Alaska has arrived at the top of my list

[PrairieSpyder]

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'm game for that, Ann. But besides the group thing, the roads will probably not permit 60-70 mph consistently. Between now and then, we should see how people feel about occasionally scenic stops, etc.

Once we decide what our pace should be I think we should pre-plan our overnight stopping places, so we can make sure there will be enough rooms available.

 

[PW2013STL]

I'm game for that, Ann. But besides the group thing, the roads will probably not permit 60-70 mph consistently. Between now and then, we should see how people feel about occasionally scenic stops, etc.

Once we decide what our pace should be I think we should pre-plan our overnight stopping places, so we can make sure there will be enough rooms available.

:agree::agree::agree::agree:

 

[sddinnh]

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.

I just talked with my business partner and I've blocked out 3 months off for next year, June, July, and August. I plan on doing some other things while I'm "on the road" to and from this whole thing, like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, maybe Glacier NP, you guys know, all the touristy stuff. I may never get another chance to do a trip like this so I'm going "whole hog". :clap:

 

[sddinnh]

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?

We may want to break it into 2 smaller groups running a day apart just to keep the logistics easier. We'll see, depending on the number of people / bikes.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I wonder if it's possible/advisable to rent a jeep or van and drive from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay?

 

[sddinnh]

I wonder if it's possible/advisable to rent a jeep or van and drive from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay?

Probably

 

[lwrydr]

Alaska trip pics circa 2006

Thought I would post a few

 

[ARtraveler]

I wonder if it's possible/advisable to rent a jeep or van and drive from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay?

Check with Fairbanks rent a car agencies. I know that Hertz is there. You cannot actually get into Prudhoe Bay. Security issues because of terrorism. :yikes:

There also may be a caveat about driving on that road. Most car agencies prohibit their cars on the Denali Hwy--Between Paxon and Cantwell. 80 miles of dirt road only. Possible they have the same thing going on for a trip to Prudhoe.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Check with Fairbanks rent a car agencies. I know that Hertz is there. You cannot actually get into Prudhoe Bay. Security issues because of terrorism. :yikes:

There also may be a caveat about driving on that road. Most car agencies prohibit their cars on the Denali Hwy--Between Paxon and Cantwell. 80 miles of dirt road only. Possible they have the same thing going on for a trip to Prudhoe.

In the article I posted earlier in this thread they talked about riding up there. I think they stayed at a place before you get to the bay, and then took a van tour to see the bay itself.

I thought it would be cool to go that far north, since I won't get up there too often.

 

[ARtraveler]

In the article I posted earlier in this thread they talked about riding up there. I think they stayed at a place before you get to the bay, and then took a van tour to see the bay itself.

I thought it would be cool to go that far north, since I won't get up there too often.

You are right on track with the above. I missed the article you mentioned. Will go back and take a look.

EDIT: A very well written article to get your juices flowing.
From the 2014 Milepost--RE: Prudhoe Bay "You may not drive to the Arctic Ocean: It is reached via a secured area and unavailable to the public except on tours (inquire about a tour before arriving and allow 24 hours for security clearance).

 

[McGone]

Alaska 2015

I would be interested in going. I rode my 2008 GS from Iowa to Glacier NP, Jasper, White Horse, Yukon, and the Artic circle in 2008 and then rode the ferry from Haines to Prince Rupert (2 days) on the return trip. I was thinking about a return trip to Alaska. A group of Spyders would be fun.
I ran out of gas once when two gas stations in a row were closed. There where three dealer locations in Alaska so you could plan on carrying one spare tire or belt, not that you would need a dealer support sag wagon. :doorag:
The haul road to Prudhoe Bay is gravel and sllck when wet, I know from experience. Also would have to carry fuel on the Spyder. You have to take a tour bus to see the Artic Ocean from Prudhoe.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

In my research of riding the Alaska Highway, I tried to look up how some pros go about it. This is the only guided tour I found:
http://www.motoquest.com/guided-mot...a-washington-oregon-canada-alaska-22#included
I'm in no way suggesting we should hire anyone to lead us. But I wanted to find out about the pace, places to overnight, etc. This outfit's route takes what Milepost calls the "central access route" to the Alaska Highway, which starts in Dawson Creek, BC. I also goes right through Chelan, WA, which is our MurphyBrown's home!!!

