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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 6 Jun 2010
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anchorage to prudhoe bay
Hi,

On the 14th June I`ll be setting off from Anchorage to Prudhoe bay on my BMW 650 Dakar. I know it`s along haul so I just wanted to check the fuel situation. Can anyone tell me what the availability of fuel is on the route and also any recommended camping/cheap motels on the way. I`m in no hurry so I don`t mind how long it takes me - just want to enjoy the journey!

Thanks
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Old 6 Jun 2010
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Once you leave Fairbanks, your options are limited. Just fill up when you get the chance and you'll be fine (this used to be more problematic before driving the Haul Road was legal, because there was no place to gas up in Deadhorse). If you really crave detail, consult The Milepost.

Camp wherever you like. My best spots were in the Brooks Range. There's a valley which takes off to the west just north of the pass, accessed by fording the little river, which is a wonderful dayhike or overnight backpack. Note the presence of bears (in addition to wolves, marmots, caribou, fox, and moose just beginning to migrate into the north slope of the range) and take normal precautions.

Caveat: I was last up the Haul Road more than 15 years ago. Stuff changes.

Mark

(beginning to ripen and rot while waiting for repairs in Paramaribo)
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Old 6 Jun 2010
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When you get on the Haul Road, the first gas stop is right at the Yukon river bridge (approx 30 miles from the beginning of the Dalton).





(Picture from fellow ADV Rider)

The next gas stop, lodge/camp and restaurant is in Coldfoot. Lodging is expensive, i.e. $160+. But, two years ago, they did allow camping right between the lodge and restaurant. I don't know what they charged for camping.





After Coldfoot, there was nothing concerning fuel until Deadhorse. For that leg you need to plan accordingly.



The gas pump in Deadhorse is inside a small hut (winter protection) and not readily visible from the street.

Accommodation in Deadhorse is really expensive, i.e. $180+. I have seen folks camp right outside of Deadhorse with no problems. In case it gets cold and wet, the Arctic Caribou Inn has a nice cafeteria to eat and warm up before heading out again to pitch a tent.
It's a great ride, enjoy
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Last edited by T.REX63; 7 Jun 2010 at 02:15.
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Old 7 Jun 2010
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Fuel is as mentioned above and I was there last August. I would take an 4lt extra can just in case of headwinds etc. I rode a Vstrom, so I had a large tank(22lt) and I filled the tank up with the spare, although I may have got by without. I have no idea what range you get or tank size on a Dakar.

You can camp for free at Coldfoot, across the road on the grass, nice place, the food is good and the at the pub. We left our tents there for the run up to Deadhorse and back in one day.

If you want to see or feel the arcitic ocean, you will need to book in advance for a security check 24 hrs prior. It is not allowed to camp at Deadhorse(afaik) as the polar bears are active and there are no fences around the town. The accomodation is very expensive, $160/night but it includes food, I did not stay overnight.

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Old 7 Jun 2010
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Polar bears? POLAR BEARS??? Naw. They just don't want campers cluttering stuff up and making their lives more complicated. They fought tooth and claw (so to speak) to keep the public off the Haul Road entirely, and as you might have noticed they're not doing anything to make eating, drinking or gassing up or seeing the sights more convenient either. It's a company town, and we're not a part of the target audience.

You can camp at the pullouts along the highway between Deadhorse and the Brooks Range, or back off all the way into the mountains where it's far more scenic. It's Alaska: there are few, if any, rules.

But do watch out for grizzly bears, of which there are more than a few, especially in the Brooks Range along and off the road. If you see a polar bear, be sure to buy a couple of lottery tickets.

Hope settled life suits you Richard! My KLR is now thoroughly worn out, and I've been suffering terrible cravings for the DL650 currently sitting in my garage at home.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 7 Jun 2010 at 04:09.
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Old 7 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
...
If you see a polar bear, be sure to buy a couple of lottery tickets.
...
Doesn't work that way. Most people who saw polar bears couldn't buy lottery tickets anymore, 'cause the polar bears saw them first...
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Old 7 Jun 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
My KLR is now thoroughly worn out, and I've been suffering terrible cravings for the DL650 currently sitting in my garage at home.

Mark
If you tell me where you keep the key I could hop on the boat from Victoria and bring the DL650 to you!!!!




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Old 8 Jun 2010
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Hi Mark

I hate being stationary, but that is life for the moment.

I read a thread where you mentioned many faults occuring with the bike, sorry to hear that, a pity you cannot exchange it for the Vstrom to continue the trip.

I only heard rumours of polar bears, nothing about grizzlies, but as you mention, go find a side road and take you own chances

btw, it is no good me staying up there in that town because it lacks the one thing I crave after a nice days ride, a , yep it is a dry town!!!

Cheers
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