Alaska

[IamGCW]

We again stayed at Destruction Bay.  As we packed the two Indian riders chatted about bike (is there anything else) stuff.  One has a stern wheeler, and the other is a boiler maker working for him.  They were returning from Sturgis to their summer home in Fairbanks.  Nice guys, they love their Indians and claim they are very fast.  Both are seasoned riders.  Riding south the construction was stopped for the holiday.  The gravel was not so bad.  At about 70 MPH dropped my sunglasses while getting a snack from the windshield bag.  Went back and they seemed to have survived (yea RayBan).  We hit rain about 2 hours into the ride.  Moose and Grizzly were out.  No pictures.  Getting gas Randy motored in front of a Mountie to fill up.  She was not impressed, but one mention of Billy Boy and she posed for a picture, yes Randy had to go around behind her.  A nice lady who said she was called out twice last night (She had Billy dreams I imagine). 

Tonight we are in a WWII Air Force pilots barracks.  It is in Watson Lake.  Very cool run by a German family.  Rustic but clean.  Barracks style showers and rest rooms.  But it was raining and cold so we grabbed the last room.  Restaurants were closed so we had my emergency rations.  Sat out front talking bike stuff with several other riders.  On the way here we passed the guys we met at the Arctic Circle.  They were pretty tired from the cold and rain.  Tough day for bikers, but on long rides you get what mother nature gives (does Billy know her?).

Ride report
54 - 64 - 46 f  (SOME DUMMY PACKED HIS HEATED VEST AND FROZE)
Cloudy then rain (hail at the divide) and rain with more rain.

Animals
Moose and Grizzly
Black ravens, large black ravens.

Tomorrow who knows, the weather is slowing us some.  Safety first.  We plan on a 9 AM departure.

73
Gil

[IamGCW]

Departed later than desired.  The hotel has a strict no shoes policy, so loading took time.  And loading in the rain sucks.  But we got moving.  Spotted a fox right off.  Then black bears.  They run pretty fast.  Soon a wolf crossed and off into the trees.  In cold pouring rain our gloves soaked through quickly.  Mine are treated with that rustoleum nano polymer.  Pure junk, lasted about 4 hours.  Well a head of bison slowed things, then the baby bison (fuzzy brown guys) trotted behind.  Found a breakfast joint and warmed up.  Soon the rain stopped, as we traveled along rivers and lakes the Rockies opened up in front of us.  Two ADV riders held us back then they separated with one way ahead while the other sort of blocked.  Passing the trailing guy I caught the lead rider.  Pressed on him for about an hour.  He enjoyed the pressure, his mate was about 0.5 miles behind.  They were on comms with each other, as we swept through the turns and up/down the mountain the lead rider kept pressing his ride hard.  He was a good rider and the time flew by.  Passing him was easy for us on the road bikes, and we set a faster pace for them.  They played for 15 minutes and dropped off.  Much later while eating at an A&W we watched them pass and then reverse to a hotel, likely for the night.  We pressed on to Ft St John and grabbed a hotel for the night.  We got a discount for knowing Billy Boy (picture in the mail).  Tomorrow Calgary.  The roads are now straighter and the mountains are hills.  Everything is green and the air is clear, a good place to visit.

Ride report
52 - 45 - 70 f
Rain then cloudy then blue skies.

Animals
Fox, Wolf, Black Bears, and Bison.

73
Gil

[James III]

  ??? The photos from the guys come in via email at seemingly much different times than they are being sent. Other than the time difference not sure why that is. So lets catch up with their sites and adventures.

WTH Security guard at Fairbanks


Here's some Indians Gil & Randy ran up against!

Gil: Guy on the right owns a stern wheeler in Fairbanks.
Guy on left is a boiler maker working on stern wheeler.

Bear crossing



Billyboy harem house


Bear having lunch



Zero MPH


Hey! did someone order a pizza!


You have seen my pics of the Mothman from WV, here's the Mooseman of WV!(Randy)


Randy tries to cut Mountie off at gas pumps. It's ok, she was looking for Billyboy!


South to Fort St John




Fort St John "digs"


A little sunshine, Billyboy discount girl


Continued safety and health to our weather weary travelers! The adventure continues!

James

 

[R J]

James:

Thanks for posting their pictures.  

They have some beauties in there.

