My 09 Alaska Trip with Black and Blue.......... [Archive]

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 02:35 AM

I thought that since it's getting cold out I would finally get started on my Trip Report from this summer. I've probably forgotten a lot of the names of places along the way but hopefully Colleen and Ernie can help me remember and put things in the correct order! I'm borrowing some of their pics too. I'll get started and add to it as time allows.

Here is a link to the report Colleen and Ernie posted along the way. http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2051

Packed up and leaving out from Belton, KY on a nice May afternoon.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/e-Bayphotos042.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/e-Bayphotos045.jpg

I had decided to stay at KOA campgrounds while traveling to meet Colleen and Ernie and I have to say they were all nice along the way with some being really nice!

I had great weather the first day, and ended up at Kansas City and had a dinner of Ramen noodles.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009001.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009002.jpg

The next day I had more great weather but some road construction, which would be the first of many miles of road construction. I ended up in Sioux Falls, SD. More Ramen noodles, just a different flavor. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009003.jpg

The next day I was headed to Billings, MT. The weather started out sunny but quickly got dark, wet, and windy.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009007.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009011.jpg

I stopped and put on rain gear, ran about 75 while leaning to the right most of the way to Sturgis where I stopped and grabbed something to eat. But I did make it finally.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009022.jpg

I met Dave that night who was also headed to AK on his GS. He turned me on to a great imported beer, I wish I could remember what brand it was. I fixed breakfast and talked to Dave and a couple of guys who were headed from Salt Lake City to tour all of the Harley factories across the country. I've got their names written down somewhere.

Here's Dave at breakfast.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009034.jpg

Next day I was headed to Missoula to meet up with Colleen and Ernie, another day with rain and a bit colder, but ended up nice at the end of the day. I ran into Dave at a rest stop adding some more clothes somewhere along the way. That was the last I'd see of him, hope he had a good trip.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/42-Stevearriving.jpg

As you can see, Colleen and Ernie were eating a little better than I was. :) Here is the meal I had waiting on me at the campground! :grill1:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009035.jpg

Here's the camp.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009037.jpg

Got to meet HOGCDR who helped me get hooked up with a bike shop who riveted on a master link for me after spitting off a clip style. Must have come off during the 90+ mph ride across the deserted two lane of Montana. :o He took Ernie and I for coffee and laid out the gas stops he took on his trip for us. Thanks again Mike!

Here are all of us at the campground.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/44-MissoulaKOAgrouppic.jpg

Next time we'll head to Canada...............

bigTom

12-10-2009, 07:51 AM

Was Alaska a state yet when you headed out???:)

I've been looking forward to this for quite some time, this is a great start. Thanks....

G wizz

12-10-2009, 09:36 AM

Thanks Zigg ...
Needed a break from the bordom of being snowed in ... Just hope we don't have a power failure now.
Can't wait for the next chaptor of your 'Adventure of a life time'
Nice pictures, by the way.

G wizz

Yamifj1200

12-10-2009, 12:59 PM

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Thanks guys, I'll try to get some more up later tonight!

ImRubicon

12-10-2009, 04:05 PM

looks like you could gain weight on a trip with black n blue

Black and Blue

12-10-2009, 05:52 PM

was alaska a state yet when you headed out???:)

:D:D:D

TMO, Steve

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 06:05 PM

:D:D:D

TMO, Steve

I just got off the phone with Mr. TMO! :lol2

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 07:51 PM

After a day of resting up we head north toward Canada, after traveling just a short distance we hit a dab of road construction. Then we stop for a little break for Audrey and Kirby before crossing the border.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009043.jpg

Colleen grabs a picture of me waiting at the border station.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/49-SteveatBCborder.jpg

We get across with no problems, I think the dogs were the hot ticket. Every crossing we hit they came out with doggie treats and were amazed that they were traveling in the sidecars. Ernie brought a shotgun on the trip and all they seemed to be concerned with was the paperwork and the $25.00 canadian cash. They didn't even want to see the shotgun at any of the crossings!

Here I am on the other side.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009044.jpg

Our first night in Canada finds us in Radium Hot Springs at Dry Gulch campground.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009055.jpg

The park ranger told us that there were bears in the area, but we ain't skeered of no stinkin bears, we are hungry. Watermellon anyone? :D

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/55-WatermelonRadiumHotSprings.jpg

The next day we head out to downtown Radium Hot Springs.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009064.jpg

We are headed for the Icefield Parkway, I kind of think I have an idea where we are headed, but we have Colleen the great navigator on this trip. P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009069.jpg

We only travel a short distance and we see this cuddly little guy on the side of the road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009072.jpg

We travel on north and hit the Continental Divide.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/62-UsAtContinentalDivide.jpg

Looking at this pic I think I over packed just a tad! :p I later found out that I could have left about 3/4 of the clothes I'd brought at home. I mainly just washed and wore a couple of pairs of pants and my bibs at every other campground. If anyone is planning this trip three changes of clothes will pretty much cover you as most of the campgrounds had coin operated laundries.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009090-1.jpg

We cross over into Alberta.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009093.jpg

I go ahead a little and catch a couple of pics of Colleen, Ernie, and the kids as they are pulling over. It was funny, little Audrey would ride down in the hack until Ernie started to slow down and then she would pop up and see what was going on. Big Kirby was checking out everything along the way.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009096.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009097.jpg

We saw a few scenic sights on this road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009084.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009101-1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009114.jpg

Here's a lunch stop along the way.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009137.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009136.jpg

Here is another pic that you will see later on, it will be a lot sharper as there were fires in the area. A couple of months ago Rider magazine used the same shot in their Alaska article.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009145.jpg

We gas up on the one station on the Parkway and you can see how smokey it was. Gas was around $1.80 a liter, the highest price on the trip! :eek: Glad I was getting about 60 mpg at the speeds we were traveling! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009126.jpg

We rode a while and ran into this hard headed fellow. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009142.jpg

Saw a few more nice sights along the way. They had what looked to be a monster truck chassis under a school bus that would take you out on the glacier for a fee. I didn't get a picture of it though.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009147.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009148.jpg

A funny thing happened while I was taking these pictures, I had thought Colleen and Ernie had went on ahead of me. So I go tearing out after them, not realizing that they had pulled over and were behind me taking pictures also. Doh! :lol I pulled over after a while and stretched and walked around a little and they showed up. They were cracking up, as they had saw me take off like an idiot up the road after them. :lol2

We ended the day at Whistlers camp ground. This was the only campground that didn't let us share a campsite, but they had free showers. :shower1:
If I remember correctly these were the showers where you pushed a button on the wall and the shower would spray for what seemed like 20 seconds and then you had to keep pressing it over and over. :confused: I guess that's how they conserve water.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009150.jpg

Colleen caught me cooking more Ramen noodles! :well

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/84-SteveAtWhistlersCGJasperALCAN.jpg

The caribou were calving so we were warned to give them plenty of space. This gal was almost in my tent when I woke up the next morning.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009153.jpg

More in a bit..............

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 08:07 PM

Was Alaska a state yet when you headed out???:)

I've been looking forward to this for quite some time, this is a great start. Thanks....

Quality work takes time! :p I'm going to have to call Colleen and Ernie, I've lost my trip notes and I'm going on memory! :think1:

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 08:11 PM

Steve, great start on your trip report. Trust me I know how much time it can take to put one together. You know its going to be a serious trip if your bringing along spare tires...lol I am looking forward to rest if the trip.
We all watched and waited for news from the big trip. Hope to see you in May...

