| Author | Message | ||
     Harleywern |
I think, I'm close to getting my mind set on this. I'm going to the Gym as often as I can. I might wanna take one of the "Off road trainings" offered by BMW or somebody else? Do I have to join the Tourist Group? I have ridden my Uly on a gravel road only once. Also this was with my Harley buddies. 2010 will be my 50th birthday, so I think I will give this as a gift to me. What if I do not find "Buddies" that takes me along? Do I have to ship spare parts from Germany? (for a lot of money?) I know, lots of questions. But I think, I have got my mind set on this. Ride safe Werner | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Werner, If you are part of our group, you will not have to worry about someone taking care of you. We take care of our own! | ||
| Rotorhead |
As I read over dave's shoulder about this trip. I have one suggestion for you, buy a "MILE POST". The book comes out once a year and it covers everything under the sun from bars/hotels to repair shops. It has up to date phone numbers and web pages. Have fun planning. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Slow: You and Ft work it out. I'm all for what ever you guys want to do. Am in Chicago for the Nationwide race tonight. Will get emails out in the next day or so. Werner: What Ft said. Come along and be part of the Group. Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Werner: If your with the Buell Group, we will be putting together a "shared" groups of spares that will be staged along the 4400 mile route. If you have something "special" on your Buell, you would need to make arrangements to get a spare shipped to the US. Other than that, spend some time on dirt/gravel roads to see how the Uly rides. Welcome Aboard Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Hootis29 |
I sent my entry. I've been waiting since Sept, of 06. Do we have a headcount on this posse yet? tick...tock..... | ||
| Alchemy |
I am looking at this seriously. I have a few questions but have been wanting to do something like this. Reading the website a little it seems like each rider gets 40 lbs of gear carried for them in the chase vehicle as well as 2 tires. It would seem that the team could pool part of the weight for common parts etc. This seems almost unfair really but I have not seen that it is prohibited. Caching parts and supplies along the way is subject the rules and prohibited unless the method is available to all participants - such as a route hotel etc if I understand it correctly. Is there any mention of motorcycle riders going 2-up? It mentions teams of rider where the riders switch off and ride in the advance vehicles when not riding. This event may be too demanding for going 2 up. I ask because my then 14 yr old son "might" be interested in participating in some way. Reading several of the reports and articles indicates that there are some risks in this adventure - I note particularly one mention of a wolf trying to run down the bikes - not a good time to have a belt break<grin>. I doubt carrying anything much more defensive than mace would be allowed. Finally, I am on the east coast and getting my Uly out there would be a bit of a hassle or expense it would seem. Still thinking about how to manage that. My assets to the group would be slim but I do have access to a house on the Olympic peninsula (across the sound from Kirkland) and I am an amateur radio operator which the event operators seem to see some value in. I put 15k on my 06 Uly but do more track days than back country riding but dirt does not scare me. Back in my past I spent a Summer in Washington state riding a Kawasaki 125 trail bike every place I could get it - not racing however. And I have absolutely no rally experience which seems a lot to fumble with on a motorcycle on dirt or muddy roads and recording times somehow while not stopping supposedly. Something to practice I guess. But I love the challenge and adventure of it and it is not too expensive as I see it and there is plenty of time. And the group spirit is great. I only wish we could have had a little get-together at Homecoming somehow. One suggestion I have would be some serious attention to the tire options and working out as much flexibility as possible in route based on weather and road conditions etc I have the application in hand but have not written the check just yet. Also, one name suggestion - "Fan-Addicts" | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Alchemy, Harley's shipping service does a great job of getting your stuff where you need it. There are other shipping companies as well. BDS is trailering from NC. I have a spot reserved, and I think he mentioned that there are other slots available. You might be able to run down to rendezvous with the Uly boat somewhere. I am not really interested in competing. It adds a level of urgency and pressure than can sap the enjoyment from the event. Others may want to compete. We'll need to decide how we want to organize our group. If you are in the touring group, I don't see any problem with you going two up. Most of the roads are either finished or gravel, so going two up shouldn't be that much of a technical issue. Your son would have a blast. Life altering experience. | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
