alaska

[ironbutt 1136]

going to alaska my riding buddy informed me this am.  was wonder best time and route fro0m those of you that have been there. 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I suggest you leave very early in the morning and head mostly northwest. It's a long ride.

Sorry couldn't resist. I've only flown up there but there ain't many choices of roads. when are you going and starting from where?

Enjoy your trip,

Raymond

[ironbutt 1136]

very good there raymond.  leaving from oregon.  that was part of the question.  what time of the year would be good to go.  ya looking at the map here there isnt much choice of roads.  was wondering if there was some roads to stay off of and hopeing for points of interest.  thanks to anyone that can answer any of this.  don

[Big IV]

Valk member Daniel Meyer wrote a book about his trip

[Daniel Meyer]

My Alaska Trip.

Some info, but not much on scheduling or routes.

Scheduling and routes are overrated.

Check it out.

[Al in AK]

Daniel Meyers adventures would be a good start, as well as picking up "The Milepost".
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892154269/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3207131325&ref=pd_sl_35tnwn58yd_e
The Costco up here sells them, I would think they would in the Nothwest also.
 I would think by the end of May-first of June, would be the earliest. We will be coming back up from Inzane thru Oregon, via the Columbia River Gorge. 


                                             Schedules do Suck!!! 

[Zorba]

There's a website on "Delphi Forums" if it's still there just for riding to Alaska buy many guys who have done it , also a "Motorcycle touring " website that talks about Alaska trips , just ask them!

[Al in AK]

Very good advise. I forgot about those sites. 

[R J]

Daniel Meyers adventures would be a good start, as well as picking up "The Milepost".
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892154269/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3207131325&ref=pd_sl_35tnwn58yd_e
The Costco up here sells them, I would think they would in the Nothwest also.
 I would think by the end of May-first of June, would be the earliest. We will be coming back up from Inzane thru Oregon, via the Columbia River Gorge. 


                                             Schedules do Suck!!! 

The Milepost was the best information I ever found for my runs to Alaska.   Been up there 3 times.  1st trip was on a Cog-A-Sock-I 2 stroke, in 1979. vibrated the fairing off of it.   That was a fly into Alaska and ride the bike to my home.   Son was up there, graduated from the University of Alaska, and moving back here.   NO room on the moving van for the Cog.   He had a truck & heavily loaded double axle trailer loaded to the gills to bring back and his wife, Army brat, had a car, so good old natured dad said he's ride it down......  I probably should have rented a trailer to put on the back of Kathy's car and then drive it, but hind sight is not always present at the decision making time.     

For many years I said I'd never do it again.   I got a 86 Wing SEi with fuel injection and rode it a round trip, then in 98 my Valkyrie made the round trip.   Wing I pulled a trailer, will never do that again.   That sucker was all over 7734 behind me..   Couldn't run over 70 with it on, mostly around 55 to 60 and that makes for a long trip from Fairbanks to the states............

[Blackjack]

On my first trip up through Canada I entered through Sweetgrass, Montana and rode up through Edmonton and to the Alaska Highway. I'd recommend this route. Your only other choice, in my opinion, is to enter through Blaine, Washington at Peace Arch Park. This is where we entered Canada on the second trip. Once in BC, you can pick up the Sea to Sky Highway and on the Cassiar Highway. Sounds great, but this route proved to be slow-going. The Cassiar was only paved in sections. Once on the Cassiar you'll go all the way to the AK HWY before you find a place to stay...unless you're camping. We only made 190 miles in eleven hours of steady riding on the Cassiar because of construction, rough roads, etc. If we hadn't thought to pack a sandwich, we'd have not eaten because it is desolate. If this all this appeals to you, and appreciate a bit more of an adventure, then enter in Blaine. If you want to make 4-600 miles a day, enter in Sweetgrass. Either way, the scenery is stunning and you'll have a blast.

I think you can click on the PDF below and see our "Alaska Journal."

http://www.okvalks.com/files/alaskatrip.pdf

[Blackjack]

With a map of Canada, anyone can see the options once you're in Canada. I expressed an opinion, as I noted. Just sharing my experiences and didn't mean to spark a debate.