Scotts8826
Member
I have a super slow WiFi connection in my hotel room tonight. It is groaning about uploading pictures so I will post my trip update tomorrow.
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There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Solo to Alaska
- Thread starter Scotts8826
- Start date
StalkyTracker
Member
:hun: . Not a local or even living in the same country or on the same continent, so I'm really not sure what this ^^ applies to (along with at least a few others...) - any hints?? :dontknow:
I think it's in reference to Post #38. Carrington and Drake are in North Dakota not South Dakota (SD).
Scotts8826
Member
June 24th
Fort Nelson to Watson Lake
Up early once again. I am now two time zones behind my original Central Daylight time. I am going to bed a little earlier than usual but I’m up at 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning.
I had a longer travel day planned today so I could take in some sights along the way. The weather is good and no rain in the forecast.
Metal bridges are not motorcyclists’ friends. They can even make the Spyder track a little squirrely. Warnings are given! I crossed 3 or 4 today.
I was getting into sparsely populated areas and hoped to see some wildlife. This momma and her baby were the first wildlife for me to see today. I’m hoping to see some bear and bison.
There is gas to get you through the Alaska Highway, but you must know where the stations are and plan your stops. The Visitor’s Center in Dawson Creek has a brochure with all the stops on it which is invaluable. In the evening I look it over and decide where I will need to be stopping the next day. My Spyder’s first taste of regular fuel was at Toad River Lodge. Fine print on that brochure should say “beggars can’t be choosers” because some stops only have regular gas. Also, the term “Lodge” is thrown around quite loosely. With a half tank of regular gas mixing with the premium my Spyder took off and ran just fine.
Here is Muncho Lake and more wildlife. No bears or bison.
I pulled off at Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park. A soak in a natural hot spring seemed like a good idea. There is a cabana type building along one side of the spring while the opposite side is still natural. The hot water flows into the spring on one end and gets cooler as it flows toward the exit. The cost was only $5 CD.
Back in the late 1990’s, a bear mauled a couple people and killed one person along the ½ mile boardwalk that leads to the hot springs. Since that time, the park has increased the security and safety from bears. The boardwalk leads you over a marsh area but becomes more woodland by the spring.
Across the highway from the park is the Liard Hot Springs Lodge. Once again, lodge is used loosely. I was down to half a tank again and wanted to fill up. Oh my… I did not expect this….
Now, it was 145 Kilometers or 90 miles to the next services or I could turn around and go back from where I came and get gas 15 miles south and pass through the longest construction delay. I started doing the mental math. I usually get 160 miles or so before my low fuel light comes on. I’ve been going slower than Interstate speed, so I am getting better mileage. I figured I could make the 90 miles on the gas I have. So, I continued to head north albeit a little slower. I dropped my speed from 65 to 60 to squeeze out a few more mpg.
As I was nursing my mpg I noticed a motorhome had pulled over the side of the road. I knew that could only mean BISON. Sure enough, there was a big herd. I slowly drove on down PAST the herd in case any of them decided to block the road before I began taking pictures, and one did. I couldn’t stay long with my engine idling but I enjoyed the moment.
There is a happy ending to this story as I made it to the next service while my gauge was in the ¼ full range. The low fuel light didn’t even come on. I celebrated by twisting the throttle back up to 65 MPH!
A new territory!
Watson Lake has the Signpost Forest. Back in the early 1940’s when the Alaska Highway was being built, a soldier had gotten hurt and was recuperating in this temporary military post. He was asked to fix the directional sign and being homesick, he added his hometown. It now has over 77,000 signs from visitors to this area. I had to add a little something from me.
My day ended in Watson Lake at the Air Force Lodge (there it is again!) It was a barracks back in the 1940’s but the owner refurbished it. It still has the barracks layout, with small rooms and communal showers and bathrooms (washrooms up here in Canada). But it has history and a cordial proprietor.
Fort Nelson to Watson Lake
Up early once again. I am now two time zones behind my original Central Daylight time. I am going to bed a little earlier than usual but I’m up at 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning.
I had a longer travel day planned today so I could take in some sights along the way. The weather is good and no rain in the forecast.
Metal bridges are not motorcyclists’ friends. They can even make the Spyder track a little squirrely. Warnings are given! I crossed 3 or 4 today.
