Arctic Circle via Alaska

[witttom]

Duplicate post taken from the BritRider.com parallel universe....

I'm looking for a travel buddy (or buddies). This isn't an open invitation, as spending weeks with an individual on the road is not an easy thing to do, and I'm not exactly the easiest person to get along with (some might even consider me an a$höle, yes I know hard to believe), nor are many of my travel habits "compatible" with everyone. I'm just trying to get a feel for if anyone even has any interest.

Back in the Fall/Winter of 2004, I got a crazy hair up my å$s and decided that I wanted to ride North of the Arctic Circle on a motorcycle. It was originally my intent to do this through Nunavut Canada as I felt this was the shortest distance to accomplish the task. After doing some research though, I quickly discovered that this was not a good idea as the roads virtually melt away in the Spring. So, the only real way to ride North of the Arctic Circle, is through Alaska. The only trouble with that, is that it's an 8000 mile round trip and that's if you make a bee-line across Canada there and back (but who is gonna do that?). Realistically, if you're doing any real travels, it's more like a 10k trip or more. I mentioned this trip to a few of my travel buddies. They all thought I was insane.

So in 2005, I tried to make it happen but it just didn't work out. I honestly thought that I could do it in 17 days (two weeks, three weekends, and the July 4th holiday). The more planning I did and the closer time came, the more I realized that I was going to need more time. Not to mention that the trip was becoming more and more complex (ie: a set of tires would not make it though the whole trip), and I could not convince any of my friends into making the trip with me.

In 2006, I decided to take my employer up on an offer they had been extending to me for several years, that if I ever needed more time than what I had in vacation, that I could take it off without pay. I asked, and it was approved. I began planning my trip, again. Then my employer caught wind of what I was planning to do on my time off. I was called into a meeting and informed that a "Motorcycle Trip" was not what they had intended, and I was denied the time. So another year, down the drain. None of my friends wanted to go with my anyway.

In 2007, I looked into making this trip again using what vacation time I had available to me. It was my plan to strategically take vacation time around the 4th of July holiday, to stretch out the time I needed. It was also my plan to call in to my employer if I was unable to make it back within the time that I had. Another employee had done it recently while on vacation, so I figured I could get away with it too (better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right?). In the end, I decided against it. I decided to play ball, walk the straight line, and wait until my 10th Anniversary with my employer so that I could obtain an extra week of vacation. I knew that it would not happen before that.

In 2008, I found myself without a job. Now I had all the time in the world, but without a steady income and a host of other uncertainties, I was very reserved with any attempts in making the trip. I was was still open to the possibility though, and even bought a 2008 edition of "The Milepost" (Alaskan travel guide). I had a couple travel companions lined up, but as time approached, no one was willing to go through with it. Probably just as well. The lack of income, not to mention that fuel was $4/gal, would not have been a wise "Investment" of my time. Another year, gone.

The Spring of 2009, I said "Why bother?". In fact, I pretty much decided that this trip just wasn't going to happen. Ever. Too complex, too expensive, and quite frankly... I just wasn't sure if I was even up to it myself anymore. I didn't even bother trying to recruit friends to go. As the window of opportunity came and went this past Summer, I vaguely looked at the possibility but made no sincere attempts at it. I was just too busy with family activities anyway.

Five years after I originally said I wanted to make this trip and I'm nowhere closer to making it than what I was in 2004. So this came up in conversation with the wife a few weeks ago. We were talking about the fact that I'm turning 40 later this month (she likes to continually remind me of this). I had mentioned that I had hoped (and expected) to make it to Alaska (and the Arctic Circle) before this event, but now found it very unlikely that I would ever make it. She disagreed, and suggested that I take all of July and just do it.

So here I am. It is still a complicated and potentially expensive trip, but with the wife's encouragement, I'm considering it again. I believe that I can do this trip in 3 weeks, but am leaving the 4th week open as a possibility (willing to take the whole month of July) if needed. My friends still think I'm insane. The riding buddy that I have traveled with the most, does not believe it can be done in three weeks and says that he just can't be gone that long. He wants to do a West Coast trip and ride the PCH. If I can't do Alaska, I'll do that with him instead.

