Alaska and the Yukon 2024

[richardbd]

Some great pics of what looks to have been another top trip. Shame about the weather on the Dalton but a wise decision not to tempt fate.

The one time I did it, we had pissing rain through the Brooks range and over the Atigun Pass but just as we were preparing to give up and return to Wiseman, the sun came out and we rode to Deadhorse bathed in warmth.

Mind you, it caught up with us later and when we crossed the Top of the World you couldn't see a hand in front of your face for the rain, mist and fog, so thanks for the piccies

 

[Sgt Bilco]

It was a beautiful sunny day as we had breakfast and headed out of Tok on the Glenn Highway.

Now this road has to be one of the most scenic roads anywhere on the planet and we've got 250 miles of it today. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it........

First stop is the stunning Mentasta Lake and teh road is fantastic to ride through this scarcley believeable scenery.





Gary looks at home on his replacement bike.



He also takes a superb photograph!!




We follow the Wrangle Muntains for about 100 miles and never seem to get closer. These beauties are all over 14,000ft and have snow year round and are just wonderful to look at.






Gary's pic is obviously better than mine.



Stop for coffee and fuel at this great little shop about 80 miles into teh day. I love to use these places as if we don't they may not be here next year.



Still the secenery makes your jaw drop.

 

[Mr Derek]

Great report again and looks like a fantastic adventure. Too much unmade road for me and too many mozzies, so it's a vicarious trip for me and not one I'll ever experience.

Thanks again for posting.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Great report again and looks like a fantastic adventure. Too much unmade road for me and too many mozzies, so it's a vicarious trip for me and not one I'll ever experience.

Thanks again for posting.

The unmade roads are really easy and teh mossies aren't too bad if you use the right stuff.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

We rolled into Glenallan which is a major junction in the area and met up with Bill who had the broken bike in the trailer.

The regular readers amongst you will remember this is where we bumped into Itchyboots a couple of years ago.



Coffee and lunch as the clouds start to roll in.



Mocha Milkshake.........who knew?




We headed off to Valdez and guess what? Yep, more construction. It's a bit of a hazard up here as there is limited time for repairs but the good thing is they generally get the bikes to the front and we were only held for about 15 minutes.



Clouds are rolling in as we head towards the Thompson Pass so it's waterproofs on.



The scenery is still stunning no matter what the weather has in store.




The Thompson Pass is surrounded by some very big mountains but today they were hiding behind the very low cloud which was a shame. They did occasionally peek out from the clouds which was a little eerie to say the least!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

We drop down the pass and yes, it start to rain. The coast of Alaska is actually rain forest and Valdez is one of the wettest places in the state. It boasts the highest rainfall and consequently the highest snowfall in the whole of mainland North America. It has an average snowfall of 300" per year and Thompson Pass can get up to 900"!! That's a lot of snow.

Anyway, there are a couple of nice waterfalls on the way into Valdez.







The rain is biblical as we get to the motel so it's a quick shower and off to a bar with a view and a nice cold beer.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

There is a strange mist which keeps coming and going as we look out of the bar window and a local tells me it's a summer fog which comes and goes quickly. It's a bit spooky as mountains appear then dissappear as quickly as they came.



After a few well deserved beers and some food, we have a little walk around the port.



We got chatting to these guys who were cleaning Pink Salmon right on the dockside.

The fish cutters/cleaners work for cash only........







And the mountains still keep appearing in the clouds



On the way back, we stumble across this Wing and chair. Looks a right hand full to me.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

An interesting nights sleep followed as the hotel had a steel roof so the rain sound like you were sleeping in a caravan like those wonderful summer holidays we all had back in the day.

Yep, it was still raining as we pulled out......



Every hotel has a pet bear.



We rode round to the other side of the bay to the Salmon Farm. This facility was set up a number of years ago to keep the stocks up in the ocean. They reckon to send out 5 million a year and most of them come back to where they were born after 5 years to spawn .

They swim up the shoots and meet their end on a slab where the eggs are taken, fertilised and released back into the ocean. The bodies are then sent to be made into fertiliser as they are generally too rotten to eat

As in the wild, the attrition rate is enormous and many die just as they get to the shoots as they are so weak. On a good day here, you will see Bears, Walruses and Eagles feasting on this bountiful food supply but not today unfortunately.

It's like a bloody battlefield though as there are dead Salmon carcasses everywhere.










There is a lot of water coming off these mountains!!



