Going to Alaska next year (2020)

[Gater308]

Ok guys, Just like the title says. the wife says I can take a month off from work and go to Alaska on my S10. This is very open ended but what would you do to your bike to prepare for a trip of this magnitude. Heck what about tents and so forth?
I looked it up and Deadhorse is around 4900 miles doorstep to doorstep. I am going in either July or August but not sure. I am looking for experiences and hints from people who have done the deed. What say you people. Can you help a brother out lol. looking for best time to go. i want to tent camp a couple of days and then hotel a day and repeat. i have a year to gather supplies so give it to me straight. gonna test for a year. tire recommendations and everything else.
thanks in advance
James

 

[Lux]

A guy named Craig Ripley did it on a Tenere and has a web site that covers the pre-trip and post-trip experiences. A good place to start.
www.livingofftheslab.com

Another wealth of information for long distance journeys is the Iron Butt Association website, maybe you could add in an IBR ride during the trip.
www.ironbutt.com
https://forum.ironbutt.org/index.php

And another site you could visit for trip planning
www.horizonsunlimited.com

I think there might even be some YouTube videos out there on the subject.

 

[Cycledude]

Traveling 2up with camping gear on a Tenere will be tough ! I recommend motels and leave the camping stuff home.

I have been to Alaska three times on a motorcycle, first time we mostly camped, the second time we had the camping gear along but never used it because it rained every day for the entire trip, third time we had the gear along but never used it and the weather was great. We have never had any real trouble finding a motel.

 

[FlyingSkeet]

Is this a solo trip just you on bike? I just did this trip. Learned a lot.

 

[jeckyll]

I'm about to head up, not Alaska but to the Yukon. Though I doubt the planning & prep is any different.
Lots of good info around, I like the "Haul road primer" on ADV.

Since you've got time, I also recommend reading some of the ride reports and see what rings true for you. We're not all the same in our approach. I've got a bunch of tips out of some of them, can send PM with the ones I got the most out of if you like.

I think going up there, heated gear and the ability to layer is obviously key, some mosquito protection. Otherwise though, it's still 'just' a long road trip, so much will carry over.

I think some of the other decisions / prep up front that maybe different than traveling somewhere more populated:

Extra considerations for tires, will one last the trip, will you need to get one changed on the way? If so, carry with, or drop ship to a store?

Bear safety for camping.

Maybe a Spot or InReach, play with it to learn it.

 

[EricV]

The wife and I rode in AK and did a big loop in '14. Each on our own bike. Denali, Homer, Galena, etc, Headed up in early June, spent the night in Hyder on June 16th, the up the Cassiar and headed for Dawson City, YT on the 21st for Dust 2 Dawson event during the equinox, (worth doing and I'd do it again), then over the Top of The World Hwy to Chicken and back into AK. We had reservations for every night and I wouldn't do that again. In that time frame it rained every other day for most of the 30 day trip. We could have gotten a room just about anywhere we went w/o reservations.

We did not do the Haul or Dempster. Do it if that's what you want to tic off your box. But there is nothing in Prudhoe Bay except the oil workers, a couple of basic hotels that are very expensive and gas. In hindsight, we should have gone ahead and rode up the Dempster to the Arctic Circle, just for the photo op.

If you're going to ride off pavement, then a good set of crash bars and a frame mounted skid plate should be on your list. We used Rumbux, but that is no longer available. There are a few other skid plates that are frame mounted. Crash bars, pick what you like. Get something with coverage, not something that looks pretty.

Pick up some 100% deet insect spray. You'll be glad you did. Mosquito head net if you're going to camp. Consider spending a day in Homer and going fishing on the spit there with one of the boat deals. If you like Halibut, it's worth it to fish, have it cleaned, flash frozen and shipped back. Still save over buying it at Costco, etc.

Everything has to be trucked up there. Food is expensive. We paid $50 for a couple of burgers, an order of fries, a coffee and a coke in Teslin. Food was the one thing we didn't budget correctly for.

