Boris
Well-Known Member
Enjoying the photos/thread. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Bigguy Rides - 2014 S10 Travels - Currently in Kyrgyzstan
- Thread starter Bigguy136
- Start date
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Getting the last things in order, it was time to head back to Canada and Alaska. With the road finished to Tuktoyaktuk, that was my plan for this year.
I made a sign for putting up at Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake
And the backside of sign.
With everything loaded, it was time for the adventure to begin.
I wanted to take a different route than the prior year so I decided to first stop at the Great Slave lake. This was the location my late dad launched his boat in 1972 and went to Tuktoyaktuk. I thought this route would follow his route as close as I could being on a bike.
Ready to go
A few camp spots in route
Sunset
Inside my home away from home
I was heading into black clouds so I pulled over a bit early. Just after getting camp set-up, the rain came down for the entire night. This year I brought a phone. I'm not a big phone guy but it was nice seeing current weather and having internet.
I took a diagonal path from Minnesota to Edmonton and then north to the Great Slave Lake. This camp spot was just south of Fort Vermilion. I found the mosquitoes were out in full force. It was the same time of year as last year but mosquitoes were 10X worse. Just need to get more north into cooler weather, I hope....
Sign speaks for itself
Great Slave Lake and the start of the Mackenzie River. A special spot knowing my dad launched his boat where I was standing.
I made a sign for putting up at Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake
And the backside of sign.
With everything loaded, it was time for the adventure to begin.
I wanted to take a different route than the prior year so I decided to first stop at the Great Slave lake. This was the location my late dad launched his boat in 1972 and went to Tuktoyaktuk. I thought this route would follow his route as close as I could being on a bike.
Ready to go
A few camp spots in route
Sunset
Inside my home away from home
I was heading into black clouds so I pulled over a bit early. Just after getting camp set-up, the rain came down for the entire night. This year I brought a phone. I'm not a big phone guy but it was nice seeing current weather and having internet.
I took a diagonal path from Minnesota to Edmonton and then north to the Great Slave Lake. This camp spot was just south of Fort Vermilion. I found the mosquitoes were out in full force. It was the same time of year as last year but mosquitoes were 10X worse. Just need to get more north into cooler weather, I hope....
Sign speaks for itself
Great Slave Lake and the start of the Mackenzie River. A special spot knowing my dad launched his boat where I was standing.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
After the Great Slave Lake, I was headed to Fort Lard. I saw some gas stations in route but they were closed and out of business. I had extra fuel but I would be cutting it way to close on fuel trying to get to Fort Liard so I made a detour to Fort Simpson. A ferry ride into town and find the only gas station is closed until morning. Without many options, I went for a campground. It was nice having a flat spot but the gravel surface didn't allow my tent stakes in easily. I didn't plan to leave my tent so I didn't worry about it blowing away and had basic staking on the rain fly. With campgrounds and noise, I put my earplugs in for the night.
Rain came in during the night and my rainfly touched the inner wall of my tent and got my down sleeping bag wet. Being pissed at myself for camping where I did, I packed up, got gas and continued on in an all day rain.
I bought new Klim riding gear for this year. I had a learning curve of water coming in because my tee-shirt was exposed in the front of jacket and wicking up water. I decided it was time to pull over and get a hotel at Toad River, dry everything out and get this trip back in a positive direction.
There was a diner next door and with everything hanging to dry, it was time for a hot bowl of soup.
The next day was more rain but understanding the Klim gear a bit more, I carried on.
I got to Watson lake and put my sign put up.
I then took the Robert Campbell Hwy (#4) north to Ross River. It was still raining. I should've stayed on the tar roads by going east to Whitehorse then north to Carmacks but I had the route and daily schedule I needed to follow for some reason. And yes, if you look up being miserable on a motorcycle, these are pics that would show up.
I made it about 1 hour from Ross River and needed to pull over to get some food in me and dry clothes on. A quick shelter to cook/ eat and collect my thought. At least there were no mosquitos...