I was getting into sparsely populated areas and hoped to see some wildlife. This momma and her baby were the first wildlife for me to see today. I’m hoping to see some bear and bison.
There is gas to get you through the Alaska Highway, but you must know where the stations are and plan your stops. The Visitor’s Center in Dawson Creek has a brochure with all the stops on it which is invaluable. In the evening I look it over and decide where I will need to be stopping the next day. My Spyder’s first taste of regular fuel was at Toad River Lodge. Fine print on that brochure should say “beggars can’t be choosers” because some stops only have regular gas. Also, the term “Lodge” is thrown around quite loosely. With a half tank of regular gas mixing with the premium my Spyder took off and ran just fine.
Here is Muncho Lake and more wildlife. No bears or bison.
I pulled off at Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park. A soak in a natural hot spring seemed like a good idea. There is a cabana type building along one side of the spring while the opposite side is still natural. The hot water flows into the spring on one end and gets cooler as it flows toward the exit. The cost was only $5 CD.
Back in the late 1990’s, a bear mauled a couple people and killed one person along the ½ mile boardwalk that leads to the hot springs. Since that time, the park has increased the security and safety from bears. The boardwalk leads you over a marsh area but becomes more woodland by the spring.
Across the highway from the park is the Liard Hot Springs Lodge. Once again, lodge is used loosely. I was down to half a tank again and wanted to fill up. Oh my… I did not expect this….
Now, it was 145 Kilometers or 90 miles to the next services or I could turn around and go back from where I came and get gas 15 miles south and pass through the longest construction delay. I started doing the mental math. I usually get 160 miles or so before my low fuel light comes on. I’ve been going slower than Interstate speed, so I am getting better mileage. I figured I could make the 90 miles on the gas I have. So, I continued to head north albeit a little slower. I dropped my speed from 65 to 60 to squeeze out a few more mpg.
As I was nursing my mpg I noticed a motorhome had pulled over the side of the road. I knew that could only mean BISON. Sure enough, there was a big herd. I slowly drove on down PAST the herd in case any of them decided to block the road before I began taking pictures, and one did. I couldn’t stay long with my engine idling but I enjoyed the moment.
There is a happy ending to this story as I made it to the next service while my gauge was in the ¼ full range. The low fuel light didn’t even come on. I celebrated by twisting the throttle back up to 65 MPH!
A new territory!
Watson Lake has the Signpost Forest. Back in the early 1940’s when the Alaska Highway was being built, a soldier had gotten hurt and was recuperating in this temporary military post. He was asked to fix the directional sign and being homesick, he added his hometown. It now has over 77,000 signs from visitors to this area. I had to add a little something from me.
My day ended in Watson Lake at the Air Force Lodge (there it is again!) It was a barracks back in the 1940’s but the owner refurbished it. It still has the barracks layout, with small rooms and communal showers and bathrooms (washrooms up here in Canada). But it has history and a cordial proprietor.
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Isopedella
Well-known member
Enjoying this journey, the photos and the narrative very much. :2thumbs:
Carol62449
New member
Even though I am not there with you, I am enjoying your pictures and narrative of your journey! Thanks for sharing with all of us.
I love you and safe travels!
I love you and safe travels!
misterbc
New member
Many of us are living vicariously through your trip, thanks for taking us along!
Wish I’d seen your thread sooner, would have followed you up to Johnston Canyon, which for many weeks in the summer is a bike only access, from my hometown of Calgary.
Best wishes for a continued safe journey and thanks again for the great travelogue.
Wish I’d seen your thread sooner, would have followed you up to Johnston Canyon, which for many weeks in the summer is a bike only access, from my hometown of Calgary.
Best wishes for a continued safe journey and thanks again for the great travelogue.
OzArkspydermike
New member
Following your trip very closely, as my wife and I have the same trip planned for a late summer / early fall departure. However, we are planning the north bound part of the trip from North Arkansas, to Bellingham, Washington and putting the spyder on a ferry and using the marine highway to Haines. We will then spend several days in Alaska, then return via the Alaska Highway and Canada to the US. However, I just received my recall notice on our 2018 RTL for the front sprocket, so I will have to get that taken care of first or change our plans.
Be safe, and good luck.
OzArkspyderMike
Be safe, and good luck.