I would need to change tires somewhere along the way. I have connections in Edson, Alberta (tools, garage, a meal and place to sleep) which I would probably use on my return route. I would want to camp as much as I could (or sleep on a Rest Area bench, or whatever I need to do) in order to keep lodging expenses to a minimum (every night in a hotel would be very expensive). Would still need to get a cheap hotel periodically though, as I just don't think I could camp every night.

Is there anyone here who has an interest in such a trip?

[doggmike]

Hi Tom its Mike Brandt here.I lived in Alaska for seventeen years.There is some information that you probably know about.The Dalton Highway,or the haul road as Alaskans know it requires a special permit to use.At least it did ten years ago.This might be somthing you want to check out if you have to go further north yhan Fairbanks.Good luck on your adventure.Ive driven the Alaska highway once each way,seventeen years apart.Mike Brandt

[witttom]

Hi Tom its Mike Brandt here.I lived in Alaska for seventeen years.There is some information that you probably know about.The Dalton Highway,or the haul road as Alaskans know it requires a special permit to use.At least it did ten years ago.This might be somthing you want to check out if you have to go further north yhan Fairbanks.Good luck on your adventure.Ive driven the Alaska highway once each way,seventeen years apart.Mike Brandt

I knew that the roads beyond Deadhorse, which take you on to the Arctic Ocean, were private and generally unavailable to the public, but I was not aware that the Dalton Highway itself requires any special permits. I was under the belief that it was publicly open to Deadhorse. I'll hafta look into that further. Thanks for the tip.

[witttom]

I think this info is a bit dated (I'm guessing this was written in 2002 or so), but....

Alaska 11 is a recent designation for this road, as the state of Alaska just obtained maintenance responsibilities. This changeover from private to public is the main reason why the Dalton Highway is a high priority corridor. It used to be that traveling the Dalton Highway required a permit: Until December 1994, motorists needed a special permit to drive north of Disaster Creek.

http://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/corr24.html

[witttom]

http://arcticmoto.shutterfly.com/

[witttom]

Sad chart. Posting this here, because I'm expecting this to change radically in 2010.

[witttom]

I've not done a lot over the Winter with the Trophy. I parked it in my basement with the intent, but I've just not got a lot accomplished. Last week I finally got around to mounting a Ventura headlight protector, donated to the cause by a friend down under.



I also began chopping up a stock windshield. It has been my intent to come up with something "disposable" or 'expendable' because I know it's gonna take a beating. I did not want to damage my Clearview 'Sport', and I also needed a little more cockpit room for my gadgets.

I forgot how tall the stock windshields were. It is probably 6" or 7" taller than my aftermarket Clearview.



Working with black electrical tape to decide where I want to start cutting. I do not like the aerodynamics of a tall windshield. Low is the way to go, but not TOO low because I need SOME protection.



I ended up chopping approx four inches off the top.



My helper cleaning off the plastic shavings. I later decided to round the corners off on the windshield.



Contemplating making a custom deflector. I was originally thinking about making something like a Lamair Lip, but changed direction and went with this instead.



It's a bizarre windshield (and difficult to photograph), but it's functional, strong, and hopefully will serve it's purpose. The inside is painted flat black. It will likely be trashed by the time I get back from Alaska, so I''m not that concerned with it being perfect. Headlight protector now in place too. Everything is looking kinda strange, but it's function before form.



Waterproof RAM-mount aqua box for my GPS, mounted directly to the back side of my highly modified (and reinforced) windshield. It's hard for me to even call it a 'modified' windshield, as there isn't much left of the original. I'd almost prefer to call it 'Fabricated'. Top of windshield is wrapped with SAE edging to help with airflow. I've not tested the aerodynamics yet (crossing my fingers). I've also mounted and wired a 12V adapter (long overdue). This will be my 'Home' for three weeks, so I'm very picky with how things are laid out. Still a work in progress.



I will split the 12V socket out with a 3-way power bar (most likely stashed in my tank bag) to power the GPS, Blackberry, battery chargers for my cameras, etc. I was originally planning on hard wiring my new Garmin 780 (my old Garmin GPS-V is hard wired) and even bought the plug/wire to do it, BUT my MSN-direct receiver (for gas prices, weather, traffic conditions, news, etc) is integrated in the cable itself. So if I want those services, I need to use the original cable.

I have hours and HOURS invested in this windshield. At one point I didn't like the path I was following and almost scrapped it, but in the end I'm quite happy with the results. Ive not actually tried it out yet though, so only time will tell.