Especialy momma bear and her little ones trailing along behind.

[FloridaValkRyder]

What an adventure. Thanks for sharing all this with us!

[billyboy]

Safe travels guys.     Can not wait to hear the stories on the road. Hope to see
you soon. Be sure to tell all the girls Hi for me.

[IamGCW]

We have hit Calgary AB.  Our weather was great to the last hour, then rain.  Today was pretty steady straight roads.  The mountains have melted into flat lands with farming as far as you can see.  Bugs, more bugs, and clouds of bugs.  Like a double dose of love bugs season.  And some pretty bad frost heaves.  So both forks are leaking.  Made a redneck soda bottle film trick tool.  Got some dirt out, but the tubes are still wet with oil.  Just enough to worry me.  When I return new seals for sure.  Animals have left the woods and now are driving SUV's.  Learned that when a driver wants you to pass they turn on the right blinker.  Well if I am about to pass someone and the right blinker comes on I just wait for them to turn rather than pass.  Being thick headed it took time to figure this out.  Why do they wave, and with only one finger?  Oh and the only black bear we saw was a road kill.  Sad, he made it to the shoulder and died there.  Hated seeing that.  We are both cautious of game, rather get home late than not at all. 

Weather
55 -80 - 60 f
Sunny than cloudy, ending with rain.  Stopped and put on the rain suit. 
Checked into the Marriott Courtyard.  A cute girl dressed as a cowgirl welcomed us.  After mentioning Billy Boy (and getting her picture) she took my credit card a second time, WTH!!

73
Gil

[Pappy!]

    
 After mentioning Billy Boy (and getting her picture) she took my credit card a second time, WTH!!

Oh NO!!!

Might have been a        "Hit it and run"      incident by Billy?

[HayHauler]

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us... .  Ride safe and watch out for those Billy Boy Groupies... 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[James III]

  The boy's are "back in the USA"
Let's see what the sites are lookin' like to the crossing:

Here's our Billyboy's Cowgirl


Moose Alert


That's some big beaver, nuff said


In the boarder "que"



"Goodby Canada"

Gil: This guy tracked us down. He has a yellow/black 97'.
We chatted a bit. Hope he posts.

Also two Valks passed us northbound. Red/Black Interstate and one like yours. (Jade & Black Tourer)

Well that's the "wood" for today! (beaver implied....)
According to the map it's all downhill from the boarder.
Best weather and ride safe Gil & Randy!

James

[IamGCW]

With Calgary in our mirrors we pushed out for Montana.  A few questions at the border and we are in the USA.  Border Guard likes Valkyries.  He reported the Billy Guard was tied up, only Billy knows what that could mean.

Into Montana for Billings.  A favorite state.  Making great time and some of the best scenery for my tasks.  Rolling hills, sweeping turns and canyons as well.  Fast, fun.  Many bikes rolling in perfect weather.  Bugs, very few.  So we roll into Billings and get settled in.  Girl at the front desk (no picture) is from New Port Richey.  She thought I was messing with her (that Billy's job) and after verifying my ID she explained her travel to Billings.  Victim of the economy, her husband had to transfer to MT.  They love the area and plan on staying forever.  But we had to get some sleep for a hard day.

Next morning the trailer tire that was needing balance was flat.  Trip to the front desk and the tire shop was less than a mile away.  Towed it there (sidewall held it up) and they installed two new tires for $44 and we only lost an hour.  Off to Wyoming and South Dakota, yes Sturgis.  We had lunch in Sturgis and bought some tourist crap.  I finally got Randy's brother his Sturgis hat.  Oh, west of Sturgis in Lame Deer another rider was lost.  Helped him with directions and a spare map.  Poor guy spoke little English but was pleased we helped. 

Rolling out we made good time at 85 - 90 MPH and then needed gas early.  So really no gain for the risk of a ticket.  Slowed to 75 (limit) and super slab to Sioux Falls.  Sunset brought huge waves of bugs.  Shields are covered.  Bike is filthy, at gas stops many look at it and mention we must have done some hard miles.  Nope, we did some great miles, meeting amazing people, and lived a dream.  The dream continues tomorrow as we head for St Louis.

Another thank you to James for his text messages keeping us alert. And for taking the time to update the blog with pictures.

Weather
Perfect sky, some clouds. 
55 -80-55 f
Antelope, swarms of bugs. 

