Alaska Trip Preparation

[Tenerester]

I have been adding a few accessories in preparation for my upcoming Alaska trip and thought I'll share a few pics with you for your thoughts:

1) Spare Gas Can:
I replaced the passenger seat with 1.3 gallon (5 litre) hard plastic gas can (Amazon). It's similar to Rotopax but shorter in length and width and therefore neatly fits the slot. It rests on the same mounts that held the seat.
https://goo.gl/photos/qM1R4qJBhR9ZGuz17

2) Tool Tubes:
I wanted to keep the weight of tools closer to the foot pegs. These tool tubes are mounted on the rear foot pegs and the OEM luggage bracket with some improvised hardware. It's easily accessible even with the panniers on.
https://goo.gl/photos/EghSnP27woEfGNx98

3) DRL and Fog lamps.
These are $30/pair 10w LED lights from Amazon (I am cheap ). These have been tried and tested and have lasted several years on my bike. I added an additional set with a bit of improvisation using hard parts purchased from Home Depot.
https://goo.gl/photos/hmsFecAQFKSQs9aeA

4) Heat Controller for heated gear.
This is the Tourmaster dual controller and it came with a Velcro strap to be strapped on your thigh when riding. I instead fabricated a piece aluminium sheet with a clip installed to the fame just under the seat.
https://goo.gl/photos/boTkrb3ztyzdCn3Z7

 

[78YZ]

I really like where you mounted the tool tubes. ::008::

 

[EricV]

What time of year do you plan on taking your trip? I went in June, hitting Dawson City at the solar equinox for the Dust 2 Dawson event, which was a blast. We spent 30 days on that trip, a tad over 8k miles.

Some comments on your recent additions. The tool tubes are going to get really, really dirty with road slurry from all the construction that happens basically whenever it's not frozen. They tear up the roads in the Yukon and Alaska and rip all the pavement on long sections out, re-grade, add deep gravel, water the heck out of it, then leave it for months. When fresh, with calcium chloride, it's soupy and treacherous. When old, it's rutted, potholed and not always with hazards marked. The Yukon hwy people put a single cone at hazard points... usually, but not always. The Alaska hwy people don't mark hazards as often, expecting travelers to just deal with it. Not as much consideration for motorcyclists.

You might want to consider what level of repairs you can do on the side of the road, what things you have modified on the bike, (those are the most likely failure points on a Super Ten, what we do to them), and re-assess how many tools you really need to take. Some electrical, spare fuses, etc. Flat repair, (compressor wired for something that really will power it, not the oem cig port), sticky string kit with reamer and practice using it before you go. A few basic tools to cover panel removal and wheel removal and general fasteners.

Heat controller - That is a Chinese copy of the real/original Heat-troller and prone to overload failure when used on high. (it's a reverse engineered copy of a faulty older series long since improved upon) Buy a portable back up from the real people, Warn & Safe and or replace that one with the real deal. You won't be happy when you're cold and wet because the copy failed. And it will after all the bumping and bouncing and use you will likely give it on the trip.

Mounting point - Move it forward to where you can see it. You won't be able to feel things as well with heavy gloves on. Water proof gloves are a Good Idea™ in Alaska/Yukon, any time of year you can ride. Consider looking at mounted units instead of portable, but that's just a preference.

You probably won't need the extra gas unless you're doing the Dalton or Demster, but nicely done. ::008::

I didn't plan on riding at night, nor did we. The long days in June helped that on our longer riding days, but really we slowed down and rode shorter days so we could stop more and see things. ~200-300 miles, tending to the shorter most days. And this is from two IBR vets that are set up for 1k days. The scale of Alaska is something to be experienced. Nothing you haven't seen before, just a lot more of it. Farther North, nights in the summer are very short or non-existent. Locals stick to a schedule for sleeping, so try not to regularly forget to keep track of the time and get enough sleep during the trip.

Plan on, and set yourself up to, carry some water. At least half a gallon.

