What I Learned Riding to Alaska in 2017
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- After riding my motorcycle from Boston, MA to Alaska in 2017, we (my riding partners and I) learned a few things about what to expect. Since I am now planning to go back to Alaska in 2024 I thought it would be a good idea to go over some of those things in case they might help out anyone planning a similar trip.
VISIT MY WEBSITE AT: www.livingofftheslab.com
Learn about my online courses, eBooks and self-guided tours. Sign up for my email list and get notified about new videos, courses and tours plans. To say thanks, you will get a free digital download of "5 Tips for Creating an Epic Road Trip."
LIVING OFF THE SLAB MEMBERSHIPS:
Want to hang out with other riders who love to travel? Want to learn and share your experiences? Then consider becoming a Living Off the Slab Member. We no have four memberships starting at just $2 per month.
Not only will you help support the channel, but each membership level offers additional benefits such as access to ad free videos, Living Off the Slab stickers, additional content, tools to help you create the tour of your dreams, as well as access to on the road updates and behind the scenes footage.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIPS AT:
www.livingofftheslab.com
MUSIC CURTOSEY OF:
www.epidemicsound.com/
Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley
I took my first long distance motorcycle trip last year. It was a solo trip and was only 2,500 miles in total. Prior to that the longest I had ridden was 150 miles. I left my home in southern Illinois and went as far as Devils Tower in Wyoming, of course stopping at Bad Lands and the Black Hills along the way. Following your advice I rode what I had which was an older Versys loaded down with soft bags. The best money I spent preparing for that trip was getting AAA for motorcycles and paying a little extra for a 100 mile tow. It was $87 for a year and paid 6 times over when my fuel pump went out in the Lakota Reservation on my way back home. It took them 4 hours to find me and 2 hours to get me back to Rapid City but didn’t cost me a dime. Well, except for the tip I left driver for a case of beer. Great guy and it was a 6 hour round trip for him. Next year I’m headed to Yellowstone and maybe beyond! I bought a new Tenere for this trip and I’m upping my plan to the 200 mile one. My trip last year hooked me on solo long distance riding. Even with the breakdown it was one of the best experiences of my life.
One thing not covered here is LOOK OUT GOR WOOD bridges. If it's wet they are terribly slippery. We can go down very easy. SLOW DOWN and don't turn sharp.
I rode from central Colorado to Deadhorse in 2008 on my KLR650(which I still own), and it was the trip of a lifetime! It’s best to go with no time constraints, so you can take it all in. Spent a couple days in Watson Lake on the way up, just to unwind a little, and really enjoyed talking to the friendly locals there.
Not carrying minimal camping gear even if you don’t plan to camp can be a bad decision if you get unlucky with lodging or your bike breaks down. I carried a tent on my bike for 3 weeks across the country and never once used it but I wasn’t going to leave home without it
The best weather in most of road-accessible Alaska generally is from middle June to mid July...too cold prior to June and generally colder and rainier after mid-late july...it varies year to year but odds are for fairly good weather during the 6-7 weeks from mid-june to Late July.
I can't believe it's been 7 years since we heard you planning the last trip. I been watching for I guess since 2013 just before you got the Tenere.
Just to let you know, I rode up to Tuk this July on my '22 GSA and used the Dunlop Trailmax Missions. I could not have been happier with those tires. While they aren't the best in gooey (snail snot) mud, they do great on the gravel and dirt. I plan to head back up this coming July and plan to do both the Dempster and the Dalton. And while I've thought about the new Trailmax Raids I'm pretty sure I'll just another set of the Trailmax Missions put on.
While I still have a decent amount of life in my current tires I don't know if they'll last the whole trip so rather than take a chance I'll just get new tires put on even though I'm likely only half ways through the current set.
My trip will be a bit different than yours but then I'm in Calgary so starting out WAY closer. This time I plan to camp more simply because I'm not able to afford C$250 a night (+) for Motels once I get up there. But like you I plan to keep my days to around 400Km (360 miles) and take WAY more pictures both video and still. And, more importantly I think, I plan to take at least one rest day a week. A day where I don't ride. I think that'll keep me "fresh" a lot longer. And my plan is to have rest days when it is raining, likely a Motel stay. When its raining I just miss too much scenery which is part of the reason I'm heading back. Even though I only hit a few rainy days there are things I wanted to see and stop at that I didn't cause it was cold and pissing down rain.
