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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Ride to Alaska /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1472663266 Message started by springman on 08/31/16 at 10:07:46 |
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Title: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 08/31/16 at 10:07:46 My brother-in-law Steve and I have started talking about doing a ride to Alaska. Probably a 4 to 5 week ride. I have indicated that I could probably not take that kind of time off until I retire in another 6 to 7 years. But who know's, I might be able to do it as early as summer of 2020. This is obviously just in the talking stage right now but I am throwing it out there in case someone here has already done this and would like to give us some pointers or to let anybody that might be interested in joining us start thinking about it now. All of the accounts (not many yet) that I have read of people riding to Alaska indicate that a dual purpose bike has been used. I love the idea of doing it on the Savage but I understand that I may need to buy a different bike. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by youzguyz on 08/31/16 at 10:14:56 Nah.. the Savage can handle it... trust me ;) You WILL need to carry some extra fuel though... |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Ruttly on 08/31/16 at 10:18:42 Here's a pointer, If they have any sort of police record don't even try , our not so friendly neighbor to the north will not let you thru the country !! Friend & his dad tried, father had a 40 year old assault conviction , wouldn't let him in. They took a ship with the bikes to Alaska & returned same way ! |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/31/16 at 11:04:33 Go looking for a trip and tons of pics by Beatduck Maybe Beat Duck Beat duck beat duck... I don't remember. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Dave on 08/31/16 at 11:31:51 This one...... http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1245947997/9#9 |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Ruttly on 08/31/16 at 12:04:33 I guess I just have lots of "Friends in Low Places" But as I recall weapons , violence , drug charges will get you turned around at the border ! Mexico anything goes ! |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 08/31/16 at 12:22:08 Thanks Neal, I guess if Beatduck got it done on the Savage, then why not give it a shot. JOG, glad you have a good memory. Dave, thanks for the link to Beatduck. Ruttly, thanks for the info. I will try to keep my record clean until then. I would also love to ride down to the tip of South America but I'll do that afterwards just in case I decide to go wild after the Alaska trip. ;D |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/31/16 at 12:36:10 JOG, glad you have a good memory. It's such a memorable post. Thanks Dave for digging that out. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Kris01 on 08/31/16 at 18:25:51 727173686F666C606F010 wrote:
But then anything goes? ;D |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by KennyG on 08/31/16 at 20:58:44 I had three friends, Marion Cameron, Cecil Rhoades, and Arthur Ritz make the trip to Alaska from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All three were World War II Veterans and they made the trip during the late 1990s. Arthur rode an older BMW road bike. I think Cecil rode a 1960 era BSA Gold Star and Cameron probably rode a Honda street bike. These guys had to be in their 70's when they did the ride. The only comments I remember were that the mosquitos were as big as sparrows and everything on the side of the highways was mud. The only special preparation they did was had spare clutch and throttle cables taped fast to the cables so they could make a fast change if they had to. They also had spare inner tubes. All three bikes had very large factory fuel tanks. Kenny G |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 08/31/16 at 21:31:14 That sounds pretty cool Kenny. If I wait until I retire I will be 65-66. I wish I could do it earlier but taking 4 to 6 weeks off is just not feasible. I'm thinking maybe a ride to the southernmost point of the U.S. in Key West might be a good warm up and that should take less than 2 weeks if not in a hurry. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by KennyG on 08/31/16 at 22:15:17 David, I haven't done a trip in a few years. If I am going to do one I better get it done before I run out of time. I am thinking just a couple of days to the Big bend Park might suit me, but I am reluctant to do it by myself anymore because if I break down and get stranded I don't know how I would handle the situation. The three guys that I mentioned were really world travelers. They commonly went to the Isle Of Man TT most years and would tour Europe after the races. Cecil had a boat load of money and would bring back exotic vehicles from Germany. Back in the olden times he brought back a Gull Wing Mercedes that sold about 10 years ago to the Toyota dealer in Lancaster for $275,000.00...One year he brought his mother a BMW Isetta which she wouldn't even get in to the darned thing. We used it to go to lunch it was so darned noisy you couldn't hold a conversation in it. He brought some really cool King Cab Volkswagen Pickup trucks that his roofing company used for work trucks. They were really cool guys that had good lives. Ritz even imported a Frau from Germany....LOL Kenny G |