Going to get a picture, of what?

73
Gil

[James III]

  Glad a set of tires were locally available!

Pit Stop!


Ride safe guy's. Randy, you shave your beard yet!!

James

[HayHauler]

Hay!  I can see the air in that tire.  Looks like it was time. 

Thanks for posting the updates and James for posting the pics.

That BillyBoy is one infamous dude.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm going to be sad to see your ride come to an end.

[IamGCW]

We are east of the Mississippi.  Wow, the roads here are changed.  Sorry no picture of the bridge, but it is aw-sum.  The arc to our right.  Trucks trying for Randy, yes this is St Louis.  I booked into the Fairfield Inn (Marriott) and we were greeted like royalty.  In my work travels I previously stayed here.  So the area is familiar.  The front desk was manned by a Billy Boy gal.  Very nice, friendly, and after seeing the trip page she joined the Billy Boy club.  Soon a guest arrived and quickly asked to join the club.  Look for pictures.  These lady's listened as I bragged about our Florida group, the rides we do, and some of the adventures we found in these last few weeks.  What a great stop for the night.  Our roads were highway and the weather is warming up.  Corn crops lined the highway, farm equipment at the ready.  USA is so cool. 

Maybe a picture of Daisy Duke Billy Boy will put another smile on the staff of the Fairfield Inn (the one Penny found).

Ride report
69 - 85 - 80
Some clouds and smoke from North Dakota.  As we packed the bikes 4 fighters did a full afterburner takeoff and impressed us both.  You could hear them several minutes later.
Roads were good, mostly super slab.  Several bikers passed, most waved. 

Tomorrow Georgia.

73
Gil

[James III]

Posted by: IAMGCW 

USA is so cool.  

73
Gil

That about says it all, doesn't it?

Let's hang out here! Tuesday nights!! Woo hoo


Wyoming


Couldn't find Pennie's Billyboy daisy duke pic thread but this is where the photo is needed. lol
Pennie, if your reading this please text me a Billyboy daisy duke pic!!!

Gil: Very interesting lady, young but wise. (Sioux Falls)


St Louis


Now I know for a fact Billyboy has been around St Louis, cause I was there!
Didn't realize he had connections there too!



Devoted Billyboy "Fan Club" member!!


As Smokin Joe sez "can't hide money"; well for Billyboy, "can't hide that charm"

Ok guy's, your entering the south, standard precautions, hydration, chap stick, rain gear close, and your not the only ones around for miles anymore. Watch traffic and weather.
Ride safe and enjoy the tour!

James
 

[IamGCW]

Well another great ride day.  Being in the South it is warmer.  St Louis in the mirrors we made good time.  Nashville, Chattanooga, then Atlanta.  Tall corn, some traffic and friendly smiles.  Waves from kids and dogs barking.  We had a great ride to Atlanta.  Our guardian kept reminding us to be aware of heat exhaustion.  Several bottles of water and Gatorade later we took a shower in Atlanta traffic.  No fun, especially with the drivers around here.  Checking into the Hotel we were greeted by a fan of ... Billy Boy.  She had a sign in hand and a natural smile that we had to capture.  Just to have fun I asked her about the Marriott hotels and their religion.  Yep, Mormon.  But that lead to who Billy Boy was.  Tonight he was Bill Marriott.  After CPR she recovered and I confessed it was a joke.  She did enjoy the trick, ordered us dinner and we settled in for our last night on the road.  The adventure has been worth it.  Made better by support from our wives, James, and the swarm of Billy Boy gals.  Without a doubt the area here (Tn, Ky, and Ga) is one of Americas Gems.  Tomorrow home, after about 9 hours.

Ride Report
78 - 98 - 84
Sunny with dreaming clouds.  Then a refreshing rain.
Traffic in the cities.  Laser cops in Atlanta.
Checking into the Fairfield Inn we were greeted by a tall well spoken lady that spoke highly of Billy Boy.  He is a hero in the hearts of the ladies of North America. 

73
Gil

[FloridaValkRyder]

Well damn, what do I do now Gil?  . Must be bittersweet coming home after such an amazing adventure. I can tell you, I have so enjoyed the daily narrative and the posting of the pics by James. This is a trip I will never do myself so it was nice of you to let us share it with you. Safe travels the last few hundred! 

