Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks for your kind words!!
Bigguy Rides - 2014 S10 Travels - Currently in Kyrgyzstan
- Thread starter Bigguy136
- Start date
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
June 27, 2019 to July 02, 2019
My mom was flying into Anchorage for a vacation with friends and we planned to meet so I had a few days to wait.
Years back I was on my Garmin and entered Big Lake (city I am from) and saw Big Lake, AK being 2,000 miles away. That was the first time I ever thought Alaska was close enough to be ridden on a bike. Fast forward, I forgot about Big Lake, AK but riding, I saw this. I rode thru town but nothing like my town. Now I know...
I saw a sign for Hatcher Pass and with a short time of being open, it looked like a road I wanted to ride.
The western side was gravel and east side was tar and much more crowded.
The road followed a river and many people were camping. I came across an area that cars/ RVs couldn't cross so it looked like a nice, private area to camp. It was a bit early but there was some dark skies. I wanted to try a rain shelter set-up in case I was somewhere needing to wait the day for rain to pass. I didn't have more than a few drops of rain but it was good to know how my set-up would be.
After the rain cloud passed, I had a perfect evening camping along side the river.
I decided to ride to Homer, AK. There were forest fires in the area and the smoke made all scenery not worth a photo. The smoke cleared as I got to Anchor Point.
Off of the road was a beach and Gulf of Alaska. I wanted to make it a bit more west than the most westerly point in North America so I went onto the beach. I started sinking quickly and was looking for any area looking like a hard pack, trying to not get stuck. I crossed the beach area and found an area that was safe to stop for a photo.
I was concerned the fires could increase and cause a road closing, so I headed back towards Anchorage.
I found a camp ground the night before my mom was flying in and figured I needed a real shower.
We live 20 minutes apart and have lunch every Sunday when I'm home and was really nice to see her during one of my rides.
Waiting near the airport, I stopped into a small airport nearby. Never saw something like this but looks like a great idea.
My mom was flying into Anchorage for a vacation with friends and we planned to meet so I had a few days to wait.
Years back I was on my Garmin and entered Big Lake (city I am from) and saw Big Lake, AK being 2,000 miles away. That was the first time I ever thought Alaska was close enough to be ridden on a bike. Fast forward, I forgot about Big Lake, AK but riding, I saw this. I rode thru town but nothing like my town. Now I know...
I saw a sign for Hatcher Pass and with a short time of being open, it looked like a road I wanted to ride.
The western side was gravel and east side was tar and much more crowded.
The road followed a river and many people were camping. I came across an area that cars/ RVs couldn't cross so it looked like a nice, private area to camp. It was a bit early but there was some dark skies. I wanted to try a rain shelter set-up in case I was somewhere needing to wait the day for rain to pass. I didn't have more than a few drops of rain but it was good to know how my set-up would be.
After the rain cloud passed, I had a perfect evening camping along side the river.
I decided to ride to Homer, AK. There were forest fires in the area and the smoke made all scenery not worth a photo. The smoke cleared as I got to Anchor Point.
Off of the road was a beach and Gulf of Alaska. I wanted to make it a bit more west than the most westerly point in North America so I went onto the beach. I started sinking quickly and was looking for any area looking like a hard pack, trying to not get stuck. I crossed the beach area and found an area that was safe to stop for a photo.
I was concerned the fires could increase and cause a road closing, so I headed back towards Anchorage.
I found a camp ground the night before my mom was flying in and figured I needed a real shower.
We live 20 minutes apart and have lunch every Sunday when I'm home and was really nice to see her during one of my rides.
Waiting near the airport, I stopped into a small airport nearby. Never saw something like this but looks like a great idea.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
After seeing my mom, she went on with her trip and so did I. This was now a point where I had no scheduled location I needed to be at.
I rode just east of Anchorage and set camp up.
I then rode to Valdez and enjoyed very much. If anyone wanted to take a ride to Alaska and stay on tar, this would be a great location to add to your list.
On my ride back from Valdez, I looked for any side road I could take.
I continued north thru Tok, Chicken and Eagle, AK back into Canada on Top of the World hwy. I saw a sign for Clinton Creek and figured I would take a look.
There are a lot of areas with rock everywhere after miners came thru.
