Alaska 2/2/2/2 & 1 2009

[Black and Blue]

2 PEOPLE/2 DOGS/2 URALS/2 MONTHS & 1 KENTUCKY GUY ON A V-STROM

Ernie & I rode from our home in Bishop, California to Missoula, Montana where we currently are (at a KOA).
We are waiting for Steve (Ironhead Ziggy 76) to meet up with us. He is riding from Belton, Kentucky.
He left on Friday morning. We heard from him last night where he was failing at his attempt to set up his tent in a howling windstorm in Sioux Falls.
He had been riding in horrible winds all day and was none too pleased with his gas mileage!

Nothing much notable about our trip so far, we have been through alot of the country we had covered before.

Weather/wind has not been too bad and we have seen some beautiful country.
It seems once we got into Montana we could catch a faint scent of Alaska and got more excited!

Stayed the first night in Eureka, Nv at a little hole in the wall where we pitched a tent in the RV resort weeds. But for $5.00, I wasn't complaining. The only glitch was they locked the bathroom and there wasn't a tree or rock in sight! Not a problem for the RV crowd...but I felt like a minnow in a sea of sharks.

Second night was spent outside of Idaho Falls in a little area called Eden at a campground called Anderson Camp. We had stayed there before. Nice big grassy areas to pitch the tent in.

Third night was spent in Dillon, Montana (south of Butte) at a KOA. Camped right next to a river and its mosquitos in a big grassy area. Very nice couple that runs the place. Cruised around the old town and looked at some of the history.

Steve should be here Monday or Tuesday, depending on what kind of mileage he can make...then it is off to Alaska!

Since it is kind of idle time for Ernie & I, I probably will not post again about the adventure until Steve gets here...then he can update you on his experiences coming from Kentucky.

Thanks to all of you for the well wishes!

Tried to post some photos, but got an error message from the new server (Mellow?)...will keep working on it and try to post the photos later.

Ernie & Colleen

[Black and Blue]

Finally uploaded the pics that were suppose to be with first report.:)

#1 Colleen out of gas first day!

#2 Ernies Taco Stand Elko, Nevada. (Gotta pay for the trip!)

#3 Stuck in road construction, of course. (Twin Falls, Id.)

#4 Roadside break in Montana.

#5 Dillon KOA camp by the river.

[HOGCDR]

B&B

Are you still at the Missoula,MT KOA?? My home!! What to stop my and say HI if you are.

Michael

[Trailace]

Stayed the first night in Eureka, Nv at a little hole in the wall where we pitched a tent in the RV resort weeds. But for $5.00, I wasn't complaining. The only glitch was they locked the bathroom and there wasn't a tree or rock in sight! Not a problem for the RV crowd...but I felt like a minnow in a sea of sharks.


Was that Silver Sky RV Park?

I was trying to find a nice campground in that area and camp up with nothing. But I did find Silver Sky RV Park just south of town.

I still think this is going to be one great ride and story.

[Yamifj1200]

WOOOOO HOOOOOO, you guys are doing it now..... Thanks so much for the updates and pictures, Love the pics of Montana, as me and my buddy will be there in August.. You folks ride safe and take loads of photo's if you please... Tell Steve he should have been there today.... LOL


Thanks again.... Eric

[Black and Blue]

HOGCDR, yes we are still here. Space T12. Will be here until we link up with Ironheadziggy. Either late Monday or Tuesday. Come on by.:)

Trailace. Yes that was Silver Sky RV. Very nice folks, but not really set up for tents.

Hopefully more to follow.P^ Will let Ironheadziggy spin his yarn to you all.:D

[TJ Willy]

Awesome.

:Popcorn

[TJ Willy]

Anyone hear from Ziggy???

[G wizz]

Anyone hear from Ziggy???

TJ:
I'd be willing to bet you won't be hearing from Ziggy till he hooks up with
Black & Blue.
I doubt he packed a computer for this adventure, as cargo space would be at a premimum on a trip of this magnitude.
Don't worry though, I'm SURE he packed a camera. We'll be seeing some great pictures when he can send them.

G wizz

[HOGCDR]

Ziggy made in late yesterday to Missoula, had some weather and motocycle issues. Will be picking him and B&B up this morning for coffee.

P^P^

[Black and Blue]

Ziggy made it in later yesterday. Hard day of rain riding and he looked whipped. He has a chain issue, as far as I understand it.

But HOGCDR is on the case and I'm sure they are going to work it out.

HOGCDR has stopped by on several occasions to check on us and the three guys are currently at a coffee shop scheming routes and experiences. HOGCDR went to Alaska last year and it seems he has written a text book on the state! I'm sure Ziggy and Ernie will come back with a wealth of knowledge from him to assist us on our journey.

Me? Well, I'm sitting in the tent with the dogs trying to get out of the wind.

But this KOA is like the Hilton of KOA's...at least from the few I've stayed in before.

I'm sure Ziggy will post later when he gets a chance. He has our computer to use and the wireless here is good

Colleen

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hey all, I finally made it. Got the bike squared away, I spit off a clip on the Master Link and had one riveted on today. Should have done it to start with!:o We are going over the bikes and heading north in the morning.