[Grumpy]

Now he will probably spend the next week or so, cleaning the bike .  Great trip, wish I could do it, but probably too darn old.

[Flrider]

Glad to hear you guys are almost back home.
Thank you to both of you and James for making us part of your trip.
I looked forward to your daily updates and pics.

Hey, if you hurry, you can almost make this Saturday's ride 

[Thunderbolt]

Thanks for taking us all along on the trip Gil.  I have also really enjoyed your daily log.  Wave when you go by on the way South.

[flsix]

Gil this really has been fun. Thanks for taking us along for the ride digitally. Would Tuesday be to soon to look for the full length documentary (or will it be a mini series) of this ride?
Praying the last day of your adventure is also a safe one.

[R J]

Hey Gil, how did my old trailer hitch work out?

Any problems?

Are you totally satisfied with it now?

From what you can see of it in your pictures, it sure do look good on there.

PS:      Was glad to be able to ride along cyber trail with ya on your trip.

Totally enjoyed it...........

[billyboy]

Really enjoyed the ride Gil.     And thank you James for the pics.     Let us know
when you guys get home so we know you are safe. Just wondering if it's safe for me to go out
side now.   

[Pappy!]

Another huge thank you for the documentary and a big thanks to James for the silent co-piloting along the way and the photo uploads.
We have all enjoyed the trip with you and look forward to more photos and the bigger story when you guys rest up. Stay safe today on your last day out.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

It Has Been Great That You Could Share This Adventure With All Of Us, Especially Since I Have Not Been Able To Ride Any Of My Valkyries, Much Less Get Out Of The House Much Over The Past Month,( Due To This Broken Leg ). It Has Been A Pleasure To read Your Daily Reports And View The Pictures That James Posted For You Guys. I Hope That You And Randy Make It Home Safely . I Hope To Be Back In The Saddle Soon.
Ride Safe,
Bert

[James III]

  Well the guy's are just north of Tifton at this writing. As any of us that run that I-75 North and south in and out of Florida know what a hard superslab ride that is. Hot, your most likely gonna get wet, and traffic.
With the journey not over until home for the night; here's last nights and this mornings exciting followings of this grand adventure of Gil and Randy!

Atlanta


The Dixie chicks.......?


10,000 miles, mounted reverse.......


What a fun adventure following Gil & Randy trekking north to the Artic circle then heading home south. I've been able to follow their fuel stops, rest stops and road conditions and quite a bit of the weather they have encountered. The tracking system Gil used has worked well with only a few times in Canada that the signals were delayed; as well as email and msg.
It will be great to hear first hand the assorted adventures these guys have had!

See ya down the road

James

[IamGCW]

Well we have finished our journey.  Ground control James did a great job supporting us.  There are just a few more Billy Boy lady's to be posted. 

My GPS reports 10,713.7 miles.  But there were a few spots where it was off.  Once things are unloaded a verification of the odometer will be posted.

Final report will be tonight or tomorrow. 

We hope this journey will help others take the trip.  For me it was worth the effort and money. 

From the 727 hood, travel safe and wave  ... I'll be on the Yellow bike waving back.

And if you happen across a Billy Boy gal, post her picture.

73
Gil

[billyboy]

Glad your home. Great stuff.     Hope to see ya soon. Now what do I do?   

[R J]

Glad your home. Great stuff.     Hope to see ya soon. Now what do I do?   

You set back and dream about it till you pull it off and do it.

[IamGCW]

Hey RJ.  I was able to do this trip because you "Hitched" me. 

Gil

[BCoy]

I too have looked forward to the daily updates. Thanks for sharing, definitely a ride of a lifetime.
Welcome home, glad you guys are home safe n sound ... you guys are going to sleep very well tonight, nothing like sleeping in your bed after being gone awhile.
Take care n enjoy your down time before starting on all those honey dooos that piled up while you were gone.
Bill

[Grumpy]

I really enjoyed you daily reports and the pics were awesome.  Glad you guys made it home safe and sound. 

[Bronxboy]

Very Awesome, enjoyed tagging along. I am trying to plan a similar trip out west with a few friends, but staying in the USA.

[R J]

Very Awesome, enjoyed tagging along. I am trying to plan a similar trip out west with a few friends, but staying in the USA.