I had no idea what this road was and at one point, I stopped to turned on my tablet to see where I was and if I was on a dead end road.
The road went to Clinton Creek.
I rode just east of Anchorage and set camp up.
I then rode to Valdez and enjoyed very much. If anyone wanted to take a ride to Alaska and stay on tar, this would be a great location to add to your list.
On my ride back from Valdez, I looked for any side road I could take.
I continued north thru Tok, Chicken and Eagle, AK back into Canada on Top of the World hwy. I saw a sign for Clinton Creek and figured I would take a look.
There are a lot of areas with rock everywhere after miners came thru.
I had no idea what this road was and at one point, I stopped to turned on my tablet to see where I was and if I was on a dead end road.
The road went to Clinton Creek.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Talking with owner of lodge, he said this area was an asbestos mine.
Then a side road took me to 40 mile
Then a side road took me to 40 mile
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
40 mile was a location I knew nothing about and was one of the most enjoyed places I went. I heard recent reports that the area is all but gone from spring flooding. Not sure but I would like to see for myself at the tail end of my global motorcycle ride.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
July 03, 2019 to July 05, 2019
I rode to Ross River and wanted to ride the South Canol. I rode the South Canol in 2017 but figured after riding the North Canol, Dempster and Dalton on this trip, how could I skip this road? And it didn't disappoint. In 2017, it was a bit drizzly and that was my first year ever riding dirt roads so it was more of a 'stay focused' than enjoying the ride. This year, a bit cloudy, dry and I was all smiles.
I found a spot a bit north of Quit Lake campground to call home for the night.
I rode to Ross River and wanted to ride the South Canol. I rode the South Canol in 2017 but figured after riding the North Canol, Dempster and Dalton on this trip, how could I skip this road? And it didn't disappoint. In 2017, it was a bit drizzly and that was my first year ever riding dirt roads so it was more of a 'stay focused' than enjoying the ride. This year, a bit cloudy, dry and I was all smiles.
I found a spot a bit north of Quit Lake campground to call home for the night.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
In the morning, I skipped breakfast because I didn't want to provide anymore mosquitoes with a meal. I got going and came across Quiet Lake campground and saw it was open and 5 guys there for fishing. I pulled in, had breakfast and talked with the guys.
Continuing on, I finished the South Canol.
My plan was to ride to Hyder, AK but on my way there, I saw a side road I knew nothing about and wanted to learn more. Telegraph Creek was a wonderful surprise. Very remote with no traffic. Towards the end was a town/ reservation with maybe 10 homes. There was a fire in prior season and after a fire, there are a lot of mushrooms. Pics can describe way better than I can.
Continuing on, I finished the South Canol.
My plan was to ride to Hyder, AK but on my way there, I saw a side road I knew nothing about and wanted to learn more. Telegraph Creek was a wonderful surprise. Very remote with no traffic. Towards the end was a town/ reservation with maybe 10 homes. There was a fire in prior season and after a fire, there are a lot of mushrooms. Pics can describe way better than I can.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Telegraph Creek pics continued from above
With Telegraph Creek behind me, it was time for Hyder, AK. I had been to Hyder in 2017 and stayed at the top overlooking Salmon Glacier and I was looking forward to camping there again.
And my campsite didn't disappoint. Well maybe the huge mosquitoes sucked but the views were perfect.
With Telegraph Creek behind me, it was time for Hyder, AK. I had been to Hyder in 2017 and stayed at the top overlooking Salmon Glacier and I was looking forward to camping there again.
And my campsite didn't disappoint. Well maybe the huge mosquitoes sucked but the views were perfect.
Avalanche123
Member
Now you were really in my neck of the woods. Telegraph Creek is actually Highway 51 and maintained year round. (I just got back from there). Too bad you didn't zip into Cassiar north of Dease Lake (just before Jade City).
Anyway always cool to see pics of "my hood" on here and see others enjoying it!
Anyway always cool to see pics of "my hood" on here and see others enjoying it!
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
After some breakfast, I wanted to see what was past my camp spot. I saw satellite images that the road continued and wanted to see how far I could get. I first found some side roads that were below my camp area in front of Salmon glacier.
It was very rough and slow going. It was cold out but the fan was running and coolant temps were climbing. Time to pull over and add some snow in the radiator area. And why not make a snowman at the same time??
