SYNSTR - 2012-07-06 11:34 AM What was the reaction to a VISION by the BEEMER riders?

Mostly they were surprised. All were nice, some shook my hand.

The comment I heard the most - "that thing is huge!'

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varyder - 2012-07-07 4:52 AM Comic relief aside, I was going to ask what people felt about such a big bike doing this trip. I know a few Gold Wingers have done the trip as well, but over all, I'm sure it is more favored by those BMWers and other type off road bikes. Do you have the stock front forks, Steve? I'm curious how those held up, and I'm still curious of how you think the stock E3 would have fared.

Stock fork.

If you were lucky and had no rain, water trucks  or construction (construction areas are muddy) the stock E3 on the back might make it. If I was going to do this again I would have another Dunlop Winter Sport on the back. I may try a different front tire. The Winter Sport never lost traction.

The most challenging areas for the front tire were hard packed dirt with a thin layer of mud. Water trucks and rain will do that.

And when you see that Next Services 240 Miles sign you wish you had a run flat on the front also.

Belt guard - dry gravel maybe you don't need it. Muddy gravel and you can hear it flying around then I was glad it was there.

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SongFan - 2012-07-06 10:58 PM

They're right. That thing is huge!

Mile marker 0 in Dawson Creek. From this point it's still 2000 miles to Prudhoe Bay, AK.

Along the Alaska Highway -

varyder - 2012-07-07 10:43 AM thanks Steve, it all makes perfect sense, I just needed it said. What tire would you use on the front if your were to do it again?

I don't know what I would use. A tire that would be best for the Dalton Highway wouldn't last the full UCC trip.

Some riders (smarter riders) change tires in Fairbanks.

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At the North Pole -

Hey Steve,

Tried to find the answer online but no luck.  How much was gas at Prudhoe Bay?

This is the fuel stop at the Yukon River Camp, Mile Marker 56. One of only three places to get gas on the Dalton Highway.

Yukon River Camp - Mile Marker 56

Coldfoot - Mile Marker 175

Prudhoe Bay - Mile Marker 414

glencath1 - 2012-07-09 7:17 PM You're a crazy SOB, man! Congratulations!

Thanks Glen!

Day one. Leaving Milwaukee.

I had planned to leave early Thursday morning. When I left work on Wednesday (June 6th) I knew I would never be able to sleep so I started getting ready to leave.

Ate, finished packing, looked the bike over one more time and left at 8:24 pm central time. Heading south to Key West, FL.

I wasn't sure how far I would make it that first day but I had a good night and day and before I knew it I was in Georgia. I stopped for gas in Valdosta, GA and it was just starting to rain so I decided to stop there.

It was 5:20 pm eastern time and I had ridden 1034 miles. This would qualify for the IBA SS1000. I sent the paperwork in yesterday.

This was a good start to what would be a 16 day road trip.

Stopping in Valdosta turned out to be a great idea!

Alaska expensive?

My motel room in Coldfoot.

$199 a night.

varyder - 2012-07-14 5:23 AM ...and that is the Hilton, right?

It was!

I stayed at the best (only) place there -

jimtom - 2012-07-14 5:47 AM I love reading about your trips. I learn a lot from your posts. I can hardly wait for the opportunity to do some serious touring and upper tier ironbutt rides. I love teh challenge, however , I will say I have no desire for the unpaved stuff . It kind of bothers me that I don't want to do this trip because I consider myself an adventurous guy . Anyway, you are awesome!

Thanks Jim!

My favorite part of the rides is how much I learn from the people I talk to.

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$199 was the spring rate. (I saved some money)

The summer rate is $219!

http://coldfootcamp.com/lodging.htm

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