Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Laguna Beach, USA
Posts: 9
Alaska two-up on 1800 Goldwing

June-July 2003, we plan on riding two-up to Alaska (from Southern California) on a 1800 Goldwing. We also own a R1150RT but the girlfriend prefers the 'comfort' of the wing. I have been riding for 25 years but this will be the longest trip. Is it too risky to attempt (1) the Top of the World Hwy from Dawson to Chicken and (2) the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle and back on the Wing? Any suggestions, tips, warnings? I sure do not find many Goldwing posts on this great web-site.
Thanks,
Paul
__________________
Paul

http://www.natureseeker.com
====================
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Hi,

Assuming good weather, the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle shouldn't be a problem. It IS a lot of gravel road, with extremely variable condition. It can be slicker than polished ice, or it can be just great, nice easy well-packed gravel road. You'll have to let the conditions on the day decide. I have seen Wings on that road.

The other I haven't been on, but my understanding is that it is generally worse than the Dalton.

OTOH, there is a ton of great paved and excellent gravel roads in Alaska and the Yukon, you could have a great time just sticking to pavement.

Your off-road abilities and tolerance for scratches and dings and rock chips will determine whether you CHOOSE to do either road - I'm sure both can be done on a Wing, or any motorcycle for that matter. A couple of Wings have gone around the world, including some very not nice roads / swamps / rivers etc.

Have a great trip!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: san francisco, ca USA
Posts: 1
Paul,
You should have no problem with the two roads you asked about. I enjoyed them last summer on a R1150GS and have ridden a Goldwing 1200 up the Dalton in previous years.
The road from Dawson City to Chicken was dry last year and very dusty. Lots of gravel.
Was surprised to find several miles of the Dalton asphalt paved just south of the Arctic Circle. Should be even more so this year.

Some suggestions: 1)Be equipped to repair flat tires as you will be far from services if that should happen. 2)Get some sort of headlight protector as flying gravel from passing trucks can damage headlights as well as do a number on your paint. 3)Become familiar with how the Wing handles in gravel, mud and even river rock as much as possible. Constuction sites are good for this. 4)Have a great trip!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Laguna Beach, USA
Posts: 9
Thank you for your responses. The trip is a go and will start June 7. As for dirt and gravel roads we will decide as we get there. Chicken is definitely on my to do list.
We did practice on some local dirt roads – a loaded Goldwing is definitely a pig on loose surface - easy does it.
We have a new webpage for pictures and travel stories, etc. at www.natureseeker.com


[This message has been edited by paulwebac (edited 29 May 2003).]
__________________
Paul

http://www.natureseeker.com
====================
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:19.