Alien
Member
Posts: 1400
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« on: May 22, 2019, 06:01:01 AM » |
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A few weeks ago, the Mothership got a new friend. It's a 2017 Kawasaki KLR 650.  After 30 years of riding and 11 motorcycles, this is my first dual sport. It's a vastly different experience from riding the Valk. It's very light (about half the weight of the Valk), super nimble and not at all fast. My impressions after using it as my main transportation for the past three weeks: Freeway riding: It will never be the long ride bike that the Mothership is. Top speed seems to be 93MPH. It seems happiest at about 70. Street riding: Narrow, nimble and torquey, this bike is made for L.A. traffic. Very flickable. MPG: About 60 :-) Power: Adequate. It gets there...eventually. It reminds me of my first bike and that's kind of fun. Comfort: Not bad for rides under 2 hours. Pros: Cheap, bullet proof, economical, light weight, good parts availability. Cons: Slow, kind of wierd looking, a little tall. Over All: Going from 6 cylinders to one cylinder is strange but I like it. After so many years on the Mothership, I had forgotton what fun a light, small displacement bike could be. One of the best things about it is riding it every day for three weeks and then taking the Valk out. It really makes me appreciate what a BEAST the Mothership is. Now I own two bikes. In my mind that opens the door for more. I need an Interstate! Ride Safe, Alien |
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Beardo
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« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2019, 06:28:13 AM » |
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Very cool. Congrats.  I wish it wasn’t so expensive to insure bikes here, I’d love a dual sport as a second bike. |
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Serk
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« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2019, 06:31:37 AM » |
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Very cool! I wish my spine could handle some dual sport riding, but with 2 badly herniated discs, that'd just be tempting fate...
Enjoy! I look forward to seeing some ride reports of you getting off the beaten trail with it!
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10513
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2019, 07:00:24 AM » |
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Good choice, that's a great bike. Considering one myself.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2019, 07:10:46 AM » |
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A big ol' Green Thumper for fun! Ri(de)ght on...  Well appointed for carrying stuff too; good price? |
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« Last Edit: May 22, 2019, 07:12:33 AM by JMencalice »
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2019, 07:15:19 AM » |
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Buy an ATV seat pad from Wall Mart.
Change oil and filter frequently. I did mine at 1500 miles.
Join the KLR forum.
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Alien
Member
Posts: 1400
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2019, 07:18:42 AM » |
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A big ol' Green Thumper for fun! Ri(de)ght on... Well appointed for carrying stuff too; good price? It was about 4K from the Honda dealer |
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Alien
Member
Posts: 1400
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2019, 07:19:22 AM » |
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Buy an ATV seat pad from Wall Mart.
Change oil and filter frequently. I did mine at 1500 miles.
Join the KLR forum.
Done, Done and Done! |
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..
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« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2019, 07:53:16 AM » |
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Buy an ATV seat pad from Wall Mart.
Change oil and filter frequently. I did mine at 1500 miles.
Join the KLR forum.
Done, Done and Done! |
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Alberta Patriot
Member
Posts: 1438
Say What You mean Mean What You Say
Rockyview County, Alberta 2001 Interstate
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« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2019, 08:06:37 AM » |
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That seat looks like it needs a 1 1/2 inch deep void in the middle where the precious jewels are located. especially when the going gets rough  ..... nice bike.... been considering something trail/dirt dual sport to ride with my grand kids...their at the tender learning age, but we all know how fast they are doing wheelies!! |
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Say what you mean, Mean what you say.
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Alien
Member
Posts: 1400
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2019, 08:16:02 AM » |
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That seat looks like it needs a 1 1/2 inch deep void in the middle where the precious jewels are located. especially when the going gets rough ..... nice bike.... been considering something trail/dirt dual sport to ride with my grand kids...their at the tender learning age, but we all know how fast they are doing wheelies!! Something like this?  |
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mrtlc
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« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2019, 08:21:38 AM » |
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LOL  |
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99 Interstate 1500
89 Goldwing sidecar 1500
88 Goldwing 1500
85 Goldwing 1200
84 Gold wing 1200
80 Goldwing 1100
79 Yamaha XT500
78 Honda 750K
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Savago
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« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2019, 09:31:01 AM » |
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Indeed, having a dual-sport bike helps to appreciate the torque and power of the Valkyrie. And my Weestrom says hi! Are you planning to next ride to Alaska? * Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year.  |
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2019, 01:23:11 PM » |
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Nice bike ! When I bought my Valk in '13, I actually started out looking for one of those. Don't ask please.  |
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!  |
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Alien
Member
Posts: 1400
Ride Safe, Be Kind
Earth
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« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2019, 06:56:18 PM » |
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Indeed, having a dual-sport bike helps to appreciate the torque and power of the Valkyrie. And my Weestrom says hi! Are you planning to next ride to Alaska? * Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I'm in! I would love to do that ride! When are you looking at going? I have about 600 hours of vacation time stored up. |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #15 on: May 22, 2019, 07:21:33 PM » |
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so what do you all think is the best all purpose dual sport cycle? Vstrom 1000/650 or kawi versys or ??
