GS Ride to the "Arctic Circle" then back to Arizona...

[AZBMWRIDER]

I had a choice to make, Alaska or Australia in 2008...

I've decided...

I’m planning a trip to Alaska next year during the month of June 2008.

*** GS Ride to the "Arctic Circle" then back to Arizona ***

First part of this adventure will be shipping my R1200GSA to Calgary Alberta Canada.

I then plan on flying to Calgary on the morning of June 2, 2008 after a day of relaxing in Calgary; I plan on ridding through Banff, Prince George, Fort Nelson, Stewart Crossing, "Dempster Highway to Inuvik, the Arctic Circle" Dawson and into Fairbanks AK. I plan on Relaxing for a day or two before continuing down through Anchorage, Yukon Territory, British Columbia into the state of Washington. I will then ride down the west coast of the United States and finally back to Phoenix, AZ.

I should arrive home here in Phoenix, AZ on or before Saturday June 28, 2008

*** 7800+ Miles of Riding in Four Weeks ***

I was told to purchase a book called “The MILEPOST” www.milepost.com

I bought it yesterday and have already gone through part of the book highlighting overnight
accommodations and places I call “Must See”.

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/12870000/12874183.jpg

Has anyone ridden through this area before…?

I understand that this trip will be a huge undertaking, but that’s what adventure riding is all about…

Thanks for any information you could give me…






http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/BMWK1200RS/MISC/AlaskaRideJune08.gif

[fganger]

Mike,

I just read your post and may have some info to share. I lived in Alaska for almost 30 years and made the trip up and down the highway with just about every form of transportation.

I really do not have the time to assist right now, but I would be pleased to help in any way I can.

I do have enough time to suggest you take the Alaska Ferry either going or returning. You will get to see lots of the state unavailable by road - including the capital.

Stinkin' Frank

[Dirty Doug]

Mike,
Like Frank I lived there for 15 years and have many trips up and down the Alcan Hwy. All were pre-pavement so it was a bit different. You'll find the " Mile Post " a great tool. When you get closer lets talk and I'll fill you in on what I know. Also there is a great BMW shop in Anchorage. The Motorcycle Shop. It was where I bought my first BMW back in 1976. Great guy owns it, Doug Gallant , we're still friends today.

What motorcycle are you riding? The K- Bike will be smooth but a GS just lives for such a trip. Good luck with the planning of the trip. I enjoy that almost as the trip itself.

K-Rider
Doug

[Ed K]

Sounds great Mike...

There's several of us on the West Coast that can join you, if you're up for a little company as you head down the Coast...

[AZBMWRIDER]

*** GS Ride to the "Arctic Circle" then back to Arizona ***

Within the past several days I’ve received e-mails from individuals who have ridden the same route to Alaska.

In their e-mails, was information on riding to the Arctic Circle... So after researching it further, I've decided to add 1100 more miles to my route and see the Arctic Circle...

"Dempster Highway to Inuvik, the Arctic Circle"

I figured Why Not..! This is a ride of a lifetime…

What do you all think..?

Dempster Hwy: "Located in the Yukon & Northwest Territories"
http://www.akrider.com/images/06inuvik40.jpg

Dempster Hwy: "Located in the Yukon & Northwest Territories"
http://www.akrider.com/images/06inuvik35.jpg

http://www.yukoninfo.com/photogallery/big-photos/pic0080.jpg

http://www.yukoninfo.com/images/dempstermap.gif

http://www.gov.yk.ca/roadreport/

[AZBMWRIDER]

This is the same trip I'm going on... It was done on a KLR 650...

Get yourself Cup of Jo, click on the links below and enjoy the ride... :eusa_clap:


http://www.the-larkins.com/Arctic%20Circle%20419.jpg

July of 2003 I traveled North on my Kawasaki KLR 650 to Inuvik NWT.
http://www.the-larkins.com/Arctic%20Circle%202003.htm

Day by Day Trip Report.
http://www.the-larkins.com/arctic_circle_day_by_day.htm

[AZBMWRIDER]

Take a look at this Alaska ride report from the ADV web site...

This individual did a great job with this video...

Enjoy...

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/bmalsch/ak.wmv

[AZBMWRIDER]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/BMWK1200RS/MISC/AlaskaRideJune08.gif


Looks like I’ve had to make several changes to my ride to the Arctic Circle.

I’m no longer shipping my GS to Calgary Alberta Canada. I’m starting this adventure from my garage and ending it 28 days and 9000 miles later, back at my garage…

I still have my 02 GS for sale, but if it doesn’t sell I will be using it.

As you can see in my route above I’m no longer riding up to Inuvik, Yukon & Northwest Territories. I’ve decided to ride up to Prudhoe Bay, AK then back down the coast.