Eric M

ps. I have the same set of pots and pans.... good stuff

Eric, I wish I had done what most people do and just had the spare tires shipped up there, but for some reason I thought I will rip out a sidewall I guess. :o I've had good luck with that cookware so far, money well spent. P^

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 08:16 PM

looks like you could gain weight on a trip with black n blue

Believe it or not, we all lost weight on the trip! We ate very healthy on this trip. P^ Very good too! :D

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 08:18 PM

G wizz

12-10-2009, 09:19 PM

Hey Ziggy,
What happened :confused: After the picture of the three of you stoping along side of the road for lunch, all I see is little boxes with a red X in it.
No more pictures. :(

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 09:30 PM

Hey Ziggy,
What happened :confused: After the picture of the three of you stoping along side of the road for lunch, all I see is little boxes with a red X in it.
No more pictures. :(

G are you on dial up? If so you may have to reload the page a couple of times to get them all to load. I used to have to do that when I was on dial up.

As far as I know they are all working, I can see them all after going back.

Black and Blue

12-10-2009, 09:35 PM

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 09:57 PM

The last time I saw your "trip log", it was pretty worn out.
Seems that every time you starting writing in it, you were nodding off in camp or you took it into the tent with you at night.
I'll bet it just disintegrated from the sleepy time drool.

Man, were you misled!
Just 'cause I was in front didn't mean I was navigating.
I was just heading north and didn't know where I was half the time!
Remember the left turn (south) one morning out of a campground near
Destruction Bay on the way north? You and Ernie had to convince me I was wrong (which I was)...but boy, was I twisted around!

But don't worry...got it all figured out now. If you don't recognize a pic you have, just email it to us and we'll know where it is for you. Ern's got an intense trip log to refer to.

Now I wasn't going to bring the wrong turn up, you're telling on yourself! As Mr. TMO would say, "You could have just looked it up on your UPS!" (GPS) :lol2

I think my little notebook may still be in my little pelican case that's in the black hole basement garage. Should still be nice and moist. :o Never fear I'll find it by next year. :D I know I didn't write down all the names of the campgrounds, but I think I got the cities.

Black and Blue

12-10-2009, 10:34 PM

Ironheadziggy76

12-10-2009, 11:10 PM

You are doing an awesome job with the report. I've been looking forward to it for a long time. You have pics that we don't.

I thought you realized that Ernie stuck me up front because I was the cameraman and he got tired of losing me in his mirrors every time I stopped to take a picture. The 'fun house' mirrors on the Urals made it impossible to keep track of anybody behind us. I thought you had 5 headlights the way it vibrates.

Pretty hard to get lost up there anyway with the lack of roads...just keep heading north/west...and you had "Blankin' Betty", the GPS. Did you ever figure out how it works? :rolleyes:

Okay, enough of a break...somehow you got your sweetie off the computer...NOW POST SOME MORE PICTURES AND REPORTS FOR US!

I haven't learned how to put in any "custom" routes yet. So far I just punch in the address and let Betty b**ch! :p

I found my little notebook and remembered that Ernie took a lot better notes than I did!

Okay, okay, I'll do a little more tonight, then I'll have to upload some more pictures. I was trying to save some for tomorrow! :D

Ironheadziggy76

12-11-2009, 12:14 AM

Okay I think this is day 8 for me, we head north, miles and miles of Pine trees with the road carved out. We roll through Prince George as quickly as possible to get out of city traffic.

We did still see a few scenic views before hitting the city.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009158.jpg

We ended up at Crooked Creek Campground, what a beautiful place way out in the middle of nowhere. I rode out to make a phone call and almost had to use the GPS to get back in to our site. This was one of my favorite campgrounds of the trip. The skeeters were starting to get bigger, but the weather was great.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009164.jpg

Yes we had table cloths, we be fancy! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009166.jpg

Kirby wants to know why we aren't riding.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009168.jpg

Awesome lake view just down from the tent!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009169.jpg

The next day we made it to Mile 0 campground at Dawson Creek and I didn't remember to take a picture of my tent till later that night.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009190.jpg

We got there early and got a few things done before we hit the Alaska Highway.

Ernie and I wondered if we could change our oil at the local WalMart. As our luck goes, their service department happened to be closed that day so we couldn't ask if we could change our oil and leave our old oil with them.

That didn't stop us! P^ We slid the drain pans under the locked gate that stored their used oil tank. On the return trip I stopped back in to change oil and they wouldn't let me buy a drain pan and funnel. They insisted I use theirs instead of buying one. All the Canadians I came in contact with were some of the nicest folks I have ever met.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/103-WalMartOilChange2.jpg

Got the must have picture at the Alaska Highway sign.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/107-Mile03ofus.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009183.jpg

The owners of the campground told us they had a foot of snow the week before we got there.

Stay tuned, we'll head up the Alaska Highway after I get some more pics loaded. I've got a full day tomorrow so hang in there.

G wizz

12-11-2009, 12:20 AM

G are you on dial up? If so you may have to reload the page a couple of times to get them all to load. I used to have to do that when I was on dial up.

As far as I know they are all working, I can see them all after going back.

I'm thinkin it's this ol computer actin up. After about a dozon or so pictures, it says "you've seen enough, I ain't showin ya any more" and it then just gives me the red X treatment.
THIS SUCKS!

Ironheadziggy76

12-11-2009, 12:36 AM

I'm thinkin it's this ol computer actin up. After about a dozon or so pictures, it says "you've seen enough, I ain't showin ya any more" and it then just gives me the red X treatment.
THIS SUCKS!

Oh man, I feel your pain, I had the same issues when I was using my old Gateway. Tell Ms. G wizz to go get you an early Christmas present! ;) Try this, sometimes I could click on the red X and it would open the pic in a new tab at full size. I was using Firefox's browser when I did this. If you don't have Mozilla Firefox it's a quick and easy download that works on most OS.

G wizz

12-11-2009, 07:00 AM

Ironheadziggy76

12-11-2009, 01:11 PM

[QUOTE=Ironheadziggy76;24529]Oh man, I feel your pain, Tell Ms. G wizz to go get you an early Christmas present! ;)

Well Zigg,
She kinda did, ... sorta, ... in a way.
My daughter in law gave her a used one from where she works. They were upgrading their computer system and were dumping their Dells.
Haven't hooked it up yet. Don't know how to move things from one hard drive to another, and there is years of pictures & stuff to move. Kinda unsure about doin it, sure wouldn't wanna loose everything.

You could just leave it on there for now and call it the worlds smallest file cabinet! :p You might want to hook up the new one and see how it's going to work out before moving anything. That way if it's not going to work out you could always go back to the other one.

G wizz

12-11-2009, 02:20 PM

[quote=G wizz;24531]

You could just leave it on there for now and call it the worlds smallest file cabinet! :p You might want to hook up the new one and see how it's going to work out before moving anything. That way if it's not going to work out you could always go back to the other one.

Zigg:
Big Tom sent me a message suggesting I buy an external hard drive and do my file transfering through that, plus he had some other tips.
Think I'll try going that route.