[witttom]

I also spent several hours today with tank removed, working with fuel and vacuum lines. Replacing the factory form-fitted main fuel line was my main objective, as I knew it was leaking. Not easy to make regular replacement fuel line to bend like that.



Joey gave me some flexible translucent blue fuel line a couple months ago (THANKS JOEY!!). Even it had a tendency to kink with that tight bend, but it was flexible enough to allow me to reroute it and make some funky turns along the way. I'm using a longer section, so I've increased my fuel capacity by a couple ounces. Hehe...

There are actually TWO main fuel lines. I discovered a crack in the other one as well. Replacing it is a huge ordeal, so I elected to chop the damaged end off and used it as it was (the rest of the line was fine). Since the line was now slightly shorter, I rerouted it to allow a little more flexibility when putting it back together. While replacing the cracked fuel lines, I discovered the petcock vacuum line had a hole in it. I repaired and rerouted that one as well. I've messed with all of these lines for years and they are always a PITA. Common issues with modern Triumphs from the 90's.



I'm just a little bit closer to being prepared.

[witttom]

Encountered a potential show-stopper this weekend.

After the missed opportunity to use the Ozark Raid as my shake down test, I decided to head East this past weekend to meet some friends at the Appalachian Moto-Guzzi Rally in Eastern Ohio. Overall is was an excellent weekend and I learned a few things, what works, what doesn't, what needs to change, etc. Saturday morning we packed up and head South, chasing blue skies in WV.



Later in the day on Saturday though, things started taking a turn for the worse. My fuel mileage took a dive. Rather than the upper-30's/low-40's that are what I consider the 'Norm' for my Trophy, I was seeing upper-20's/low-30's. It got progressively worse. Sunday was rough. The rain complicated things. By mid-afternoon on Sunday, the Trophy was in bad shape. I should have called in reinforcements to come and evacuate me, but I managed to limp the last 200 miles home. My last fuel stop was 5.4gal, and I had only gone 92-miles.

I'm not sure what's up. My initial thinking was a coil, but this is different than the typical coil problems I've seen before. I fear that it is something serious. I've pulled the tank and looked things over, but whatever it is it's not jumping out at me as the obvious cause. It's going to take some effort on my part. I've just not had the chance to dig any deeper.

[witttom]

I never have followed up with this, because... well, I've been working on it. During the May Appalachian Moto-Guzzi Rally, my Trophy developed a serious fuel consumption problem. After doing some research and consulting the Trophy gurus, I was confident that the float-bowl O-rings were to blame. I ordered the O-rings. In the meantime, I replaced the coils, "Just Because". I needed spares anyway. That didn't do it. I'm not surprised. I didn't expect it to fix my problem.

So, I took the Trophy down to Ron Bernert's shop in Ross and put it on the lift. There it has been since and I've worked on it when I've had the time. I tore it down over a few days. Pulled the carbs. Split the carbs open and Ron advised me what to do. As it turned out, there were a few other O-rings that could be replaced (other than the float bowl rings that I had in hand). So we ordered those from Joey. It took a little while for those to come in. I picked them up. Ron helped me put them back together (not as easy as you might think). Ron wanted to replace the float bowl needles as we could see an ever-so-slight not-quite-perfect shape to them. But man, I'm telling ya... it was so minor, I had a real difficult time even seeing it. Float bowl needles can not be bought seperately. Ya gotta buy the whole float bowl assembly. That was gonna cost me $200. I didn't want to do it because I didn't think that was the problem. I STILL don't think that's the problem. Anywho.... it all goes back together.

I've got HOURS invested in this project at this point. I have a new hatred of the Trophy airbox. After all these years, I now have a better understanding of what everyone has been bitching about. In case you don't know, the carbs and the airbox have to come out together. You can't pull one without pulling the other.

During this process, I discovered this (carb 3, second from the top)....



That's a pinched/distorted airbox boot. That's not my current problem, but it still pisses me off. It's been like that since 2003 when I had Transport Triumph in Lexington work on it (they screwed some other stuff up too, but that's a whole other story for a different time).