Skid plate - consider getting one. No, that's not going to cut it up there, even if you plan on sticking to pavement, (i.e. Road construction!). Do the Dalton or Demster and you'll be risking severe damage with that decoration.

If you haven't already, get a copy of The Alaska Milepost. It's free. CLICK ME

We planned and made reservations for every night. We could have gotten by w/o that most places and just winged it. The one thing that was far more expensive than we planned for was FOOD. Two burgers, an order of fries and a coffe and coke were over $50 in Teslin. The bridge was great, (for me), but the wife didn't like the steel grating. Can be interesting when wet and windy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loIlP81b_uc

Have a great trip. You'll remember it for a long time.

 

[Tenerester]

I really like where you mounted the tool tubes. ::008::

Thank you.

 

[Tenerester]

Hi Eric, thanks for the detailed response and tips. Let me try to answer some of your querie/ one by one.

Trip plan:
I am leaving mid June. Hope to complete it in 23 days iaveraging 450-500 kms per day.

Tool Tubes:
I am aware of the dirt and mud that will accumulate. I will be carrying the compressor and tire repair kit in my top box for easy accessibility. Tool Tubes will have all,other basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, spare parts, fasteners, nuts, bolts, fuses etc. I have never needed them in the past ten years ofmriding by God's grace and hoping I won't need them this time too.... But I am taking them just in case I need to help someone in the road,


Heat Controller:
It came with the Tourmaster heated Jacket I purchased and looks genuine. Anyway Will test it out soon.
Probably the pictures didn't do justice, but I actually can see the Controller seated on the bike under my left thigh and I can control with gloves on.

Fuel can:
I will be riding upto Prodhoe Bay on Dalton highway. I may probably not need it but don't want to take a chance. I could have managed with temporary gas can, but I also have some other long distance trips planned after Alaska and hence the permanent set up.

Night riding:
I don't normally rid ein the night. The LED lights are merely for others to be able to see me when foggy or during heavy rain. These lights helped a lot during my cross country trip. Rode through severe storms and rhick fog on several occasions.

Skid plate:
I have the OEM skid plate on and has served my well since 2014. It's painted matte black and probably not clear in the pics.

I will be carrying drinking water in my top box and extra water in my panniers. Was originally planning on mounting a water can outside the panniers but then I remembered the mud and dirt on the Alcan and Dalton.

 

[limey]

Milepost is not free it's around $35.

 

[Pterodactyl]

What time of year do you plan on taking your trip? I went in June, hitting Dawson City at the solar equinox for the Dust 2 Dawson event, which was a blast. We spent 30 days on that trip, a tad over 8k miles.

Some comments on your recent additions. The tool tubes are going to get really, really dirty with road slurry from all the construction that happens basically whenever it's not frozen. They tear up the roads in the Yukon and Alaska and rip all the pavement on long sections out, re-grade, add deep gravel, water the heck out of it, then leave it for months. When fresh, with calcium chloride, it's soupy and treacherous. When old, it's rutted, potholed and not always with hazards marked. The Yukon hwy people put a single cone at hazard points... usually, but not always. The Alaska hwy people don't mark hazards as often, expecting travelers to just deal with it. Not as much consideration for motorcyclists.

You might want to consider what level of repairs you can do on the side of the road, what things you have modified on the bike, (those are the most likely failure points on a Super Ten, what we do to them), and re-assess how many tools you really need to take. Some electrical, spare fuses, etc. Flat repair, (compressor wired for something that really will power it, not the oem cig port), sticky string kit with reamer and practice using it before you go. A few basic tools to cover panel removal and wheel removal and general fasteners.

Heat controller - That is a Chinese copy of the real/original Heat-troller and prone to overload failure when used on high. (it's a reverse engineered copy of a faulty older series long since improved upon) Buy a portable back up from the real people, Warn & Safe and or replace that one with the real deal. You won't be happy when you're cold and wet because the copy failed. And it will after all the bumping and bouncing and use you will likely give it on the trip.