Time to get back on main road. I need to remember I'm not on a 250lb dirt bike and riding solo.
The road brought me to this area.
A bit damp but I have had maybe 1 hour total drizzle/ rain on this entire trip. I always had rain before I got there or after I left.
10 pic limit. More below.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
The road continued and continued to get smaller.
It was nice getting to the base of a glacier.
I haven't fallen or got stuck yet so I should head back to civilization sooner than later.
This was the only building I found. Not sure what it's for??
I wanted to ride this road but couldn't find a way to get to it.
I assume this was an original tunnel that was closed. I thought that would be fun to ride the old road. After a few minutes thinking about all that could go wrong, I skipped it.
More pics coming.
It was nice getting to the base of a glacier.
I haven't fallen or got stuck yet so I should head back to civilization sooner than later.
This was the only building I found. Not sure what it's for??
I wanted to ride this road but couldn't find a way to get to it.
I assume this was an original tunnel that was closed. I thought that would be fun to ride the old road. After a few minutes thinking about all that could go wrong, I skipped it.
More pics coming.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
The road from Salmon glacier to Hyder
Maybe taking the old tunnel road would be safer??
If you have been to Hyder, you will know this. They were closed when I was there but I ate there in 2017. If you go, stop in.
Getting back to camping on whatever flatland I find. This was a special spot for me as I camped here in 2017 after a crap day and I felt better. I was happy not to have a crap day this time.
Starting to see more tar and less dirt.
And getting back into USA.
Just missed this rain.
More to come
Maybe taking the old tunnel road would be safer??
If you have been to Hyder, you will know this. They were closed when I was there but I ate there in 2017. If you go, stop in.
Getting back to camping on whatever flatland I find. This was a special spot for me as I camped here in 2017 after a crap day and I felt better. I was happy not to have a crap day this time.
Starting to see more tar and less dirt.
And getting back into USA.
Just missed this rain.
More to come
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
I always love riding Beartooth pass. This day was no different with all smiles.
If you haven't ridden Beartooth and have a chance to, do it.
I rode Beartooth on July 8. I was surprised to see this much snow.
I knew of a spot I wanted to camp just outside Dayton, WY
There is a restaurant in Dayton that I was thinking about for a week. Nice having something other than oatmeal or pancakes for breakfast
Time to put my head down, cruse control on and let the S10 do its thing.
More below
If you haven't ridden Beartooth and have a chance to, do it.
I rode Beartooth on July 8. I was surprised to see this much snow.
I knew of a spot I wanted to camp just outside Dayton, WY
There is a restaurant in Dayton that I was thinking about for a week. Nice having something other than oatmeal or pancakes for breakfast
Time to put my head down, cruse control on and let the S10 do its thing.
More below
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
And home
Tire held up great for being on a heavy bike, riding to Prudhoe Bay among many other roads and a 800 mile day on interstate at 85MPH and 90°
I have had great luck with the Mitas E07 Dakar fronts. A shame they discontinued and went to E07 plus. I think the plus stands for plus many extra tire changes. Not sure. Happy they brought back the original.
All cleaned up
Something new. Having a kitchen to make real food.
But wait.... Sitting around and drinking coffee just isn't what I want. New tire and off I go again. Back to Canada.
Tire held up great for being on a heavy bike, riding to Prudhoe Bay among many other roads and a 800 mile day on interstate at 85MPH and 90°
I have had great luck with the Mitas E07 Dakar fronts. A shame they discontinued and went to E07 plus. I think the plus stands for plus many extra tire changes. Not sure. Happy they brought back the original.
All cleaned up
Something new. Having a kitchen to make real food.
But wait.... Sitting around and drinking coffee just isn't what I want. New tire and off I go again. Back to Canada.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Thanks!!Now you were really in my neck of the woods. Telegraph Creek is actually Highway 51 and maintained year round. (I just got back from there). Too bad you didn't zip into Cassiar north of Dease Lake (just before Jade City).
Anyway always cool to see pics of "my hood" on here and see others enjoying it!
Maybe if you are still there in a few more years, I can stop in on my return to USA ride??
Avalanche123
Member
I actually live south of those areas but it is part of my work area. Your trip up to the Salmon Glacier...that old building used to be the main Mill for the Grand Duc Mine site. There is a portal that begins there and goes up under the Salmon Glacier to the mine site.