[Yamifj1200]

Hey all, I finally made it. Got the bike squared away, I spit off a clip on the Master Link and had one riveted on today. Should have done it to start with!:o We are going over the bikes and heading north in the morning.

Steve glad you made it ok. Heres hoping that that problem is the only one you will have along the way.. Ride safe and take tons of photo's. Enjoy your adventure folks.....

Eric

[wwells]

Looking forward to your posts and pics.

[Mellow]

Glad everything is working out, looking forward to the updates.

[ImRubicon]

My daughter (Erica) said to keep those dogs safe as there's baar's in them woods P^

Ride safe and enjoy :tent6:

[Mr. Guy]

Hi ImRubicon,

Is Erica going on any trips with Dad this summer?

Guy

[PaPa John]

May the happy smiling :sun1: shine down on your fantastic adventure. Ride safe and most of all enjoy the beautiful country. Take lots of pictures.

Each day will be an adventure in its own.

John

[TJ Willy]

Great. Thanks for the updates. I look forward to this trip!

[swandog]

im not sure if you comeing through radium hotsprings at the end of your day day , but if you are there is a good povincial campsite called dry gultch with a path to the hotsprings

[Ironheadziggy76]

swandog, that is where we stayed on the way up!

We are at Dawson Creek right now, we got the oil changed in the bikes and are heading up the Alcan in the morning. Everything is going good so far!:D

HOGCDR, Thanks again for taking me around to find someone to rivet the chain together, the coffee, and lunch. When you head east this fall you have a bed and steak dinner waiting on you if you need it! Thanks again!P^

[Black and Blue]

Well everything is going great. Will post pics and update report when we have better Wi Fi. As Ironheadziggy said we are now in Dawson Creek and had to do some maintenance on the bikes. Heading out tomorrow toward Fort Nelson. There is an issue with the ALCAN HWY. due to fire. Hopefully the road won't be closed.
Mike(HOGCDR) thanks for your hospitality. It was good to meet you. Tell Cheryl (I hope I got it right) that the cookies were delicious. None survived.:D

[G wizz]

There is a camping trailer dealership in Dawson Creek called "Boes's Trailer Sales" ... They are family run by Boe and his sons.
If you need any help with anything with your bikes, stop there, the sons ride bikes, and they love to help out fellow motorcycle riders.
I had a broken latch problem on our camper, and stopped there. They had me fixed and on my way in an hour, at no charge. ..
Great bunch of guys. P^

G wizz

[Trailace]

:Popcorn

[HOGCDR]

Have fun and take lots of photos. We all look forward to your input of the trip. P^

[Sharpie]

:Popcorn
P^ Looking forward to the pics and reports. Have a great time !

[Alan]

Get eaten by the bears??????

Need some news.

:please1:

[G wizz]

Get eaten by the bears??????

Need some news.

:please1:

You may be S.O.L. for a while, They are getting into pretty remote territory up there, not many places to plug in a conputer, much less WYFI.
Cell phones get piss pour reception also.
Been there, tried that ...

G wizz

[PaPa John]

:fire4: Send smoke signals. Revert back to the good old days. Can we classify you all as pioneers. Pictures needed. Have fun.

John

[swandog]

i was listening to the cbc [government radio station] the other day . in the far north in the remote villages, people purchase almost everything over the intranet . for about $100 a month they get to use the equivalent of about one movie download . so the must be very carefull how the use thier computers

[Black and Blue]

Hello Avid Supporters!

We are in Tok, Ak this morning. Been raining for two days and we are all drowned rats! Supposed to sorta clear up, so we will ride toward Fairbanks tomorrow. This wet people/dog in a tent thing sucks!

The guys have changed tires, oil, and Ernie had one side of the road flat.

Beautiful country, awful roads. The best road surface seems to be where it is just dirt and the asphalt seems to be the worst. Go figure.

Seen a grizzly bear, countless black bears, big horn sheep, moose, elk, and all kinds of odd humans.

No pics from this spot...they can't support sending photos with their server...but we have some good ones for you when we get to civilization.

Update you all soon...or, as Ziggy says, "Y'all".

Colleen

[Trailace]

Colleen
Thanks for the update wet dogs and tent sounds like lots of fun. :p Are you staying in the National Park in ToK? When I was there in 04 Fast Eddie's had good food. Till next time be safe and have fun.P^

[Black and Blue]

Colleen
Thanks for the update wet dogs and tent sounds like lots of fun. :p Are you staying in the National Park in ToK? When I was there in 04 Fast Eddie's had good food. Till next time be safe and have fun.P^

No, we're staying in Sourdough Campground off Hwy. 1 toward Anchorage. Very limited wi fi. Good place. Talk to you soon. Will post pics as soon as possible.

[HOGCDR]

Colleen, do you wish you had brought the bottoms of the Jacket??

