Ride to the midnight sun

[bcubed]

Well, I'm off for the summer from school, and I came to the realization that I have an opportunity to do something epic that I might never have again.

I've always wanted to see Alaska, and the midnight sun. So I bought a motorcycle, gained proficiency, and intend to set out monday 7/12. I know my bike isn't the first choice for such a ride, but with only $2200 for ride and equipment, my choices were a bit limited.

I'm planning my trip and purchasing supplies now. I intend to cross the U.S. in the north while westbound, and return via the southern U.S. Specifically, I want to ride through the badlands, coastal WA and OR, Grand Canyon, west Texas, and back home via the blue ridge parkway and skyline drive.

Curious what preperations I should take. Obv. get the bike in top shape, expect every system on the bike to fail at least once, so be able to repair pretty much anything short of an engine rebulid roadside, survival gear.

A few questions:
1. Obv. I'd prefer to use secondary roads, but in case of no other options (or emergency), what's the minimum displacement to legally use the interstate highway system?
2. Do I need to re-jet the carb once I get above, say, 5000' to avoid running too rich?
3. Any Alskans care to comment on the condition of the road from Fairbanks to Deadhorse? (says "restricted.")
4. From bicycle touring, I recall to get weight low and prevent it from moving around. Any other pointers?
5. Anyone care to point me towards a source of "good" roads to take along the way?

Thanks for your help.

[Duckonin]

Go for it bcubed thats the way to enjoy life beats sitting around .

[Clint]

Welcome. That's quite an ambitious plan. I wish you luck.

Originally Posted by bcubed

A few questions:
1. Obv. I'd prefer to use secondary roads, but in case of no other options (or emergency), what's the minimum displacement to legally use the interstate highway system?
2. Do I need to re-jet the carb once I get above, say, 5000' to avoid running too rich?
3. Any Alskans care to comment on the condition of the road from Fairbanks to Deadhorse? (says "restricted.")
4. From bicycle touring, I recall to get weight low and prevent it from moving around. Any other pointers?
5. Anyone care to point me towards a source of "good" roads to take along the way?

1. Not sure, but the Nighthawk qualifies. I'm guessing that's why you ask. Personally, I'd look for something with a bit more grunt, though. You and your gear will tax the ol' girl.

2. Well, that's part of the reason I'd look for more displacement. Altitude robs power bigtime, and a poor air/fuel ratio makes it worse. You don't have to rejet, but it would save you some throttle wear, if you get my drift.

3. N/A.

4. You don't have much choice with where you mount your gear, but certainly don't pile it to the moon. Are you planning on some soft luggage or duffels and bungees? I'll offer more advice once I know your plan.

5. Motorcycleroads.com, motorcycleroads.us, sundaymorningrides.com.

[Rickster]

Sounds like the trip of a lifetime, and my prediction is you will always remember it with a smile on your face.

Good luck, and keep us posted when you can.

[omegajim]

check out the distance between the cities very carefully.

You may find out that the distance between gas stations is further than the bike can go on a tankful.

Me, with this bike....

a backpack with a camera, 3 pair of socks, a shirt, a pair of pants, and 3 pairs of shorts.

some kind of bag fastened to the back of the bike consisting of

a few small things and 2, 2 liter bottles. To be used for hauling gas between those cities that are so far apart.

Needless to say, I would take the minimalist approach.

btw, get new tires before going on the trip; by the time you are done, the tires will just about be finished.

As far as size, the 250 might not be as bad a choice as you think. You are trading off power, but you are gaining fuel economy. Important when cities and gas stations can easily be well over 150 miles apart.

and lastly, baseball batting gloves. So sting of the vibration gets adsorbed by the gloves rather than being transmitted to the palms of your hands.

Which will go numb on trips of this length. Your hands, that is.

[BigAl]

Have a plan to get back if something happens to the bike or if you have trouble and can't ride the bike home. This means spare cash or credit card. Enough to at least buy a bus ticket home.

How far do you plan to ride in a day. There are some areas out west especially in the Dakotas, Montana, Alaska and the Southwest that you will not see an open food/fuel stop for hundreds of miles. Remember that after a couple of days on the road you get real tired and can become numb to the ride so plan on having a couple of short days where you spend time walking and stretching out.

Bring a journal. Keeps notes along the way, write about the experience, be expressive and describe how you feel. This trip will be remembered a lot more clearly by reading the journal then looking at pictures. It's also handy for recording places you will like to visit again.

Bring a small camp stove and plastic sheet with bungees. At higher altitude it's always cold and a cup of something warm is just the ticket. The plastic sheet will come in handy, believe me.

Spare Key, sunscreen, lip balm, asprin, spare sunglasses, camp shoes,

Consider engraving a set of "dog tags" or plastic card that will not fade with "incase of emergency call info"

Achieving the goal is very rewarding but don't look back 5 years later and realize that you spent all your time on the road and really didn't experience the trip.

I don't know how experienced you are, how mature you are (no offense intended) but the ride you are planning would push the skills and abilities of the most experienced riders. You really need to ask yourself if this is something you can do "Alone"

Good Luck

BigAl

[robertc729]

Original Post 06-10-2007, 01:49 AM

Last Activity: 06-11-2007 02:31 AM

You'd figure that even an admin would check the dates on the zombie threads before responding.

[Clint]

What the...? How did I come across that?

What, I'm an admin so I have super powers?

[omegajim]

gots to start cleaning out the pipes, as it were.

[Rickster]

[BigAl]

Now I wonder if he made the trip or if he got scared off?

[Rickster]

He only made 3 posts, maybe he's still up there.