Heading To Fairbanks Ak. June 5th Anyone Who

[TRIKERBOB69]

has been on the alcan I would appreciate any input, fyi, going up through Niagra Falls, around Toronto, around the lakes and straight across canada via Banff and Jasper. Taking the shortcut back through edmonton. Sure to be a ride to remember!!:yes:

[Nana]

I haven't been up to Alaska, but in '06 Mike and I rode up from Ohio into Canada and across on that same route to Vancouver BC. I was still on two wheels at the time with my Fat Boy. Man, what a wonderful trip!!!!!! Through the prairies, expect long stretches without seeing another living soul (and you can lock on the gas and fly for miles --- we did a couple of 600 mile+ days as a result). Those long stretches also mean that you should definitely not push your gas tank, but fill up when you see a station! My dad was born and raised in Manitoba, and FORTUNATELY we were near his home town. We were literally running on fumes, I think, but an old farmer who grew up with Dad gave us coffee and reminisced while his grandson filled up our tanks from his personal supply, as we still had miles to go before a real town that actually had a gas station!

On a side note, that was the best stop we made as he hooked me up with a number of Dad's old buddies who took me to the abandoned farmhouse where Dad was born, gave me apples from trees my grandfather planted, and told me stories that would have embarrassed Dad no end if he were alive to hear them now . I loved it!

If you know ahead when you might reach Banff and Jasper area, call ahead and reserve a room. We made the mistake of thinking we could "wing it", and every place was booked up.

We therefore had a much shorter visit in that area, snapped a few pictures, and had to ride a couple more hours to finally find a vacancy! We had hoped to spend the night there and take the next day to ride around the park and view more of the glaciers, etc., but we had to go so much further that it meant we missed out on that opportunity.

If you do head down to Vancouver before going north to Alaska, be sure to take the Fraser Canyon highway south out of Kamloops (my Mom's birthplace) instead of the newer freeway. It is a bit slower, but only a bit; and the views are amazing. If you have time take the cable car down into Hell's Gate along there --- a great experience!

[SEAlaskan]

There is a book I use all the time for updates (The MILEPOST) The Milepost covers Alaska, Yukon Territory & British Columbia and is updated each year (a must have). It keeps you up to date on everything from road condition to places to see, etc. The web site is: themilepost.com. They also sale a paper back book that you can take with you for look ups (like phone numbers, address etc. That's the best I can do since the last time I was on the Alcan Highway was 1996 and the last time I was in Edmonton was 1977.
Butch

[SEAlaskan]

Here is a fun web sit that everyone can enjoy. Alaska Webcams (Web Cams) List
Also do a google search on Alaska Road Condition. I know there is still construction going on around the Destruction Bay, Sheep Mountain YT. area which can be fun to cross wet or dry. I hope the info helps.

Butch

[TRIKERBOB69]

thanks all the above is helpful, I got the milepost and read it 3 times, cannot wait to see the long stretches of praire, love that north dakota kind of nowhere look, stark but doesnt seem to get old! may just head over towards vancouver to check out the territory next year, going to try to make the alaska benefit ride done by a prof from U of fla every year, they are not going all the way up to the circle this year else I would be on that ride, link to that for anyone interested,,,,World's Longest Group Motorcycle Benefit Run Florida to Alaska Every Year kinda hopin the bears are cold, i mean beers,,,,

[Gorilla]

Have a great trip and post how it is going.

[TRIKERBOB69]

Have a great trip and post how it is going.

I will and post some pics when I figure how to do it, planning on being in the keys the last week of november, UM season ticket holder so coming down for the 11-20 va tech game, hit duval street for a few days, then back to miami for the USF game on the 27 then back up to COLD COUNTRY, maybe we can hit Coconuts or Sharkeys bar for a cold one! :yes:

[bigdave]

I've driven it several times. It shouldn't be any problems. Always some construction. If I go again I'll drive one way and take the ferry the other way. I just loved the ferry ride.<br />
Dave

[Gorilla]

PM me when you are coming. Wow you know Coconuts and Skarkeys I'm impressed.

[TRIKERBOB69]

Sharkeys is the best, tough walkin down the canal walkway and not fallin in but you cannot beat the GARLIC SHRIMP happy hour at Coconuts, I sure will give you a heads up!!