Prudhoe Bay Alaska in 2019

[cheska]

Currently in Alaska at Homer

We have been in AK for 2 weeks in a camper. Have seen one 2014 rts in Whitehorse the lady driving was with 3 other ladies
on 2 wheelers. They went thru an area where 4 inches plus of mud almost made it impossible for any motorcycle to pass.
Her only problem was the parking brake would not release. We came up on the Cassiar Hwy from Prince Rupert. Its been the
best yet but starting in July they are going to chip seal a large section. But because it made such a impression on me I am
going to ride the Spyder up it next summer, it just has to be done in my lifetime. The rest of the Alcan into Anchorage and
beyond so far just can not compare. Let me qualify by saying my father lived in Anchorage for over 40 yrs. So I have been up
here many times by auto and plane. Plus by living in BC Canada I get to see much of the same scenery. But do come up and
visit we have seen many many 2 wheel bikes of all makes and sizes. even one sidecar unit. As for the haul road, reports currently
is its been raining alot and its pretty rough and muddy along with some of the other secondary roads. This is 2nd hand from bikers
and campers. Plus every year is different. So plan well and enjoy the great North. Bob

 

[fatenhappy]

I'm just starting to plan a trip with my brother to Alaska next year and including the Haul Road up to Prudhoe Bay. I'd like to request advice from those of you with this experience. I have a relatively new Yokohama on the rear and Michelin on the front, 22,000 on bike, 17k by me.
1) Did you have any problem with the gravel and your belt? I've added the inside belt guard. Any other precautions I should take?
2) if you have the 3 cylinder did you carry any extra gas? If so, how much and did you need it?
3) Did you have any road width issues with having three wheels rather than two?
4) My brother has been there twice but this will be my first other than in the Navy, mid 1960's, Eielson AFB. Is any particular summer month the best for this trip?
5) Other advice?

OK once again a dumb ass AUSTRALIAN type question … Is there any real concern from bears on those roads? ray: ray:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

OK once again a dumb ass AUSTRALIAN type question … Is there any real concern from bears on those roads? ray: ray:

I was told that the further north you go, there's fewer bears because there's not as much food available to them. There's probably more danger from an angry moose.

 

[ARtraveler]

I have heard the flying insects are the worst hazard. Good mosquito netting and good bug repellant are a necessity.

Most of the time, bears do not attack. They will defend their territory, their young, and their kills.

Moose: Mothers will defend their young.

The further north, the less likelihood of bears and moose.

 

[Yazz]

Joe, As I understand it, Spyder's should at least be able to make it to the Arctic Circle sign on the Haul road, assuming you've got the Air Ride Rock Armour and Missing Belt Guard.
Yazz, AKSpyderman, F650624, Correct me on this or share your experiences about the road from end of pavement to the AC sign?

It's paved all the way the the Arctic Circle and beyond. There's a gas station half-way between Fairbanks and the AC sign. No need for extra gas cans unless you go further.

 

[Yazz]

OK once again a dumb ass AUSTRALIAN type question … Is there any real concern from bears on those roads? ray: ray:

The only time we saw lots of bears was on the ALCAN road. They hang out there waiting for road kill. On a Spyder or motorcycle, you do not want to slow down or stop for a look. They consider you fresh food.

 

[Joerolwing]

Prudhoe Bay

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I've purchase airbag armor and plan to install it tomorrow. I'm fairly positive we will make the trip to at least the Arctic Circle, then make a decision. I will add a bumpskid next Spring and purchase a Alaska Milepost.
Joe

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I've purchase airbag armor and plan to install it tomorrow. I'm fairly positive we will make the trip to at least the Arctic Circle, the make a decision. I will add a bumpskid next Spring and purchase a Alaska Milepost.
Joe

Hope you have a great trip. You will not be disappointed. :yes::yes:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I'm just starting to plan a trip with my brother to Alaska next year and including the Haul Road up to Prudhoe Bay.

