Back from Pink Mountain - Not Alaska #1

[mister_bill]

Made it as far as Pink Mountain on the AlCan highway - about mile 150. Due to various issues, I decided to turn back south there. My round trip from Slidell, Louisiana was right at 7000 miles. Zero problems with the bike other than the seat.

Learned some lessons for the next tour.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice and encouragement for this trip. I will be glad to answer any questions that anyone might have such as gear, weather, etc.

A few more pictures to follow on post #2

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[rickj]

Welcome back, mister_bill!

I'd be interested in hearing about your trip. What was the Alcan like this year? Did you just decide that you didn't have enough time to complete the trip as planned? How'd the ST handle the roads up there?

I'd like to ride the Alcan again sometime, but it is a significant investment of time and planning to do that trip. My trip in '96 from Southern California was 1-way only as I was limited on time. I made it as far north as the arctic circle then over to Anchorage, from where I shipped the bike back. The trip was about 3 weeks, but I was taking my time on the road up ther and enjoying the sights. I even took a couple of days off from riding while up there! If I ever do the trip again, I suspect that I'll either rent a bike up there, or ship my bike up to Anchorage (and possibly back) so I can spend my time exploring that area.

Rick

[TPadden]

......I suspect that I'll either rent a bike up there, or ship my bike up to Anchorage (and possibly back) so I can spend my time exploring that area.

Rick

I'll never understand that no matter how hard I try. I've done the Alaska thing twice so far; camped and rode round trip both times. The fun is in the trip not the destination - don't know how many times I've said and heard that. Canada is REALLY part of the whole Alaskan trip!

Anchorage is just another city; wouldn't even put it on my list of destinations :( . The Alaskan, Cassiar, and Top O' the World Highways ARE the adventure. As far as Cities go - Banff, Dawson Creek, Whitehourse, Skaggway, and best of all Dawson City aren't to be missed - and Skaggway is the only one actually in Alaska and can be hit without really making it to "Alaska" :) .

I really think making the trip with no goal of a destination is best - if it stops being fun turn around and go home.

That's just me ........

Tom

[rickj]

Tom,

I agree that traveling to the destination of Alaska, and especially British Columbia, makes for a great trip. Unfortunately, TIME is a short supply with me and others who have likely made the comment about shipping the bike up north to ride Alaska. In my 1996 ride I decided to ship the bike back as it allowed me to enjoy a leisurely pace while I was in Canada and Alaska. Otherwise I would have had to average well over 500 miles per day, which I choose not to do.

In my case, selecting Anchorage as a destination to ship the bike to has more to do with the fact that Achorage is on the coast, and it's relatively cheap to ship the bike there. However, shipping your bike to Anchorage also puts you in striking range of all the great destinations that you mentioned for those of us that are time limited. With limited time I'd rather spend my time riding in Alsaka and BC than traversing California, Oregon, and Washington.

Just my $0.02.
Rick

[TPadden]

Tom,

I agree that traveling to the destination of Alaska, and especially British Columbia, makes for a great trip. Unfortunately, TIME is a short supply with me and others Just my $0.02.
Rick

Rick,

We still disagree but it's all just a matter of choices, - for me: if time is a factor then don't ship; shorten the trip :D ! If time is really short why waste precious moments flying, shipping or hauling when you could be riding???? :rolleyes:

Just riding up the backside (eastside) of Yosemite or to Death Valley are great compared to the hassles of shipping or hauling.

I've riden too many places where others haul or ship and their trip was a disaster. When weather at the destination sucks, shipping isn't as planned, airline flights aren't as reserved, etc. the whole trip has sucked. When RIDING no matter what is happening it is an adventure and I'm smiling inside my helmet! Some of my best trips I never got close to the planned destination.

Time be damned - it's still the TRIP not the destination.

Tom

[TPadden]

Tom,

.... In my 1996 ride I decided to ship the bike back as it allowed me to enjoy a leisurely pace while I was in Canada and Alaska. Otherwise I would have had to average well over 500 miles per day, which I choose not to do.....Just my $0.02.
Rick

Rick,

This brings up a point which is the most important part of any trip - particularly an Alaska one. Make sure you are completely compatable with any traveling companions. Although we would probably get along on a day ride, or sitting in a bar discussing riding, I'm sure we would drive each other crazy on the road. I consider 5-600 mile days VERY leisurely. When my wife and I did the Alaska trip we averaged 750 and found it hard to do any less with daylight lasting 23+ hours :D .

Even if your idea of comfortable dailey miles traveled is compatable; everyone's idea of "an early start" isn't the same. We were happy if we started by noon, rode a leisurely 800 miles, and were happy setting up camp at twilight around 3-4 AM :eek: .

To us leisurely simply meant NO SCHEDULE; if we wanted to detour - we did, if we decided to stay an extra day or two - we did. If we decided we had enough - we moved on.

Tom