attached- applied the brakes while airborne and upon landing locked them up in order to stop and restock the interior shelves, clean the spilt milk, pull the dog and cats out from under furniture or off chandeliers if still attached. Stay well back of the RVs in the frost heave areas, especially when going north. On their way home they drive much better having learned.
Around Denali watch for the tour buses that bring people from the cruise ships and other places up. They are driven by anyone from 18 to 80 who is hired for the tourist season, gets a 15 minute ?Learn to drive a tour bus class,? then turned loose on 60 or so unsuspecting people to take them around Alaska. They will stop unexpectedly, turn without warning, weave back and forth and generally are a menace. Go slow especially around the tourist village where a ton of souvenirs are out displayed and for sale.
Cell phone coverage has improved in the last year. I use ATT and it works in Fort Nelson, British Columbia (it didn?t before) and good reception in Whitehorse, YK area. It will also work pretty much off and on throughout Alaska (getting better up there all the time-though I don?t tell anyone down below unless I really like them, or someone would be calling too much for me). In between towns though, they are all pretty much dead. I wouldn?t spend money on a satellite phone or rent one either. Typically if you are in need of assistance someone will stop for you and either relay a message or help you out. Truckers carry tools and many even have a variety of stuff for emergency repairs (so do many of the local four wheelers), wave a bandana (red, orange or white so I can see it) and do it so I don?t think you are just waving ?Hi? and I?ll stop (as most others will, too).
Bring a bandana or dust mask to wear, you will need it in some places.
CUSTOMS: The Canadian Customs Officials are just that ? Official. They don?t do well with humor or light banter. Let them initiate the conversation (it will be short and to the point) and only answer exactly what they asked. If you try to humor them, screw with them, or generally waste their time (as they see it) they can and will reciprocate by having you unload everything you have brought with you and generally making your experience with them unenjoyable. I don?t know why that is other than it is. I have seen so many people really just trying to be friendly with them end up with their stuff spread out all over the place. A friend who worked for the R.C.M.P. told me to follow the advice I just printed and I have never had any issues. If there is anything amiss, be calm and polite. Ranting and raving is really bad juju. The American Customs folks are regular folks and will be a lot more friendly.
Lastly, Border crossings: avoid I-5 the Blaine, WA. crossing. If you are crossing in or out of Washington State, use the Sumas, WA., it is just a few miles east of the Blaine crossing. Blaine can back up for hours and hours. The worst I have seen Sumas is a little less than an hour, it is off the beaten path, but not so far as to mess up any travel plans.
You will see quite a few Victory riders up north in Canada, great folks they are.
Look for my trailer, it has a 2 foot by 3 foot Victory Motorcycle decal on the rear door. Wave, I?ll give you a ?V? sign back.
Steve
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Thanks for the wonderful detailed description, Steve. I live in southern BC and ride a lot across the border in Washington/Northwest. You are bang on about the border crossings - but maybe miss what I see as a Canadian - namely what I call "The Border Nazi's" - American guys. Brown shirt/mirror sunglasses/pistols - and same attitude. But like anyone - they can be nice (and they ARE nicer at Sumas and smaller crossings) - just don't screw around and try to be funny. I think all those guys are frustrated police-wanna-bees and stuck in a booth.
I am going to prepare a detailed route map and I will note the locations of wildlife, road hazzards etc that you mentioned. Great stuff!
We are not camping - do you have any 'special' motels/inns that you would recommend by name/place?
Thanks also for the info on CB/phone/communication - great stuff - especially how to flag someone if we need assistance !!!
I've been on 'that bus' from the tour ships - luckily for us, our driver had motorcycled up from the mainland US near the end of April and had some interesting stories for us - but it was the roads from Anchorage to the Yukon that appealed to us as bikers and made us want to do the ride. I have done much of the BC portion (back in '93) and was hoping the roads would be improved some by now. The weather is as you describe and rain gear is your normal dress.
Re: patches of gravel/dirt - we ran out of pavement on the VV last summer and drove 20 miles on dirt/gravel (dry) and I was totally AMAZED at how well the VV behaved - like a giant dirt bike - was great! But 'reality bites' and I know that it may be different if the stuff is wet.
Anyway, thanks again! Hope to see you on the road - we will look for your 'decal'.
Don | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | sierravic - 2010-01-19 9:35 AM
If you ride to Alaska part II;
I?m not trying to hijack this thread.....
You will see quite a few Victory riders up north in Canada, great folks they are.
Look for my trailer, it has a 2 foot by 3 foot Victory Motorcycle decal on the rear door. Wave, I?ll give you a ?V? sign back.
Steve
I got it!
The new TV reality show...."Steve - Alaskan Trucker" I'd watch it  | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| Hey there Donetracey and Vinner1,
Thanks for the comments. I don't have any specific motels or inns since I camp out in my truck as I pass through. I will keep my eyes more open and take notes as well as ask around. Give me a couple of weeks or so and I'll see what I can come up with.
If you go and are coming from the Vancouver, BC area, I strongly suggest taking the Fraser River route from Hope, BC to Clinton, BC. I really think that would be a hoot on a bike and it gets you away from all the traffic on the "Coke" highway.
Vinner1, as for a show about me it would end up as a comedy. I'm still learning after three years. Every trip brings something new up to learn, always a new glitch with something. The latest trip in minus 40 plus temps allowed me to discover a battery lead that wasn't tightened and resulted in my alternator nearly failing. And that was after I inspected "everything" or so I thought. Now no nut goes unchecked.
Right now the road has a bit of packed snow and ice on it way up north, but as soon as it thaws and starts clearing I'll put an update and try to somewhat pin point the rough spots.
Steve | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Hey Steve - the Hope to Clinton route is what we call "the Fraser Canyon". Rather than go to Hope, we take the route thru Whister to Lilloet - much prettier - then on to Clinton via "Marble Canyon" - fabulous.
We will look forward to your future comments/adventures.
Don | |
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Alaska?