G wizz

Ironheadziggy76

12-11-2009, 11:46 PM

Day 10 we head up the Alaska Highway and stop for lunch at Wonowon. :confused: I think that's how it's spelled, it's at the 101 mile post.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009192.jpg

Dueling cameras.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009193.jpg

Awesome chicken burrito fixed on the hood of the hack! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009191.jpg

We keep pushing ahead with construction here and there.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009197.jpg

Take a break at Sikanni River.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009202.jpg

Ernie checks his gas filters.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009206.jpg

Colleen treats us to ice cream! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/119-Outhouseicecreambreak.jpg

More straight and flat road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009208.jpg

Took another break later in the day and realized we were at the airport. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009211.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009214.jpg

We make it to the Northern Rockies, and end up in Ft. Nelson at West End campground.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009218.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009222.jpg

Ernie and I eating dinner.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/116-SteveAndErnieAtWestendRV.jpg

Me adding a little air with the "Russian Air Compressor". :D

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/117-StevewithRussianpumpAtWestendRV.jpg

More in a bit.

G wizz

12-12-2009, 03:11 AM

Thanks Ziggy ... you didn't overload my ol' compurter with that batch of pictures .. saw em' all.
Sure brings back memorys ...

Ironheadziggy76

12-12-2009, 10:24 AM

[QUOTE=G wizz;24547]Thanks Ziggy ... you didn't overload my ol' compurter with that batch of pictures .. saw em' all.
Sure brings back memorys ...[/QUOTE

Glad you could see them, I'll be off and on here the next few days so I'll try not to load a bunch of pics at once.

bigTom

12-12-2009, 10:56 AM

Hey, Ziggy. Your ride report is really starting to heat up, as it were:)

Keep 'em coming, and thanks!

Yamifj1200

12-12-2009, 01:40 PM

Thanks for the report Steve, its always nice to see both sides of the adventure you took.

Eric M

Ironheadziggy76

12-12-2009, 03:39 PM

Thanks guys, I'm going to try to get some more up tonight.

Ironheadziggy76

12-13-2009, 12:45 AM

Okay, next day we roll out of Ft. Nelson and head into a lot of road construction and even more smoke. They had wild fires that if I remember correctly were controlled burns that got out of control. :eek: If I remember correctly this was one of the days that had some of the bumpier construction zones. I think I shook a filling or two loose.

We take a break at Toad River Lodge for fuel and a stretch.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009234.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009235.jpg

We see a few of these little critters splashing around in a lake off the road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009242.jpg

At one of the stops we meet up with Bob from Ohio. He has the same problem I did, he brought too much stuff! :p
He even had a pair of remote gas tanks mounted behind each of his legs that you can see in this picture. He travels with us for a little while and then blasts off into the distance. Those Beemer guys are always in a hurry! :D

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009252.jpg

Down the road a piece we come up on Momma bear with a couple of cubs. It's amazing to watch these huge creatures. I can understand how people get mauled by bears, they are mesmerizing to watch.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009254.jpg

Rode a little further and came up across three of these big guys grazing on the side of the road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009257.jpg

We had heard at Ft. Nelson that there could be possible road closures ahead. :( Then other folks told us they never close the road, we might have to wait and hour or two but it won't be completely closed.

Here we are waiting where the fire has burned right down to the shoulder of the road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009260.jpg

More waiting.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009263.jpg

Then we cross into the Yukon.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009264.jpg

We head into Watson Lake to end the day. I think the name of the place was Campground Services. They had good prices with coin laundry and coin showers. It was a little scary taking a shower and looking up at the exposed wiring hanging everywhere. They had a small grocery store where they had three computers and free internet service for the guests. A nice touch for travels.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009266.jpg

The famous Signpost Village.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009267.jpg

Nothing like ending the day with a hearty breakfast of Bacon and Eggs with tortillas. We also had cookies, cakes, and ice cold milk. I still can't figure out how I lost weight on this trip. :confused: You can't see it for the bibs, but I do have on an official MotoCampers tee shirt in the pic of Colleen and I at the table! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/129-ColleenAndSteveEnjoyingAMealAtS.jpg

Stay tuned, the next day was an eventful day! I'll try to get some more up tomorrow if I get home in time.

swandog

12-13-2009, 04:41 AM

nice to see photos of my neck of the woods and reminding me of rideing season. the $.1.80 a litre must have been at saskachawan crossing . im not sure if they still do it but [ at the pub ] but when i was there if you ordered a hamburger you can cook it yourself on an indoor grill . did you stop at liard hot springs north of fort nelson ? its somewhere ive always wanted to see

Trailace

12-13-2009, 10:23 PM

Steve Great report keep it coming. Been waiting for this one for a while. :well

Ironheadziggy76

12-14-2009, 12:14 AM

Ironheadziggy76

12-14-2009, 01:12 AM

We leave Watson Lake and head out to a day of all types of weather. Windy, rainy, windy, and sunny. And road construction of course.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009274.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009278.jpg

Here is what the road surface looked like in the construction zones. It's actually smoother than the blacktop if it's been packed a little. Just a tad muddy though.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009279.jpg

We go a little farther and wait some more.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/144-SteveInRoadConstructionNorthOfW.jpg

This was the day when I had another "first" with the V-Strom. Coming off a bridge deck into a curve, I hit a pot hole and with all the weight I had on the back I got a big case of head shake or wobble. I've been on bikes that have done this before, but it just kind of caught me off guard! :eek:

We stop and have lunch.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009281.jpg

We travel on a little farther then Ernie has his share of bad luck with a flat tire.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/156-FlatTireSouthOfWhitehorse.jpg

Ernie has it changed so fast Nascar teams would be proud! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009286.jpg

We end a long day at Wolf Creek campground in Whitehorse. We got lucky as they hadn't been open too long and everything was clean and freshly painted.

Here is our sparse table. :D

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009293.jpg

Hot chocolate! Mmmmm!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009291.jpg

Ya gotta have a fire! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009292.jpg

I can't remember if we had stew or chili, but as you can see it was definitely scrumptious!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009290.jpg

They have large campsites here.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009289.jpg

We met an interesting traveler from Israel by the name of Yoni. He flew to San Francisco, bought his bike and rode to Prudhoe Bay to start his trip down to Tierra del Fuego. About as far south as you can go in South America, he has made it and is heading back up the eastern coast.

Here is a picture of Yoni and his bike.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009294.jpg

If you want to see his route, here is a link to his site. They have a button to translate to english, but it's interesting just to look at his tracker.

http://www.harpatka.com/map/

I've got to get some more pictures uploaded, but hopefully I'll get us to Alaska in the next day or two.

Bug Dr.

12-14-2009, 11:01 AM

Steve,
Thanks for posting your RR. I am always glued to good Alaska ride reports and yours is a good one for sure. I hope to make it up there some day myself. Looking pretty seriously at the Wee Strom for the trip. Any input on the bike would be appreciated as well.
Mike

Ironheadziggy76

12-14-2009, 12:51 PM

Ironheadziggy76

12-14-2009, 07:07 PM

Day 13 we head out with more smoke, cloudy, rainy weather. Just kind of a gray day.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009305.jpg

We have construction off and on but we see signs that keep us motivated.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009307.jpg

The roads start to get a little more hills and curves to them. In the distance you can see Colleen and Ernie motoring north.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009312.jpg

We travel a little farther and stop to take a break a Kluane Lake.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009317.jpg

Then we come up on this guy doing a little fishing. Pictures don't do him justice!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009337.jpg

Then we pull into a campground to find this sign.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009339.jpg

Colleen says "Nope, we'll push on!" I'm with her. P^ We go a little farther to Lake Creek and set up camp in a steady rain.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009345.jpg

Then it turns to hail! :eek:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009347.jpg

What is Colleen doing in this picture?