So after the rebuild, the carbs finally go back on Wednesday night at 1am (err, I guess that would be Thursday morning). Stopped there. Came back Thursday night and spent a few more hours piecing everything back together and hooking up this and that. I did as much as I could without Ron's help. Friday, I dropped in again after 10pm, just to inch my way forward. I didn't do much. I met Ron late this morning (Saturday) and we fired it up for the first time. It's blowing black smoke and still dumping fuel. I spent the next couple hours stripping it back down to remove the airbox and remounting the carbs WITHOUT the airbox so that we can see what it happening.

At this point, I'm at a loss. I'm calling it quits for the day, just trying to let it all soak in and decide what to do next.

What I do know, is that I'm quickly running out of time. I was originally planning to depart on the 27th or 28th. I just don't see that happening now. At least not on the Trophy. I had said before, that even if I got it fixed, that I needed some time to build my confidence back up in it before heading out on a 10,000-mile journey. As the departure creeps closer, I've been lowering my standards and saying "my first couple days riding through the NW States will my shake-down test and if I have a problem, I'll just turn around.". That's a tough concept to follow at this point though, particularly since I STILL have not resolved my issues.

Early last month I realized that I don't have a Plan-B. Plan-B eventually became my Suzuki GS. Even though that's a bit crazy (riding a 32yr/old bike across the continent I mean), it is capable. The trouble with that Plan-B though, is that I've not spent any time prepping the bike, nor really getting a feel if -I- am capable of making it on that bike. Plan-B is weak.

Over the past few weeks, I've also been trying desperately to line up a replacement bike. Either another Trophy, or a Tiger. I cannot simply slap down the money and buy one. It's not that easy. The right deal has not come along, and nothing has panned out. That's how it usually works when you're looking.

For a brief period, recently, I considered taking the Speed Four. It's ultra-reliable, I could make the entire trip on one set of tires, it's really not that uncomfortable.... but it's just not the right tool for the job. After I rode it 80-miles in one sitting recently, I decided (or perhaps, was 'reminded') that it simply will not do.

My MZ Baghira, while certainly an ideal bike to have once I'm inside Alaska, is not the bike to get me there. That's a no-brainer. It can't happen. It won't happen, on that bike.

My Elite. Go ahead and laugh. I've considered it. I'm still considering it. The problem with it however, is that it has a small tank and it's located under the seat. That presents some interesting problems. The major factor deterring me from taking this bike however, is speed. ..or lack thereof. With the Trophy, I was shooting for three weeks (give or take), and hoping for less. The Elite can do it, but it will take longer. I just don't have the time, nor do I WANT to take that time away from my family, to do it on the Elite.

So here I am. Stuck. Still scratching my head, eye-balling the GS. Eye-balling the Elite. But still stuck.

[witttom]

Departure postponed till the first week of August. Will most likely leave mid/late week (Aug-4, give or take a couple days). Had my parts come in last week (and assuming I would have been able to get the Trophy roadworthy over the weekend), I would have given it a go. But, Joe's called today at 4pm. Parts arrived, but I've missed my window of opportunity. Will try to ride up there tomorrow to get my stuff, and then get back to work on the Trophy. That gives me a month to get ready, again.

[witttom]

Departing real early tomorrow morning (Aug-3).

I thought that I was 90% packed before vacation this past week, but after spending a couple hours yesterday trying to "organize", I realized that I've still got some work to do and need to lighten the load. I've already repacked a couple time today and have gone through my tools multiple times trying to lighten the load. I've not started to stress out yet, but I'm confident I'll get to that point some time this evening. I'll never be completely ready. I've just come to accept that. I can only bring it together as good as I can and hope for the best.

http://arcticmoto.blogspot.com/

Had to switch to Blogspot/Blogger a few days ago, as I was experiencing some technical difficulties with the Shutterfly Blog that made my mobile updates difficult. I doubt if I'll do a spectacular job of regular updates, but I'm gonna try. Yes, I'm gonna try to take lots of photos. Crossing my fingers. Both my 'Primary' camera and my 'Backup' camera have been giving me some trouble over the past couple days. Was going to replace the backup camera with my daughter's camera, but that one died last week. So I'm taking my wife's camera and hoping that I'm not gonna need it. Of course, I have my Crackberry too.

[CrazyLostBoy]

Best wishes on your trip Tom. We'll be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing the photos!

[BudDaytonRat]

Best wishes on your trip Tom. We'll be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing the photos!

Plus 1 Tom. Be safe.

[Scrambler31]

+1 Safe travels and enjoy the adventure. Look forward to following the updates.