[ImRubicon]

Delta has a place called the evergreen and the food was good 10 years ago LOL
Bet they havnt changed the band yet either . Good to hear you are safe and sound .
Enjoy and remember its a once in a lifetime trip buy something to bring back LOL

[Black and Blue]

Yes, Sir..we did eat take out from Fast Eddys. GOOD stuff...of course, I had been cooking everything up until then and was sick of my own cooking!
We stayed at a private campground (Sourdough) in Tok because we changed out all the tires on the Urals and VStrom. Steve wanted his knobbys on for the Prudoe Bay trip and ours were just wearing too thin on these roads. Also it rained for 3 days straight...and I mean RAINED...so it was good to have a dryer to use!
We are at North Pole right now. Tomorrow to Fairbanks where Steve is picking up some general delivery stuff (parts) at the post office that his wife mailed him.
And yes, Mike, I do miss my riding pants. We will hit the BMW dealer tomorrow and see if we can buy some. That was very stupid to leave them home.
We will hopefully get a few days of dry weather because we are off north to the Arctic Circle/Coldfoot tomorrow. Ernie and I will stay there and Steve will go on to Prudoe and back.
I will post some pics from here if I can get a good enough signal and downsize them enough.

Colleen

[Black and Blue]

#1 Saw this guy.

#2 Pulled into a campground just up the road and saw this.

[Trailace]

#1 Saw this guy.

#2 Pulled into a campground just up the road and saw this.
Well its June now. LOL

[Mellow]

#1 Saw this guy.

#2 Pulled into a campground just up the road and saw this.

Well its June now. LOL

Yeah, you've got a whole month before you really have to worry.. LOL... :eek:

[ImRubicon]

berries good but campers taste like chicken LOL
I seen a sign close to that after I was soaking in the hotsprings on the way up . then read that there was a bear attack a year or two later . Better to not take the chance IMHO

[bigTom]

Great report Colleen, keep it coming!

I know what to do about your friends. Learned at Yosemite this weekend!

[Alan]

Glad to hear that none of you got eaten by the bars!:p

I will be heading to southern Alaska on Thursday, doubt I will run into you on the road, but if I see a couple of Urals, I'l give a wave.:hatw1:

[Black and Blue]

Hi, all

Well we went to the post office in Fairbanks, but poor Steve's package was not there. We then went to a Harley-Davidson/BMW Dealer and picked up some riding pants. We then restocked our supplies and headed to the Arctic Circle.

More to follow.

[Black and Blue]

Continuing...

The Dalton Hwy. is pretty confusing. Before getting on the Dalton, there is a gas stop about five miles from the Fox turn off. I advise you to top off if you go. The next gas stop is the Yukon River Camp about 74 miles or so. This is an interesting place. First you hit the roughest part of the hwy. for about the first 12 to 15 miles or so. Really rough. Then you hit pavement. Good pavement. Then gravel. Then pavement. Then gravel. Well you get the picture. Up until the Arctic Circle. Ironheadziggy76 can tell you more north of the Arctic Circle then we can. We didn't go any further. More pics.

[Black and Blue]

Dalton Hwy.
We stopped at the Yukon River Camp. The river is wide, but muddy. Lots of silt. There is a combination of gas, cafe (pretty good food), souvenir shop, and a little store (water, sodas, candy, oil, etc). People walking around armed to the teeth. The first photo, although we didn't get a good picture of guy armed, was carrying a large caliber rifle, a very large caliber revolver and a bandoleer of ammo. We continue up the hwy. to the Circle.

[Black and Blue]

The Circle.

Arrived at the Circle late in the evening, but with the sun not really going down, you think it was in the afternoon. We set up our camp in an undeveloped camp area about a 1/4 of a mile from the Circle Sign. We planned on staying there for at least two nights and wait for Steve to make his Prudhoe Bay run. We we're not going any further. There is no water there. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. No showers for the next two nights. There is a pit toilet and trash bins (bear proof)...I thought I might have to bring out the portable bear fence. Steve was going to make his run the next day.

The next day Ironheadziggy76 made his historic journey to Prudhoe Bay.

[Black and Blue]

The Failed Attempt.

Later that evening we found out Steve did not make it to Prudhoe Bay. He can tell the story. We just know his front wheel was damaged.

The next day we headed back toward Fairbanks so Steve could get another rim. We departed (said our goodbyes) and left Steve at Fairbanks, since he could not get a rim until Friday or in two days. We headed toward Anchorage.
The end of the day found us a very nice private campground call Tatlanika, north of Healy, Alaska.

[Trailace]

Thanks for the update and pics looks like fun. When I was up there it felt like a long way from home.

Sorry to here Steve did not make it to Prudhoe Bay but he looks like he is OK and that's all that counts.

Looks like the dogs are putting on a little weight. LOL

[Black and Blue]

Yeah, you're right, Trailace. A long ways from home. The dogs actually have lost a few pounds. Hard to tell with Kirby's fur.:D

We spent a night at the Tatlanika Campground and of course it rained. The campground was nicely layed out. Nice store and showers. Our site had electricity. The next morning I had to pack wet. Not so fun. We traveled the Denali area and had to stop to do laundry.

[Black and Blue]

Continuing...

We didn't go very far before the next campground. So much sightseeing. We ended up at the Byers Lake Campground, which is an Alaska State Park next to Denali National Park, but the east side of Hwy. 3. Spent the night there. No showers. Lots of Bugs.