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Title: Navigate the to Al-Can ! Post by mpescatori on 09/01/16 at 02:22:01 6665677C7B7278747B150 wrote:
Well, I for one believe it's an excellenti idea ! AND If you link it to a project, you might even get a little backup from sponsors! (No, not Suzuki... if you're 60 when you do the trip... what do 70 year olds need to feel 60 again? ;) ) Here's my two cents' worth of planning suggesitons: 1. BOOKS & MAPS: READ-READ-READ ALL ABOUT IT ! http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=alaska+canadian+highway I have Tricia Brown's book and have to say it is very informative and well written. Others you can buy used for a mere 1 cent ! Also, you need one "small scale" map (all of Canada&Alaska in one big sheet) and a few "large scale" maps (i.e. 1:500.000 scale or 20 miles/inch) in order to understand what the road is really like - especially if you want to picnic or need to do roadside repairs etc. Please keep in mind this is the "European" point if view; having all Iowa or all Montana in one "placemat size" piece of paper is next to useless; same for navigating the Al-Can 2. BIKE: The Savage is more than capable of handling the trip, especially if you consider that nowadays it's all paved Smiley Of course you will need to ensure it's in top mechanical shape! Of course YOU will need to be in top physical shape! ;) The only really necessary mods I suggest are: 2.@ BIKE FRAME-CHASSIS: I highly suggest you fit highways bars to protect your knees in case of a fall... I highly suggest you fit a wider "foot" to your sidestand to avoid it sinking in loose sand/gravel/soft dirt I highly suggest you recondition your front forks (new springs and thicker oil) and maybe 1" longer rear shocks. 2.a. TIRES: a dual-sport type front tire (such as Metzeler Tourance or Continental ContiEscape) or, if you can find them, a set of Continental TKC70) If all else fails, Dunlops 502 as fitted to HD Dynas are a durable and reliable choice. AVOID cheap chinese tires. INNER TUBES: get NEW inner tubes and make sure they have an "L-shaped valve" http://www.advpulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/alpinafront16-561x375.jpg 2.b. FUEL TANK: everybody hates the OEM 2.5 gal tank, now's the time to replace it! See if you can fit a 4 - 6 gal. tank off a broken Harley Dyna/Road King. The bigger the better; cruising at a steady 55-60mph should give you an easy 200 miles off a 4 gal tank. BTW away with the OEM petcock and fit a Raptor, Pingle or similar! 2.c. FUEL RESERVE: the 2 qt. bottle is useless. However, if you have a 5-6 gal tank, cruising at 55-60mph you should have no problem reaching the "gas station after next"; if you have a 4 gal tank, then a 10 liter (2 1/2 gal) jerrycan safely strapped to the bike's chassis via its own frame is your best bet. Check Canadian laws for securing a jerrycan. 2.d. SPARES: at best, you won't need a thing; at worst, you'll need a pickup Grin In the middle lies "life and all its uncertainties"; my advice is to bring only what you can replace by the roadside and a few extra bits which the local mechanic can fix with his (Chevy pickup) tools: a voltage regulator, brake pads, brake&clutch levers (in case you snap them in a fall) light bulbs, electric cable and LOTS of zip ties! And a magnetic tray so you don't lose your nuts&bolts in the grass... https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W1265-Large-Magnetic/dp/B000N3235E/ref=sr_1_51?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1472721360&sr=1-51 And an oil filter or two... Air filter? Washable foam ;) And a 20-ft. tow line... just for luck! :D Bulkier "must haves" like a starter motor or a stator are best left home and shipped via DHL as required. 2.e. RIDING POSITION: Forward controls may be nice&comfy in Kansas but they are awkward in the Rockies; My advice is to stick to mid-controls and fit highway pegs just to stretch your legs - but keep the mid controls for city and mountain riding; similarly, your handlebars must be ~the width of your shoulders, no 18" drag bars please, and no buckhorn pullbacks, they will not control the bike in loose gravel or in the mountain twisties. You'll need a comfortable seat, your worst enemy being saddlesore because the seat is too stiff and your skin sweats; european long range riders are fond of sheepskin. 2.f. WIND: fit a small flyscreen to keep the wind and rain off your chest. 