I wanted to ride to Barrow, AK but I don’t think I can get there during the summer…

Anyone know if you can..?

[AZBMWRIDER]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5/BMWK1200RS/MISC/AlaskaRideJune08.gif


Looks like I’ve had to make several changes to my ride to the Arctic Circle.

I’m no longer shipping my GS to Calgary Alberta Canada. I’m starting this adventure from my garage and ending it 28 days and 9000 miles later, back at my garage…

I still have my 02 GS for sale, but if it doesn’t sell I will be using it.

As you can see in my route above I’m no longer riding up to Inuvik, Yukon & Northwest Territories. I’ve decided to ride up to Prudhoe Bay, AK then back down the coast.

I wanted to ride to Barrow, AK but I don’t think I can get there during the summer…

Anyone know if you can..?

I’m still ridding up to Prudhoe Bay, AK next year June 1, 2008

Most if not all of my planning is already complete, but with that said I always make sure I read the Alaska ride reports at ADV.

Today I came across a thread called - Bug Murderers Assault Alaska!

Very cool, check it out…


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251708

[AZBMWRIDER]

Ok folks, it appears that the company I work for has cancelled my three weeks of vacation during the month of June…

Their goes my Canada/Alaska ride.

With that said, I plan on making several smaller trips throughout the year. One of those trips will be next week.

I was able to swap trips for a 32 HR layover in Calgary Alberta Canada… I’m thinking about renting a motorcycle and ridding out to Banff or Jasper.

I’m limited on time, so I might just ride up to Banff…

For those who have been I the area, what do you think..?

Banff or Jasper National Park..?

Thanks…

[isiahstites]

Ok folks, it appears that the company I work for has cancelled my three weeks of vacation during the month of June…



Well that stinks! Cancelling a persons vacation over a year in advance??

I hope you enjoy your smaller rides.

Scott

[AZBMWRIDER]

Well that stinks! Cancelling a persons vacation over a year in advance??

I hope you enjoy your smaller rides.

Scott


No, they cancelled my vacation 30 days prior to my trip…

I spent the last year planning it… :093:

[isiahstites]

No, they cancelled my vacation 30 days prior to my trip…

I spent the last year planning it… :093:



I am sorry I mis-read the post I thought you were going in 09.

That stinks even worse!! Bastards! I am telling you these jobs keep people like us here on the forum from doing our motorcycle stuff.

Scott

[Brakecheck]

Sorry to hear of the cancellation. Working for a living has a habit of getting in the way of what we really want to do.

If you still want to visit Alaska (I strongly encourage you to do so) I suggest you modify your plans in order to spend as much time there as possible. You see, once you get to Alaska you really won't want to leave, at least not quickly. I would take a direct route there and back to allow time to see a bit more of the state, go down the Kenai to Homer, stuff like that. I also suggest you follow Stinkin Frank's suggestion to ride the ferry on at least one leg of the trip. You'll get to see amazing scenery, wildlife and towns that you otherwise wouldn't see. You will also allow yourself more opportunities to meet and spend time with some of the great people living up there. Just my two cents!

[Dirty Doug]

Mike,

I'll be retiring next year so put it off until summer 09 and I'll ride with you. I lived 15 years in Alaska and still have many friends there. Once in Anchorage we wouldn't want for lodging. Hell, we'll make the Great Hoon and Wild Man Will go with us. Sorry you got dumped on.:thumbs_down:

Dirty Doug

[AZBMWRIDER]

Yea, it really suck’s.!

I spent a little over $1500.00 on gear and supplies… (Not including my Marlin1895M)

Most if not all of my supplies will be used for next years ride…

For now, I’m cashing out my three weeks of vacation… $$$$.$$

I might as well; you can’t use it when you loose it… I only wish I could add it to next year’s vacation. (6 weeks of vacation)

My new plan is to leave June 1, 2009 from Phoenix, AZ.

Route will be similar except I’m not riding all the way up to Prudhoe Bay, AK.

After visiting Dawson, Eagle and Chicken, AK I plan on exploring Southeastern Alaska before heading South through British Columbia…

It’s going to be a blast…

Doug it would be a pleasure to ride with you and any other Café member…

[Asphalt]

QUIT...:pot:

[AZBMWRIDER]

QUIT...:pot:



I’m trying…!

[Dirty Doug]

Don't listen to them. Cash in the three weeks THEN quit.

Dirty Doug

[AZBMWRIDER]

Don't listen to them. Cash in the three weeks THEN quit.

Dirty Doug


More like Cash in the three weeks before they file Chapter 11 or 7... :eusa_doh:

[jamming]

Damn Mike...that sucks.

I'll talk to you tomorrow.

[Deans BMW]

Now that would be a neat trip.....................HMMMMMMM.