Alaska has arrived at the top of my list

[Bob Denman]

I'd like to nominate a name for this adventure: SpyderTrek

You're gonna need a theme song...

 

[jgwoods]

Went last year- in a camper

Me and my dear wife drove 5000 miles from MA to Fairbanks then all around AK for the month of September, came home in October. Never got even one bug bite as we went late enough in the year to be past bug season.

The road were very good with the exception of some frost heave areas that has us cruising at about 35 for an hour here and there. Most of the time the roads allowed normal speeds- 50-70.

We saw lots and lots of motorcycles early on, less as September progressed. One real nice day I ran into a guy on a BMW a said "Nice day for a ride" He said "Every day is a nice day for a ride!" That is the attitude you need for a road trip to AK because you are bound to get rained on, hot, cold, and dusty too.

Any time we saw a motorcycle by the side of the road we stopped to see if everything was OK- it always was. A testament to modern build quality I guess, that and the idea that folks who choose to ride that far are probably well experienced.

I'm going back next year...hmmm maybe on my RTL?

 

[PW2013STL]

This is looking better for me being able to go:yes: I talked to my director at work about the possability of taking 4 weeks off next year. He told me today that he is putting into his budget for a temp for 6 weeks and bring the temp in two weeks before I go so I can train him/her how to do my job :clap:

Now if my wife can get the time off:dontknow:

 

[Supernam]

My wife and I did a 9000 mile trip this summer and our end goal was to go 18,000 miles with Alaska as one of our destinations but we did not make it there. I would love to go if I can take time off work again so I'll just keep following this thread for now. I am getting excited just thinking about a convoy of Spyders heading to Alaska. :yes:

 

[One Legged Willie]

Hmmm . . . .

Just got back from Alaska about two weeks ago, drove up and rode the ferry back and had the trip of lifetime!!! Wandered Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 to San Diego and meandered through Zion, North Rim, Million Dollar Hwy to Carlsbad Caverns on the way home. Five weeks, three days but stayed with cousins son (second cousin?) in Wasilla for ten days and traveled 11,597 miles. Haven't made any definite plans for next year yet but thinking of spending 4th of July in Atlanta. If it is something that your thinking about doing, it was well worth it for me and I would highly recommend going if the opportunity presents itself, life is way to short!!!

 

[YumaJim]

Count me in

Real interested in going along. I was raised on the Kenai Peninsula, graduated from high school up there 50 years ago next year. Not sure if we'll have a reunion but I can't think of a better way to go back up there than with a caravan of spyderlovers. I too was thinking about the ferry out of Bellingham, WA. Still a lot of beautiful road to ryde once in Alaska. I've driven the Alcan (car and truck) several times and it can be a challenge. Generally al lot of construction. Definitely need to take extra gas as stations are far apart. Add us to the list....

YumaJim & Cricket

 

[PrairieSpyder]

This is looking better for me being able to go:yes: I talked to my director at work about the possability of taking 4 weeks off next year. He told me today that he is putting into his budget for a temp for 6 weeks and bring the temp in two weeks before I go so I can train him/her how to do my job :clap:

Now if my wife can get the time off:dontknow:

I'm assuming I'll be away 6 weeks: at least a week going to and at the OE (which we are assuming will be in Oregon the last week of June), then 5-10 days going to Alaska, 10 days or so traveling within in Alaska, and at least 10 days or so getting home to Kansas from Alaska.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I have been wondering if anyone is willing to drive a "sag wagon" along with the group to carry parts, fuel, etc. I know sometimes a couple likes to travel but one of them doesn't want to ride on the Spyder, but brings another vehicle.

I just visited with my best friend, Cathy, and told her about this possible trip and wondered out loud if she and her husband would like to go along in their truck. She said she was thinking the same thing and will talk to her husband about it. They were thinking of doing an Alaska cruise, but might consider this. Spyder ryders could provide their own parts, etc., and Cathy and hubby could transport them for us. I would take extra tire(s), belt, oil, filter, fuel, etc.