I see a suzuki vstrom 1000 low miles (chain drive) nicely equipped 2005 I think for 2500, not too bad?
the seat looks fairly roomy but the taller seat height me being 5'10" and pushing 30 inch inseam is iffy although is light enough to lean it over am sure a little.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10513
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2019, 07:34:42 PM » |
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so what do you all think is the best all purpose dual sport cycle? Vstrom 1000/650 or kawi versys or ??
I see a suzuki vstrom 1000 low miles (chain drive) nicely equipped 2005 I think for 2500, not too bad?
the seat looks fairly roomy but the taller seat height me being 5'10" and pushing 30 inch inseam is iffy although is light enough to lean it over am sure a little.
The best? Better break that down by price categories! As far as a bang for your buck, tried and true bike that can literally tour and has TONS of add on accessories the KLR is hard to beat. Again, for the price. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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Pappy!
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« Reply #17 on: May 22, 2019, 09:28:13 PM » |
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I bought one of those around 5 years ago. Thought I would like it but it got old pretty quick for me. Agree with the seat height comment. Pretty tall bike.
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Savago
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« Reply #18 on: May 23, 2019, 10:40:27 AM » |
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so what do you all think is the best all purpose dual sport cycle? Vstrom 1000/650 or kawi versys or ??
They are both great bikes, you can't go wrong with any of them. For my size (6ft2, 190lbs, 34in-seam), I felt that the versys was a bit too small, and decided to go with the weestrom (which has the same frame + size as the DL1000). I have the impression that the ecossystem of accessories is stronger for the vstrom and the KLR650, than say, the versys. |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10513
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #20 on: May 23, 2019, 12:56:09 PM » |
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Hats off to them! Some extreme adventure riding there. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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bigdanIA
Member
Posts: 50
'98 tourer
brooklyn, iowa
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« Reply #21 on: May 24, 2019, 03:06:36 PM » |
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i love my klr! it's such a nice contrast to the valk, it's great for running the dirt and gravel roads. |
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Serk
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« Reply #22 on: May 24, 2019, 03:47:00 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10513
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #23 on: May 24, 2019, 04:23:15 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #24 on: May 24, 2019, 05:37:01 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. Deadhorse on the North Slope of Alaska ? |
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10513
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #25 on: May 24, 2019, 05:41:17 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. Deadhorse on the North Slope of Alaska ? Didn't know about that Dead Horse! It sounds cold. Was thinking of Dead Horse Point. It's hot. My mistake. |
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« Last Edit: May 24, 2019, 06:08:26 PM by Valkorado »
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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Serk
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« Reply #26 on: May 24, 2019, 05:42:01 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. Deadhorse on the North Slope of Alaska ? Only Deadhorse I know of... At the end of the Haul Road... I know, I know, not the prettiest part of Alaska, but it's a major bucket list for me to ride a 2 wheeled motorized vehicle up there to dip my toes in the Arctic ocean.... I WILL do it..... somehow..... although the Fates decided it wasn't time last time I had everything lined up... |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #27 on: May 24, 2019, 05:47:26 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. Deadhorse on the North Slope of Alaska ? Only Deadhorse I know of... At the end of the Haul Road... I know, I know, not the prettiest part of Alaska, but it's a major bucket list for me to ride a 2 wheeled motorized vehicle up there to dip my toes in the Arctic ocean.... I WILL do it..... somehow..... although the Fates decided it wasn't time last time I had everything lined up... I've never understood this. But that's ok, there is much I don't get. BUT ! If you are going to go all that way, please leave yourself some time to actually see some of the scenic parts of Alaska. when you get closer to planning it, I'd love to give some of my thoughts on places and things to do. |
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Serk
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« Reply #28 on: May 24, 2019, 05:51:50 PM » |
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* Savago looking for a riding partner, planning to ride from California all the way to Dead Horse next year. I came VERY close to riding to Dead Horse on my Valk several years ago, was lining things up but had to call it off.... It's still on my bucket list, although I know a Valk isn't the ideal bike to do it on I've got this strange desire to do it on one..... Wish I could do it next year, but don't think that's in the cards, much as I'd enjoy it... But ya' got me thinking..... It's a great bike for Dead Horse, been there done that. You might envy the dual sport riders you'll see there though. Quite a motorsports playground around that area. Deadhorse on the North Slope of Alaska ? Only Deadhorse I know of... At the end of the Haul Road... I know, I know, not the prettiest part of Alaska, but it's a major bucket list for me to ride a 2 wheeled motorized vehicle up there to dip my toes in the Arctic ocean.... I WILL do it..... somehow..... although the Fates decided it wasn't time last time I had everything lined up... I've never understood this. But that's ok, there is much I don't get. BUT ! If you are going to go all that way, please leave yourself some time to actually see some of the scenic parts of Alaska. when you get closer to planning it, I'd love to give some of my thoughts on places and things to do. Last time I ALMOST made this happen I was planning for a full month from Dallas to Deadhorse and back, so yeah, as much seeing of the prettier parts as possible, but something about the Haul road calls me... Much like when George Herbert Leigh Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest.... "Because it's there." |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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