Home is in Terrace for me. Hopefully I am around!
Home is in Terrace for me. Hopefully I am around!
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
Over the years, I usually have a good idea of where I'm going and how long I'll be gone for. 2019 was a new way of having a very rough idea and go from there.
That new way of thinking is what started the 2nd part of 2019 ride.
It was very hot and humid so I figured I should ride around the Great Lakes to escape the heat.
I found a nice camp spot that was close to Lake Superior and was perfect for a night's sleep.
Not sure where the bridge was other than the north side of Lake Superior
The heat was down but the humidity was still high so there was a lot of fog in areas and not great for taking pics. That or I was lazy??
The tire I put on was a used Mitas E07 I had from going to the Arctic in 2017. I put a plug in it in Dawson and had many miles on it. With the tire in storage, the plug got a bit dry and had a slow leak. I pulled it and installed new one. All good.
I was coming into Wawa, CA and noticed my GPS said my rear tire had no air in it. I figured must be a connection to sensor issue and was going to get gas in a few miles, I will look into it more then. A few seconds later, the tire came off both beads and was flopping left and right. I kept the bike upright and got pulled over. I carry a small air compressor but with both beads off the rim, I wasn't able to get tire to re-bead. was getting a ratchet strap out to put around the tire and a group of 7-8 Harleys pulled over and asked if I needed a hand. Um, yes, I do need some hands. With 2 other guys pulling tire to seat on the rim, the air pressure started to set the beads.
Not sure why the new tire plug came out but I was now worried that other tire plugs wouldn't stay in so I switched my GPS view to display tire pressures only. With no GPS map, the heat and tire issues, I decided to head home going thru Sault Sainte Marie and riding the southern side of Lake Superior as these are roads I know well and wouldn't need a GPS.
The tire plug held the ride home but I installed a new tire and decided a ride to Wyoming Big Horns would be better.
A few less trees and millions less mosquitoes in the Big Horns
Enjoying some of my favorite areas in Wyoming
A 1 star meal with 5 star accommodations.
My most favorite area all to myself.
That new way of thinking is what started the 2nd part of 2019 ride.
It was very hot and humid so I figured I should ride around the Great Lakes to escape the heat.
I found a nice camp spot that was close to Lake Superior and was perfect for a night's sleep.
Not sure where the bridge was other than the north side of Lake Superior
The heat was down but the humidity was still high so there was a lot of fog in areas and not great for taking pics. That or I was lazy??
The tire I put on was a used Mitas E07 I had from going to the Arctic in 2017. I put a plug in it in Dawson and had many miles on it. With the tire in storage, the plug got a bit dry and had a slow leak. I pulled it and installed new one. All good.
I was coming into Wawa, CA and noticed my GPS said my rear tire had no air in it. I figured must be a connection to sensor issue and was going to get gas in a few miles, I will look into it more then. A few seconds later, the tire came off both beads and was flopping left and right. I kept the bike upright and got pulled over. I carry a small air compressor but with both beads off the rim, I wasn't able to get tire to re-bead. was getting a ratchet strap out to put around the tire and a group of 7-8 Harleys pulled over and asked if I needed a hand. Um, yes, I do need some hands. With 2 other guys pulling tire to seat on the rim, the air pressure started to set the beads.
Not sure why the new tire plug came out but I was now worried that other tire plugs wouldn't stay in so I switched my GPS view to display tire pressures only. With no GPS map, the heat and tire issues, I decided to head home going thru Sault Sainte Marie and riding the southern side of Lake Superior as these are roads I know well and wouldn't need a GPS.
The tire plug held the ride home but I installed a new tire and decided a ride to Wyoming Big Horns would be better.
A few less trees and millions less mosquitoes in the Big Horns
Enjoying some of my favorite areas in Wyoming
A 1 star meal with 5 star accommodations.
My most favorite area all to myself.
Bigguy136
Well-Known Member
In the morning, more of this
And more perfect camping
Same area but different landscape
And my portable shower
And more perfect camping
Same area but different landscape
And my portable shower
cyclemike4
Well-Known Member
I am enjoying your ride reports. I have to say I am a bit jealous!