OzArkspyderMike
I didn't have time to read the last few days of your posts but tonight has been a great read! FYI, moose don't migrate and the moose sign you mention in post 29 actually depicts a cariboo (think Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer). Unfortunately, the herd in that area is near extinct and it is unlikely to recover. Looking forward to your next post...be safe.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I love the hot spring. The first time I walked that boardwalk the marsh was covered with snow. As I got closer to the hot spring, the snow gradually disappeared. It was a magical experience. I have a photo of the spring hanging on my office wall. Thank you for bringing back many wonderful memories. Good luck going forward.
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
Beautiful place EH! :yes:
Carol62449
New member
Scott has made it to Dawson City, Yukon! However, Google fiber has not yet made it to the northern Yukon so he is unable to post tonight (top speed of 9.5mps). If his accommodations tomorrow don't allow him to upload photos and post, we will work out another plan to send pictures and daily log to me and I will post for him.
Thanks for following along.
Carol Smith
Thanks for following along.
Carol Smith
blacklightning
Well-known member
Wonderful stories and pictures. Thanks for sharing.
RickWB
Member
Thanks for posting, Carol. We would have wondered what happened with the gap in regular postings.
Scotts8826
Member
June 25th
Watson Lake to Whitehorse
My bio-clock had me up at 5:22 am this morning. Since this is a dormitory style "lodge”, I stayed in bed so not to wake anyone else up. There is no coffee in this room. There is a pot in the main entry area, but you must grab the pot and make it. At 6 am I tip-toed down the hall to the restroom. I encountered a motorcycle rider who was getting ready to leave. Since I had no coffee, no decent WiFi and no breakfast, there was no reason for me to hang around either so, I got my gear packed and put the Spyder in “quiet” gear. I filled my tank, had another look at the Sign Post Forest and continued North.
This was a short day in the saddle for me, only five hours. Since I left early, I would get to Whitehorse way before check-in at the motel. I was feeling a little blasé about the day’s ride. I see interesting things and beautiful scenery, but It comes at the cost of hours upon hours of seat time.
I was worried about a truck pulling a travel trailer. He was in front of me and pulled into a place that was supposed to sell gas, but I had previously seen a “closed” sign posted a few miles back. The second gas stop I pulled into. Never pass up gas. But the pumps had covers all over all of them and the little convenience store did not have the “Open” sign lit. As I was pulling out the travel trailer pulled in too. I have enough to get to Teslin without any trouble but wonder if the travel trailer made it because it was still an hour away.
As I neared the village of Teslin, the Nisutlin Bridge crosses the Yukon River. It is a metal bridge that was designed in 1953. It is an iconic landmark of the Alaska Highway but is nearing the end of its lifespan and is designated to be replaced.
Once I crossed the bridge, I stopped to get gas at the Yukon Motel and Restaurant. Outside of larger cities, you must go inside to purchase your gas because there is no internet or digital connection between the pumps and the Cloud. I will almost swear that the card readers inside the mom-and-pop store are on dial-up. While I was inside paying for my regular gas, I saw the diner looked passable and decided to eat a late breakfast (it was 10 am). I had a Denver style omelet with potatoes and bread. Since I was in no hurry, I had 2 cups of coffee. My attitude on the day changed dramatically once I had a full belly and a healthy dose of caffeine.
Just a short way out of Teslin I saw my first BEAR! I hit the Brembo’s and turned around on the highway. I pulled over so I was looking across the road at him about 20 yards off the road. A big, black bear looking back at me! My gaze fixated on him until I was sure he had no interest in me. When I saw the bear look away from me, I pulled off my gloves, got the lock off the camera and was ready to take a picture, but he had walked on into the forests. Nuts! Hopefully, I’ll have other opportunities.
It was on 1:00 pm when I made it to Whitehorse, Yukon. My destination for the day. Whitehorse has a population of 28,000 and that comprises 75% of all the people living in the Yukon territory.
I went on to the motel knowing I was too early to check-in, but I was going to ask the attendant what I could do for a couple of hours. I was a happy camper as she had a room ready! So, I checked in, unloaded my stuff, and then went to see the SS Klondike. An old Stern Wheeler. Turns out the ship is being refurbished. There are guided tours, but you can only go on the front bow and look through the windows at the interior. No thanks. So, I walked part of the 4K river walk that starts at the Klondike, eventually crosses the Yukon and loops back to the starting point.