Finally, last time I went with a couple of other folks although I ended up being solo for most of it. Wasn't a great experience as our routines didn't mesh. I wanted to get up and leave earlier and they wanted to rest longer and took a lot longer to get going.
Anyway, I'm REALLY looking forward to heading back. You have a GREAT trip.
Thanks! Maybe we will bump into each other.
One thing that's becoming more evident as the years go by is the impact that wildfires may have. 2023 fire season in BC was insane. It could mean road closures
Yes, plans may have to change if needed.
I'm from Seattle, WA, but I have resided in PA for almost 20 years now. I've always wanted to ride out to Seattle and then up the ALCAN highway. I can't believe you guys rode from MA to Alaska...what a long ride! I'll have to go back and watch your vid from whence you did the trip to Alaska years ago. I have a niece that lives in Calgary and I'd like to stop at her place along the way. She lives close to some beautiful places I'd like to see. I'll be retired here in a few years and I'll have the time to make a trip like this. Thanks for all the solid advice! I'm looking forward to seeing your trip in 2024.
Thank you for this. And thank you for not ruining it with juvenile computer game music.
Great tips... planning my trip for July/August 2025. Looking forward to your trip reports. Safe riding.
What I learned going to Alaska. 1. Alaska has two seasons, winter and construction. 2. Signs that read "Construction gravel next 100 miles" really do exist. 3. Rain on every day, nahhh, its more frequent than that! Good to see Peter and Steven again.. they haven't aged a bit.
Like was said in the video. It really depends on the year. I've made three trips up there all in mid May to late June. Two years I didn't see rain once. Last year I only had one day that I didn't get rained on. Last year western Canada was in a record drought too they had forest fires all over in April and May and we got snowed on in June.
Good luck on the trip and I'm sure you'll be more prepared than ever for this AK run. 👍
Thanx for the tips. I've been riding since 1970. I'm 67 with a new 1200 GT Explorer. Love it. It has the best stock seat I've ever put my cheeks on. I've never been out of Louisiana or Ms, on my bike. Still got my 10 yro Tenere. If I can ever find someone to go with me. I'd love to make that trip.The bike you showed at the end of your video didn't look like a GTX. It had spokes. My GTX has street tires on it now. I wouldn't even think about taking them of the pavement.
Mine is the blue GTX. Does fine on dirt roads.
Rode from SE Washington state to Fairbanks in 2016. A long, long way to ride - don't let yourself get fatigued. Two things I learned: 1) In Canada you can buy high octane gas most places. You will get regular when you pump it, but you can pay for high octane. 2) On our 3 week trip I saw several KLR's, a handful of BMW GS's, two Triumph adventure bikes, and at least a hundred Harleys! Guess we e know who puts down the miles.
Looking forward to your gear video. Hopefully sooner than later...give us a chance to take your suggestions. Heading north this summer also.
June is usually the driest month up here. We are getting a lot of snow this winter so the mosquitoes are gonna be terrible. I rode up to Deadhorse last summer and the mosquitoes were so bad I wouldn't take my helmet off at rest stops.
Been up and back the ALCAN twice. Loved it. BTW, believe it or not, WD40 works really-really well on visors. It doesn't fog as easily, almost erases scratches or hard to see through spots, and bugs tend to slide off. No fooling. Only bad thing is the slight odor if you do the inside section of the visor. Secondly, Marvel Mystery Oil works pretty good as an octane booster. All octane booster does is raise the ignition point of the fuel, making it harder to ignite and slow down the burn rate of the gasoline, giving it more punch power. You won't get any knock with MMO and you get good lubricantin the jug.
Good tip. I think I'll start using MMO on my high compression 327's.
I have never done a long motorcycle trip, but I do know Alaska well as I have lived here most of my life. It’s a big state, and I have seen many who come here zip right up to Coldfoot and not explore the many interesting places here, so I recommend doing your research well.