Also, it may be too early to plan it, but we would have to decide on some rendezvous points, with people coming from all over the US. [My inner analyst needs a valium!]

Patty, that is a really good idea. We would be willing to supply the necessary tools and if your friends could haul them that would help out a lot. I'll have a spare trailer tire and so will Karyl, we always carry a patch kit and compressor and we can bring our smaller floor jack. If we had one or two rear tires that would be great since they aren't readily available. For the front tires we could figure out what model year mix we have and bring spares accordingly. We would want everyone to make sure that their tires are in excellent condition before they leave for the trip.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Just got back from Alaska about two weeks ago, drove up and rode the ferry back and had the trip of lifetime!!! Wandered Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 to San Diego and meandered through Zion, North Rim, Million Dollar Hwy to Carlsbad Caverns on the way home. Five weeks, three days but stayed with cousins son (second cousin?) in Wasilla for ten days and traveled 11,597 miles. Haven't made any definite plans for next year yet but thinking of spending 4th of July in Atlanta. If it is something that your thinking about doing, it was well worth it for me and I would highly recommend going if the opportunity presents itself, life is way to short!!!

If I may ask, how much did the ferry cost, including your vehicle?

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Just got back from Alaska about two weeks ago, drove up and rode the ferry back and had the trip of lifetime!!! Wandered Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 to San Diego and meandered through Zion, North Rim, Million Dollar Hwy to Carlsbad Caverns on the way home. Five weeks, three days but stayed with cousins son (second cousin?) in Wasilla for ten days and traveled 11,597 miles. Haven't made any definite plans for next year yet but thinking of spending 4th of July in Atlanta. If it is something that your thinking about doing, it was well worth it for me and I would highly recommend going if the opportunity presents itself, life is way to short!!!

That sounds like a wonderful trip. So many places to ryde, so little money!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Patty, that is a really good idea. We would be willing to supply the necessary tools and if your friends could haul them that would help out a lot. I'll have a spare trailer tire and so will Karyl, we always carry a patch kit and compressor and we can bring our smaller floor jack. If we had one or two rear tires that would be great since they aren't readily available. For the front tires we could figure out what model year mix we have and bring spares accordingly. We would want everyone to make sure that their tires are in excellent condition before they leave for the trip.

That's good thinking, Ann. We could take an assortment of stuff that might be needed instead of each Spyder-owner taking a complete set of what they might need. I'm wondering about logistics for the tires/parts. When we get back to the lower-48, my friends (or whoever does that part) would have the unused stuff in their truck. How to return it to the people who paid for it?

Then I got to thinking about maybe a dealer/sponsor could provide some parts to take along and restock what isn't used. Only charging us for what we actually use along the way. Mmmmmmmm. . . . who might want to do that?

 

[One Legged Willie]

Ferry cost-

For two of us, one bike, one Spyder was a little over $3000. The bikes cost $750 apiece, (under 10 feet) $570 I think for each person and another $470 or so for a sleeping berth. Alaska marine highway is where to go for information. We booked last fall because they do have limited space but many on the boat booked in the spring. We left Whittier AK Monday at midnight and arrived in Bellingham WA Saturday morning at 8:00 am, any other questions feel free to ask

 

[PrairieSpyder]

For two of us, one bike, one Spyder was a little over $3000. The bikes cost $750 apiece, (under 10 feet) $570 I think for each person and another $470 or so for a sleeping berth. Alaska marine highway is where to go for information. We booked last fall because they do have limited space but many on the boat booked in the spring. We left Whittier AK Monday at midnight and arrived in Bellingham WA Saturday morning at 8:00 am, any other questions feel free to ask

Thanks for the info. I suspected it was expensive, and now I know. I think that doesn't include food service either. But at least you get to see some inward passage sights you wouldn't see otherwise.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

That's good thinking, Ann. We could take an assortment of stuff that might be needed instead of each Spyder-owner taking a complete set of what they might need. I'm wondering about logistics for the tires/parts. When we get back to the lower-48, my friends (or whoever does that part) would have the unused stuff in their truck. How to return it to the people who paid for it?