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009346.jpg

Preparing to cook Pancakes of course! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009349.jpg

I think this was Ernie's third plate full! :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009350.jpg

We had a visitor in the shape of a deranged rodent who kept trying to steal the dog's snacks.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009351.jpg

We finally give up and just feed the little fellow.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009352.jpg

More in a bit.................

Mr. Guy

12-14-2009, 08:03 PM

Great report Steve,

I've really been thinking about getting a Wee-Strom, But Ernie and Colleen sure do make a good case for the Urals. Love the umbrella.:D

Guy

Ironheadziggy76

12-14-2009, 09:24 PM

Great report Steve,

I've really been thinking about getting a Wee-Strom, But Ernie and Colleen sure do make a good case for the Urals. Love the umbrella.:D

Guy

Guy, the Urals are amazing machines. On the trip I think Ernie replaced a couple of light bulbs, considering the rough roads and the loads they were carrying this says a lot for the bikes. They remind me of old Harleys, with the right service I think they will run forever.

On the other hand, they did just buy a pair of Wees. P^

Black and Blue

12-14-2009, 10:50 PM

Great report Steve,

I've really been thinking about getting a Wee-Strom, But Ernie and Colleen sure do make a good case for the Urals. Love the umbrella.:D

Guy

People were friendly and interested in all our stories in camp...until...the umbrellas came out. Then they tended to back away (probably thinking it was a hobo camp and we would put out the tin cans for change next).

We love the Wee's...Steve's was a first hand testimonial to their hardiness. He had so much crxp packed on that thing...yet he kept it upright the whole trip and it just kept going. Some of the mud was deep and it just dove right through it. Never gonna get rid of the Urals, but I sure like the Wee's too. Two completely different beasts.

Colleen

Ironheadziggy76

12-15-2009, 12:28 AM

Day 14 we head out again and............

We make it! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009356.jpg

I thought it was funny, the people who took this picture for us live about 90 miles from where I live. At one of the earlier rest stops, I see one of these women looking at the back of my motorcycle and then start walking up to me hurriedly. I'm thinking I might have thrown a rock and broken their RV windshield. :eek: When she got closer I noticed she was wearing a University of Kentucky Wildcats sweatshirt. P^ She just couldn't believe she had ran into someone so close to her home so far away. I guess it is a small world after all. :)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009355.jpg

This days ride was kind of a short one, less than 200 miles so we settled in at Sourdough RV park for three days to rest and get tires changed. I got caught up on phone calls as I had been using a phone card through Canada, and only used it for just a few minutes each time. I had bought a WORLDWIDE card and the first message I hear when I dialed was that I might be out of my calling area! :dizzy1:

Here is our first campsite at Sourdough.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009360.jpg

We get busy changing tires.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009357.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009364.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009365.jpg

All done.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009369.jpg

After getting my tires changed, I took my tires, and some of the gear I thought I could do without over to Thompson's Eagle Claw motorcycle campground. They stored it for me until I came back through to stay with them. Ernie was so fast changing tires, I didn't get a picture of it.

It rained a little off and on, and then started raining heavy. The owner was afraid of a tree falling that was behind our tent so he asked if we would move down a few sites. When we got to our new site he had an ice cold 12 pack of Heineken waiting on us for our trouble. Sweet! P^

As you can see from these pics it has indeed been raining!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009374.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009375.jpg

Soggy campsite. :lol

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009370.jpg

Our stormy weather chef!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009371.jpg

Our cook stove and heat source.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009373.jpg

Our back up heat! :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009372.jpg

The weather did clear up for us to grab some take out from Fast Eddy's. I recommend the Halibut sandwich! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/199-Ironheadziggy76AtFastEddysTokAl.jpg

We'll go a little farther tomorrow night...................

bigTom

12-15-2009, 07:27 AM

Nice report....and getting better.

My buddy and I were walking into a restaurant in Julian, CA, and a guy started right in talking to him, like they might know each other. After a minute, it occurred to Ray that it was about his Tennessee sweat shirt. He had to tell the guy that he stole the shirt to get him moving again:)

Ironheadziggy76

12-15-2009, 12:40 PM

Day 17, I have to say it's nice to not have to keep a schedule on this trip. We just land where we land and enjoy the scenery along the way.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009385.jpg

We had good luck the next few days as the weather was absolutely beautiful. We land at the North Pole and the weather was breezy and actually very warm. Here we are getting everything dried out for the next few days ahead.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009400.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009401.jpg

I took more pictures of the Santa Claus house for my nieces than I did of the campground this day.

I'll get some more up tonight, I have to go do my chores! :mad:

Ironheadziggy76

12-15-2009, 08:33 PM

The next day we head out with wonderful weather after a stop in Fairbanks to grab some groceries. Er, Colleen got the groceries, Ernie and I sat on the curb and looked at the back of our bikes.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009403.jpg

We are heading to the Arctic Circle with great weather.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009404.jpg

But with the normal construction zones.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009409.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009407.jpg

But we finally hit the Haul road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009423.jpg

I went around Colleen and Ernie so I could get some pictures of them coming up the road.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009426.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009427.jpg

We take in the scenery.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009428.jpg

The road is fairly narrow in places!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009429.jpg

Pipeline.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009434.jpg

The weather is still nice!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009442.jpg

We stop at Yukon River to gas up and stretch.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009444.jpg

Yukon River Bridge.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009445.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009446.jpg

I run ahead a little and stop at Finger Mountain.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009447.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009449.jpg

The views from here are incredible, and it is quiet. I couldn't hear anything unless I kicked a rock or the wind kicked up.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009452.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009459.jpg

A little less gear to manage.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009462.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009463.jpg

One more picture.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009466.jpg

At the end of the day we camp at the Arctic Circle.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009468.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009480.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009482-1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009484.jpg

Here are the happy campers that have reached their destination of the trip! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009485-1.jpg

Here is a picture that was taken at Midnight or a little later.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009488.jpg

More soon.............

G wizz

12-15-2009, 09:13 PM

Great pictures Ziggy ... wish I could have seen 'em all. This ol peice stopped again, and left me hangin with four red X' es. Could only read the discriptions, and wonder ...
I know what you're talkin about at midnight though. It would be light enough that I could read a newspaper at midnight ...
With so much daylight, we kinda lost track of time. Didn't even bother to look at our watches anymore. We ate when we were hungry, and slept when we were tired. Sometimes we would be out riding til the sun would kinda set, then happen to look at the time, and find out it was like two in the morning.
Strange sensation.

G wizz

Ironheadziggy76

12-15-2009, 11:33 PM

After having a job where I was on call 24/7 I quit wearing a watch when I retired. Most of the time I don't know what day of the week it is. :p

Bug Dr.

