Solo to Alaska

[Scotts8826]

Highway footrests make a big difference on long trips, not only for your legs but the pressure point on your butt changes, too. With a driver's backrest you can really sit back and relax. I bought the Show Chrome highway pegs but I'm not enthusiastic about them. I liked Lamonsters set but they are $50 more so I went the cheaper route.

 

[bikerbillone]

Oh yeah, Lamonster a bit pricey, SlingMods not bad. We shall see.

 

[Bangorbob]

Did you replace your wool seat cover and cushion? If not, how was the ride without it?
r/Bob

 

[Scotts8826]

I did not get my seat cushion replaced. I stopped and looked at a Costco and Office Max store while I was in Anchorage. No seat cushions. I missed not having it but I do have a second one at home. Maybe it's time to try an air hawk type cushion. I still need to buy a new sheepskin.

 

[Pooch]

If you purchase the Air Hawk please keep in mind that it takes an extremely little amount of air to feel right.
Keep playing with the air pressures.
If it has even a little amount of too much air you will feel like you are going to bounce or slide off of it… very uncomfortable.
I have the original style Air Hawk purchased in 2008. Its been constantly on 4 different bikes/trike since then and now is being kept in reserve for the Spyder.. I find my Spyder seat comfortable enough so far that I don’t need the Air Hawk.. yet.

p.s. I too thank you for this excellent Alaska ride report. I looked forward to each day’s post. Glad to know you and the Spyder made the round trip just fine.. gives me more confidence to ride my RTL on longer trips.
I never worried about getting from Point A to B and back on my Gold Wing trike but have been a little hesitant to ride the Spyder out on an extended travel trip just because I am new to the Spyder world and have read so much out here of what goes wrong with them.

 

[RickWB]

Thanks Scott for the comprehensive information. Regarding the ArriveCan app and vaccines, I am a Canadian who recently returned from the NW Spyder rally in Diamond Lake, OR. I uploaded my information on our last day in Washington, and crossed the border about 90 minutes later. The customs guy didn't ask for my vaccine proof, only my Passport. I have concluded that my vaccine history was linked to my Passport.

Cool thing about the bike is no delay at both US and Canadian customs, as little area to search

I have a US dollar credit card and bank account from my Canadian bank, thus use this card for purchasing goods in the US and likewise pay my credit card from the account.

Really enjoyed about your trip.

 

[HagermanSpyder]

Gravel Roads???? Years ago, when we went to Alaska, we ended up driving our truck on a lot of roads under repair, for many miles at a time. One section of road under repair was 30 miles long!!! I've always wanted to do the trip on my Spyder but gravel roads concern me. Is that only a concern in my head or issue when driving a Spyder with the belt drive.

 

[Scotts8826]

The gravel roads were a concern but since there was no belt guard available for the 2020+ RTL model, I had to take the risk. I don't know the level of risk, but I would have put a belt guard on if one was available. Same for the bump skid.

 

[Slick51]

2016 was my 65th year and like you I said better do it now or I may never be able to do it. So I planned and executed a 7 week trip from Raleigh, NC to Alaska and back on my 2013 BMW R1200 GSA. Your report brought back many memories and was excellently done. Afterwards I said to myself I might be doing this again in a few years and a buddy and I planned a 2019 trip...his broken ankle a few months before departure nixed that and our plans for 2020 and 2021 were foiled by Covid. Now 71 and my wife having health issues that keep me close to home, it looks less likely an adventure of this nature will take place again. Lesson for all, do it now.

And for those planning a trip to Alaska, the Cassier Highway with a side trip to Stewart/Hyder and the Salmon Glacier is worthwhile.

 

[2to3]

Loved this account of your epic journey. Read it from start to finish in one sitting. Just like a good book that 'ya can't put down. Book? Hmmm...
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Scotts8826]

I'm glad you enjoyed the ride report. The Canadian Northwest and Alaska are so vast it cannot all be seen and experienced in one trip. I'd love to go back to see things I missed but that will be 2 or 3 years before I can make that happen.

 

[baxter]

Just ran across your trip report. Did it twice. Your report brought back memories. Second trip veered off course to Yellowknife, Dawson City, etc. Did make it to the Arctic Circle. The following year rode across Newfoundland. Keep on riding.

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for reviving the thread. It was great to re-read it and to see the great scenery. We lived there for 18 years. Now, a nice place to visit, but I like the Ozarks and Arkansas better. :bowdown:

 

[jchadwi]

Scott, I just read your ride report (book) and really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Scotts8826]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. My solo ride to Alaska was an amazing experience and one that was made extra special by having the Spyderlovers community along for the ride. Since it is the middle of winter, I hope reading this report helps stimulate planning for riding adventures for this coming riding season!