The next day we were heading toward Anchorage, when had to spend most of the day looking for parts. Screws for the tail lamp, Colleen Ural had to have the headlamp replace. We ended up in Eagle River, AK. on Friday to do some minor repairs and broke the first cardinal rule of MotoCampers...yep we held up in a motel. No campground near here. It started to rain again, so we didn't feel so bad. Decided to give our dogs, or should we say Colleen gave the dogs a much needed bath. Cleaned up the Urals and ourselves. Catch up on the report, since there is a good internet service here. It's hard to find a motel that takes dogs.

More to follow later

[swandog]

bummer about the rim , they are $800 for the v strom .

[bigTom]

Great reports! Keep them coming, it's like being along for the ride! Thanks!

[Black and Blue]

We heard from Ironheadziggy76. He has his new rim and didn't pay as much as he thought. He was heading to Tok today and should be there by now.

[Trailace]

We heard from Ironheadziggy76. He has his new rim and didn't pay as much as he thought. He was heading to Tok today and should be there by now.

Is he heading back home?

[Yamifj1200]

Thanks so much for all the updates, as it has been said before its like we are along with you in some small way. Alaska looks like a tremendous area with all types of road surfaces. It also looks as if there are great distances between towns or any support. I know Steve has been happy to be able to ride with both of you. Glad what ever he hit to bend his rim didnt bend him up as well. Alone on the road and wrecking could have been very bad indeed. It sounds you are all having a wonderful adventure that will be with you for the rest of your lives. Enjoy yourself and take care on the ride home. Thanks again for all the updates and glad to see everyone is happy and having fun...


Eric

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hey all, just a quick note, we are back in Watson Lake on our way home. The night before I left Thompsons's Eagle Claw I get a phone call from Colleen to come to Sourdough and she would have dinner ready in an hour, I thought she was playing a joke on me, but she was serious. We all crossed the border together and are doing fine. As far as Prudhoe Bay goes, I'll just say a hit a huge hole north of Atigun Pass while meeting a truck, just a bunch of big holes and nowhere to miss them. :eek: I'll fill in more later when I'm not hijacking Colleen and Ernie's RR.

[Black and Blue]

Thanks for the feedback. We're glad you are enjoying the RR. Give and take. I find ride reports of others very entertaining, so we're glad to return the favor.

Trailace: We reconnected with Ironheadziggy76 in Tok on Sunday (6-21-09). He was staying at Thompson Eagleclaw. We were at Sourdough Campground again. Will update RR a little bit later. Battery wearing down.

[HOGCDR]

It sounds like the trip has turned into to a wet nightmare, why didn't you go south of Anchorage? Drive safe.

[Black and Blue]

It sounds like the trip has turned into to a wet nightmare, why didn't you go south of Anchorage? Drive safe.

The Combat Fishing scared us.:D It was opening day for the Red Salmon and it was going to be crowded and Colleen and I didn't go to Alaska to see mass of people. We decide to visit the coast later...on a ship.;)

P.S. Colleen had rename you Missoula Mike.:p

[Black and Blue]

Hi, Everyone

Continuing from the Anchorage Area we headed to Tok, via the Glenn Hwy. then the Tok Cutoff Hwy. We saw several Moose, saw the Matanuska Glacier off the Glenn Hwy. and reached a very cold summit to gas up. The Glenn Hwy. went through several small communities. Very scenic in some places. The Tok Cutoff Road was not very scenic compare to the Glenn Hwy. but at least there was no rain.:) We reached Tok and went back to the Sourdough Campground we stayed at before.

[Black and Blue]

Tok...
When we were checking in, the guy who was working there as a work camper told us that Ironheadziggy76 was staying at the Thompson's Eagle Claw and came in to shower. Colleen called him and at first he didn't believed that we were in Tok. Colleen told him that dinner will be ready in an hour. He showed up and we made plans to leave together in the AM.

The next morning we headed out toward the Canadian Border from Tok. The weather was fair, but rain was looming in the distant horizon.

[Black and Blue]

The Crossing...

We all crossed the border together and stopped in Beaver Creek, Yukon for a break. Who else can say they celebrated their birthday in Alaska and in Canada all in the same day.;) We then stopped for the day at Snag Junction Campground at Snag Lake north of Destruction Bay. The weather was pleasant ,but the mosquitoes weren't.

The next day we hit some of the worst road that the Yukon Territory had to offer. I mean the worst washboard condition you can imagine. A picture of it couldn't show the you the experience. I think I lost a filling.

We reached Whitehorse, but decided not to stay at Robert Services Campground. We couldn't take our Urals to the campsite. We pushed on to Wolf Creek Campground where we stayed before south of Whitehorse, but it was crowded. We then went south for another 15 miles or so to Marsh Lake. Found a site and camped for the night.

[Black and Blue]

Continuing...

We left Marsh Lake and headed toward Watson Lake. It was freezing cold and although it wasn't raining yet, the trip was not pleasant.:( We reached Watson Lake late in the afternoon and just missed a horrific storm that almost flooded Watson Lake. Needless to say we had to camp in a soggy campsite at Services Campground.:( Had our showers and Colleen cooked us up a hell of a meal. Just ask Ironheadziggy76. Made up for a wet ground.