12-16-2009, 10:25 AM

Ironheadziggy76

12-16-2009, 11:35 AM

Steve,
Thanks for the PM about the Wee. When I go to Alaska I certainly want to travel with a couple of folks on Urals. It looks like they brought everything but the kitchen sink......or at least I haven't seen a picture or it yet:D.
Mike

You're welcome Mike, hope I helped. I can't say enough good things about Colleen and Ernie, they are wonderful people. Their packing skills amazed me, I couldn't have brought what they did in a truck the way I pack! :lol Although they didn't bring it on this trip, I think they do have an inflatable kitchen sink! P^

Black and Blue

12-16-2009, 12:48 PM

Thanks, Steve for the kind words, but We thought you did a heck of a job bringing what you did on a two wheeler.:D

Here's that kitchen sink.:p

Ironheadziggy76

12-16-2009, 04:50 PM

The next day armed with a lunch Colleen fixed for me I planned to head to Coldfoot and maybe just go to Atigun Pass. Colleen told me I would hate myself if I didn't go all the way to Prudhoe Bay. So Ernie gave me one of his spare cans of gas and I head out.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009490.jpg

Beautiful vistas.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009495.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009497.jpg

A nice lake on the way to Coldfoot.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009500.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009502.jpg

Snow bunny!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009503.jpg

I make it to Coldfoot and there is not a lot here. The truck stop looks a lot bigger on TV!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009513.jpg

The town sign and Visitor center.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009514.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009515.jpg

You can't really tell it by the pictures, but the road is rougher than it looks. I had mirrors shaking loose, windshield starting to crack, etc.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009518.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009519.jpg

Another nice lake.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009520.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009522.jpg

More awesome scenery and weather, but it's getting colder the farther north I go.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009523.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009525.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009526.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009531.jpg

I'm making good time, I get to Atigun Pass

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009545.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009544.jpg

Hey, it's cold up here! :cold1:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009547.jpg

I head down the other side and I'm making great time!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009548.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009554.jpg

Well now I've done it! :mad: I meet a truck and hit a big pot hole going way to fast. Cast wheels don't flex much, the just bend! At first I think I've just blown it off the rim but nope it's bent. I kind of panic and forget to take a picture of the wheel before I started hammering on it or the hole I hit. It still won't hold air so I start limping it back south to try and find a wide spot in the road to work on it.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009557.jpg

I travel back slowly hoping I don't unseat the bead and decide to try to air it up again while hammering some more. This rider and his son stop to ask if he can help, he was heading back to Fairbanks and said he would stop and tell Colleen and Ernie the situation and I would be back as soon as I got it rolling. I felt terrible as I beat him back to the campground. He rode 40 miles past the Arctic Circle and then came back to check in with Colleen and Ernie! I can't remember his name but thanks again if you see this.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009559.jpg

I ride some more on the flat and then pull over and try the air, hammer, cuss routine. Nick Clark from Oregon stops to see if he can help on his way back from Prudhoe Bay. Nick was a lifesaver as he decided we should take the wheel off and the brake disc. As luck would have it I didn't have an allen wrench to fit the brake rotor. Nick had two allens and one of them fit!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009570.jpg

Nick finds us a tool to help straighten the wheel! Sometimes you just need something big to pound with!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009568.jpg

Here is the fun we had, and after us both beating with the steel rod and my ball peen hammer it finally takes air! With all the pounding we did on it, I can't believe it didn't crack.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009564.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009565-1.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009569.jpg

Nick I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks again!

We see some of these little guys while airing up.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009563.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009567.jpg

Heading back south, mad and cussing at myself for my stupidity! :mad:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009576.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009577.jpg

Temps warm back up the farther south I go.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009580.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009582.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009588.jpg

Nick stops in and camps with us.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/229-NickClarkfromMedfordOR2.jpg

Here is a pic from the day before, where Ernie and I were swatting skeeters while writing down the days activity.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/226-BeatingOffTheBugs.jpg

Stick around, more later..........

Yamifj1200

12-16-2009, 09:01 PM

Steve great report, I'd say you truely had an adventure.

Eric M

Black and Blue

12-16-2009, 09:53 PM

I still say thank god you didn't go down when you hit that hole. Must have been your good riding skills.P^

Ernie

Ironheadziggy76

12-16-2009, 10:41 PM

Thanks guys!

It was probably more luck the skill Ernie! :p

Black and Blue

12-16-2009, 11:33 PM

[QUOTE=Ironheadziggy76;24659] This rider and his son stop to ask if he can help, he was heading back to Fairbanks and said he would stop and tell Colleen and Ernie the situation and I would be back as soon as I got it rolling. I felt terrible as I beat him back to the campground. He rode 40 miles past the Arctic Circle and then came back to check in with Colleen and Ernie! I can't remember his name but thanks again if you see this.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009559.jpg

Hey, Steve
The guy was W. Boyter and his son, Wyatt. He has a blog call the "The Runaway Pages" or www.wboyter.com. Very interesting blog.

Ernie

Ironheadziggy76

12-17-2009, 12:08 AM

Thanks Ernie, I'll check out his blog! He gave me a card with his info on it, but I've misplaced it somewhere. :confused:

Ironheadziggy76

12-17-2009, 01:36 AM

Day 20 we head south and stop at Yukon River and grab gas and some breakfast. We head south and hit asphalt again and the front wheel that I thought would be okay would blur your vision at 45 mph! :eek: It was a little better at 55 mph but there was no way I could make it home on this. The problem was the wheel was out of round so to speak with a flat spot between one of the three spokes. We hit another gas stop and I have cell phone service so I grab a phone book and call the Suzuki dealer in Fairbanks. They tell me they can have me one there in three days, I tell them order it.

I call a couple of campgrounds in Fairbanks and settle on one, although I can't recall the name of it. Something river I think. Colleen, Ernie, and I say our Goodbyes and I head for camp and they head south.

Here is my home for the next three days.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009598.jpg

I meet Chip from Texas who has been on the road since March. He came up for the fishing and was camped across from me. Here he is his packing up to head south for some fly fishing.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009599.jpg

Back to Ramen noodles and oatmeal although I do grab a couple of Taco Bell burritos over the next few days! :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009600.jpg

The campground is starting to fill up, I go do some laundry and grab a shower. I spend $5.00 at a coin car wash trying to get some of the grime off the front of the bike before I take it to get the wheel changed.

The next day I get up early and call the dealer and they tracked the wheel and they said it's on the truck and should be there before lunch. I eat breakfast, do a little shopping and get the new wheel installed. This dealership was great, they got me right in and had the wheel and new bearings on it no time.

When I get back the campground is full. I see a KLR making laps looking for a place to stay, he stops and asks if he can camp with me. I tell him sure, grab a spot.

Here is Pete from Napa, CA on his way north.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009601.jpg

After we eat dinner, we hear another bike looking for a place to camp. It was a guy that Pete had ridden though parts of Canada with.

Gary from North Dakota, on his way back from Prudhoe Bay.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009602.jpg

He had one of the coolest bikes I saw on the trip, an awesome airhead that he had farkled to suit him over the years.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009603.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009604.jpg

More tomorrow....................

Black and Blue

12-17-2009, 11:56 AM

Steve
Was it Chena River Wayside Campground, near the university? You're just a nice guy to help out those road weary travelers.

Ironheadziggy76

12-17-2009, 10:21 PM

Steve
Was it Chena River Wayside Campground, near the university? You're just a nice guy to help out those road wary travelers.

That's it, Chena River! I got scolded by the guy who ran the campground, he told me I wasn't supposed to have more than two tents in a spot but he would let me slide. Oops! :D

Pete is the youngster I was tell you about that had the inner tube with about a dozen patches on it that got your tube.

Ironheadziggy76

12-17-2009, 11:17 PM

Day 23, I head back to Tok, it's a little colder today but a nice ride.

I end up at Thompson's Eagle Claw Motorcycle resort.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009641.jpg

My back is killing me so I spring for a "Wall Tent".

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009608.jpg

Here is my home for the next two days.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009627.jpg

I'm joined by more weary travelers and we go grab some good mexican take out and adult beverages.

Mike from CA, Brian and Vanessa Thompson (owners) and Dave from, CA.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009610.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009607-1.jpg

Brits, Andy and Tony who were also heading down to Tierra del Fuego. These guys were a hoot, one of them had told his girlfriend he would be gone 6 weeks, when in fact it was going to be six months! :eek: They had us cracking up all evening.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009615.jpg

The next morning everyone loads up and pulls out except for me, I take a day checking out the place and getting things ready to mail home early Monday morning before crossing the border and heading home.