I called one of the guides to learn more about how they handle the ride. He said everyone pretty much goes at their own pace. They all just get to the planned nightly stopping place. People who want to start early can do so. People who like to sleep in can do so and just arrive later. People who like to make scenic stops leave a little earlier, or take a little longer. The chase vehicle carries a spare bike, parts and tools, and follows behind everyone. They spend 2 nights in Whitehorse in order to take a side trip to Skagway and back.

I think after they arrive at the end of the ride, everyone is responsible for finding their own way home - flights, ferries, etc.

Anyway, food for thought. . . .

 

[murphybrown]

Good info

In my research of riding the Alaska Highway, I tried to look up how some pros go about it. This is the only guided tour I found:
http://www.motoquest.com/guided-mot...a-washington-oregon-canada-alaska-22#included
I'm in no way suggesting we should hire anyone to lead us. But I wanted to find out about the pace, places to overnight, etc. This outfit's route takes what Milepost calls the "central access route" to the Alaska Highway, which starts in Dawson Creek, BC. I also goes right through Chelan, WA, which is our MurphyBrown's home!!!

I called one of the guides to learn more about how they handle the ride. He said everyone pretty much goes at their own pace. They all just get to the planned nightly stopping place. People who want to start early can do so. People who like to sleep in can do so and just arrive later. People who like to make scenic stops leave a little earlier, or take a little longer. The chase vehicle carries a spare bike, parts and tools, and follows behind everyone. They spend 2 nights in Whitehorse in order to take a side trip to Skagway and back.

I think after they arrive at the end of the ride, everyone is responsible for finding their own way home - flights, ferries, etc.

Anyway, food for thought. . . .

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH. I like

 

[Yazz]

Be aware that the closest Spyder dealerships are around Anchorage. After that you're on you own...

Once getting on the Dalton Highway, if you read your Mile Post, gas stations are around 240 miles apart. Have to take extra gas for sure. Going past the Arctic Circle is a commitment.

The first accommodation after Fairbanks is Cold Foot. Mostly paved till there. It's pricey, the rooms are the old pipeline workers rooms so very sparse, but the food is good. Make reservations early.

From there on it's gravel roads and slick mud slurries. The second place for accommodations is either Dead Horse or Prudoe Bay, they're close together. Hotels in both places. $$$$$$$. Have to really search to find the only gas station there. It is there!

We made the run to Dead Horse during the last week of May for two reasons. First, the rainy season begins in June which would have made the roads worse. Second, the temperatures north of the Brooks Range were still cold enough that the mosquitoes were dormant.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?27462-To-Alaska-and-Back

 

[sddinnh]

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH. I like

I'll, of course, go along with what everyone else wants to do, but this seems a little early to me. I really like the idea because it takes away most of the unknowns about the trip, but it seems pretty early. Maybe we could talk to someone in the business and get them to put together a custom tour just for us.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Be aware that the closest Spyder dealerships are around Anchorage. After that you're on you own...

Once getting on the Dalton Highway, if you read your Mile Post, gas stations are around 240 miles apart. Have to take extra gas for sure. Going past the Arctic Circle is a commitment.

The first accommodation after Fairbanks is Cold Foot. Mostly paved till there. It's pricey, the rooms are the old pipeline workers rooms so very sparse, but the food is good. Make reservations early.

From there on it's gravel roads and slick mud slurries. The second place for accommodations is either Dead Horse or Prudoe Bay, they're close together. Hotels in both places. $$$$$$$. Have to really search to find the only gas station there. It is there!

