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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 31 Mar 2006
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Advice on Alaska Trip
Hi,

I'm planning an Alaska trip next year from Guatemala, but due to time constraints I won't
Be able to take the whole 6~8 weeks to do the trip as I would like, instead I would have 3 weeks to make the trip.

So, here is my plan...

Leave from Guatemala at the end of March and take a week to make it to San Francisco, CA.
Once there I would take a Plane back to Guatemala.

A month or so after that. I'll take a plane again (this time with my wife) back to San Francisco, CA. To pick the bike and head up north for two weeks.

At the end of the two weeks I would like to ship the bike to Guatemala by sea, and take a plane (again) to get us back home.


What do you think? It is do able? It's crazy? I really would like to hear your opinions.

Do you have a recommendation for a shipping company that would take the bike from Alaska to Guatemala? Any idea on the freight cost?

Does 2 weeks is enough for this trip (San Francisco to Alaska) in leisure mode?

Thanks for you advice!

Regards,
Mane


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  #2  
Old 31 Mar 2006
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You may have to try to ship from Vancouver BC, or Seattle. I don't think there's a lot of cargo (containers) being shipped out of Alaska.
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  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2006
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Thank you for the tip!

Do you know of any shipping company in Vancouver?

Regards,
Mane
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  #4  
Old 4 Apr 2006
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Hi Mane---2 weeks San Fran to Alaska !!!? Well sure its possible; maybe 5ooo kms. ----But would you want to do it this speed !!!!? If you've never been this way, i'd recommend a slower pace with rest days to enjoy the trip and pick slower but more scenic routes like up the coast of Oregon and WAshington States, and perhaps take the ferry back down the B.C. coast from Alaska for one of the greatest trips in the world. Give yourself a month for no regrets. Write me if you want any route advice---ciao
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  #5  
Old 6 Apr 2006
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I agree with the above, at least a month. There are a lot of things to see and do on the west coast. Two weeks is doable but many things will not be seen on the way. As far as shipping goes, check out www.uShip.com, enter your bike info and where the bike is to be picked up and shipped to. They then give you a number of different carriers.
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  #6  
Old 6 Apr 2006
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Quote:
Originally posted by spica:
Hi Mane---2 weeks San Fran to Alaska !!!? Well sure its possible; maybe 5ooo kms. ----But would you want to do it this speed !!!!? If you've never been this way, i'd recommend a slower pace with rest days to enjoy the trip and pick slower but more scenic routes like up the coast of Oregon and WAshington States, and perhaps take the ferry back down the B.C. coast from Alaska for one of the greatest trips in the world. Give yourself a month for no regrets. Write me if you want any route advice---ciao
Hi there. I was looking at the trip out west from OH region, time frame has opened for me and I'm thinking about heading to Alaska now as well and then doing a lap around US. Planning on leaving in May (JSherm if you're reading this I've wanted to contact you but can't find your email adress). Spica, what would be your recomendation for Highways up there, I'd like to see the sights, ride back or ferry, don't matter. Riding a GS Adv. Been looking at the www.bellsalaska.com and now I'm totally lost on trying to set up a schedule. tx
z

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  #7  
Old 8 Apr 2006
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Hey guys!

Thank you very much for your help!

I would try to extend my trip for a week or so, because of your advice.

That www.uship.com website was a nice tip!

Regarding best highways to see things, I would also like to hear some advice.

Regards,
Mane
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  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2006
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On another forum there is an Alaska thread and I asked if one month was realistic for Alaska/Canada and the answer was one month at least just to really see Alaska. Is it the journey or the destination?

Zinger: pm'd you. My email is in my profile or try me through http://www.motorcycleramblings.com
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"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
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  #9  
Old 14 Apr 2006
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Scenic roadways
I would take Highway 1 north from San Fransisco. It is quite nice near the coast with a lot of photo ops. The website www.byways.org has a lot of info on various scenic roadways and historic areas. It's state by state format is easy to navigate and will give you ideas on travelling the northwest. As said above, depending wether your seeing a few sites along the way or are just trying to spend most of your time in Alaska, or a little of each, a Delorme Atlas or Gazetteer would also help with routes and interesting areas and sites. Hope this helped a little.

Charlie
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