Summer Ride . . .

[Dragonrider]

I have been pondering where to go on my annual summer trip this year. My walk-about so to speak. I do at least one every year, and have worn out lots of bikes doing so. Current estimates are that I have over a half-million miles of riding under my belt.

The ultimate dream trip has always been Alaska. Riding the Al-Can highway all the way there and back again. It is 4365 miles each way, Dallas to Fairbanks . . . and I expect I would add another 3 or 4 thousand miles in side trips.

I have been “planning” to do this for about 25 years. Every year something is not quite ready . . . not enough money, not enough time, not the right bike (a dual sport would be ideal . . . like an ST1300) and so on.

I am not quite sure I understand why I have not gone as yet. I have made many summer runs that are well over the mileage and have no fear of the open road.

I also have no fear of the bears, moose, or countless other “boogie men” that folks are quick to point out will befall me if I attempt such a trip. I have faced worse things in my life than could ever be found in the wilderness and prevailed . . . or at least survived. One day I may not survive an adventure . . . but there are worse things than that.

I have finally realized (much like when I said "screw it" and bought The Dragon, my first new machine) that the time will never be 'right'. Just gotta drop it and go, or one day I’m going to be 75 and wondering why I never went.

Maybe a solo trip . . .

Late June looks good . . . The hell with it. I’m off to Alaska.

[Jerry]

This is a trip i've watnted to take. Depending on your time fraame, I might be able to hook up with you in Denver up to Fairbanks and back. I've been on my current job less than a year, so vacation time is still limited. If not the whole trip perhaps part of it.

In 2 years (2006) I hope to do the US/Canada trip. Colorado to Nova Scotia, Canadian Highway from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, then back home to Colorado. I figure 10K miles total, maybe 12K depending on side trips. Trouble is that I will only have 3 weeks, 4 at most if I can carry over a week from 2005. Plan to leave Colorado around Memorial Day.

[MartyA]

Sounds like another book in the making?
Go for it. I can only wish I had the time to do that. Be sure to take notes and regale us with your adventure. I may never go North to Alaska on a mighty steed like yours but maybe we can enjoy the trip vicariously through your chronicles.

[Dragonrider]

Hey Jerry,

At the least, I can probably stop and say "hey!".

Denver or thereabouts looks like a good first day's ride (bout 800 miles from here).

I'm not ready. But, probably never will be. Time to just gas it and go. I can deal with whatever comes, hard to plan for it all though. I think I can grab 3 weeks or so . . .

Looks like departing Dallas on June 18 . . . due back on July 12
And MartyA, yep, another book I think. Maybe not a "travelogue" . . . but at least stories inspired by.

We'll see. I guess a lot depends on the reception of Life is a Road, Get on it and Ride, which is due out in a few weeks.

(got a fiction/motorcycle full length novel I am working on for this fall release)

[buffalo]

when you go on a week+ trip do you have a list of items that you pack, or do you just throw a few clothes in a bag and buy necessities on the road? I am looking at a long trip or 2 this year but am not sure how much to pack, I like to travel light. Any suggestions?

[Huron52]

You must have a route already planned but I found this site a while back. I found it very interesting.

Just food for thought...

http://www.billybender.com/

This guy with a friend went from West Virginia to Alaska and back. He has got pictures story and a map of where he travelled.

Good Luck!

[xssiveone]

Originally posted by buffalo
when you go on a week+ trip do you have a list of items that you pack, or do you just throw a few clothes in a bag and buy necessities on the road? I am looking at a long trip or 2 this year but am not sure how much to pack, I like to travel light. Any suggestions?

Here are a few I found when I was prepping for my first trip last summer.

Biggest bike camping list

Motorcycle trip checklist

[Dragonrider]

Buffalo:
Comprehensive tool kit, tire kit.
Various riding gear--jacket, different weights of gloves, jackets and such. Sunscreen, insect goop.

If I'm camping, sleeping bag, tent, basic camping gear.

Two changes of clothes (besides what I am wearing), enough socks/underwear to get to the next wallmart (throw the old ones away).

Most everything else I'll pick up if I need it.

It is VERY easy to overpack.

May modify methods a bit for this trip . . .

Huron52:
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out!

[buffalo]

Thanks guys... I hate to overpack and load too heavy, but then again hate to not have something I need. I guess it boils down to what you "need" and what is "nice to have"

[ltl]

Why not make your run the last week of July and stop by xs camp in Bozeman?

ltl

[Dragonrider]

Would love to! But I can't get the time off any other time (yet). I just have very loose plans now . . . they are subject to change. If the dates change, I certianly would stop and say "hey"!