CIRCLE

[old grouch]

The wife and I are thinking seriously of making the trip to the Arctic Circle in Alaska next summer.  We will not go beyond the Circle.  I know DDT has just completed a trip to AK, but doesn't seem he went to the Circle this trip.  (Great write-ups by the way.  I love reading them)  I have not found any recent info online.  Lots of dire predictions of doom and the need for extra gas and spare tires and 4WD, but nothing really specific about the road conditions from Fairbanks to the Circle.  Has anyone on here been to the Circle in the last year or two?  If so I would really like to hear your thoughts on the road conditions/gas availability on the  portion of the trip between Fairbanks and the Circle.  TIA Stan   

[DirtyDan]

2012 is when I did it. Gas up EVERY chance you get. If you are trying for dead horse (I didn't make it) you will need extra fuel.

MOSQUITO NETTING !!!!

Be happy to help anyway I can

Dan

[old grouch]

Thanks for the info Dan.  Wickipedia says some sections are paved as of 2013.  Was hoping someone had been there since then.  Stan

[scooperhsd]

Quick Google search - Road you will take - Warning ROUGH ROAD, and vehicles strongly encouraged to bring survival gear. I would include a firearm capable of killing a polar bear as part of "survival gear". You might even consider a diesel powered 4wd truck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalton_Highway

[The emperor has no clothes]

Quick Google search - Road you will take - Warning ROUGH ROAD, and vehicles strongly encouraged to bring survival gear. I would include a firearm capable of killing a polar bear as part of "survival gear". You might even consider a diesel powered 4wd truck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalton_Highway

obviously written by someone who knows little of the area. As far as survival gear, good waterproof gear, matches, lighters, some food is all you'll need. As far as road conditions, I haven't been on the road for over 20 years. So, take this with a grain of salt. I doubt they have paved much of it, maybe the first 50 miles at most. There are a couple problems with riding motorcycles on the Dalton.
1) it's mostly used for resupplying the Prudhoe Oil Fields. Because of this the truckers that use it are there to make money. As far as they are concerned bikes and vehicles are just getting in their way. Don't expect much courtesy from them.
2) the road can change dramatically from day to day. Soft gravel, mud, washboard is going to be an issue likely.
I don't want to discourage you from the trip, but riding the Dalton on a Valkyrie with a passenger would not be my idea of fun. There are many more scenic places to ride in the state. There is nothing there that you would not see somewhere else.
Like I said it's been a long time since I've been on it. But, I just can't imagine it's changed that much.

[Jess from VA]

Some random pics.














Finally, I've found bumfok egypt.

[old grouch]

Quick Google search - Road you will take - Warning ROUGH ROAD, and vehicles strongly encouraged to bring survival gear. I would include a firearm capable of killing a polar bear as part of "survival gear". You might even consider a diesel powered 4wd truck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalton_Highway

obviously written by someone who knows little of the area. As far as survival gear, good waterproof gear, matches, lighters, some food is all you'll need. As far as road conditions, I haven't been on the road for over 20 years. So, take this with a grain of salt. I doubt they have paved much of it, maybe the first 50 miles at most. There are a couple problems with riding motorcycles on the Dalton.
1) it's mostly used for resupplying the Prudhoe Oil Fields. Because of this the truckers that use it are there to make money. As far as they are concerned bikes and vehicles are just getting in their way. Don't expect much courtesy from them.
2) the road can change dramatically from day to day. Soft gravel, mud, washboard is going to be an issue likely.
I don't want to discourage you from the trip, but riding the Dalton on a Valkyrie with a passenger would not be my idea of fun. There are many more scenic places to ride in the state. There is nothing there that you would not see somewhere else.
Like I said it's been a long time since I've been on it. But, I just can't imagine it's changed that much.

Seems I did not make myself clear.  I only want to ride to the Arctic Circle (sign) then return to Fairbanks.  IIRC the sign is at MP115.  Dalton Highway starts about 50 Miles from Faibanks??  So about 170 miles one way??  Will be on a GL1500 GoldWing Trike.  Will have new tires at the beginning of the trip.  At the expected (25-35 mph) speeds I should be able to get ~ 150 miles to reserve.  Will I be able to make that round trip w/o carrying extra gas?  (supposed to be gas at MP60)  Is the road so bad that I should be worried about tires?  

[The emperor has no clothes]

Quick Google search - Road you will take - Warning ROUGH ROAD, and vehicles strongly encouraged to bring survival gear. I would include a firearm capable of killing a polar bear as part of "survival gear". You might even consider a diesel powered 4wd truck.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalton_Highway

obviously written by someone who knows little of the area. As far as survival gear, good waterproof gear, matches, lighters, some food is all you'll need. As far as road conditions, I haven't been on the road for over 20 years. So, take this with a grain of salt. I doubt they have paved much of it, maybe the first 50 miles at most. There are a couple problems with riding motorcycles on the Dalton.
1) it's mostly used for resupplying the Prudhoe Oil Fields. Because of this the truckers that use it are there to make money. As far as they are concerned bikes and vehicles are just getting in their way. Don't expect much courtesy from them.
2) the road can change dramatically from day to day. Soft gravel, mud, washboard is going to be an issue likely.
I don't want to discourage you from the trip, but riding the Dalton on a Valkyrie with a passenger would not be my idea of fun. There are many more scenic places to ride in the state. There is nothing there that you would not see somewhere else.
Like I said it's been a long time since I've been on it. But, I just can't imagine it's changed that much.

Seems I did not make myself clear.  I only want to ride to the Arctic Circle (sign) then return to Fairbanks.  IIRC the sign is at MP115.  Dalton Highway starts about 50 Miles from Faibanks??  So about 170 miles one way??  Will be on a GL1500 GoldWing Trike.  Will have new tires at the beginning of the trip.  At the expected (25-35 mph) speeds I should be able to get ~ 150 miles to reserve.  Will I be able to make that round trip w/o carrying extra gas?  (supposed to be gas at MP60)  Is the road so bad that I should be worried about tires?  

Well this makes me feel better about your trip. Riding the trike will make it doable for sure. There is a gas station at the Yukon River, about 100 miles from Fairbanks. Then it's another 50 miles to the Arctic Circle. Approximate distances, it's been awhile. So, I think you will have no problems with fuel. I would verify this though, don't take my memory of decades ago as fact. You could very well have tire problems, there is gravel with rocks that could cut a tire. If I was doing it, I don't think I'd bother with carrying extra tires. I would definitely carry a plug patching kit and good pump. Being on the trike is going to make it feasible. I think your biggest problem is trucks throwing rocks at you. Padded clothing for you and your wife would be a good idea. Keep in mind, this is not going to be all that scenic. It's going to be more for bragging rights. Which isn't a bad thing. Also, don't forget the 95% Deet repellent. 

[old grouch]

Yeah!  10-4 on the bragging rights!  I won't be in a big hurry, will give the trucks lots of  space.  Just want to get the picture.

[DirtyDan]

Yeah!  10-4 on the bragging rights!  I won't be in a big hurry, will give the trucks lots of  space.  Just want to get the picture.

+1 SO glad I did it

Be nice to see a second Valkyrie artic circle picture

Dan

[old grouch]

Dan---Sorry, it won't be a Valkyrie pic.  I am riding a GW Trike now.