ft_bstrd, I completely agree with you on the competing aspect. Not to mention that some of these guys on the trail are infinitely funded and sponsored and have the ability to run balls to the wall for 5000 miles without caring about parts cost. I will be thrilled to finish my first go around. Now a future Alcan trip 2014? Then we can look at the competition aspect after we have a run under our belts. I mean I have done a lot of riding in my life, but I haven't done 5000 in 8 days. I love the enthusiasm, but I feel we are underestimating how grueling of a trip this will be overall. Done get me wrong, I sent in my registration and I fully plan on going, finishing, and giving it 110% but most guys dont even do 5000 miles a year on their bikes and we are doing it in 8 days. I am absolutely thrilled to embark on such an adventure, but I dont think this type of trip is for everyone. | ||
| Alchemy |
FB and Chris, Ok, so I was not sure on the competing aspect. I have no need to compete but on the other hand I don't know that not competing slows things down much. There seems to be a string of 500+ mile days on dirt roads so the speed must be up there. I see in the journals of crusing at high speeds in some cases. I also see mention of 60 MPH crosswinds and pretty cold miserable weather. It should be challenging. As for my son, we will have to see how he views this in 2 years. I will need to see some reports from other who have done it 2 up. I am not a very good motorcycle passenger myself and such long days would be a test I would expect. Since the end of the ride is in Alaska, what are folks going to do then? Ship the bikes from there or ride back? Several options I guess. | ||
| Gsilvernale |
I have ridden to Alaska, but not on a my Uly - It was a more road oriented bike - a Kawasaki Zr7s. We averaged 450 Miles a day, but we were doing the tourist thing. However, looking at the route, I would not hesitate on taking my Uly on the main route of the tour. Because it is light almost all of the time, you can ride from 6 AM to midnight in total daylight. The Uly is not real well suited to riding dirt/gravel roads, but it will flat eat up rough pavement. It needs different tires for doing serious gravel roads. A few people have mentioned that there does not look like much gravel roads on this trip. Some of the side trips (Dempster, Canol) are all gravel, and many of the main roads contain long stretches of gravel. The Klondike and Top of the world contain lots of gravel. Also, just because the road is paved, does not mean that it is smooth. I was airborne more than once on the "paved" road. Hitting a frost heave at 60 MPH, tends to launch you into the air. I would recommend skipping the All gravel options, You will get enough gravel on the main roads to make you happy. The intent of the tour should be to see lots of stuff, and finish without wrecking your bike. Take the Skagway option (beautiful ride!) One thing you will want to do is to "loosen" up your suspension. Most of us have got the suspension dialed in for corner carving. So the suspension is on the stiff side. Over the next few months, try adjusting your suspension so that it can handle bumps better. I can not stress enough on how bumpy the roads are. Make sure that you read the ride reports over on advrider. 2 years ago, one of the guys ran this event on a Kawaski KLR650. The event was just part of his trip. I think he did like 14,000 miles in a month. If I get to do it again, I would get some kind of a throttle lock. I had a Wrist rocker last time, and it helped, but being able to take your right hand off the throttle for a few seconds and stretch would be a massive improvement. It looks like you can ship your bike back down for $250 (to seattle) via the Tour. | ||
| Troyyz |
I know I am a late comer to this thread but would like to put my name in the hat. Maximum and I were considering doing this on our own (Denver to the Arctic Circle and back) next summer but are both very intrigued about this option in lieu of our plan. Am doing the research to see what all it will take. We just got back from a 3100 mile in 10 days for Homecoming of which 1200 was over the last two days. I am no IronButt champion but (not pun intended) believe I am up for the challenge. Not interested in competing but rather am looking at the touring group. | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
I strongly suggest that if we do go on the Alcan trip in 2010; that leaves next summer wide open to do a trip with some Uly's. I know I have been toying with a couple ideas to head up to Canada right before homecoming next year just to at least get a feel for everything. If anyone else is interested in a trip to Canada next year on a low budget let me know. Maybe head up to Thunder Bay or Winnipeg. Maybe even extend it and travel up to hudson bay. | ||