A guy in the local GWRRA chapter used to live in Alaska. He said the Haul Road is brutal, especially to suspensions. It's mostly rock, as in an old fashioned colonial or English cobblestone street. Trucks travel down it like it's a super highway and kick up huge dust trails that linger a long time if there's no wind. I'd be fearful the Spyder wouldn't be in any condition to return home after that ride, but you'll never know until you try it.

Are you familiar with the Spot GPS tracker? I'd suggest you get one. https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100 You have three messaging options available with the basic unit. One, you can push the button and the system will send a preset text message with your GPS coordinates to whoever to let them know you're OK. A second option is a call for help where you can send a preset message to someone that will let them know you need help. Unfortunately you can't specify what sort of help you need. The third option is SOS. When you push that button the monitoring service gets your GPS coordinates and notifies the nearest emergency services.

I believe there is a higher cost plan that will enable custom messages to be sent from the tracker.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I may have to back off on my comment above. Believe it or not Google Maps has a Street View of the road all the way to Prudhoe Bay. It doesn't look that bad in the street view. Fairly even with a lot of loose gravel size rock on the surface. Take a look for yourself if you already haven't. It's the Dalton Highway, AK-11.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

 

[ARtraveler]

View attachment 162885

Bears are a real threat. A hiker was killed, just last week, from a bear mauling while walking a hiking trail just at the end of Hiland Road in Eagle River. You were there when we went local sightseeing. The person was an experienced hiker. The culprit was a brown bear. They are still looking for it. :thumbup:

 

[Joerolwing]

Prudhoe Bay

I may have to back off on my comment above. Believe it or not Google Maps has a Street View of the road all the way to Prudhoe Bay. It doesn't look that bad in the street view. Fairly even with a lot of loose gravel size rock on the surface. Take a look for yourself if you already haven't. It's the Dalton Highway, AK-11.

I'm seeing very wide ranging reports of road conditions, likely due recent weather caused problems to reports from experiences that are a few years old. My current primary goal is the Arctic Circle sign which I understand is where the pavement ends. We will then proceed north as long as my Spyder isn't getting torn up.

 

[ARtraveler]

I'm seeing very wide ranging reports of road conditions, likely due recent weather caused problems to reports from experiences that are a few years old. My current primary goal is the Arctic Circle sign which I understand is where the pavement ends. We will then proceed north as long as my Spyder isn't getting torn up.

Road conditions in the far North can change daily. It does not matter which month or time of year. Current conditions are a must before venturing to far. War stories from past experience are good, but what you will actually run into--Mother Nature will let you know.

Be prepared for bad conditions. If they happen, your "kinda" ready. If they don't--you got lucky.

:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

 

[turkman]

Mud & lots of it

Last year we took our Jeep to Prudhoe Bay. Very happy we went fantastic trip.

we saw all kinds of wildlife.

Never had a problem with gas, a place to stay or finding a place to eat.

The Jeep did fine. What I saw were motorcycles/cars and trucks covered with mud from the road
Trucks just beat the road to death and don't slow down.

If I could still ride a 2-wheeler, I would still make the trip. Especially after doing it in the Jeep mud and everything else that make a road exciting!!

I carry 1/2 of extra gas (never needed). Had spare tire, also never need it.
No or almost no service cell service
Portable CB radio works great and will also help you too. I looked into a world phone .....I liked it but when I until I
saw there price, Very speedy
Ill just have to wait, wold love to have one.

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

I recently came back from a 2 week road trip to alaska, with truck, camper and dog. The thing that I found the most disturbing was a lot of gas stations have been abandoned. Just like the mile post book say's DRIVE ON THE TOP HALF OF YOUR TANK. Yes the weather can change in a heartbeat, just be prepared. Don't screw with the wildlife as they are everywhere , especially the Bison, just ask the guy on the bike I saw get bluff charged. Guaranteed he had to clean his pants and bike seat after that. Have a wonderfull trip. Cell phone service is very spotty, just so you know.