Also there is a new potential road hazard between Tok and the Fort Knox Mine (just north of Fairbanks on the Steese Hwy) 😅starting this January 2024 that riders should be aware of. And that’s double trailer ore trucks planned for a truck every half hour hauling ore from a mine near Tok, to Fort Knox Mine for processing for the next 8 to 10 years. They will have covered loads unlike most trucks up here, but still some dust and debris may escape and end up on the road. So anyone traveling here should be aware of this.
Great info. I plan on doing a road trip to Alaska in 2024,
We rode up in 2021 to Alaska (Fairbanks and Whittier).
We went in late June and it rained almost every day and all day on several days.
We rode Harley’s last time, but now my friend and I have BMW GS & GSA. Loaded Harley touring bikes really didn’t like all the construction dirt roads(well over 100 miles) in total.
Adventure bikes are the best choice, but as you know, it is doable on anything.
@@LivingOffTheSlab We experienced also that food was harder to find than gas. We found accommodations in a hotel every night, but we made reservations at Mid day each day and some days adjusted the end of our day by 100 miles or so to find a hotel.
I did it last summer, all the way to deadhorse.
This was a nice summary, thanks.
I am looking forward to seeing your trip.
In 2024, I will be making two trips:
1. The Black Hills in South Dakota in June.
2. The Trans Tiaga road in Quebec in August.
2025 will be the Arctic.
Interesting information ❤
As they say, practice makes perfect. Really excited for you, and your road trip to Alaska. I will definitely be following you over here in Southern California. Any ways be safe out there, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Good advise and insights, Craig. I would love to ride the ALCAN. Never had the opportunity as a trucker.
Thanks for the info on the roads. Am a bit tentative going with my Harley bagger but feel a little better now...as long as I take it SLOW. Stay safe!
I went to Prudhoe Bay from Minnesota, tons of big bikes in Alaska. I e even see them on the Dalton, but in good weather. I have a goldwing , but I took my vstrom. Goldwing would’ve been fine, except the Dalton, as it was raining.
June and July are the best time to ride in AK, August is the start of the rain. Except for last summer it rain everyday I think! I rode my 1250 ADV bee up from Olympia mid May. It was chilly between Whitehorse and Tok. I had a vest. I must have seen 30 black bears and 4/5 brownies. I think it was my 3th or 4th trip up on a bike anyway.
I'm glad to see you are taking your time this go round. You will have a blast. I think you mentioned riding up to Prudhoe this time. Definitely be prepared for the Haul Road! Lots and lots of MOSQUITOES, POTHOLES, MUD, DUST (dependent on weather), ROCKS and FROST HEAVES!!! I'd also recommend the Denali Highway ride. One of the most overlooked scenic roads in the interior!!!!! Lived in Alaska for 20yrs. Rode many miles over those yrs. Retired back to North Carolina about a year ago. Another possibility to consider is the Calgary Stampede if you are going up in July. Just depends on you route. That is an amazing event to be put on your bucket list! Take your time and be safe!!!
Thanks for the info!
I just did Minnesota to Prudhoe Bay. Got to Prudhoe Bay on the Fourth of July. Then went down to Homer, then Mcarthy, Tok, chicken, Dawson City. Then to Jasper, Banf, then down to Montana, then to Minnesota. 9,400 miles 25 days. Trailmax missions . Still had about 4 thousand miles left on the rear, and front still looked 75%.
Thanks!
This video has me sitting here looking at this GSA…how could I do it in 24’. On the TrailMax, as another mentioned great mixed road/gravel/dirt tire, but lousy in greasy mud IMO ( I live in the SE, red clay no sideways grip) currently running Anakee Wilds, love em, just crazy howlers on the highway. Think would swap back to the Trailmax and swap back to Anakee in Calgary, Blackfoot Motorsports. Great shop btw. Love the tips on pre planning and the why’s. Also other’s advice is always fun to digest as well. Got me thinking! Look forward to seeing your adventures!
Thanks for info. Something to think about.
wood bridges that are wet are far worse than any metal bridge
👍
What’s not mentioned here is the potentially nightmare relationship between chain ‘n sprockets and Calcium Chloride (or Lignin Sulfonate). Opinions?