Mounting point - Move it forward to where you can see it. You won't be able to feel things as well with heavy gloves on. Water proof gloves are a Good Idea™ in Alaska/Yukon, any time of year you can ride. Consider looking at mounted units instead of portable, but that's just a preference.

You probably won't need the extra gas unless you're doing the Dalton or Demster, but nicely done. ::008::

I didn't plan on riding at night, nor did we. The long days in June helped that on our longer riding days, but really we slowed down and rode shorter days so we could stop more and see things. ~200-300 miles, tending to the shorter most days. And this is from two IBR vets that are set up for 1k days. The scale of Alaska is something to be experienced. Nothing you haven't seen before, just a lot more of it. Farther North, nights in the summer are very short or non-existent. Locals stick to a schedule for sleeping, so try not to regularly forget to keep track of the time and get enough sleep during the trip.

Plan on, and set yourself up to, carry some water. At least half a gallon.

Skid plate - consider getting one. No, that's not going to cut it up there, even if you plan on sticking to pavement, (i.e. Road construction!). Do the Dalton or Demster and you'll be risking severe damage with that decoration.

If you haven't already, get a copy of The Alaska Milepost. It's free. CLICK ME

We planned and made reservations for every night. We could have gotten by w/o that most places and just winged it. The one thing that was far more expensive than we planned for was FOOD. Two burgers, an order of fries and a coffe and coke were over $50 in Teslin. The bridge was great, (for me), but the wife didn't like the steel grating. Can be interesting when wet and windy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loIlP81b_uc

Have a great trip. You'll remember it for a long time.

That's funny. The first time Annie and I rode to the states from AK she had less than a 1000 miles of seat time. It rained every day but one on our ride. One of the most memorable moments was when we got to the Teslin bridge. She stopped about 50 feet from the bridge and spoke forcefully over the radio saying, "A grated bridge, you didn't say anything about a fu*king grated bridge!!!" What could I do but tell her to keep her speed up to at least 25MPH and to let the bike wander, but don't let it wander too much? Looking back I wasn't much help, but she got across.

For the OP. I also think the positioning of the tubes is going to result in a muddy mess and I really like your fuel can. I have a Pelican case permanently mounted on that same place that holds tools, pump etc. I've made the trip a dozen or so times and never carried more than an MSR bottle of fuel. I can't think of a spot on the ALCAN or Cassiar that has a gap of more than 50-70 miles between fuel points. On the Dalton it is 240 miles from Coldfoot to Deadhorse, so I'd recommend just buying a one gallon can in Fairbanks.

I lived in Fairbanks for many years. You should be able to stay in the dorms at the U. of AK Fairbanks. Much cheaper then a motel and there are many riders passing thru. When I ran the joint we allowed riders to store the gear they didn't want to take up the Dalton. Things may have changed.

If you need tire work in Fairbanks, then I recommend Dan at Adventure Cycle Works. You can arrange to have tires you want held for you at Dan's and he operates 24/7 in the summer. Changes tires and does some minor repairs. He used to even rent fuel cans for a modest charge.

I also second the need for a robust tire repair ensemble that you know how to use. In addition to a pump and plugs I would recommend having some old fashioned patches with you and a couple of tire irons. It is possible to get a slice in a sidewall that cannot be repaired with a plug. Having some patches at least gives you a fighting chance.

A couple of places I recommend along the way. In Haines there is a great bakery a block off the Alcan. Look for the Raven Motel as you pull into town and the bakery is just down the road that goes behind the motel. The are two cabins for rent at the Paddlewheel behind the bakery. Best deal around. Full bath and shower shared by the two cabins. Also the Wolf It Down Inn at Nugget City. About 12 miles north of Watson Lake and near the intersection of the Alcan and Cassiar. Not the typical roadhouse grease fest.

Ride the Cassiar at least in one direction and visit Hyder. The 40 mile ride into Hyder is some of the most scenic you'll encounter. We counted 26 bears on one ride in. Eat at the Bus, visit Caroline at the Boundry souvenir shop and have some great fudge and ride up to Fish Creek to see the bears feeding if the Salmon are running.