2.g. Belt drive ? Chain conversion! 8-) 2.h. LIGHTS: Personally, my advice is to fit those small metal chrome indicators front&rear, so they "tuck in" and in case of a fall they are not damaged. I also suggest you use dual-filament front amber indicators so that you have "running lights"; you might also consider fitting a rectangular white "reversing light" under the headlight, connected to the front sidelight, so you can ride in the day with a bright LED instead of the 50W headlight, the point is "being seen from a distance". http://www.advpulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AJP_PR7_04.jpg A power socket to your GPS https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-Motorcycle-Handlebar-Handle-Charger/dp/B00VF7HZF0/ref=sr_1_58?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1472721941&sr=1-58 A steel mesh to protect your headlight from loose pebbles and gravel is also useful. 2.i INSTRUMENTS: If you fit a HD tank, you'll have to reposition your speedo on the bars; you can use a speedo cable off a GS/GSX from the 1980's. You may also want to fit a tachometer; it's not essential but it's nice to have Smiley . You also DO want to fit a voltmeter to keep the battery in check - the best are the cheaper plug-in types https://ecs12.tokopedia.net/newimg/cache/300/product-1/2015/2/6/199261/199261_c31802ae-ae07-11e4-9152-a3642523fab8.jpg or the kit LED types which you can fit inside the dash panel https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0671/0713/products/0000194_kit-6005-led-volt-meter_large.png?v=1414415913 YOU DO want to use a TomTom Rider navigator, not that riding the AlCan is difficult but it's the only way to know "how much longer to the next town?" It is also helpful if you have to call for rescue services, and tell them exactly where you are, not just "somewhere between Stink Lake and Dead Moose..." http://thekneeslider.com/images/tomtom2ndedition.jpg 3. BAGGAGE: My suggestion is to split your baggage load in four parts: Like this but reversed) https://adventuremotorcyclinghandbook.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/kribakbike.jpg 3.a. Spares: USArmy surplus ammo case in steel, bolted to the right side of the frame above the muffler; the bigger the better (just don't overload it) http://www.galaxyarmynavy.com/prodimages/giant/9102.jpg 3.b. Jerrycan: in a specific "jerrycan carry-frame" fitted to the left side of the frame; http://sidecarpro.com/images/Parts_fuel_gas_jerry_can_locking_frame_mount_and_10L_Jerry_Can.jpg 3.c. Clothes: is a watertight bag, possibly in bright yellow, fitted to the rear rack; keep it to a minimum, concentrate on underwear&socks and fit the bags sideways in order to keep the bike's center of gravity low. http://www.motoabbigliamento.it/images/inserzionearticoli/bs206104amph.jpg 3.d. Documents, papers & rain gear; magnetic bag on the tank, possibly with a transparent pocket for your map. https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Magnetic-Motorcycle-Tank-Bag/dp/B006JMKLPM/ref... If you STILL have stuff to pack, you can use "tank saddlebags" https://www.amazon.com/Kwik-SB-6MO-Tank-Saddlebag-Mossy/dp/B000OF62M6/ref=sr_... or https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-766-Saddle-Bag/dp/B004Z1239G/ref=sr_1_103?s=... Fire extinguisher: 2qt. (4:5 lb) strapped somewhere safe where you can get it FAST! (i.e. strapped to the handlebars) |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/01/16 at 08:40:57 Kenny, sounds like you have some interesting friends. You know, I have always wanted to drive an Isetta. I never knew they were that loud though. Kenny, I am just lucky that I have a wife that shares my passion for living. No, let me rephrase that. My wife has shown me to have a passion for living regardless of the risks that may be involved. She is a wonderful woman. So, go for it. Ride, enjoy and make the best of this life while making sure that you will have eternal life in Jesus Christ. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/01/16 at 08:43:23 Mr. Pescatori, it appears you have already put more thought into this than I have. Thank you. I need to re-read your suggestions but from my first read it appears you certainly know what you are talking about. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by pg on 09/01/16 at 15:49:39 Your going to need something like these: Locking / waterproof panniers Crash bars Skid plate Roto-pax Handguards Drybags (pvc) Centerstand Rok Straps or something with cam buckles http://advrider.com/index.php?attachments/img_20160301_130023127-jpg.472902/ http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/cdmx-alaska-cdmx.1127594/ http://x-plorer.ca/wp-content/images/2008-07-18-Dempster-Highway-01-1-1024x768.jpg http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/canada2argentina-going-outside-to-play-for-6-months.1158776/ http://diomederacing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_20160528_112000279.jpg http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/to-alaska-d2d-the-dempster-july-2016.1163402/ Best regards, |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/01/16 at 20:46:03 Well pg, you are actually making me have second thoughts about this. I may have to meet up with Neal in the Hill Country to do some off road riding on the Savage to see how it handles. :-? |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Dave on 09/02/16 at 03:30:12 I really don't think the Savage is going to be a suitable ride for a trip to....or into Alaska. Shaft drive is a huge benefit on those muddy wet roads, large diameter wheels/tires help to get over the bumps and potholes, tubeless tires are a big benefit as you might be able to plug the tires instead of patching/replacing a tube, and a feet forward riding position is not the best way to negotiate rough roads and reduce the wear and tear on your body. You would be far better off with a Dual Sport/Adventure touring bike.....and the downside for you on that....is your short inseam. Before you try the Alaska trip.....I suggest you do some long touring rides on pavement. It will help you to learn how to pack and what you need to take, and it will help you to see if the Savage can get the job done for you. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by pg on 09/02/16 at 05:30:48 I would suggest a trip to the Grand Tetons and or Glacier National Park on the savage. That would be well within the capabilities of the bike and extremely enjoyable as well. Best regards, |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Dave on 09/02/16 at 05:42:10 A fellow on the Honda NT forum just took a tour in his new/used Miata.....and it sure seems he saw a lot of sights in just a few days of driving! http://www.nt-owners.org/forums/showthread.php?10739-Miata-Touring |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by pg on 09/02/16 at 06:48:42 A Miata, how about a KLR. http://i57.tinypic.com/2v8igk3.jpg http://i58.tinypic.com/bhww8w.jpg http://i57.tinypic.com/rrme5k.jpg http://i58.tinypic.com/2pqmf45.jpg Best regards, |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Dave on 09/02/16 at 06:59:42 I wasn't suggesting a Miata - I was suggesting that there are some great rides available that keep you on paved roads. And it just happened that the most recent one I read was from a seasoned biker that did it in a Miata. I am sure the Savage can go anywhere a Miata can - except the Miata most likely can go 300 miles between fuel stops. I like the KLR, or V-Strom, or DR650 - I am not sure Springman can touch the ground on any of them (I know I am just able to tippy toe on the V-Strom and KLR with my 30" inseam). |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Art Webb on 09/02/16 at 07:14:38 just load more stuff on the KLR, the suspension compresses ;D actually there are lowering kits for all the adventure bikes As for the S40 off road, you can tell Dave has never ridden with Neil ;D Not that the s40 is ever going to be a KLR, but if you slow down, she'll do it, with a few mods as PG suggested most important mod: a route that uses NO INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS America's state highways are so much more interesting |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by pg on 09/02/16 at 08:11:14 053E3324353922243F373A25560 wrote:
Yeah, I know it. I was surprised to see the 4th picture on that thread is from the same rest area as 3rd & 4th pictures I posted! Best regards, |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by verslagen1 on 09/02/16 at 08:31:58 Gas and Tires... those are the key factors that would cause me to select something else other than a savage. With under 3 in the tank you have to carry a lot as luggage on a bike that already has a lot of weight on the rear tire. From what I seen, most want a dual sport tire to handle the roads. Not many are available in 140/80-15. I'd want a common size and tubeless for sure. Weather http://www.usa.com/anchorage-county-ak-weather.htm |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by mpescatori on 09/02/16 at 11:31:42 5A595B40474E444847290 wrote:
Who, me ? I'm planning a ride to the North Cape in my Savage :) That's 71°10' North, sir https://www.google.it/maps/place/Nordkapp,+Norvegia/@70.9204916,25.3845654,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x45c9ac1de7e8bee7:0xef6625f3cd0ce069!8m2!3d71.169493!4d25.783164 Talk about the Midnight Sun ! ;D https://www.google.it/maps/@71.1706467,25.7838535,3a,75y,69.81h,95.1t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-jMNbMyc_coQ%2FV76pN0C7GOI%2FAAAAAAAAGv8%2FDKWAtncrjeAQQVTbYRIu6tHI_jbntVDOgCLIB!2e4!3e11!6s%2F%2Flh6.googleusercontent.com%2F-jMNbMyc_coQ%2FV76pN0C7GOI%2FAAAAAAAAGv8%2FDKWAtncrjeAQQVTbYRIu6tHI_jbntVDOgCLIB%2Fw203-h101-n-k-no%2F!7i5660!8i2830!6m1!1e1 As for the ALCAN, I could have sworn it was all "slabside" ! I still believe a 650cc thumper can do it, just not as fast as a 650cc