When I went in 2017, had a Tenere with a shaft drive and now I have a Tiger with a shaft drive, so this is not an issue for me. However, any bike is going to get very dirty even on the paved parts of the trip. I have not been on the Dalton yet, so cannot comment with experience.
Did you use your Rabaconda to mount the Missions? I just bought a set of Missions and a Rabaconda. I'm wondering what I'll be facing when I mount them on my Tiger. TIA
Yes I did. The old tires came off very easily, but I learned a couple of things putting to he new ones on. First, make sure you get the tires over the tire/air sensor first when putting the new tire on the rim. This is most important with the rear. Because of the drive shaft, the rear will not fit on the spindle perfectly. You need to make sure to use the step cone to keep it centered. I am going to see if I can come up with something better the next time. The last bit of the rear tire was very tough to get on. Make sure to really lube the tire and duck head. I also took the ratchet handle out and used the bead breaker to loosen the opposite side of the tire and that seemed to help with getting the last few inches of the rear tire on the rim. Since this was my first time, I did not do a video. I wanted to make all my mistakes and learn without having to deal with the camera.
@@LivingOffTheSlab Thanks for taking the time to post this. I think I'm going to build a heat box to warm them too.
Good idea.
I am looking at crossing canada on a Can-am ryker that I have been riding for 3 years , How do you plan for repairs if any needed and what type of road app or map do you use Alain & Yellow
I carry tools for tire repairs and other things I can do on the road. For bigger things I would find a dealer. I find them before I leave, so I know where they are. For maps I use a GPS and I create routes on MRA Route Planner.
Thanks for the info , will continue to follow you on Utube .. great video.......Alain
Hi Sir, do you change your own tires? I am looking at purchasing the Rabaconda tire changer. I'm in my 50's and I've changed a lot of tires by hand. I'm wanting to be able to change them easier and faster without marring my wheels. I just bought a bmw r1250gs trophy this last summer and want to do as much maintenance as I can in my own garage. Actually, anyone on here with any advice on this topic would be welcome! Thanks.
I did change the tires with the Rabaconda Street Bike changer. It worked well, but I did learn a few things with this first change. Read my previous response to a similar question for details.
I see it now. Thanks again. Thats a good lengthy post with lots of helpful info! Sorry...sometimes I read through comments to find info. You've posted so many vids over the years. I remember when you bought the Super Tenere. I had bought one as well. Great bike! Thanks again!@@LivingOffTheSlab
@@thetrailbuzzard I have 8 motorcycle and the biggest cost is batteries and tires. I have often thought of buying a tire changing machine. Let us know how it works out.
@@beamdoctor5637 I sure will. I’m going to pull the trigger before spring for the Rabaconda. I’d like the ability of changing tires with ease and maybe even have a couple sets of different types of tires on hand for different rides. I feel like after a season of riding the Rabaconda is paid for. I also recently bought the Marc Parnes wheel balancer.
Hate 2 admit it but I'm past the ability of riding to AK - 4wd for me....
If i couldn't get good sleep, that ride would be impossible for me.
For sure!
Excellent video !. Wonder what you are supposed to do when bears are about and you break down , prey . Regards from the UK.
Bear Spray. We transported SV 460 pistols, but you cannot legally load or fire them in Canada. We can in Western USA including Alaska.
You must have been super successful before you did all this. IN bidennomics world I cant go anywhere on my bike now. I have to work work work. So I say good for you.
I have never done a long motorcycle trip, but I do know Alaska well as I have lived here most of my life. It’s a big state, and I have seen many who come here zip right up to Coldfoot and not explore the many interesting places here, so I recommend doing your research well.
Also there is a new potential road hazard between Tok and the Fort Knox Mine (just north of Fairbanks on the Steese Hwy) 😅starting this January 2024 that riders should be aware of. And that’s double trailer ore trucks planned for a truck every half hour hauling ore from a mine near Tok, to Fort Knox Mine for processing for the next 8 to 10 years. They will have covered loads unlike most trucks up here, but still some dust and debris may escape and end up on the road. So anyone traveling here should be aware of this.
Thanks for the heads up! What are some places you suggest other than Coldfoot and Deadhorse?