 

[FlyingSkeet]

Next time i'm re springing my suspension, the sag with me and my gear was awful causing my bike to fall over while checking into motel. had to choose carefully my parking and fueling spots carefully every stop a real pain! also riding dirt or construction areas needed different tires. i rode on the OEM Battlewings and that was not fun. I did 6750 miles 700+ on dirt. I would have needed tires along the way to do my original planed route. i got home with squared off no tread left tires. if your going on your own and have cooking, sleeping gear, and tools you need to buy the lightest gear available... It's best is to ride with a few bikes to spread the gear. the guys i met did that and one guy caries the beer... that makes for an enjoyable ride. I learned a lot!! met a bunch of exceptional people from around the world. My next assault on Alaska i will be better prepared. I will have spooned a few sets of tires on by then. I did the trip with no room reservations. Ride early and find a room early or you can be locked out.

 

[EricV]

We used one set of Heidenau K60 Scouts for the 30 day, 8k mile trip. I had a couple more thousand miles left on them when I got home.

 

[dmulk]

Nice! There are 3 of us (on here, all on Teneres) also planning to go next summer. Hopefully we will see you!

I have a brand new Mitas E-07 Dakar (non-plus) sitting in my office for next year's trip! Probably run a Shinko 805 on the front. It's outliving the E-07 I have currently on there and is a great combo. I'll probably have to switch to a K60 once (unless Mitas brings the original back) I get back from Alaska.

 

[Gater308]

Traveling 2up with camping gear on a Tenere will be tough ! I recommend motels and leave the camping stuff home.

I have been to Alaska three times on a motorcycle, first time we mostly camped, the second time we had the camping gear along but never used it because it rained every day for the entire trip, third time we had the gear along but never used it and the weather was great. We have never had any real trouble finding a motel.

I am riding by myself. the spousal unit wants to fly into Fairbanks for a mini vacation while i continue north

 

[Gater308]

Is this a solo trip just you on bike? I just did this trip. Learned a lot.

Going solo my friend

 

[Gater308]

I'm about to head up, not Alaska but to the Yukon. Though I doubt the planning & prep is any different.
Lots of good info around, I like the "Haul road primer" on ADV.

Since you've got time, I also recommend reading some of the ride reports and see what rings true for you. We're not all the same in our approach. I've got a bunch of tips out of some of them, can send PM with the ones I got the most out of if you like.

I think going up there, heated gear and the ability to layer is obviously key, some mosquito protection. Otherwise though, it's still 'just' a long road trip, so much will carry over.

I think some of the other decisions / prep up front that maybe different than traveling somewhere more populated:

Extra considerations for tires, will one last the trip, will you need to get one changed on the way? If so, carry with, or drop ship to a store?

Bear safety for camping.

Maybe a Spot or InReach, play with it to learn it.

I would love a PM if you dont mind spending the time to write it down. Many thanks.

 

[Gater308]

Nice! There are 3 of us (on here, all on Teneres) also planning to go next summer. Hopefully we will see you!

I have a brand new Mitas E-07 Dakar (non-plus) sitting in my office for next year's trip! Probably run a Shinko 805 on the front. It's outliving the E-07 I have currently on there and is a great combo. I'll probably have to switch to a K60 once (unless Mitas brings the original back) I get back from Alaska.

I am heading up from Texas. Maybe we can set something up to meet up and travel together.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Panman and I made the trip a few weeks ago. We left May 25th and were on the road for 20 days and 6600 miles.

Leaving that early was good in that historically it's the driest time of the year and bad in that it was cold and we chose to not make the final push to Deadhorse. A still frozen Arctic Ocean plus low 30s, wind, freezing fog and snow showers in Deadhorse convinced me to abort on the north side of Atigun. Took camping gear and used it four times, one which was unplanned since no rooms were available. Doing the trip again, I would definitely pack camping gear for just in case.

Highlights of the trip were Dawson City plus TOW highway and the ride into Valdez. Got the photo op at the Arctic Circle sign and experienced the Dalton up to and over Atigun. Construction zones sucked. Those on the Alcan weren't too bad but with rain would have been a muddy slick mess. Thick chip-seal gravel made it interesting in a couple spots. North of Fairbanks we got caught in hail and heavy rain in the construction zone from hell. Since bikes had been dropping all day they made us ride in the back so as not to hold up traffic if we biffed. Made it through but ruts were filled with water, muddy and 6" - 8" deep. Once committed to a rut path there was no getting out. You've been forewarned!

Both of us ran K60s and made the entire trip. At the end the rear tires were spent, badly squared off and only had ~!000 miles left to wear bars. Lots of cuts in the carcass. Other than leaking fork seals (fixed with Seal Mate) we had no mechanical issues. Gas (although expensive) was plentiful everywhere.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have questions.