The next day we headed out toward Fort Nelson. Then came the rains.

[Black and Blue]

The Soggy Saga Continues...

It started to rain as we were north of Muncho Lake. Ironheadziggy76 went ahead of us to take some pictures that he didn't get coming through before. There was road construction everywhere. We passed Steve talking to people on the side of the road and lost him when he passed by when we were stopped looking over a campground call Strawberry Flat. We got held up by road construction and boy was it muddy. Didn't find Steve again until we reached Toad River RV and Gas.
We gassed up and continued toward Fort Nelson. The rain became a torrent and it was cold.
We tried to ride through it, but it was getting late and the rain was getting heavier. We stopped in a campground called Tetsa River RV And Campground.
Colleen and I both agreed that there was no way to set up a tent in heavy rain. Steve agreed., so we got a cabin. More pictures to follow.

[Black and Blue]

Summit Lake to Tetsa River....

[Black and Blue]

More pics....

The next day we reached Fort Nelson and Colleen and I decided to get something to eat. Steve wanted to push on to get more miles in before the day ended. He wanted to get home as soon as possible. (we think he was worrying about an aunt). I felt that Steve was being very patient with us anyway, because we were slow and he could easily double the miles on his V-Strom. We were going to separate in St. John anyway. He was going to Dawson Creek way and we were turning south on highway 29 toward Prince George via Chetwynd. We said our goodbyes and went in to eat. Steve continued toward Dawson Creek. Steve was very good company and our comedian when we needed it. Will gladly ride with him anytime.P^
After chow we headed toward Fort St. John. About a 100 miles out we must have picked up some bad gas. Colleen's rig and another rider on a Honda started to have problems. Colleen's rig died twice and the Honda rider had to be towed into St. John. Here we sit until I can get to work on the rig. Hopefully nothing too serious, since my rig didn't have any problems.

[G wizz]

Tell me ... How did you like sharing the road with those tanker trucks?
Those boys don't give a inch do they?
One came up behind us and still had part of a moose hanging off his cow catcher, he didn't slow down a bit, passed us like we were standin still.

G wizz

[Black and Blue]

G Wizz; You know, those truckers on the Dalton were generally very courteous. I was surprised. But these route drivers (not the long haulers) on the AlCan are ... well, this is a family sight.
Our rain gear totally failed...not even duct tape repairable. Guess I'll be hitting the WalMart and find what I can find.
Ernie is out in some dirt lot cleaning the filthy, filthy air filters. He will also change the fluids and swap out the pusher. Boy, these roads eat up the rubber on the Ural pushers! Got to go to the squirt 'em car wash to find the parts under the dirt to lube.
We got so cold and wet yesterday that we were shaking...verge of hypo-something I'm sure. I kept repeating the ABC's and such to keep alert because my mind was closing down. We just plain had to stop and warm up. That was dangerous. Plus, with the bike stalling out, I was bound to end up in some ditch if we didn't stop.
I'm such a girl:p!
Saw a bunch of bears, buffalo (bison?), and moose yesterday, but it was way too wet to pull out the camera.
Going to go check on my mechanic...talk to you all later (or ya all, as Ziggy has me saying now!)

Colleen

[BCST]

I'm really enjoying the ride along with yall Colleen, I especially got a good chuckle out of the pic of you holding the dog in one hand and the frying pan in the other. I was thinking aahhh hot dog for dinner! :eek::lol:lol

You guys take care and keep up the good work of keeping us informed.


Pete

[motomac]

Gosh those stretches of road with the puddles in the dirt bring back memories of my trips up there. Great story and pictures, thanks.

[Nick C]

Colleen & Ernie and bent rim Steve, It was great spending the night with you and the dogs at the Artic Circle. I'm sorry I left so early the next morning before the proper farewells could be said. It is good to hear Steve was able to get a new rim for the trip home. He must have lost faith in our straighting job. I had a very wet and cold trip south also. I cut my trip short by three days because of the rain. I missed Prince Rupert and Bella Colla. Keep up the great writing and pictures. Ride Safe Nick

[swandog]

bear lake provincial campgrounds would be the nicest in the P.G. area , its 70 klm north of P.G. . south of prince george i can suggest pavilloin lake , it a few miles from clinton B.C. the log building with a pub in clinton is interesting as there are quite a few african animal heads on the walls . after you get to cache creek i can give you any info you may need if you mention what route south you will take

[Trailace]

Great report guys keep it coming! Sorry you guys had to deal with so much rain. :(

[Trailace]

Ernie & Colleen I Just got off the phone with Steve and is back in the states and is doing great. He told me how great you were to him and thinks the world of ya. P^

[swandog]