Bronxboy, ya'll stay in da Good Old USA and you will miss a lot of great scenery in Canada and Alaska.

Your bike will get dirtier than hell, but it will wash, Daniel Meyer's and mine cleaned up pretty good.   LOL.

[Bronxboy]

Very Awesome, enjoyed tagging along. I am trying to plan a similar trip out west with a few friends, but staying in the USA.

Bronxboy, ya'll stay in da Good Old USA and you will miss a lot of great scenery in Canada and Alaska.

Your bike will get dirtier than hell, but it will wash, Daniel Meyer's and mine cleaned up pretty good.   LOL.

I am open to it, but there is a lot I have not seen right here in the good ole USA.

[HayHauler]

Thanks for taking us along for the digital ride!  Glad y'all are home safe.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[IamGCW]

Well I am a little more rested now.  The last of the journey was in the South and heat with humidity did take some of our spirit down.  We continued to be stopped by tourist (like we were not tourists) and ask about our journeys.  The roads have some really interesting people and that was a treat for me.  Getting gas in Florida a Harley rider was bragging on his distance.  Then he looked at our bikes and asked about our trip.  We beat him on that, but he was doing a Ohio to Key West run.  Sounded fun, but home was in my sights.  His riding partner lost one cylinder with a lifter issue.  Guess they patched it on the road, but they split soon after.  Just off of 75 we got rain, refreshing, and arrived drenched.  Randy dropped off my gear and headed home. 

The trip
Florida to Yellowstone Park via Dallas
Yellowstone to Dawson Creek via Glacier Park
Dawson Creek to Fairbanks
Fairbanks to Arctic Circle
Fairbanks to Sturgis via Dawson Creek
Sturgis to Florida via St Louis
10,780 miles (both tires still good)

Best story heard
Roger at the Sasquatch Inn was chased by a grizzly bear and did a wheelie to get away.  Some years back he was on a tour bus that stopped there and he started helping the staff clean tables.  Without being hired, and then he stayed.  They hired him, the guy has traveled the world just doing that sort of thing.  He has a dozen or more kids.  Really interesting guy.

Favorite thing spotted
My wife returning from work the day I finished the trip

Best animal
Baby Moose trotting as I heard the song lyrics from Frozen (do you want to build a snowman)

Favorite task
Billy Boy Girls pictures

Best riding areas
Montana
Alaska
Canadian Rockies

Best feeling
James texting safety reminders and his cheering us on

Damage (my bike only to limit embarrassment)
License plate
both fork seals
one spotlight bulb
one spotlight relay
one kickstand spring anchor bolt
one leatherlyke saddlebags (stress crack)
Scalla headset speaker failure
Helmet face shield scratched

And finally why did I do it and what made it easy.
Daniel and Dan set a path that was easy to follow.  Thanks guys. The failures are mine, the success is shared between you two and James.
I wanted a picture at the Circle.  Well I got that and more.  It was worth it.  Some tips; Klim gear looks the best for a ride like this.  Warm to cold and dry to wet one two piece suit would do fine.  Heated gloves, vest, boot liners for better comfort.  Canadian riders pass though 3 climates on a ride and report this is the gear to buy.  But $$$$.  Aerostich has a bike cover that is tiny when packed.  A military stuff sack and sleep system would be a good choice for camping.  Bungee cords and nets of good quality.  My bungees have color dots based on length.  Packing got easy once I had the colors figured.  Support from a dedicated base person like James gave me comfort to stretch things.  I bought the book MilePost.  Used it in planning but it is huge so traveling I did the online viewing.  Slow and without internet impossible.  It was $40 and next time I won't get it.  Wait next time, did James have a plan?  If I go again it will be on a wing with a trunk for helmets.

Pictures this week I promise.

73
Gil

[R J]

Good report Gil, loved following along.

It brought back memories of when my son and family lived in Fairbanks, and i rode his Kawasaki up there for him.

Then a few years later, I made the trip on MGM.

Damn, that brings back lots of good memories.  At 82 years old if I wasn't on O2, I'd almost be tempted to do it again.

I'd have to get packed and gone while mom was at work or she would kill me for thinking of doing it again.

[reclaimerroger]

Really enjoyed reading about the adventures and seeing the pics.
It was certainly a fantastic experience for you.
Glad is was mostly trouble free.