Then we head on out of Valdez in the rain !!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

We headed out of the sodden Valdez and back over the Thompson Pass.

As expected, the rain eased off and provided us with yet more stunning scenery.







Quick stop to remove waterproofs and take in the scenery!



There is an old cafe along this road which we stop at for breakfast but not this year. Big closed signs everywhere and hope it's only temporary because there is precious litt;e along this road. It must be unbelievably difficult to try and make a business work out here.

No matter, I know another place but that was closed to for food so we headed down to a small town called Chitina where I know there is a place for at least a sandwich.

Guess what?



You couldn't make this shit up but we did find a place for a good cup of coffee and a look at one of the locals little truck!.




Don't feed the bears.......

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Chitina is a village populated by local inuit and they have quite generous subsistence fishing rights and there were a few people out drag netting for pink Salmon. Apparently, there aren't a huge amount this year so they can't get their usual haul in the freezer for the winter time.

Interesting to watch them wading through the freezing water with their nets.





Still looking for breakfast so we headed back towards Glenallan over the bridge and more roadworks!!





We had been tolad that a restaurant we were passing would be open so probably 4.5 hours after we started looking for breakfast, we finally found it.

This little place was fantastic and the food top drawer.



The owners classic car in use everyday.



Everyone tucking in to some great food.



This juke box/radio was built from scratch by the young guy who served us and was playing some great tunes





Then headed off to fuel at Glenallan before heading to our stop on Lake Louise.

All a bit much for Jo who shut her eyes just for a moment !!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Lake Louise is a stunning lake and our digs are right on the shore line.

Not a room with a view!








After breakfast, the sky cleared briefly and we headed back to Anchorage for our last day.

The clouds were low and we were high so we didn't get to see as much of the scenery as we'd of liked but it's still fantastic riding here.





Food is easier to find today.



Then all of a sudden we were back in Anchorage dropping off the bikes.



2532 miles of fantastic riding under our belts.



Another great trip done and 11 more people introduced to the wonderful state of Alaska and using GS's for what they are designed for.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

After a trip, we always have a nice meal out and this was no exception.

Wonderful food and company.



This is a proper 16 oz rib eye



I think Stephen is enjoying his ribs and a fitting picture to end the trip.



Next morning, we have a quick visit to Alaska Leather which is a great little bike shop. Getting Klim stuff here is great as it's a lot cheaper than the UK and there is no VAT.

I think everyone goes away with something from here.

 

[Flintlock]

Enjoyed following this.

Many thanks.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Another great trip done and with a great group who all gelled together well which is part of the fun of organising trips like this. Lot's of laughs and my favourite sound of all is the sound of jaws dropping when we get to some of the unbelievable scenery in Alaska and the Yukon.

It's a great joy of mine to show people the places I know and love and also get to ride GS's in an environment they were built for. They truly are a great bike for trips like this and I really wouldn't want to be on anything else.

Both the 1250's and 750's performed perfectly and the only glitch was a suspension issue and the rental company got it sorted asap.

A massive thanks to all the people who came on this trip and as always, it's the people who make it and I feel very blessed to be able to ride with like minded people who really enjoy what I do and appreciate the work that goes in to it.

I normally hang around for few days but had to wing it home toute suite this time.




On my new favourite airline, Condor. Really good flight on their new weirdly pained A330 Neo's with decent food and an excellent selection of movies.




Easy guess on what I was watching.





Back home safe and sound and now ready to sort out next years trip which will still be in Alaska but a slightly different route.

Anyone up for it?

 

[OnHellas]

Thanks for sharing. Looking at the scenery in Alaska never gets old. Thanks for the three wheeler pic too.

 

[PW Cymru]

Are you doing Alaska and the Coast to Coast next year?

 

[Phil Magill]

A great write up Chris, this trip surpassed all my expectations. Thanks.

As a life long tarmac rider I was a bit nervous when we hit the wet muddy part of the Dalton Highway, but with some advice from the more experienced off road riders my confidence improved and I really enjoyed every road surface we encountered, even riding in the torrential rain.

 

[richardbd]

A great write up Chris, this trip surpassed all my expectations. Thanks.

As a life long tarmac rider I was a bit nervous when we hit the wet muddy part of the Dalton Highway, but with some advice from the more experienced off road riders my confidence improved and I really enjoyed every road surface we encountered, even riding in the torrential rain.

Looking a tad dusty there Phil

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Are you doing Alaska and the Coast to Coast next year?

That's the plan old son.

 

[G&T]

Great looking trip Chris