dual sport ! But, who cares, nobody's ever done it on a thumper ! Who wants to do what everybody else has already done? :D |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by Steve H on 09/02/16 at 18:18:25 I'm sure someone's done it on a thumper. Back in the day you didn't go buy a special purpose bike, you used what you had and made due with it. I am definitely in agreement about the tires and the fuel capacity. There are places you'll need to do well over 200 miles to get to the next fuel stop. Just think about those frost heaves with and inch and a half of suspension travel. There's hundreds of miles of gravel, hard packed to loose and squishy. Turns into a slick muddy mess when it rains. That would be an awesome ride. I'd love to see all that scenery first-hand. I've been wanting to do that for the last couple of years. But, I can't take the time off from work and I certainly don't have the funds for a trip like that. Here's a link to a girl that did the trip from Virginia to Alaska and back on an old Yamaha Radian. http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/virginia-to-alaska-and-back-on-an-86-yamaha-radian.831213/page-30 This one's a guy who did it on a dual sport. He's got lots of information about stops, costs and stuff in his write-up. http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/alaska-adventure-broken-bones-kamikaze-rabbits-and-the-norman-bates-gas-stop.1078835/page-12 Both of those links will probably put you near the end of the write-up, just go back to 1 and start reading. I wish I could do it but I doubt I will ever make it. Maybe if I win the lottery or something. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by MMRanch on 09/02/16 at 19:29:30 Maybe a trip like Bear Tooth Pass or Sergis S.D. --- or ---- :-? ---- my place next summer ! Just to get a warm-up (800+mile) ride . Before you try the Alaska trip.....I suggest you do some long touring rides on pavement. It will help you to learn how to pack and what you need to take, and it will help you to see if the Savage can get the job done for you. I'm thinking a large tank bag for personal gear and Loading the saddle bags with fuel ! :P I have put my tent on the bottom of the triple tree (weight-on-front tire) , but its not helpful with fuel millage , if ya go fast , |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/02/16 at 21:15:10 The more I read about Alaska, the more intimidating it gets and in all honesty it is not the road conditions, the distance or the mosquitoes, it is the thought of riding in cold rain that does me in. Rain in hot weather is fine, but not in cold weather. Oh well, if I do it it is still a long ways off. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/02/16 at 21:16:28 Mr. Pescatori, when are you going on your trip and how many days are you budgeting for it? |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/02/16 at 21:17:22 MM, Bear tooth, Sturgis and your place all sound good to me. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by old_rider on 09/03/16 at 07:53:27 Its not the distance (look up mary esther florida to kerrville texas), its the environment. Here we have a gas station every 40 miles or so.... that would be one of the first things that would need taken care of, second would be tires. Me, I could ride a whole trip with two sets of clothes (folks wouldn't want to stand next to me though), ok, overnight drying sometimes don't work if you wash your stuff in the nearest creek :) and the weather is crap. Cold... can I say that again... COLD.... is hard to prepare for, seeing as one has never experienced camping in freezing weather..... 60 degree days are great for slow riding on gravel, but those 26 degree nights are not what i'd like. Yeah... preparation is the key, and researching what everyone else has done will prepare you for "just about" everything. Your skill level with the bike you ride will be THE most important thing you will have to work on. Don't expect to just buy a dual sport and spend a couple weekends running up and down a sloped driveway will get you ready for a long trip. Time in saddle, age and terrain will be your worst enemies. Do a few long rides on some back mountain roads, preferably gravel or dirt. Go camping in colder weather, or do both at the same time, just to see how your body can handle everything. And if you can afford one.... a satellite phone. Even in todays day and age, cell phone reception isn't the greatest or even available everywhere. Look into leasing one if you can.... I would :) Well thats my outlook on it :) And what I would do if I was going to attempt such a feat :) |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by springman on 09/03/16 at 21:15:05 Thanks for the recommendations Oldrider. You are definitely addressing my weak spot, cold rain. I just do not know that I want to subject myself to that. All else is fine with me. |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/04/16 at 02:22:37 Good Grief,, I have DONE COLD, it Sucked when I was young, now it Hurts while it Sucks. I better be in One Gorgeous Place if I'm going try to pretend that I am enjoying myself while it's cold. Now, if I'm Wet AND Cold, well, I am not even gonna Try to pretend that I am having a good time,, and I could get grouchy, |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by mpescatori on 09/05/16 at 02:53:54 4C4F4D565158525E513F0 wrote:
Ya calls me again "Mr." one more time... http://cartoonstudio.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/cowboy-draw.jpg Most on this Forum call me "Pesci"..., you know, like Joe ! http://https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAGh9drKR3S-H3UICZNKNLPfnIoVUcYumnQIa5M90ddMIAUVtr7w ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D The ride to Scandinavia can be done anytime, the Norwegains and Swedes actually hold the "Krystal Rally" in February every year http://https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXgv6dqzZ273Z74dd0BP9K_lSvEsd3gsQv2CGkzvAts-fSn0wu From Rome to Nordkapp... Consider anything from 4500 to 6000 Km to go and just as many to return, depends on how much sightseeing you want to do. Milewise, that's 3000 to 4500 miles to go and just as many to return. My ideal journey would be 10thou Km = 6000 miles. Ideally you'd want to visit Scandinavia in August; true, you've got the midnight sun in June and 1st half of July BUT you've also got rain, sleet and maybe some slush. August is an inherently dry month, and I'd rather ride at 35°F dry than 60°F wet! The same principles apply when riding the ALCAN. [Note: I had read it was all tarmac; I now learn a nice chunk is still gravel] You'd rather ride dry&cold than warm&wet, the difference being dry&cold or sweaty&muddy... ;D I still believe you can do it on a Savage, you just have to readapt the bike for the new environment: - replace those lowered 11" shocks with 13" progressives, - replace the belt drive with a 530 chain system, - nice big fuel tank (4-6 gals, honestly!) - nice comfy sprung solo seat, - few items of luggage but well packed, - big hefty heavy duty luggage rack, - enduro style dual sports tires, - low&narrow windshield that'll take the wind off your chest but which you will over, not through... Let us know 8-) |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by mpescatori on 09/05/16 at 03:03:57 By the way, from Spring, TX to Anchorage is, according to Googlemaps, 6600 Km = 4200 miles. Not too difficult, just 42 fillups ! :D In this case I DO recommend you do some background reading with one of the books I suggested, they will give you a mile-by-mile description of everything there is, town after town. I crossed the US-Can. border in Sweetgrass and have made it up as far as Dawson Creek, every night is a new chapter! http://https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51LJaEalqZL.jpghttp://https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rQDHuJGNL.jpghttp://https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41oFFn%2BfIrL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg As I said once before, I have Tricia Brown's book, very well written. ;) |
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Title: Re: Ride to Alaska Post by mpescatori on 09/05/16 at 04:37:50 6764667D7A7379757A140 wrote:
I have read your opening post again and would like to provide some more insight. 1. "Probably a 4-5 week ride" YES if you intend to crate your bike and have it shipped home. OR realize it's a 4200 mile ride UP and just as many down... 2. " I might be able to do it as early as summer of 2020" Check as many sources as you can and schedule your ride in the DRY season; this is wise especially in those areas where the road is still stabilized gravel. 3. Do "preparation/training runs", possibly in the winter, and ballast your bike to your estimated payload (or more) i.e. two 5gal. jerrycans of water (one on each side) and oe 2:3 gal jerrycan on the rear shelf - see how you fare on dirt roads around home, etc. 4. Learn to "extemporize" your bike, i.e. improvise roadside repairs and temporary fixits. Some are easy, such as having clutch and throttle cable doubles already attached to the handlebars, or a twin-battery system where one is "in use" and the other is "tender / backup" 5. Leaving Texas in June heading for Alaska? Texas riding gear may get you as far north as Calgary, or even Edmonton, but you may need winter gear from there on. Find a point of contact (hotel or local motorcycle riding associaiton) and agree to leave some gear with them. Else, "Spring has sprung" may have a totally new meaning... http://https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcfUDyBlc7YhzE_HuMc4vY6b8sX76HlEMXmU5QTj3DhKMhSqF4 HEAVY RIDING GEAR IN TEXAS, OR... LIGHTWEIGHT RIDING GEAR IN ALASKA ??? http://www.snow-forecast.com/system/images/2767/large/Jabal-Katherina.jpg?1260438153 :D |
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