Colleen & Ernie and bent rim Steve, It was great spending the night with you and the dogs at the Artic Circle. I'm sorry I left so early the next morning before the proper farewells could be said. It is good to hear Steve was able to get a new rim for the trip home. He must have lost faith in our straighting job. I had a very wet and cold trip south also. I cut my trip short by three days because of the rain. I missed Prince Rupert and Bella Colla. Keep up the great writing and pictures. Ride Safe Nick

while there is lots to see and do in prince rupert , bella colla is quite different . there is not much there in the way of a town . a small rundown hotel and resterant . the road was built by the locals as away to get there other than by sea , and was paid for by the couger pelts that were hunted as the road progressed . the gravel section is an 18% grade for 18 klm[very steep] with the unprotected road edge dropping a thousand feet or more straight down . in the old days the father would drive down the hill and the rest of the family would walk as it was so dangerous

[Alan]

while there is lots to see and do in prince rupert ,

I spent about half a day in Prince Rupert a week or so ago and I was surprised to see all of the barred windows in downtown. It was the first time I ever ate in a Subway sandwich shop with barred windows. And the downtown area was crawling with drunks and street people. Also wet, wet wet.

A beautiful area though.

[swandog]

the cow bay area is touristy . when i was down town looking around i mentioned to a lady in a store that i was planning to go to the pub on the other side of the street for lunch , she said dont go there its a bad place , go to cow bay . prince george down town is even worse , pawn shops , biker bars , hookers , drunks , crackheads . very rough part of the world

[Black and Blue]

Colleen & Ernie and bent rim Steve, It was great spending the night with you and the dogs at the Artic Circle. I'm sorry I left so early the next morning before the proper farewells could be said. It is good to hear Steve was able to get a new rim for the trip home. He must have lost faith in our straighting job. I had a very wet and cold trip south also. I cut my trip short by three days because of the rain. I missed Prince Rupert and Bella Colla. Keep up the great writing and pictures. Ride Safe Nick

Nick
Glad to hear you finished you trip safely. Sorry to hear that you had to cut your trip short. Right now we are about a day from home. Thanks again for taking the time to help Steve. We're sure he thanked you and he really did appreciate you stopping. Oregon was nice to us, no Rain, but hot. Take care.

Ernie and Colleen

[Black and Blue]

Ernie & Colleen I Just got off the phone with Steve and is back in the states and is doing great. He told me how great you were to him and thinks the world of ya. P^

Hi, Rick
Thanks for the message. We think the world of Steve too. He was very funny and boy did we need some comedy on those bad days and also a good riding companion. Here's a pic for Steve. Hope you see it, Steve.

[Black and Blue]

Leaving Fort St. John, BC...
After finishing much needed maintenance on both Urals we left Fort St. John and headed south on Hwy. 20 toward Chetwynd. The road went through some very nice farmlands and very steep and high grades. Some of the people there must have something against the dam there. Signs posted against a dam. We stopped in Chetwynd and gassed up. We then headed south on Hwy. 97 BC toward Prince George. We hit rain off and on and even some nice size hale.
We decided to cut our traveling short and camped for the night at Crooked River Campground (BC Park), Bear Lake, north of Prince George. We were here before on the way up to Alaska. This time without Ironheadziggy76.:( Just as we were setting up camp, it rained. I sat up the tent between rain showers. We did manage to have a nice camp fire, but alas, Colleen did not take one picture.:o
The next day we continued south on Hwy. 97 BC and passed through Prince George. They had traffic all screwed up on the south end due to road construction. The ride was uneventful. We ended our day at another BC Campground called Lac La Hache. The campground provided flush toilets, nice campsites, but no showers. Nice campground and plenty of shade. We took an alternate route so we wouldn't have to go through Kamloops. It was Hwy. 97C BC. That was a very interesting route. Very steep grades and twisties (good for two wheelers). We passed a huge copper pit just outside Logan Lake. We noticed that the temp. was getting hotter as we reached Merritt, BC. We stopped at a fast food joint to eat, but when the dogs and Urals drew a lot of attention, it was hard to eat when you are answering a lot of questions. After show and tell, we headed down toward Osoyoos, BC. At last the border was near. We ended the day at Okanagan Lake South Campground,outside of Summerland, north of Osoyoos. This place was crowded. It appears that the next day was Canada Day and people were off and enjoying the holiday. Campground with water, holiday and hot weather equal crowds.:D The campgrounds provided all the necessities. The heat was taking its toll on our dogs. The campground provided plenty of shade for the dogs and us. When traveling we have shade screens over their sidecars, but the warm air did not help. We had to make sure our doggies got plenty of water. Temps were reaching in the 90's.

[Black and Blue]

Crossing into the USA...
The next day we crossed the border back into the USA. The weather was nice, but getting hot. We headed south on US 97. We stopped a few times to water our dogs and ourselves as the temps. were reaching into the 90's. We stopped at Omak to do much needed laundry and restocking our food supply. After spending a few hours there we headed south again to find a campground. We ended up at a real nice and I mean a real nice campground called Beebe State Park, outside of Chelan, WA. Nice shaded campsites, showers and flush toilets and you are right along the Columbia River. Spent the rest of the day going over the Urals. One thing for sure, the Urals love the cold. Runs great in cold weather, but does not like the heat. Breaks down the oil very quickly.
Took off the next day and continued south on US 97 until we reached Goldendale, WA. Very boring and hot ride. We stopped there for the night to get out of the heat. Tried to find a campground, but all full. A motel was in order to get out of the heat. The dogs loved it.