As I was eating dinner, I saw the mud trashed my brake pads. I couldn't believe how the mud wore my brake pads. I didn't use my brakes more than a handful of times.
Having the river near, I spent an hour cleaning my brakes to see the extent of the damage. I had maybe 1/16" of brake pad left and they were brand new when I left on the trip.
I slept on all the signs that this trip wasn't working. The harder I tried, the more that went wrong. I stayed in my tent watching a movie in the morning and at noon, I decided to turn around. I could spend a day or two trying to find brake pads but then what would be next?
I rode to Ross River as I didn't have enough gas to turn back. After getting gas, the rain stopped and the road started to dry up. That was a sign that I made the right decision.
I got to Watson Lake and went to a car wash.
I found my gas cap was stuck shut. Hmmm, then I heard a hiss sound and the cap opened. I checked my vent lines and the mud was so thick it created an air-tight seal.
Rain came in during the night and my rainfly touched the inner wall of my tent and got my down sleeping bag wet. Being pissed at myself for camping where I did, I packed up, got gas and continued on in an all day rain.
I bought new Klim riding gear for this year. I had a learning curve of water coming in because my tee-shirt was exposed in the front of jacket and wicking up water. I decided it was time to pull over and get a hotel at Toad River, dry everything out and get this trip back in a positive direction.
There was a diner next door and with everything hanging to dry, it was time for a hot bowl of soup.
The next day was more rain but understanding the Klim gear a bit more, I carried on.
I got to Watson lake and put my sign put up.
I then took the Robert Campbell Hwy (#4) north to Ross River. It was still raining. I should've stayed on the tar roads by going east to Whitehorse then north to Carmacks but I had the route and daily schedule I needed to follow for some reason. And yes, if you look up being miserable on a motorcycle, these are pics that would show up.
I made it about 1 hour from Ross River and needed to pull over to get some food in me and dry clothes on. A quick shelter to cook/ eat and collect my thought. At least there were no mosquitos...
As I was eating dinner, I saw the mud trashed my brake pads. I couldn't believe how the mud wore my brake pads. I didn't use my brakes more than a handful of times.
Having the river near, I spent an hour cleaning my brakes to see the extent of the damage. I had maybe 1/16" of brake pad left and they were brand new when I left on the trip.
I slept on all the signs that this trip wasn't working. The harder I tried, the more that went wrong. I stayed in my tent watching a movie in the morning and at noon, I decided to turn around. I could spend a day or two trying to find brake pads but then what would be next?
I rode to Ross River as I didn't have enough gas to turn back. After getting gas, the rain stopped and the road started to dry up. That was a sign that I made the right decision.
I got to Watson Lake and went to a car wash.
I found my gas cap was stuck shut. Hmmm, then I heard a hiss sound and the cap opened. I checked my vent lines and the mud was so thick it created an air-tight seal.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
From Watson Lake to home was all sunshine. I wondered if I made the right decision but with limited brake pad life, I just had to keep going home. When home, I read many ride reports of how the new road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk was so muddy that bikes had to be abandoned and people rescued. Knowing myself, I would've went for it also and would've had one more bike having to be left behind.
A few pics of the ride home
A few pics of the ride home
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks!! Good to know people are enjoying
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
With 2018 being a bit of a disappointment, I did a few weekend rides and got my winter 'to do' list sorted in my head.
I figured I would go thru the rear suspension parts for review after all the mud from the summer. During this time, I saw my coupler was worn again. I did a posting about what I did to permanently fit it.
Super Tenere Gear Coupling Keeps Wearing Out. Fixed.... | Yamaha Super Tenere Forum
I had bigger plans for 2019 and needed more fuel. I decided to make some custom fuel cells.
These gave me an extra 5 gallons of fuel. All set, time for a pre-ride weekend trip to check everything out. Should be a good time to ride to Beartooth pass.
Bike felt good on the tar. Time to camp at my normal spot by the beehives.
A bit of dirt road. All is feeling good.