As Eric mentioned, Dust 2 Dawson is a great event to attend. Details are at this link (http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/2017-d2d-sign-up-thread-read-the-first-post-before-posting.1197294/). I run the sign-up list and am part of the group that puts the event on (Team Pterodactyl). Hope to see you there.

 

[EricV]

Milepost is not free it's around $35.

Good Catch!! My bad, a printed copy is $35 as you stated, I just used the online data, which is more current. There is a free Alaska guide from the Alaska Tourist bureau which we found helpful in planning our trip. LINK

We got a lot of rain too. I enjoyed the Cassiar Hwy and while returning to Hyder, (been several times since '04), was fun, boy what a change since they paved the road and tore out the old pier and built the concrete marina. The Bus was not open in mid June, (16th), when we stopped in Hyder on the way up to Alaska. At that time they mentioned the end of June, so call and check if you want that experience. (great food and good people) The Sealaska was still closed too. Caroline does make excellent fudge at the Boundary souvenir shop. Send some home, otherwise you'll eat it all during your trip!

Teneresta - Your factory skid plate is not a skid plate. It is mounted to the cast aluminum sump. At best, it's a gravel guard. The larger rocks and rougher roads of the Yukon and Alaska are a bit more than you want to test that piece with, and especially the Dalton. You might be fine... or might encounter severe construction. Every year is different and everyone's trip encounters different weather conditions. Getting a tow on the Haul Road and welding repair to your sump is not high on anyone's list of fun or cheap things to do. (I know one person that suffered three sump crack incidents, just on the Dalton.)

I have no doubt the heat controller is genuine Tourmaster, (probably made by the same Chinese factory that makes the Gerbing ones). The electronics design is a copy of an older Warm & Safe unit that has long been replaced with an improved version. I have seen several of the Tourmaster and Gerbing versions that you have fail. Usually when they are needed most. But hey, maybe they have improved them! Or not. Even with my mounted W&S Heat-troller, I carry a back up portable unit, though I have never needed that. I did have one of the old design units long ago, which did fail, thus the re-design. I am merely offering advice based upon my experience. It's free and you can take it or not. It's your comfort and your trip.

Mid June is a good time, though can be wet and buggy. Mosquito nets and 100% DEET are your friends.

 

[Tenerester]

Thanks for the tips Kevin.
I have a 'soft' copy of the Mile Post and have noted down all key stops and places of interest

I have heard about the famous bakery at Haines and have Dan's contact details for any emergencies. I will be installing a pair of new Mitas E07s jut before the trip and intend running them the entire trip.
I have a good assortment of tire repair accessories. Although I never had to use them on my bike I have helped others quite a few times on our long trips. So I am quite familiar with tire repair jobs.

Thanks for the accommodation details. I have noted them down. We intend staying at the U of AK both at Fairbanks and Anchorage. May camp a few nights on the way, weather permitting of course.

We will be heading north via Alcan and returning via Cassiar. Have planned a two night stop in Hyder/Stewart. Heard a lot about the scenic beauty and looking forward to it.

Unfortunately we will be missing D2D by a couple of days due to a scheduling conflict. May be next time.

 

[Cycledude]

Did the deadhorse trip last June, rained everyday for the 22 days we were gone, the only way you should need extra gas would be if you made it over halfway to deadhorse and had to turn back for some reason, I could very easily see something like that happening, I've never carried extra gas but I sure can understand why many folks do. We Are planning a ride to Inuvik in 2018 and I'm seriously considering figuring out a way to carry extra gas.

 

[OldRider]

I took a new copy of the Milepost with me on the trip. I ordered a half dozen copies off Ebay for $5-6 bucks each and left copies with family and friends so they would know where we were when we checked in each day. Not too many things change up there and there's not much difference in a new copy or a 5 year old copy.

My biggest piece of advice is to always gas up when you see gas. If you're within range of a major town like Dawson Creek, Ft. Nelson or White horse there's no worry because they have several gas options, but out in the boondocks don't leave yourself with only one station in range. You never know when they will be closed out of business, out of gas or the power is off and the pumps won't work.