Then I got to thinking about maybe a dealer/sponsor could provide some parts to take along and restock what isn't used. Only charging us for what we actually use along the way. Mmmmmmmm. . . . who might want to do that?

That's a good idea on a dealer sponsoring a few parts. I go through enough tires that I wouldn't mind buying a rear tire (non OEM) and if it wasn't used on the trip I would take it back.

As for our tools, we travel with them normally so I could get them to our meet up location but it would be nice to take a little weight off my trailer on the rough roads and put the tool boxes in the chase vehicle.

 

[murphybrown]

Would you pursue

That's good thinking, Ann. We could take an assortment of stuff that might be needed instead of each Spyder-owner taking a complete set of what they might need. I'm wondering about logistics for the tires/parts. When we get back to the lower-48, my friends (or whoever does that part) would have the unused stuff in their truck. How to return it to the people who paid for it?

Then I got to thinking about maybe a dealer/sponsor could provide some parts to take along and restock what isn't used. Only charging us for what we actually use along the way. Mmmmmmmm. . . . who might want to do that?

Patti...I just delegated to you, if you would accept the assignment!!! To find dealer/sponsor or more than one...that is a great idea........go PrairieSpyder GO..:yes:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

That's good thinking, Ann. We could take an assortment of stuff that might be needed instead of each Spyder-owner taking a complete set of what they might need. I'm wondering about logistics for the tires/parts. When we get back to the lower-48, my friends (or whoever does that part) would have the unused stuff in their truck. How to return it to the people who paid for it?

Then I got to thinking about maybe a dealer/sponsor could provide some parts to take along and restock what isn't used. Only charging us for what we actually use along the way. Mmmmmmmm. . . . who might want to do that?

Patti...I just delegated to you, if you would accept the assignment!!! To find dealer/sponsor or more than one...that is a great idea........go PrairieSpyder GO..:yes:

Karyl . . . I was thinking "who" in terms of what dealer! Not looking for a job!!! :yikes: But I'll make some calls, maybe to our fave dealer in MO. Or maybe your fave up there in Washington? PM me some possibilities in your region, please.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Like I said, my friend Cathy and her husband, Jay, are considering going along as a "chase" vehicle, but we can't presume they will be able to go. We all should also see if there's anyone else who would like to take that role. I'm even wondering if a dealer/sponsor would like to send someone along.

Would everyone who is seriously considering going please think of their fave dealer - one they have a good relationship with - and the possibility of approaching them about supplying parts, etc., for this adventure. Also, maybe they would like to join the adventure and do some business along the way!

 

[PW2013STL]

I'm assuming I'll be away 6 weeks: at least a week going to and at the OE (which we are assuming will be in Oregon the last week of June), then 5-10 days going to Alaska, 10 days or so traveling within in Alaska, and at least 10 days or so getting home to Kansas from Alaska.

6 weeks --Aww to be retired

I figered that we will be joining you all in route. When we went in 2006 it took us 5 days from Minnesota, but we were riding alone so were able to make better time (500 mile average days).
With a group I am thinking we will average 300 mile days. Seattle to anchorage is just under 2300 miles - so 3 days to get to Seattle 8 days of group travel to Anchorage, 10 days in Alaska. That gives me 10 days to make it home.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

6 weeks --Aww to be retired

I figered that we will be joining you all in route. When we went in 2006 it took us 5 days from Minnesota, but we were riding alone so were able to make better time (500 mile average days).
With a group I am thinking we will average 300 mile days. Seattle to anchorage is just under 2300 miles - so 3 days to get to Seattle 8 days of group travel to Anchorage, 10 days in Alaska. That gives me 10 days to make it home.

I personally hope that this group will do more than 300 mile days. That's only 1 gas stop :yikes: and with loads of daylight we should be able to make 500 easy.

 

[PW2013STL]

I personally hope that this group will do more than 300 mile days. That's only 1 gas stop :yikes: and with loads of daylight we should be able to make 500 easy.

I hope so, but with a large group everything takes longer - gas stops, rest stops, lunch stops, and so on.

BTW - do you have air yet?