[Black and Blue]

The last part...
The next day we crossed the Columbia River and into Oregon via US 97. Traffic was light until we went through Madras, Redmond and Bend, Oregon. Holiday traffic was heavy both ways. It was hot and the stop and go through both Redmond and Bend was taking its toll on the Urals. The engines were hot and getting hotter. We had to stop on the south end of Bend just to let the engines cool off. A storm was brewing just south of us and we were heading into it. After trying to find room at several state campgrounds (and couldn't. Booked up) we decided to camp in the Deschutes Nat'l Forest. Colleen found a nice spot and we sat up camp. Lightning and thunder were all around us, but amazingly no rain.
Pushed on the next day south on US 97 and took Oregon Hwy. 39 out of Klamath Falls and made it into California. Oregon Hwy. 39 turned into California Hwy. 139. Took it toward Susanville.

[Trailace]

I don't know what to say but glad your back and looks like it was a ride of a life time. Can't wait to hear the whole story.:D

[Black and Blue]

I don't know what to say but glad your back and looks like it was a ride of a life time. Can't wait to hear the whole story.:D

Thanks, Rick. Have you heard from Steve? I tried to call him, but we kept getting dropped. He said he made it to Spearfish, SD on July 2.

[swandog]

osoyoos damm hot , they even grow bananas there in green houses as a novelty item , my mom lives in oliver 15 minites north of there . its the california of canada with the heat and beaches [okanagon]

[bigTom]

Sorry for you, but glad to hear that my ancestral homeland (E WA) has warmed up...

Great trip report, looking forward to the rest of the story!. Thanks for taking us along!

[Trailace]

Thanks, Rick. Have you heard from Steve? I tried to call him, but we kept getting dropped. He said he made it to Spearfish, SD on July 2.

No just the one call to tell me he was back in the states.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hey all, I got home today (Sunday) about 2:00 pm. I hung around South Dakota for a while checking out the sites. Of course it poured on me most of the way home. :mad:

[Ironheadziggy76]

Colleen & Ernie and bent rim Steve, It was great spending the night with you and the dogs at the Artic Circle. I'm sorry I left so early the next morning before the proper farewells could be said. It is good to hear Steve was able to get a new rim for the trip home. He must have lost faith in our straighting job. I had a very wet and cold trip south also. I cut my trip short by three days because of the rain. I missed Prince Rupert and Bella Colla. Keep up the great writing and pictures. Ride Safe Nick

Nick, glad to see you found us here!

I can't thank you enough for the help with the wheel. P^ I thought it was going to be fine until I hit the smooth blacktop. At 45 mph it would blur your vision! :eek: It got me to Fairbanks, that was the main thing. I would probably still be out there if you hadn't showed up, thanks again Nick! I'll post up a picture of the special tool you found to fix the wheel when I get them uploaded. :D

[bigTom]

Glad you are back, zig! Everybody's home!

Now start with the real pictures!

[Black and Blue]

Hey, Ironhead

We are so glad to hear you are home.:) We arrived at home on Sunday at 3:00 PM PST. We found a sign and thought of you. Thanks for riding with us. It was a pleasure. Thanks for being patient with our slow rigs. We know that was hard. Keep in touch as we will do the same.

Ernie and Colleen

[Black and Blue]

Home and the end of our trip...
We left Susanville on Sunday. Heading south on US 395. Traffic was getting heavier as we neared Reno, NV. Temps were mild. About 80 according to my thermometer. Past through Carson City with heavy traffic. After that it was smooth sailing toward home, until we entered Walker Canyon. The headwind was so bad that it slowed us down so much that a bicyclist past us.:p I don't think the other motorist thought it was funny. The speed limit was 55, but our rigs could only go 45 or so. This and steep grades are the enemy to all Ural owners. A single lane does not help with popularity. We pulled over every chance we got so as not to stack up traffic. We made it home to a scorching Owen Valley temp. of well over a 100 degrees, but we made it home.
Our total mileage for the trip was 7,562 miles give or take. Found out that my odometer was off by .3 kilometer for every 5 kilometers traveled. Our rigs odometers are in kilometer, but we also have miles per hour on the speedo. No major problems with us, the dogs or the rigs. We had enough time to mow the backyard and pull weeds.
This trip is officially over.:)

[Trailace]

It's not over yet there is a report to get done.:rolleyes:

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hey, Ironhead

We are so glad to hear you are home.:) We arrived at home on Sunday at 3:00 PM PST. We found a sign and thought of you. Thanks for riding with us. It was a pleasure. Thanks for being patient with our slow rigs. We know that was hard. Keep in touch as we will do the same.