| Rydr |
I got back from Alaska on June 16th. Other than a leaking fork seal I didn't have any problems with my Uly. I did have some pretty crappy weather. Everything from rain to hail to snow. Lots of mud. I met a guy up there that rode from South Carolina. He went all the way to Prudhoe Bay and was on his return trip on a Suzuki 650 Burgman scooter. Other than wearing out a tire the scooter was handling the trip with no problems. It's an interesting trip and I'm sure you'll have a good time. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Will update contact list later tonight and email to all on the list. Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Anyone made any head way on Dual Sport Tires for the Gravel portions of the ride? Buells to Alaska ACLAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
First Version of contact list send to those we have email address for. If you did not get an email today, let us know. Thanks Buells to ALaska ALCNA 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Buells to Alaska My personal thoughts are to enter the event as a non-competitior. The experience of completing 4400 miles in eight (8) days along some of the most scenic roads in the Western Hemisphere is enough reward for us. I have been wanting to ride the ALCAN Highway since 19-Oh-$$$$ as a famous NASCAR drive would say. This event is the perfect opportunity to do so, especially, when you consider the ability to share this with other like minded folks. IT IS My BUCKET LIST !!!!!e I'v been to two (2) county fairs, a couple of goat roping, seen the elephants, and this is going to be a ride of a lifetime. Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
BDS, Thought about this today as I was riding local gravel roads for practice!  I'm thinking about just using the D616s for the gravel portion. I never had any issues with the D616s off road. My only complaint was the weave at 80+. Since we won't be having these speed issues on gravel, I'd say that it would be a very suitable tire. What says you? | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Might be an option Just bought a second set of wheels from a local Bueller, might be the rubber of choice. Time will tell Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I don't think we need to be really wrapped around the axle about getting knobbies for the Ulys. If dirt and gravel road is the worst we'll see, either the D616s or Scorpion will work. Between the two, I think the D616 would be the better choice. I just don't like the idea of trying to shoehorn a 160 onto the rear. It doesn't leave any room for error, and could quite easily be popped off the rim. If that happens locally, it ruins your day. Out there, it would REALLY suck, and could put the rest of the trip in jeopardy. | ||
| Cccpull |
Buelldualsport, That is a great ride you guys are planning, the only negative I see is your time is so short. I've been following this thread and it seems like you guys are prepared/preparing enough to go to the ends of the planet. Is it mainly to reduce timing or schedule problems or is it terrain?  (Message edited by cccpull on July 15, 2008) | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Fat and BDS, I think the D616's would work out fine. I have run 5000 miles on my rear now and I really can't complain about them and I just picked up another rear on friday. There was a rumor that they stopped producing these tires, but I had the dealer look in the system and it is still an active part number so I dont see any issues there. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I got 2800 miles out of my rear before it died (completely turned to bubble gum on the way to the dealer). I only need to get 2,500 out of a set. | ||
| Gsilvernale |
I did not find much information on the 2010 itinerary, but if you look back at the 2006 posts, you will see that there are dirt sections added into the course, even on the paved highway sections. You run the highway to get to the TSD section, which is then a timed component. Some of these sections are single track. | ||
| Alchemy |
In my ignorance I have to ask if there are routinely motorcycles running with cars in road rallies? I am guessing there probably are since there is at least one rally computer for motorcycles: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/6164/page 93.html Does anyone have any experience with motorcycles in essentially auto rallies? | ||
| Blake |
"I got 2800 miles out of my rear before it died (completely turned to bubble gum..." Dude. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Dude. Rear TIRE.  It took much longer before MY rear turned to bubble gum. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
That does not rate a comment  Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
GS Bikes and car will be running together, however, with all of the open roads, it should not be a problem. The Off Roaders do it all the time, and the bikes beat the cars !!!! Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 |
