The idea is to take a month or two or three off (more if I can't find the right gig) and get some motorcycling miles under my belt, outside of Colorado!
Nothing really specific so far, except for the first week of April which is Spring Break for the kids. I'll be with the family in Flagstaff, AZ spending time with my father-in-law and seeing the surrounding sights: The Grand Canyon, Route 66, Sedona destinations come to mind readily. I will, of course, ride there.
After that, the plan is a bit more vague, perhaps head west to California and ride the Pacific Highway to the San Francisco Bay Area and go see my folks in Marin County.
Then, perhaps continue north along the west coast, see what there is to see and do, visit with fellow moto-bloggers if schedules coincide/permit. The plan is to camp whenever possible to stretch the budget allocated for this "ride".
There are some planned activities in Moab during the last week of April so that might preclude my going north until early May. I've not made decisions yet on that, so more to follow.
The above should use up April, at which point, the general idea is to head north from wherever I happen to be near the beginning of May, through Canada to Fairbanks, AK and points north during May when road conditions might not be so death-defying while riding Valencia, my 2011 URAL Patrol. The idea is to avoid going to Alaska during the annual lemming-like migration by dualsports and such in June/July.
So, I seek input from you, gentle readers and fellow moto-bloggers of sights to see and roads to ride along this general route. You know, stuff I "shouldn't miss" if at all possible. I know it's kind of vague, but that's the idea.
I plan to not really plan, but to listen to where Valencia tells me to go, using of course y'all's input for the areas you're familiar with in your home states. This is Martha's gift to me, what a wife huh?
Previously: Snowy Uraling at Red Rocks Park
13 comments:
Alaska in May might be a challenge. You may need to check to be sure the gas stops are back open in May. The year I went in early June some hadn't opened yet and I was close on more than 1 occasion even carrying an extra 5 gallons.
AHD has a good point, what is your range and how many extra gallons do you carry?
Chris came up at the end of April last year and I don't think he had any problems getting gas and I don't think his SV650 has a really long range. He did run into snow while crossing the Rockies and if you head north from Fairbanks, snow is a sure thing. You will definitely be ahead of the DS pack. I believe to go between Coldfoot and Deadhorse you'll need something short of 300 miles. Lots of info on ADVrider, as you know...
You may want to try the road to Inuvik as well.
Good point re the gas stations being open....
Thanks AZHD!
Well, I can carry at this point 6 extra gallons besides my fuel tank's 5 gallons, that's about 330 miles with no headwinds....perhaps I'll add another five gallon can. Snow not that big a deal if roads are plowed at all...I think. Think I'll ask Chris re status of gas stations, thanks!
Dom:
This is great ! I can only offer suggestions for OR, WA or BC. I have traveled from Glacier NP/Waterton NP into Alberta and up the Icefields Parkway. You will be too early for the Kananaskis Highway as it opens around the end of June. It is the highest road in Canada and goes over Highwood pass
http://www.kananaskis.com/
http://canmore.canmorealberta.ca/005thp03.html
Accommodations are expensive in Jasper, Banff & Lake Louise. Stay on the outskirts like Canmore, AB
Our best motorcycle roads are in the Kootenays . . .
I can chime in with more info when I know your route.
Oh, just remembered. We had a problem with gas because we were stupid. We thought that gas stations would be open "city" hours as it was the main highway. Make sure to fill up before dusk before the stations close and they don't open as early as you think.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Thanks Bobskoot for all the info/links...I'l also have to remember you're not allowed to pump your own gas in Oregon (such a weird law).
As to crossing the border, last time I did that, we were visiting Niagara Falls and I recall just having to present my passport....is there any other paperwork required these days?
When I travel the US, I use www.roadsideamerica.com to find all those oddities along the side of the road. Carhenge near Alliance, NE, the 2 story tall Van Gogh painting in Goodland, KS. You can look by region, or state, or city. Take your pick, then take some pics.
Dom:
For USA/CDN border crossing, you only need your Passport. NO guns, NO Mace but you are allowed Bear Spray as long as the container is clearly marked "BEAR SPRAY", otherwise will be confiscated. NO Fruit and other plants. No photos allowed of border installation or border agents. I was asked specifically last summer when I came back from Oregon if my camera was ON or OFF. Only answer questions as required, do not volunteer additional info.
There are capacitive sensors in the ground so I try to keep on lane position #1 or #3. This triggers the Cameras to snap a photo of you front and rear, plus activates the Nexus RFID cards. OF course being on 3 wheels this won't affect you. Some want helmet OFF and others ON but do not remove your helmet until you stop at the inspection booth. They have "spotters". At the Peace Arch crossing on HOT summer days and long lines, riders had taken off their helmets, as lines were "HOURS" long. They were given tickets for operation of their motorcycle without wearing a helmet. Pushing your bike, even with the engine off still requires you to wear your helmet.
I know, too much info. If you come up from Glacier NP into Alberta it is a small border crossing and you shouldn't have any problems. I got into trouble here. I stopped to snap a photo of the customs building and I had to delete all my photos in front of the Border Agent or he said he would confiscate my camera.
Even though Oregon has the gas pump law, I was allowed to pump my own gas all the time. they have exceptions for Motorcycles. We also have this same law up here in Richmond, BC
You have to prepay for your gas in advance before you fuel up. In Washington State most pumps you are required to input your ZIP code at the pump before it will authorize. You won't have any problems but they don't accept Cdn Postal Codes so it was a pain for us.
Keep asking questions . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Thanks Jay, am familiar with the site....carhenge was cool
Thanks for the info Bob, a bit on the pita side, the border officials....
Dom:
http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php/143566-Care-and-Control-Test-Helmets-off-in-Border-Lineups?s=46d9e7a79fb63562dfe03f0a3193a722
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Actually, on a motorcycle the aatendant runs your card, presses the button for fuel grade and hands you the nozzle. Still odd but better...
Dom:
post #94 Lake Louise May 2012 and up the Icefields parkway
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831213&page=7
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
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