Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Vancouver to prudhoe bay Alaska Q’s Vancouver to prudhoe bay Alaska Q’s
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, amazing rock formations, Lagune Route, Bolivia

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


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
amazing rock formations,
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By markharf

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Mar 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
Vancouver to prudhoe bay Alaska Q’s
Hi all, firstly thanks for any info

Ill be buying a dr650 or something similar in vancouver 20/7/23 and spending a month +- travelling up and back to prudhoe bay to take a dip in the arctic.

My question is about accommodation, is pre booking weeks/month in advance 100% necessary? all my previous travels ive booked accommodation the night before once i figure out where im heading that day however seems anywhere past fairbanks the accommodation gets scarce, i just dont want to ride into a town and not have anywhere to stay, august being top of 10 Celsius and grizzlys camping seems out of the question.

Also ill have a dual sport if anyone has must do routes or trails.

Cheers
Paul.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Mar 2023
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,946
You’re aware of the restrictions on “taking a dip” at Prudhoe Bay?

A month is enough time, but without a lot of margin for getting distracted…which everyone should, but not everyone does. There’s a lot to see and do up that way.

I’ve been to Alaska by thumb, car, and bike at different times and in different combinations. I’ve camped a lot everywhere, and bears are far more of a mental problem than any real danger (IMHO). Try to learn the basics in advance of your trip and don’t stress.

(mosquitoes, on the other hand…)

I’ve never reserved anything even a day in advance, but of course I’ve always been prepared to camp out. And yes, there are only a few places to stay indoors past Fairbanks—and nothing you’d really call a “town” aside from Deadhorse, which is more of a post-apocalyptic nightmare. In any case, I’d sure hate to organize my whole trip around knowing exactly when I’d be staying in them. For starters, there’s weather to contend with, and mechanical issues, along with all those distractions I mentioned above.

Hope that’s helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Mar 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
Thanks for your reply mark.

Yeah swimming is by security escorted shuttle from what ive read.

Im fine to camp and will have equipment even if just as a backup.

100% agree planning in advance takes away the option for local knowledge detours and spontaneous adventures.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Mar 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: United States
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul holmes View Post
Hi all, firstly thanks for any info

Ill be buying a dr650 or something similar in vancouver 20/7/23 and spending a month +- travelling up and back to prudhoe bay to take a dip in the arctic.

My question is about accommodation, is pre booking weeks/month in advance 100% necessary? all my previous travels ive booked accommodation the night before once i figure out where im heading that day however seems anywhere past fairbanks the accommodation gets scarce, i just dont want to ride into a town and not have anywhere to stay, august being top of 10 Celsius and grizzlys camping seems out of the question.

Also ill have a dual sport if anyone has must do routes or trails.

Cheers
Paul.
Also, as far as equipment is concerned. Always try to have coffee with you. I assure you that this is a cheat code to fully enjoy your trip and stay responsive all the time . When I went to Europe, it kept me warm and awake all the time. Candy is also a quick sugar that can give a little boost, I ate it regularly when I went to the Alps this January. On top of that, I have a feeling you're going to have to travel a long way, so don't neglect this step! I wish you a good trip Paul
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Mar 2023
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,946
Ummm, yeah….but coffee and candy are prime bear attractants (along with toothpaste, deodorant, garlic-infused crosses for fighting off vampires, and various other stuff considered essential under other circumstances). This means if camping you will want to think REALLY carefully about everything odiferous—-where you’re keeping it, whether you or your clothes will smell like it while sleeping in your flimsy little tent, etc.

It’s not rocket science, but it’s not to be taken casually either. And just in case it’s not clear, in all my time camping in grizzly country I’ve continued to drink coffee, eat candy, and brush my teeth. I did once have to decline to accept a 45 lb king salmon I was offered by someone who picked me up hitchhiking on the McCarthy Road, but that’s another story.

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ride to Alaska (Prudhoe Bay) on a Ducati MTS1200 maverick1715 Ride Tales 4 5 Apr 2016 22:12
Peggy's Cove to Prudhoe Bay! lightkeeper Ride Tales 7 25 May 2015 04:59
Toronto -> Vancouver -> Alaska Future Trip SayWord Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 26 Apr 2015 05:12
Vancouver To Prudhoe Bay Chris DR 1986 North America 0 4 Apr 2013 12:16
Miami to Nova Scotia to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska apbsmith Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 24 Sep 2012 03:17

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22 SOLD OUT!
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 04:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top