Here are some shots of one of the cabins and some of the campgrounds.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009637.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009638.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009640.jpg

I fix some lunch, yea you guessed it. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009632.jpg

Later in the day I get a call from Colleen and she tells me that they have came back to Tok and she is fixing dinner. I tell her she shouldn't be teasing me with homemade chili when she knows I'm going to be fixing Ramen noodles. :p She says gotta go come eat dinner. I'm thinking that she is joking with me and as I'm talking to another rider who has pulled in to camp she calls back about 30 minutes later. She asks me if I'm coming to eat, then tells me the owner at Sourdough told her I came over and took a shower at about 2:00 so now I believe her. I tell her I'll be there in about 5 minutes. :D

More later...............

Ironheadziggy76

12-18-2009, 11:31 PM

Day 25, I get up feeling good about the trip home. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about making the trip home alone before I got the call from Colleen and Ernie. Now it would be no worries all the way back through most of Canada. P^ I get my packages down to the Post Office and wait for them to open so we can hit the road.

We head out and and after what seemed like road construction most of the morning we stop for gas and I try some Canadian Pizza in Beaver Creek. Not bad.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/294-BreaktimeInBeaverCreekYukonCana.jpg

We roll on through more construction for miles at a time and end the day at Snag Lake early to we can get some rest.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009674.jpg

We are pretty much beat, I have to say Colleen and Ernie must have very good upper body strength after wrestling those sidecar rigs through all the rough roads today.

I'm not sleeping here, I'm talking to Kirby who is under the table! :p Yea right. Zzzzzzzzzz. :sleep1:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/300-HardRideForIronheadziggy76AtSna.jpg

The next day we head out and it's a little cool, but nice.

Snow on the mountains.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009679.jpg

We have more construction and the wind is whipping but it's a good ride. We stop at a campground to check it out, but it has a few too many rules for us. While we are there we grab some water from their hydrant, and I get to see one of my dream bikes up close and personal. It's a shame that I'll probably never get to own one of these wonderful bikes, unless I move to a different country or figure out how to get one titled in Kentucky. :(

Honda Africa Twin.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009688.jpg

Nicely farkled! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009689.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009687.jpg

We head on a little farther and land at Marsh Lake, a beautiful campground.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009691.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009692.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009696.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009694.jpg

Our feathered friends!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009698.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009704.jpg

We had pancakes for dinner, and this is the campsite where I learned Ernie should be on one of the shows like Ax Men. If you need some wood split he's your guy!
:chop1:

You do have to be mindful of where he wants to chop his kindling though! :eek: :lol

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/309-RelaxingAtMarshLakeYukon.jpg

Day 27 we hit the normal construction but it seems to be a lot smoother without all the washboarding. We make it to Watson Lake and stay at the same campground we did on the way up. We were told we just missed a huge rainstorm so our luck was good this day.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009705.jpg

I saw another bike that we can't get here in the states, a Honda Varadero ridden by a French couple. It had a set of HUGE custom built cans, trunk, and a set of racks added to the crash bars. The girl spoke a little broken english, and managed to tell me her husband and her dad built the farkles from scratch. I was impressed! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009706.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009707.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009708.jpg

We found one of the dryer sites at this muddy campground, and Colleen fixed some awesome steak sandwiches, and a salad!

More in a bit..........

Ironheadziggy76

12-19-2009, 02:48 AM

Day 28 we load up and head out. It starts out pretty nice but cloudy, and it's getting colder.

We get down to Muncho Lake, and I get some pics as I didn't stop on the way up.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009709.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009710.jpg

I can't get over how beautiful this lake is!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009712.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009713.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009720.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009721.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009727.jpg

It's getting colder out and it starting to pour down rain.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009729.jpg

It's pouring rain now and the construction zones are turning into mud pits! My waterproof gloves and boots finally give up and start leaking. :mad: We get separated, so I stop at Toad River, gas up, and eat a bowl of chili and a bottle of chocolate milk. Only cost me $12.00! :eek:

Colleen and Ernie pull in, gas up, and we head out splashing through the rain.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009734.jpg

We stop at Summit Lake.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009732.jpg

Kirby doesn't look happy, even with his rain gear on. :(

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009730.jpg

Me and Ernie don't look too thrilled either! :lol

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/318-SteveAndErnieTryingToGetOutOfTh.jpg

The campground here was basically flooded and we were having concerns about the dropping temps. So we head off the mountain to find lower ground before the rain turns to snow.

We end up at a campground near Tetsa Lake, and it was flooded also as it was still pouring rain.

Colleen makes a command decision, we're staying in a cabin if they have one open. P^

Here are some pics of the soggy travelers. :lol2

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009737.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009739.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009740.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/334-TheHappyCrew.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/330-SteveRelaxing.jpg

We ended up leaving most of everything on the bikes and just bring in the cameras and sleeping bags. You should have seen me trying to walk to the restrooms dodging the moose doo that was everywhere under one of those big umbrellas in the earlier pictures. Not a pretty sight! :p

Colleen fixed a wonderful dinner of Polish Sausages and veggies. This was our last night together. :( We talked and laughed into the wee hours. :)

More tomorrow.................

bigTom

12-19-2009, 07:46 AM

Ironheadziggy76

12-19-2009, 11:55 AM

Great stuff, Zig. I especially like the Pizza and doggie picture:)

So. The verrado is here, as of 2010. I lust for a Dakar (or Africa Twin). I think you can import a 'used' bike from Canada. I've heard of a couple done that way. My buddy imported a '96 Bandit (the year before they came here) into Missouri with just a MSO, worked ok for him....

I have read of people buying them and removing the engine and sending them over in two separate containers. Then they get them titled as a "Special Construction" like some of the custom choppers are titled.

There has got to be a way as there is a guy from CA who has one I've seen on ADVriders.

PaPa John

12-19-2009, 07:11 PM

Ziggy. Been following you travel novel. Fantastic looking pictures to go along with the great commentary. P^ Nice to see that all five in the troop had a good time.

John

Trailace

12-19-2009, 09:45 PM

Man what a great report can't wait for the rest. Sorry about your rim so close yet so far.

AzDesertRider

12-19-2009, 10:01 PM

Awesome Report Steve!!!!

Thank you for reinforcing my desire to one day make this trip..... Man that's some good reading....

Ironheadziggy76

12-20-2009, 01:36 AM

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I'm trying to let the pics do the talking as I'm not much of a storyteller. Due to the weather I didn't take as many pics on the way back once I got into the states. Some places I just got a pic of my tent, some places a little more.

Rick, I'll make it all the way to Prudhoe Bay next time! I'll either be on something lighter with spoke wheels, or I won't be trying to run 70 mph! P^

Ironheadziggy76

12-20-2009, 02:54 AM

Day 29 we wake up and it's still pouring down rain! We leave out and I can't remember the name of the town where we split up, help me out here Ernie! It was raining so hard I found myself stopping for gas every time I got a chance. I ran into several other miserable riders like myself, most of the ones heading north asking if the weather was any better. Sorry, wish I could tell you it was.

