Alaska and The Yukon 2026 ride

[Sgt Bilco]

We awaoke to the gentle pitter patter of rain again and headed off. It was definitely ligher though and by teh time we got to Talkeetna, it had actually stopped........hurray!

It's a funny little town and very touristy but they do a very nice cup of coffee.



I do believe thats blue sky up there!!





So suitably refreshed and buoyed from the sun, we headed off to see if we could see Mount Denali which at just over 20,000ft is the highest peak in North America. It's often shrouded in cloud but we managed to get to glimpse the peak.



Colman looked happy to see it.



Then it was off to the Denali Highway and fuel as the lodge we are staying at is 70 miles down the highway.



Anyone expecting a fuel delivery?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

As we turn onto the Denali we get a little rain and it's a bit overcast but still unbelievably beautiful.





At least everyone agrees with me despite the overcast weatrher.





The road is hard packed dirt with a little gravel but very easy to ride.



And after a couple of hours we arrived safe and sound at the superb Alpine creek lodge.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

This Lodge is glorious and right in the middle of nowhere. The family have owned it for about 25 years and have slowly built it up. It's some place to live especially in the winter. To do a shop, it's a 2 day run to Fairbanks and back so better not forget the milk eh?

I might have said this before but Bob shot the 24th largest bear ever recorded when he was 16! It took 7 shots to bring it down








Anyway, after a nice evening in the bar and a good breakfast we head off in, and you've guessed it, light rain. Everyone is thoroughly refreshed and despite the weather are still loving where they are.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

So it was on to Fairbanks. We fuelled up at the first available station with me just a little concerned about range as usual but as we were just cruising along gently, all was well.

Look at the size of this trailer.......!! Can you imagine pulling this in the UK?




We always stop at a great cafe in Denali and guess what..........the sun has finally come out!!





and a quick stop at Wallmart in Fairbanks to pick up bits and bobs before heading to Chena Hot Springs.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Right, there will be a 48 hour break as I'm flying home tomorrow on Virgin's finest.

I always stay a few days after a trip to decompress a little with my buddy Bill. The rental company knew I was here so called me this morning tio see if I would put some break in miles on a new R1300GS they have so arm twisted, I had a cracking day on what is to be fair a very decent motorcycle.

Firstly another great breakfast at Gwennies before heading off to the Kenai Peninsular.



A gratuitous shot of a truck because I like them



After a 100 miles or so, I stopped and had a nice cup of coffee and a great cafe in Girdwood. I know, it's a tough life but someone has to do it and it might as well be me.



Right folks, see you in a couple of days for more Alaskan adventures