Got back home, put fresh tires on and headed out with no real return date scheduled. This year will be going where I want and not rushing. If there is rain and mud, I'm waiting for it to clear. I was rewarded with an unbelievable 2019 ride that will follow.
Here is bike loaded and leaving June 6
I figured I would go thru the rear suspension parts for review after all the mud from the summer. During this time, I saw my coupler was worn again. I did a posting about what I did to permanently fit it.
Super Tenere Gear Coupling Keeps Wearing Out. Fixed.... | Yamaha Super Tenere Forum
I had bigger plans for 2019 and needed more fuel. I decided to make some custom fuel cells.
These gave me an extra 5 gallons of fuel. All set, time for a pre-ride weekend trip to check everything out. Should be a good time to ride to Beartooth pass.
Bike felt good on the tar. Time to camp at my normal spot by the beehives.
A bit of dirt road. All is feeling good.
Got back home, put fresh tires on and headed out with no real return date scheduled. This year will be going where I want and not rushing. If there is rain and mud, I'm waiting for it to clear. I was rewarded with an unbelievable 2019 ride that will follow.
Here is bike loaded and leaving June 6
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
Interesting low mounted fuel tanks, how do you go about getting the fuel into the main tank ?
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Before I left, I weighed my bike. Stock was 292lbs front, 300 rear. With all gear loaded, bike came in at 328/ 420. Add another 30 lbs when I fill my extra fuel tanks. A heavy bike and then another 250 lb for the rider with gear.
I left home and stayed off the interstates. This ride had no plan other than going northwest. I live in Minnesota and went north then into North Dakota. As I travelled the backroads of ND, I found many sideroads that I got to explore.
.
I packed a few potatoes I had from home and brought a few cans of tuna with. Set camp up, cook some potatoes and tuna. A 5 star meal with scenery.
I left home and stayed off the interstates. This ride had no plan other than going northwest. I live in Minnesota and went north then into North Dakota. As I travelled the backroads of ND, I found many sideroads that I got to explore.
.
I packed a few potatoes I had from home and brought a few cans of tuna with. Set camp up, cook some potatoes and tuna. A 5 star meal with scenery.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
I wanted to ride Beartooth but I had an all day rain. I worked my way to the interstates and got some miles in. Not much fun riding Beartooth in the rain. Skipping that, I finished out the day and got a hotel. After last year, I didn't want to ride thru any weather condition and sleep in a tent no matter what. This year, I'm going to adjust, rest and wait out bad weather.
I woke in the morning to clear skies and a smile. So far, so good.
I got off the interstates again and was rewarded with spectacular roads.
Great weather and another great camping spot. I stopped at a grocery store prior, got some stew meat, potato and onion. Life is good.
More backroad riding as I work my way to Canada border. I was staying on USA side for a few extra days because I had a travel insurance medical policy that I was waiting for to become active. I learned over the winter that my USA medical insurance was not valid in Canada. If you want to travel into Canada, double check if your insurance is good or not.
Just south of Revelstoke, Canada ferry crossing
I woke in the morning to clear skies and a smile. So far, so good.
I got off the interstates again and was rewarded with spectacular roads.
Great weather and another great camping spot. I stopped at a grocery store prior, got some stew meat, potato and onion. Life is good.
More backroad riding as I work my way to Canada border. I was staying on USA side for a few extra days because I had a travel insurance medical policy that I was waiting for to become active. I learned over the winter that my USA medical insurance was not valid in Canada. If you want to travel into Canada, double check if your insurance is good or not.
Just south of Revelstoke, Canada ferry crossing
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Now in Canada, I needed my welcome meal
Headed towards Watson Lake
Over the last few year of using river water to bathe in, I needed to find another option as the river water was spring melt-off and was very cold. Having the Camelbak type water packs on front of my bike, I hang one up on a pole. I remove the bite valve and use the on/ off valve to control how fast the siphon flows water. With a 3 liter water pack, I could take 2-3 showers.