I have to say this was the worst day of the trip for me, I got down to Wonowon where I stopped and got gas and I just about got a room and waited it out. My hands were freezing even with grip heaters on because my gloves were soaking wet. I gassed up, went in and grabbed a cup of coffee. A truck driver asked me if I was the one riding the bike, and he told me the weather was better in Dawson Creek, about 30 degrees warmer and windy. So I sucked it up and rode the other 101 miles to Dawson Creek, wondering how Colleen and Ernie were doing.

I finally made it, got my tent set up to the amusement of all the folks in the RV's as the wind was blowing about 300 mph! :well

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009741.jpg

I grab a shower and call the wife and the bad day gets a lot worse. The wife of one of my closest friends has passed away suddenly with a heart attack. :( I thought the world of this girl, and I still think of her everyday. I still can't bring myself to delete her name and phone number out of my Cell phone. I guess in some strange way it kind of gives me comfort seeing it there. :(

The next day I get up early, fix my coffee, and go chat with Pete and Sandy from Texas. They have a nice rig.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009742.jpg

I get myself in gear and go change my oil and grab some supplies for the trip home, yes more noodles and oatmeal. :p

Later in the day John and Darrell from Baton Rouge pull in and camp next to me. They are riding Harley dressers, one pulling a nice home built trailer. They have questions and concerns about the trip and are wanting to try to get to the Arctic Circle. I tell them no problem if it's dry. I advise them if it's raining they might want to leave their trailer at the Harley dealer in Fairbanks. They have food, and I have beer so they pull out their maps and atlas. I show them where they can get gas, where to see wildlife, and where we camped on the way up. We got so involved with the maps, cajun food, and beer I forgot to get any pictures. :mad:

Day 31, I head out south through Grand Prairie, and Grand Cache down to Hinton. I camp at the KOA that is between Hinton and Jasper and am glad to have nice weather if a bit breezy.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009743.jpg

These folks know how to camp! It was windy enough that one of the screen porches had blown down on one of the campers.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009744.jpg

More tomorrow, it's getting late............

Black and Blue

12-20-2009, 10:58 AM

Steve. The town where we departed was Fort Nelson. We were frozen by the time we got to Wonowon too.:D We were sorry to hear about you friend when you told us. Again, sorry.:( Good report though. Love the comments that goes with the pics.

P.S. We held up in Fort St. John for maintenance before heading home. It rain the day we came in and was clear the day we left.:)

Ironheadziggy76

12-20-2009, 02:59 PM

You know, when I was spelling "Oneohone", I thought that just doesn't look like what I remember. I need to go back and change it to Wonowon. Duh........

Black and Blue

12-20-2009, 03:31 PM

It's okay, Steve. It's YOUR story.:D Oh, Kirby said he wasn't unhappy, he was tired in that picture.;)

bobalou

12-20-2009, 08:46 PM

P^ Excellent :cool:

Ironheadziggy76

12-21-2009, 01:47 AM

It's okay, Steve. It's YOUR story.:D Oh, Kirby said he wasn't unhappy, he was tired in that picture.;)

Fixed it! :lol

Ironheadziggy76

12-21-2009, 02:05 AM

In case I forget to recap it in the end let me tell you about the soggy stuff. Luckily the Firstgear Thermo 1-Piece suit never leaked a drop, I was bone dry as you can see from the picks of us in the cabin. My old Nelson Rigg rainsuit kept me dry, even though it's a little warm in the summer. The gloves are older style Olympia Monsoons, or Aqua techs I think they used to be called. In their defense, they took a beating with all the constant rain they were in, and finally just gave up! :p My feet got damp in the Joe Rockets, like the gloves they took a constant pounding. Both are very comfortable and I would definitely buy both products again. I have since treated both with waterproofing and they are holding up well under normal use. P^ Rubber over boots and gloves are recommended if you are going to be in constant rain for days on end.

Ironheadziggy76

12-21-2009, 02:49 AM

Day 32 I wake up and it's :cold1:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009753.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009754.jpg

Fix a little coffee and oatmeal on a frosty table!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009756.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009757.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009758-1.jpg

I knew it was cold when I woke up, unzipped the vestibule, and it opened like a door! :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009760.jpg

This guy comes over and tells me it's between 27 to 29 degrees F. and declares we are not right! :lol2

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009759.jpg

I leave out looking forward to seeing nice scenery on the Icefield Parkway!

Last shots from the campground.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009761.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009762.jpg

Coming into Jasper.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009763.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009765.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009766.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009768.jpg

The Icefield Parkway got a little fresh snow, I saw a couple of plow trucks so I took my time and grabbed a few pics till the temps came up above freezing.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009769.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009772.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009781.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009782.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009786.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009788.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009795.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009800.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009822.jpg

After a great ride WITH NO RAIN I make it back to the Whitefish Montana KOA. I couldn't get Colleen and Ernie on the phone, so I called Trailace and he posted on their trip report that I had gotten back in the states for me. Thanks again Rick! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009831.jpg

I realized I hadn't seen a full moon in a long time!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009832.jpg

More later.................

G wizz

12-21-2009, 07:46 AM

Ziggy:
After seeing all these great pictures, you've made me relize my wife and I have to go back up there, as we didn't take enough pictures :takepics1: the last time we were there.
Ya wanna go back up there with us?
G wizz

Ironheadziggy76

12-21-2009, 11:11 PM

Black and Blue

12-21-2009, 11:15 PM

No way G wizz

If he can talk her into it, we have dibs on him!

I know, lets start a bidding war on who takes Steve.

Colleen

G wizz

12-21-2009, 11:24 PM

Colleen ...

If we start bidding on Ziggy for a road partner, I'll not have enough money to take the trip. :(
Better idea ... :think1: ... How about we ALL go together ?

G wizz

Black and Blue

12-21-2009, 11:35 PM

:think1::think1::think1:

We're going back up there one of these years, but have a lot of lower 48 ground to cover first...why all the blank spots on your map in the west?

G wizz

12-21-2009, 11:49 PM

Why all the blank spots you ask? Just haven't been there yet.
Wife wants to ride to the Grand Canyon sometime soon though ...

G wizz

Ironheadziggy76

12-22-2009, 12:24 AM

Day 33, I pack up, grab some breakfast at the KOA and head out enjoying some great weather. I pull over at a pull off and I'm in the process of punching in the destination on my GPS and this train lays on his air horns.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009834.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009835.jpg

Man, those train horns are loud! I jumped and about loaded my pants. :well

I did manage to get Betty programed.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009837.jpg

So I head out and check out the sites. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009842.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009843.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009845.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009846.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009854.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009857.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009868.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009876.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009883.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009911.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009910.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009891.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009892.jpg

And of course, more road construction! :ph1:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009894.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009899.jpg

Standing in the snow at a rest stop.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009917.jpg

My new friends.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009923.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009927.jpg

A few more pics on the way out.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009928.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009952.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009957.jpg

I leave Glacier Park and head out onto the long lonely flats.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009963.jpg

Farming in the flatlands.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009968.jpg

Some hitchhikers on my front wheel.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009973.jpg

I land at the Twin Falls, MT KOA.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009974.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009975.jpg

This was a neat campsite that had awesome restrooms and showers. P^ They put me in a site where you pitch your tent on a small grass patch near your enclosed table. The enclosure was built to serve six campsites. Or if you looked at it from overhead with the roof removed it would look like a pie cut into six pieces.