 

[Pterodactyl]

A satellite tracking device such as a SPOT with a Spotwalla webpage is a great way to amuse family and friends.

 

[Tenerester]

Did the deadhorse trip last June, rained everyday for the 22 days we were gone, the only way you should need extra gas would be if you made it over halfway to deadhorse and had to turn back for some reason, I could very easily see something like that happening, I've never carried extra gas but I sure can understand why many folks do. We Are planning a ride to Inuvik in 2018 and I'm seriously considering figuring out a way to carry extra gas.

Weather in Alaska seems to be unpredictable. Some folks have had absolutely gorgeous weather in June while some have seen the worst. The best approach is to go prepared and enjoy every moment irrespective of what is thrown at you. Its an adventure after all. I have been preparing for almost an year now and I am not going to let bad weather or a roadside repair ruin my happiness.

 

[Tenerester]

I took a new copy of the Milepost with me on the trip. I ordered a half dozen copies off Ebay for $5-6 bucks each and left copies with family and friends so they would know where we were when we checked in each day. Not too many things change up there and there's not much difference in a new copy or a 5 year old copy.

My biggest piece of advice is to always gas up when you see gas. If you're within range of a major town like Dawson Creek, Ft. Nelson or White horse there's no worry because they have several gas options, but out in the boondocks don't leave yourself with only one station in range. You never know when they will be closed out of business, out of gas or the power is off and the pumps won't work.

Thanks. Yes, that's the plan.

 

[bob dirt]

Don't over think it...it's just another ride. I'm going again either this summer after CDT or in June of '18...hopefully.
I looked at the Milepost and used the detachable map to plan...then lost the dang thing. I took 3 paper Canada maps and the smaller Rand McNally road atlas. Didn't take my GPS but I did take my spot so some of my friends and family could see the progress. Best ride I have ever been on!

 

[Tenerester]

Don't over think it...it's just another ride. I'm going again either this summer after CDT or in June of '18...hopefully.
I looked at the Milepost and used the detachable map to plan...then lost the dang thing. I took 3 paper Canada maps and the smaller Rand McNally road atlas. Didn't take my GPS but I did take my spot so some of my friends and family could see the progress. Best ride I have ever been on!

Thanks. I have prints of all the highways with points of interest in YT and AK from MilePost. These and paper maps of Northern BC and Alaska will stay on my Tank bag. GPS is kind of a permanent fixture on the bike and it will be available when necessary. Have not decided on the Spot tracker yet. I rarely travel off the grid.

 

[DYNOBOB]

A thought about your tool tubes... I'd add a stainless safety wire leash around them to the bike as they are prone to breaking off their brackets and disappearing. They were designed to hold rolled up tractor manuals, not 10lbs of tools.

Dad and I had a great 4-week trip to Prudhoe last Aug/Sept. Ride report is here: http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/two-bobs-alaska-2016-30days-12k-miles-in-pictures.1179454/

Have a awesome and safe trip!

Bob

.

 

[Tenerester]

Thanks Bob. I was intending to fasten tool tubes to the frame with a couple of thick zip ties before the trip. Stainless steel leash would be a better option I guess.

I did read your RR when I was doing my research on Alaska rides a while ago. Some fantastic pictures you have there Bob. You have a great eye for it. Ever think of becoming a motorcycle journalist some day? ::001::

 

[EricV]

You can get stainless steel zip ties. They are used for exhaust wrap, among other things. That said, for the size of the tool tubes, I would suggest more of a hose clamp version, long enough to go around the entire tube and mounting point. Most plumbing supply places will have longer, heavy duty hose clamps made to secure pipe connectors for drain pipe, etc. Might cost as much as one of the tubes for a couple, but you will be less likely to lose the tube and contents. Alaska/Yukon is notorious for rough roads and various things rattling off vehicles. I would not trust a plastic zip tie, even a thick one.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Hose clamps. Good for a million uses.