A few critters along the way
Nice welcome sign to see
I stopped in Watson Lake and filled my remote fuel cells as well as a full fuel tank. My next stretch of road was going to be long without fuel. I headed north out of Watson Lake on Robert Campbell (#4). 70 miles out of town is Nahanni Range road that goes to Tungsten, NWT. I wanted to take this road as it was the last road crossing into the NWT that I haven't been on. If all went as calculated, I could reach the end, turn around and head north to Ross River. If mileage didn't go as planned, i would turn back to Watson Lake for more fuel then back north to Ross River.
Starting on the road looks promising.
Part way in, I found the perfect camp spot. Just me and a little company. I normally carry pasta and powdered parmesan. Like mac-n-cheese but better. I can also add tuna if I want but is a perfect dinner when I'm remote.
Headed towards Watson Lake
Over the last few year of using river water to bathe in, I needed to find another option as the river water was spring melt-off and was very cold. Having the Camelbak type water packs on front of my bike, I hang one up on a pole. I remove the bite valve and use the on/ off valve to control how fast the siphon flows water. With a 3 liter water pack, I could take 2-3 showers.
A few critters along the way
Nice welcome sign to see
I stopped in Watson Lake and filled my remote fuel cells as well as a full fuel tank. My next stretch of road was going to be long without fuel. I headed north out of Watson Lake on Robert Campbell (#4). 70 miles out of town is Nahanni Range road that goes to Tungsten, NWT. I wanted to take this road as it was the last road crossing into the NWT that I haven't been on. If all went as calculated, I could reach the end, turn around and head north to Ross River. If mileage didn't go as planned, i would turn back to Watson Lake for more fuel then back north to Ross River.
Starting on the road looks promising.
Part way in, I found the perfect camp spot. Just me and a little company. I normally carry pasta and powdered parmesan. Like mac-n-cheese but better. I can also add tuna if I want but is a perfect dinner when I'm remote.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
In the morning, I wanted to get a few miles in before breakfast.
Looks like time for breakfast
I brought a mix of oatmeal, powdered milk, brown sugar and pecans. I also like real brewed coffee. More stuff to carry but for me, I wouldn't have it any other way.
As morning went to afternoon, the skies got darker.
Looks like time for breakfast
I brought a mix of oatmeal, powdered milk, brown sugar and pecans. I also like real brewed coffee. More stuff to carry but for me, I wouldn't have it any other way.
As morning went to afternoon, the skies got darker.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Continued from above
And I reached the end.
As I was pulling up to the gate, security was quick to be there and advise me that I am not allowed to go any further.
If you want to take this route, miles were from Watson Lake to Nahanni Range Road is 70 miles. Nahanni Range Road is 120 miles each way. I went with larger remote fuel tanks so I had enough fuel to continue on to Ross River without needing to turn back to Watson Lake. In total, it was a 480 mile stretch without fuel.
I got to Ross River and again filled all my fuel tanks as I wanted to ride the North Canol. Stay tuned....
And I reached the end.
As I was pulling up to the gate, security was quick to be there and advise me that I am not allowed to go any further.
If you want to take this route, miles were from Watson Lake to Nahanni Range Road is 70 miles. Nahanni Range Road is 120 miles each way. I went with larger remote fuel tanks so I had enough fuel to continue on to Ross River without needing to turn back to Watson Lake. In total, it was a 480 mile stretch without fuel.
I got to Ross River and again filled all my fuel tanks as I wanted to ride the North Canol. Stay tuned....
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks
Ballance was great having the fuel low and in front of rear axle. To get the fuel, I had to unload stuff from Pannier and I had two screws that were removed. Then I had a fuel cap with a hose that I installed and poured like a standard fuel can.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks!!
There is a guy ( unfortunately as I type I don't remember who is) recently posting stunning pictures (for me) with a Samsung S23....
Just check and see for yourself if the quality is satisfactory, i believe you would agree...
Boris
Well-Known Member
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks,
Very impressive pics.
Avalanche123
Member
Very cool thread. I know the areas you travelled fairly well...but I've done them in my truck and camper. Nicely done!