Ernie and Colleen

Oh great, now you two have me crying on my keyboard! :o I miss y'all too. I just ran through the post last night and didn't get to look at all the pictures, that is great. I thought the rigs did excellent, and we couldn't have gone much faster as rough as the roads were. I think we did see 67 mph on one of the straights so they weren't that slow! P^

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Ernie and Colleen let me be the first to tell you that they are two amazing individuals. They treated me better than most of my own family and were great travel companions. They were laid back, but very organized, and an absolute blast to travel with. It was amazing watching Ernie change his tire on the side of the road, he looked like he had worked for a NASCAR pit crew. P^ I can't even begin to tell you all about our roadside chef Colleen, the amazing meals this woman can put together on the nose of a sidecar is amazing. Who else can say they enjoyed pancakes in a hail storm? I have a picture of a steak dinner I was treated to when I arrived at Missoula that I will post later.

Colleen and Ernie thank you so much for letting me tag along on your trip! Hug Audry and Kirby for me. I will never forget the awesome time I had on this trip, thanks again.

TMO? :D:D:D

[Black and Blue]

It's not over yet there is a report to get done.:rolleyes:

Uh...I thought we did one. What else do we need to do?:) Remember, we're new at this. Thanks.

[Black and Blue]

Ironheadziggy76
The pleasure was ours. Audrey and Kirby did miss you. They kept looking around for you. Kirby shot over to a guy at a Washington campground that looked like you. He was disappointed though when he found out it wasn't you.:(
Take care.

TMO:D:D:D

[Black and Blue]

Ernie leaves out the little trivia that might be interesting to ya' all.
Alberta was expensive. B.C. was better. The Yukon was real pricey, but that is to be expected because it is so remote.
The worst drivers were in Oregon, but we stupidly were riding near the 4th of July weekend.
We rode through Canada on Canada Day. I asked 6 different Canadians what the day celebrated and not a single one knew.
BMW's are everywhere, but you can do this ride on just about any bike if you are careful. Take all the parts and tools you think you will need, because you are pretty much on your own fixing things.
Rain gear does fail, and fails beyond duct tape repair.
I lost 13 pounds and Ernie lost 18 pounds just from the work out of riding every day.
There are public showers at laundromats and campgrounds in Canada and Alaska just like in the lower 48.
It was no problem getting the shotgun into Canada with the proper paperwork and $25.00 Canadian funds. But, I don't know where a two wheeler would carry one. We kept it bolted down and under cover in the sidecar.
The TourMaster Transition 2 jackets were awesome. They were the only clothing item that stayed dry. They washed up nice here at home also.
The HJC CL15 helmets (flip-up with retractable sun shield) were great also. There were days that I never took it off, even to eat lunch on the side of the road.
Top off when you can, unless you know for sure the next stop has gas. Carry a little gas can WITH GAS IN IT. Be prepared to put a lower grade gas in than you are used to, sometimes with Ethanol additive. Use stations that look busy so you don't get bottom of the tank water.
I'm a real believer in the deer whistles. They made deer, moose, and elk all stop. They won't keep them from running in front of you, but they will pause long enough for you to hopefully react. We were just using the cheapo glue on type.
Hardly ever ate out, but little grocery stores are available in most little towns. You just have to be creative with your menu based on the stock on hand.
Yukon government campgrounds had free firewood, but no potable water.
B.C. campgrounds had good water, but firewood was $5.00.
Use you credit card in Canada. After your credit card company does the conversion, you save money over using cash.
Canada uses one and two dollar coins, no paper. They are called Loonies and Toonies. The higher dominations are paper currency.
If you smoke tobacco, take a carton with you. Cigarettes can be up to $16.00 a pack in Canada.
If you want good roads, maybe going later in the year might be a good idea. When we went, they were still working on them. I would assume that by late July or August most of the work would be done. That is just a guess.
The mosquitoes were not bad. They were out there, but not the huge swarms that we had anticipated.
Denali looked worse than Yosemite (which is just up the road from us). Hoards of tour buses. Needless to say, we drove right by it.
Well that is my two cents worth of trivia.
The next time I go to Alaska will be on a cruise ship sipping a refreshing adult beverage on the deck.
We only spent about a week and a half in Alaska, the rest of the time was just riding there and back!
But so glad we did it.

Colleen

[bigTom]

Quote by Black and Blue (C)

We rode through Canada on Canada Day. I asked 6 different Canadians what the day celebrated and not a single one knew.

It used to be called "Dominion Day", celebrated the day Canada became a non colony. I'm not sure what that is called, but it is the day that England no longer had dominion over Canada,

Used to party a bit in Canada for Dominion Day and July 4th. There's some seriously good people in the interior of BC and Alberta:) It doesn't seem to have gotten any cheaper:) $16.00? Another good reason I quit.

Thanks for the report, I really liked it. Oh, having grown up in Washington, I think you were right on with the declaration on Oregon drivers:)

[Black and Blue]

BigTom;

That is what I figured. Independence from something. Thanks for the clarification.
They might not know what the day celebrated, but they sure were having fun camping with their families and enjoying the day off.
I got the impression that a lot of Canadians like to camp, and they do have a nice government campground system.

Yeah, the Oregon (interior at least) was weird. Like the drivers were in a time warp or something. It didn't matter what age, or what they were driving...it was like they had just gotten their license! Not rude or aggressive...just in a fog...left turn right of ways, blowing lights and stop signs. Maybe it was the heat.;)

Colleen