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18 Jul 2001
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 15
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Alaska Highway
A group of 14 friends from all over the US, and yours truly from Australia, has just ridden the full length of the Alaska highway.
17th June to 28th June.
Most of it is in good to excellent condition, with one dramatic exception. Most of the construction is very short and no problem at all, hard base. There is one long section, about 20 miles between Whitehorse and Tok, which was also no problem on the way up, but one the return over that section it was a different story.
It had rained heavily on major construction and the result was a half mile skating rink. many bikes had fallen, including trailers, and the mud was of the sticky calcium chloride kind. We all got through sans any falls, but our passengers dismounted, it was no place for heroics. The road gang guys were very good, they stopped the traffic for our passage..
But overall the road was much better than our research had indicated.
We rode bikes ranging from Kawasaki Concourse, to BMW R100GS, R100R, R1100RT, and a lone Gold Wing 1800. And one Harley.
No flat tyres despite the many very short gravel bits and no bike problems, good fine weather, warm temps, it was a fantastic experience.
We returned from Skagway on the ferry to Prince Rupert, two days was enough, but it was ok..
If you're thinking of going, don't be put off by the road, but accept that your pristine bike will get filthy...
cheers
fastoy Australia
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18 Jul 2001
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Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
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My wife and I just did a similar trip.
We took the ferry from Bellingham,WA to Juneau,AK. Then the ferry from Juneau to Seward,AK. Then on our BMW R100R we rode to Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks. Then all of the Alaska Highway to Dawson Creek.
The worst highway construction was in the Yukon. After crossing into Canada between Tok,AK and Whitehorse,YK and one spot just south of Haines Junction. This was on June 27th. This was a complete tear-up, soft dirt on one side and on the other was watered dirt and mud. No traffic at the time so we had no broken tracks to follow. It was difficult for 2-up. I am glad it wasn't raining. Is it just the Yukon that does that? Alaska and British Columbia always had a least one good track.
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14 Aug 2001
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 15
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John, on the 27th June we travelled from Whitehorse down to Skagway, having come from Tok the day before, and Anchorage the day before that. I was also on my R100R. It was ideal for the trip, and is an ideal combination for light weight, but with good pillion capability. It has never given a minute's trouble in 56000Kms, all done on six US/Canadian/Mexican trips.
Yes, parts of the road were a challenge, but like most trips, you need a bit of drama to put a good deep mark on the memory bank...
cheers
Peter
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25 Aug 2001
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Anchorage Alaska
Posts: 3
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Ride my bike in or out of Alaska? I have a Japenese version of a BMW r80 a (1991 VX-800) shaft
drive V twin Suzki for ride exchange, rent or sale. You can ride/ferry down the
Alcan 4+ days & drop off on west coast or in San Jose, Calif.
There are about 7 micro brewerys in
Anchorage & @ least 2 have free weekly tasting tours, Arorua Boralis &
Midnight Sun.
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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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
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