We made the run to Dead Horse during the last week of May for two reasons. First, the rainy season begins in June which would have made the roads worse. Second, the temperatures north of the Brooks Range were still cold enough that the mosquitoes were dormant.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?27462-To-Alaska-and-Back

I did a little more research on the trip north from Fairbanks. Rental cars are high, as are rooms, like you say. There are 3-day tours from Fairbanks for about $1300 (double occupancy) that includes surface transportation one way and a flight the other way, rooms, but not meals. I'd love to do that but it may not be financially feasible.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I'll, of course, go along with what everyone else wants to do, but this seems a little early to me. I really like the idea because it takes away most of the unknowns about the trip, but it seems pretty early. Maybe we could talk to someone in the business and get them to put together a custom tour just for us.

Steve, all this is in the interest of research and sharing information with everyone. I think socializing what we learn will help us make informed decisions later. I wasn't suggesting hiring a guide, but if that's what people want to do, it's OK with me. I'm just concerned about the costs.

Patti

 

[sddinnh]

Steve, all this is in the interest of research and sharing information with everyone. I think socializing what we learn will help us make informed decisions later. I wasn't suggesting hiring a guide, but if that's what people want to do, it's OK with me. I'm just concerned about the costs.

Patti

Of course Patti, my main point was that this one is kinda early in the season and I would worry about weather. As far as guided tours go, I have done probably 10 in my touring career. On the whole, I have found them worthwhile price wise and so I'm not adverse to them. They do take away all the "Jitters" you can have about the trip and allow you to relax while you focus on the scenery and the ride. You pay a little more, but I tend to have more fun on them than I do if I'm traveling alone and making my own arrangements.

I'll be interested to see when / where BRP sets the 2015 rally date. I have no idea why they wait to announce it. The BMW rally is always announced at the finish of the previous one which allows everyone plenty of time to start planning for next year. My guess is that if we want to plan our own trip, we need to start making arrangements for lodging by the beginning of next year at the latest. All my research says that lodging on the ALCAN is tight and reservations are needed well ahead of time. The problem is that we can't make those until we know the date and location of the BRP event.

 

[wa3wheels]

BRP over Alaska

Of course Patti, my main point was that this one is kinda early in the season and I would worry about weather. As far as guided tours go, I have done probably 10 in my touring career. On the whole, I have found them worthwhile price wise and so I'm not adverse to them. They do take away all the "Jitters" you can have about the trip and allow you to relax while you focus on the scenery and the ride. You pay a little more, but I tend to have more fun on them than I do if I'm traveling alone and making my own arrangements.

I'll be interested to see when / where BRP sets the 2015 rally date. I have no idea why they wait to announce it. The BMW rally is always announced at the finish of the previous one which allows everyone plenty of time to start planning for next year. My guess is that if we want to plan our own trip, we need to start making arrangements for lodging by the beginning of next year at the latest. All my research says that lodging on the ALCAN is tight and reservations are needed well ahead of time. The problem is that we can't make those until we know the date and location of the BRP event.

Why would a person schedule a Bucket List Ride around BRP annual event ,, When will you be able to do this ride to AK. in the future ? You can go to a BRP Annual event another year.
Go North Young Man !!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Why would a person schedule a Bucket List Ride around BRP annual event ,, When will you be able to do this ride to AK. in the future ? You can go to a BRP Annual event another year.
Go North Young Man !!

Good point!

It's based on a big "if" about the OE being in Oregon next year and that many of us would be gathered there anyway. That would be a good jumping off point for this trek. If the OE is held elsewhere, I'd forego it in favor of going to Alaska, for sure. Then we'd just have to come up with a rally-point for everyone.

sddinnh suggested it's too early in the year. I'm OK with changing it if that's what the group thinks is best. I think my friends who might go with us as a chase vehicle would prefer September; though it would be cooler, they say the northern lights are more visible.

So, timing is not etched in stone, IMHO. We'll know more after BRP announces their OE date and place.