I wish my neighbors were as awesome. :eek: Two women and a kid and a dog. I felt sorry for the kid and the dog! The two women were about ages 21 and 51 and both were drunk. I think they were celebrating something but I couldn't figure out what they had to celebrate. :confused: The older woman had been deported from Canada after they found out that she was a felon. Her husband was in Canada after he had been deported from the US. She went on to inform me that she had been convicted of Grand Theft Auto after stealing an RV and Identity Theft. I said okay and rolled onto my right hip to see if I could feel my wallet in my back pocket! :lol They drank and went to the pool. 20 times. The 21 year old was just happy to be able to party in the US, and she was proud of her new bikini! Wish I could say the same, I'm not going to say she was a big girl, that just wouldn't be nice.

Well, maybe she was seven months pregnant. :lol2

More later................

Ironheadziggy76

12-22-2009, 12:40 AM

G wizz, Colleen and Ernie, I'm going back someday! P^ I want to finish my trip to Prudhoe Bay and see more of the southern part of the state.

Bug Dr.

12-22-2009, 08:49 PM

Still glued to this RR. Sometimes pictures are better left in you mind (i.e. bikini clad drunk portly 21 year olds):eek:.
Mike

GoldWingGL

12-22-2009, 10:34 PM

On the suggestion of G wizz, I just read this whole write up and it is a great one. I have to get up there some day.

Ironheadziggy76

12-24-2009, 12:05 AM

Day 34, I didn't sleep to well so I spent the day trying to stay awake and enjoy the scenery. I didn't get many pictures this day as I was charging the batteries for the camera as I was riding. I ran into about five miles of road construction near some wind generators which I didn't get any pictures of! :mad: These things are huge!

Here is a picture looking down on Billings, MT.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009981.jpg

Here is my tent set up by the river.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009986.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009983.jpg

Fisherman. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009984.jpg

This is also a very nice KOA that offers a well stocked store and they also serve breakfast and BBQ. I had some interesting neighbors at this campground, one was a professional photographer that gave me some tips. I wish I had ran into her on the way up, maybe some of my pictures would have turned out better. :p I spent time talking when I should have been sleeping, I slept in the next morning and got a late start.

Day 35 was a short day on the road. I didn't take many pics here either as they all kind of look the same.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009992.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009994.jpg

At a gas stop and break, I have a great conversation with an elderly Native American man who was amazed that I had went all the way to AK on a motorcycle. He made his living as a horseshoer, he was a very interesting old gentleman with some great stories. He told me the rains were coming, to be careful! :eek:

I ended up in Spearfish, SD KOA.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009997.jpg

The rains are coming, more later................

Black and Blue

12-24-2009, 12:17 AM

I see by your last few campsite photos, you're finding grass. That's reeeeal nice.:D No mud for you...eh?:p
TMO:D:D:D
Ernie

Ironheadziggy76

12-24-2009, 12:27 AM

I see by your last few campsite photos, you're finding grass. That's reeeeal nice.:D No mud for you...eh?:p
TMO:D:D:D
Ernie

The nice grass didn't last long! :eek: Bless my heart. :p

G wizz

12-24-2009, 09:37 AM

Black and Blue

12-24-2009, 10:25 AM

Don't know about Ziggy's ride, but this guy's, Nick Clark, bike was pretty dirty from the Dalton Hwy. alone.:D

Ironheadziggy76

12-25-2009, 12:36 AM

Ziggy ...
Inquiring minds want to know ... Just how did you keep your bike so clean?
Our experience with the Canadian road construction material was finding it like gray cement once it dried. Had a dickens of a time getting it off the bikes and trailer ... Still some in spots.

Lots of rain! :D I think one thing that helped was the fender extender that the previous owner installed.

I sprayed it off at a car wash in Fairbanks and got it fairly clean. I don't know that it helped much, but before I left I sprayed the bottom half of the bike heavily with DuPont Multi-Use lubricant. Maybe the Teflon in it helped to keep the cruds from sticking.

Ironheadziggy76

12-25-2009, 02:46 AM

Day 36, I get up to a foggy morning with drizzle. Today's plans were to do some site seeing and ride a little through the Black Hills. I head out to Mount Rushmore.

Here is what I see when I get there! :well

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009998.jpg

I get parked, and walk inside and check out the displays until the fog lifts.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska2009999.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091016.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091012.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091015.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091014.jpg

Crazy Horse was next!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091027.jpg

A couple of pictures from the Black Hills.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091024.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091023.jpg

The rains started so I headed off to Sturgis.

Main Street sure looks different when there is no rally going on!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091106.jpg

Cold beer here!

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091107.jpg

I checked out the motorcycle museum! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091108.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091109.jpg

Black and Blue, here a couple of shots for y'all. The hacks are on the wrong side though. :p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091066.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091067.jpg

Here are a few more pictures of the bikes inside. They had a basement full too! P^

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091028.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091102.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091103.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091100.jpg

The Harley dealer in Sturgis.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091110.jpg

When I walked outside it was pouring so I quickly stashed the camera in zip lock bags and headed east. I make it to Sioux Falls, SD KOA and they are booked solid. I have to say these are some great folks who run this campground. They remembered me from when I stayed with them at the beginning of the trip. They made room for me in one of the worker's RV spots. I get my tent up in the pouring rain and dry the floor and I'm set but slightly damp. I decide a hot shower would be great. Then there are the children from hell. There is an old hippie couple there with about eight kids with them and they are checking out my bike. I have no problem with them looking, but they are wanting to climb all over it. :mad: I tell them that it's easy to turn over so they might not want to get near it. I head to the shower and the hippie couple are doing laundry and the kids are bouncing off the walls, playing inside the dryers, running back and forth from the tent to the shower house, etc. The dad is saying in a monotone voice, "Enough, enough, enough", they didn't even acknowledge his presence. After my shower, I head back to my tent and my bike is laying on it's side! :mad: :mad: :mad: Now Satan's children are all tucked into the tent peeking out the door! :well

As I'm setting the bike back up to check out the damage the manager rides by on his golf cart and helps me set it up. He asks me what happened, I told him I can't say for sure, but I have a good idea. He's says I won't have to worry about that again, and has me park the bike in their garage where they keep their golf carts for the night. I ended up with a broken turn signal and a couple of light scratches. :( I walk back to my tent in the rain disgusted and tired, and crash for the night.

Day 37 I wake up and it's still raining. I get dressed and pack up everything I can while in the tent. I probably got about two hours sleep, I can't sleep when I'm angry. :p I pack up my wet tent and head for the soggy interstate. My camera is locked in the Ammo can where it will stay until I get home as it pours down the rest of the way. Now I'm just logging miles, I grab gas and lunch and push on to Kansas City, MO KOA. I set up my tent in the rain, grab a shower, a microwave burrito and hit the sack.

Last day, I wake up before daylight and get packed in a heavy drizzle and head for home. Other than Sunday traffic in St. Louis, it's just another rainy day ride. I get to Evansville, IN before noon and I can barely keep my eyes open. I grab a Red Bull with a coffee chaser and walk around a while after gassing up. I'm less than 100 miles from home, but it seems like it takes forever to get to the in-laws for Sunday dinner. At least it quit raining when I hit Kentucky.

I finally make it home, and here are the final numbers on the trip meter.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091113-1.jpg

I couldn't figure out why my mileage didn't match up till I remembered one day I didn't turn the GPS on. Duh! :o

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Alaska20091114-1.jpg

This was the first motocamping trip I've taken that lasted longer than a week or so. I don't think I could have found two better people to go with than Colleen and Ernie, they are truly wonderful people!

If anyone is planning this trip in the future and I can be of any help, or answer any questions, shoot me a PM and I would be glad to tell you what I know.

Thanks all for the kind words you've posted, it's what's kept me at this.