I'd do it all over again in a hot second!!

~G

 

[Gater308]

Another question?
Since firearms are verbotten in Canada.....would a USMC KABAR get me in trouble?

 

[yukondood]

take octane boost, many fuel stops do not have 91 or higher.
ride stewart cassia highway at least one way up. AK highway is boring- I lived in Yukon 30 years and driven it endless times.
Bug shirt/hat a must
hotels are getting a little tougher to book last minute
ride a nice street tire up to Whitehorse and Yukon Yamaha ( pre order for certainty) in whitehorse hook you up with some K-60 or whatever your choice. Ride them on south/north canol, dempster, top of world highway. Deadhorse is lame in my opinion. If i is a must do on bucket list go for it. My preference is dempster to Tuk for scenery. As mentioned Ive been here a while and there routes don't get old, I repeat many each year
Enjoy

 

[jeckyll]

Another question?
Since firearms are verbotten in Canada.....would a USMC KABAR get me in trouble?

Not likely.

I carry a Mora Bushcraft as my camp knife, but that's packed. Its a bit small and a ton lighter.

No one will give a damn.,unless you intend to carry it on your hip while riding.

 

[trimannn]

I did deadhorse three years ago and just got back from Tuk Monday. Like was posted earlier it's just a long road trip but one thing I would get is a bug hat. Man those skeeters are bad if your not used to them.

I did it from Texas as well and it's a long hot ride outa here.

And you probably know but just in case, don't forget your passport and you can get Canadian cash at banks here in the states if you're going to get some. Easier than doing it when you get to Canada.

 

[EricV]

On the cash, we just stopped at an ATM not far into Canada and got some pocket cash. Nearly everywhere else we used credit cards except for some very rural spots we stopped for lunch. Plenty of ATMs in Canada everywhere you go too.

On the knife, not concealed. And if anyone asks you about it, it's a tool you use when camping, NOT for self defense. That's a big distinction with our northern neighbors. And just walking around with it exposed may get you more attention than you want. Some info HERE More good reading HERE

In a nut shell, don't call it a hunting knife if you're not actually hunting at the time. Call it a tool or utility knife. If they find it concealed on your person in a situation where you would not need the knife as a tool, you could be in serious trouble over it. Pack it in the luggage during the border crossing and if asked, admit to having it for utility purposes while camping, (if you're carrying camping gear). It's a "camp knife". Never, ever refer to it as a KBAR or USMC knife. KBARs are for killing people. Sure, you can use it other ways, but it was designed as a combat knife. If you want to carry something on your person, pick up a smaller folder w/o any assist device. And remember, it's a tool, not for self defense.

I would strongly advise you to ride with someone if you're going to ride up the Haul to Prudhoe Bay. Conditions vary daily, if not hourly. It could be sunny and awesome or a white out on Antigun Pass. The Dalton, (Haul Rd), has some basic rules that if you follow, others will too. Slow and pull over for on coming trucks and they will slow too. Don't slow, they won't either and rocks the size of your fist may be flying your way at high speed in some sections.

To a degree, the Dempster is similar. I don't think it's as variable, but it could be a while if you can't self recover from any incident. Be prepared to fix your own problems and if you can't, be prepared to be stuck for a while. Water, shelter, etc.

 

[wera688]

Just got back from a 18 day ride from Georgia to Alaska and back. 11,500 miles. crossed over in ND because I hadnt ridden thru Manitoba yet. Took 16 to Dawson Creek, excursion to NWT/Fort Liard, Watson Lake to Tok to Valdez, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, Whittier, Skagway, Chicken, Dawson City, down 37 to Hyder, prince george to Icefields pky then back into US at Montana. Got home before the massive midwest heat wave. Started off with 2 new Anakee3 tires, replaced the rear at Sturgis BMW. Rode over 100 miles of dirt/gravel. Got rooms but next time I'm taking a tent. Camping is anywhere and everywhere in Yukon, BC, Alaska. will get bear spray when I camp. Gas is plentiful but look at the map and know how much fuel you have for where you are going. Look/get at the Alaskan Milepost book lots of info. bugs werent too bad. my planning consisted of new tires, oil & air filter change. I thought overall Canada- Yukon & BC was better than Alaska for smiles per mile. A lot of AK places are one way in, then the same way out. If its not great then is doubly blah. The Alasakan coast is scenic.