Watson Lake to Whitehorse
My bio-clock had me up at 5:22 am this morning. Since this is a dormitory style "lodge”, I stayed in bed so not to wake anyone else up. There is no coffee in this room. There is a pot in the main entry area, but you must grab the pot and make it. At 6 am I tip-toed down the hall to the restroom. I encountered a motorcycle rider who was getting ready to leave. Since I had no coffee, no decent WiFi and no breakfast, there was no reason for me to hang around either so, I got my gear packed and put the Spyder in “quiet” gear. I filled my tank, had another look at the Sign Post Forest and continued North.
This was a short day in the saddle for me, only five hours. Since I left early, I would get to Whitehorse way before check-in at the motel. I was feeling a little blasé about the day’s ride. I see interesting things and beautiful scenery, but It comes at the cost of hours upon hours of seat time.
I was worried about a truck pulling a travel trailer. He was in front of me and pulled into a place that was supposed to sell gas, but I had previously seen a “closed” sign posted a few miles back. The second gas stop I pulled into. Never pass up gas. But the pumps had covers all over all of them and the little convenience store did not have the “Open” sign lit. As I was pulling out the travel trailer pulled in too. I have enough to get to Teslin without any trouble but wonder if the travel trailer made it because it was still an hour away.
As I neared the village of Teslin, the Nisutlin Bridge crosses the Yukon River. It is a metal bridge that was designed in 1953. It is an iconic landmark of the Alaska Highway but is nearing the end of its lifespan and is designated to be replaced.
Once I crossed the bridge, I stopped to get gas at the Yukon Motel and Restaurant. Outside of larger cities, you must go inside to purchase your gas because there is no internet or digital connection between the pumps and the Cloud. I will almost swear that the card readers inside the mom-and-pop store are on dial-up. While I was inside paying for my regular gas, I saw the diner looked passable and decided to eat a late breakfast (it was 10 am). I had a Denver style omelet with potatoes and bread. Since I was in no hurry, I had 2 cups of coffee. My attitude on the day changed dramatically once I had a full belly and a healthy dose of caffeine.
Just a short way out of Teslin I saw my first BEAR! I hit the Brembo’s and turned around on the highway. I pulled over so I was looking across the road at him about 20 yards off the road. A big, black bear looking back at me! My gaze fixated on him until I was sure he had no interest in me. When I saw the bear look away from me, I pulled off my gloves, got the lock off the camera and was ready to take a picture, but he had walked on into the forests. Nuts! Hopefully, I’ll have other opportunities.
It was on 1:00 pm when I made it to Whitehorse, Yukon. My destination for the day. Whitehorse has a population of 28,000 and that comprises 75% of all the people living in the Yukon territory.
I went on to the motel knowing I was too early to check-in, but I was going to ask the attendant what I could do for a couple of hours. I was a happy camper as she had a room ready! So, I checked in, unloaded my stuff, and then went to see the SS Klondike. An old Stern Wheeler. Turns out the ship is being refurbished. There are guided tours, but you can only go on the front bow and look through the windows at the interior. No thanks. So, I walked part of the 4K river walk that starts at the Klondike, eventually crosses the Yukon and loops back to the starting point.
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blacklightning
Well-known member
Thanks so much for the pictures and letting us ride along in our minds. I am looking at doing some touring in the next couple of years and can't decide if I want to do this on my Spyder or my BMW K1600B. I love the feeling of riding the 2 wheeler, but at the same time feel like the stability of the 3 wheeler would be an asset. My biggest concern about the spyder is that if I get on some roads that might have the smaller gravel or tar and pebble set up, I might have trouble with the belt drive. I see some roads in these photos that appear to have some gravel. How is the spyder doing in those situations?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
bikerbillone
Well-known member
Thanks for posing the question lightning. I'm also waiting for Scott to comment on how the Spyder is performing.
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
There are lots of gravel roads as well as sometimes, a 20 mile or so construction zone. For the most part, we stayed off of them if possible. Going slow is a must so as not to throw rocks. I replaced two belts on Spyders between 2008 and 2019. One...I rode on a campground gravel road for less than a mile. Did not break the belt...but damaged it enough I thought it best to replace. Two...happened in my driveway in the spring. For a good laugh...see the thread "Stupid Pills" from around 2011 or so. I dug a hole in the soft gravel and the belt snapped in half. A $500 fix (including the tow). :yikes:
UNHIJACK: :bowdown:
