Susie and Deb's Albuquerque, NM to Alaska Ride [Archive]

albqsusieq

02-12-2011, 11:01 PM

Thanks rAK. We will have plenty of time riding from Anchorage to Denali so have noted your suggestion about Hatcher Pass.

Thanks about the heads up on the horses, Demenshea. I was aware of bear and moose, but hadn't thought about horses. Guess anything is possible.

We will leave ABQ and spend our first night with some of Deb's friends in Salt Lake City. Second will be Missoula, MT to hook up with George. I met George some years back on a snowmobiling ride in Yellowstone and we've stayed in touch over the years. He rides a Gold Wing and had been talking about a AK trip so I contacted him when we were certain we were going. He will be pulling a trailer and I'm hoping there will be a little room for some souviners. I know I'll find lots.

Our first big decision was where to pick up the ferry. My thought is riding the ferry part way will give us a different perspective. So either Bellingham, WA or Prince Rupert. We heard there was some beautiful scenery to Prince Rupert so decided to catch it there. Reservations are already made. The next one was if we did, indeed, want to plan on Valdez over July 4th and we all agreed without hesitation. Reservations are now made there. George is a member of the Gold Wing association and has been putting the word out that we'll be through. We've gotten a couple of folks graciously opening their homes up to us and more opening up their yards for tent space. Another big decision - do I want to do any tenting?? I get cold so easy and stay cold forever. I am a very light sleeper so everything will keep me awake. That's a lot more stuff to load, unload. I paid attention to Colleen's comment when I asked what she would do differently and she stated not taking her camping gear as they only tented ~ 5 times. Based upon all of that, I've decided no tenting for me, I think. We were told to make reservations early for Denali so we have lodging and the bus tour reservations made. I'm now looking at Seward and Whittier and will make a few others right before we leave with nothing after Fairbanks til we get on the road.

Deb is a nurse practictioner so she will bring our medical supplies. We know we'll need four tie downs each for the ferry. Suspect I'll only take four shirts as I'm certain I'll find one or two to purchase in AK. Two pair of jeans will be enuff and maybe one pair of capris for the warmer weather. Given we'll only be in the lower 48 two days going and two days getting home, I'm not too concerned about the warmer weather so the capris may stay home. Will definitely take rain gear, which can double as blocking the wind out to help keep warm. Pair of long johns, electric jacket, and a jacket that has a warm liner and waterproof liner. I'll only take the one outer jacket with two liners and hope I don't regret that decision. As long as the heated jacket works, I should be fine. Pants breathe but will wear long johns and have my rain pants. Riding boots, tennis shoes, and flops will be all the shoes. Will take my ski sweater just in case, and some ski socks. That's about it as far as clothes. Then my ski mask for rainy, cold weather. Know we need mosquito repellent and have heard slow release deet is best, octane boost, extra tool kit, tie downs, qt. oil, jumper cables, bunjies, gas cipher, air pump, cable to lock the bikes together, snacks for when we want to head out w/o eating breakfast or get in too late for dinner, netbook. There will be other items but that's a good start. It's amazing how I never take many clothes but there's lots of other stuff, just in case we get into trouble. Suspect it would be wise, knowing there will be lots of rain, to make sure everything in the side cases are in water proof bags so stuff doesn't get rain as the side cases are opened.

That's the plan so far.

Luna Tique

02-13-2011, 05:25 AM

Sounds like you have everything planned out well.

Just a suggestion.
Personally even if I did NOT plan to do any camping would still carry at least my sleeping bag and pillow.

maximoto

02-14-2011, 05:40 PM

How exciting to have such an adventure to plan for! :yahoo:

Fuzzygalore

02-19-2011, 08:59 AM

This sounds like a fab adventure!

Do you have those moments where you're so excited that the trip can't get here soon enough and yet, at the same time you feel like you don't have enough time to read/prepare/route?

Definitely subscribing to this thread :wootrock:

albqsusieq

02-19-2011, 09:55 PM

Thanks Luna - excellent idea to still take sleeping bags. Never know when someone may offer up more floor space. And, the goal is to spend money playing hard, not on lodging - sledding, maybe a helicopter ride.

Fuzz - yes, it seemed so far away. Now it's 2011 and March is just around the corner. Need to get in some good, long days soon to start preparing the body. I am a planner so have lists, etc. prepared long ago. And, have done a lot of research with good tips from our fellow riders.

More items
several types of tapes, extra light bulbs, bailing wire, pledge to spray on the windshields to get the bugs off easier, hat with mosquito netting, water proof maps, getting my helmet set up with CB communication, will check to see if AAA is good in Canada, will advise credit card holders that there will be lots of stops for gas, will check on health and m/c insurance to see what I need to do in Canada, copies of pass port in case I lose the original.

Will now look for lodging in Whittier and Seward as want to make it within the month.

ridingAK

02-19-2011, 10:38 PM

I don't remember if it has been discussed, but the Harley dealership in Anchorage offers free camping to anyone traveling on bikes.

Abosit

02-19-2011, 11:37 PM

Suscribed to the adventure!
:popcorn1:

Queen

02-20-2011, 09:58 AM

Suscribed to the adventure!
:popcorn1:

Ditto, what fun!! :thumbsup:

albqsusieq

02-27-2011, 03:53 PM

Few more items. I ride on my stock seat with a $27 thermarest purchased at REI in the camping section. I have it velcroed to my seat. While I take a repair kit, I feel it might be wise to purchase an extra one, just in case, so have done so. I would be totally toast if I didn't have a working thermarest. I like it in that I can blow a little extra air in it for those long days but let it out when needing to dig in to get out of situations. I've decided to purchase a new battery even though mine is just two years old. Very cheap considering the consequences if it were to go bad. Mr. Spot will be traveling with me, with new batteries and will take an extra set. Everyone got a kick out of watching us, almost real time, last year on our 37 state ride - especially riding Tail of the Dragon. They didn't understand why we turned around at the top and rode it back down, until after we posted in that it was closed due to a rock slide. I'm going back and forth with taking Sunny, my little stuffed black panther with a red, white, and blue bandana. He goes everywhere with me. He rides in my back bag in a side pocket with his head sticking out. But, given I'll need to use waterproof bags with no side pocket, he would have to be stuffed inside probably most of the trip. I'm guessing I'll need that space for other stuff, but will see. I just feel more comfortable with him with me. And there's Mr. Sunshine, a little rubber figure given to me by a fellow rider. He is hooked to the front windshield bracket. He'll definitely make the trip.

We have a couple that are going to be making the AK ride around the same time as us so will try to hook up, maybe at least in Valdez for the July 4th partying. Astir, AZ Ann, Jerry use to work at the labs, retired and moved to AZ with Ann. I don't think you've run into them in the club functions, but possibly. When I go to AZ, it is usually for a visit with Ann. She is a gracious host. We'll have to make the trip. She would love to have you.

That's all for now. Haven't made my Seward, Whittier lodging reservations yet. Work is keeping me pretty swamped with travel - getting in the way of my personal life.

Luna Tique

02-28-2011, 04:25 AM

It appears you are well organized and thinking things through.
I also like pledge for the windshield but I have found that "RAINCOAT" (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1576) works very well also.
I too am subscribed :thumbup: and will look forward to following you on SPOT :thumbup:

ridingAK

02-28-2011, 09:09 AM

I have found that "RAINCOAT" (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1576) works very well also.
I too am subscribed :thumbup: and will look forward to following you on SPOT :thumbup:

:iagree:

badbunny

04-10-2011, 10:43 AM

Hey good luck - we met at the "cabins" on the blue ridge parkway last year. We were the 3 beemer bikes on our way to Greer. Followed your adventures last year and look forward to the new trip. Good Luck and am SOO JEAOULOUS :D:

Luna Tique

04-11-2011, 08:00 AM

Small world isn't it? :lol:

albqsusieq

04-17-2011, 12:15 AM

Oh BadBunny!! Indeed, what a small world. Our 37 state ride did turn out to be an exceptional trip. Unbelievable with all of the horrible weather going on around us, we just dodged right around most of it. And, unbelievable the bodies held up as well as the bikes. I'm certainly hoping things go as well on this trip.

Just picked my bike up from the mechanics so am ready to get in some distance riding to prepare. This upcoming week will be my last travel with work for a while so now I can focus on the important things in life - riding, my two year granddaughter, and will be having a grandson end of Sept.

Picked up two new tires and will change them out before the trip, got my CB installed and will take a nice ride this Friday to test all of my farkles as everything has been rewired, looking quite nice and tidy. I will say, kind of interesting to see a BMW R1200R, which is a sport/touring bike, with CB and antenna.

Have made reservations in Whittier and Seward, and the ferry from Valdez to Whittier.

Broke down and purchased another jacket - First Gear Kilimanjaro. Knowing we will be in much wetter, colder weather, I just figured it would be a wise decision.

Have my sleeping bag and mat in a waterproof bag, just in case (thanks Luna).

Was able to install a tractor tube under one of my side cases to put a few items that would be needed on the road. This way I won't have to open a side case in case it is raining.

Our AZ friends will be meeting us in Prince Rupert for the ferry ride and spending time with us in Valdez over the 4th.

Astir - I've not forgotten I have your maps. I'll get them to you when we hook up next. Or, suppose I could just drop them by your office.

OMG - I can't believe in just a little > 2 months. :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

FireChik

04-17-2011, 11:23 PM

I was supposed to leave in May for the same adventure, but alas, it is not to be for now. I will be following you and :pompom: for you! Have a wonderful trip!!

badbunny

04-18-2011, 08:18 PM

I can't wait to see your trip report! Hopefully the hubby and I will get a long distance trip in soon:drool:

albqsusieq

04-21-2011, 11:22 PM

If you get out this way, let us know.

badbunny

04-22-2011, 08:22 AM

Thanks - I will

albqsusieq

05-19-2011, 11:14 PM

Some more planning. Have contacted the mechanic Astir told me of in Fairbanks, to advise of the trip and needing an oil change and a good look over, hopefully that is all. Received my Canada m/c insurance card from Geico. Decided to purchase insurance through NRA for $89/yr. While not for medical, will get me and/or my bike where we need to go if I get into an accident - home if necessary. Found out some other folks in the club will be behind us on the trip, but going the reverse with taking the ferry on the way home instead of on the way out. We should be able to hook up for dinner, or something. Have been out riding some long days so the bod will be ready, or at least as ready as it can get. Been playing with my new dry bags and decided to line them with plastic garbage bags, just in case. Set up a time for my mechanic to get SheBike ready to go. As much as I want to take Sunny, my stuffed black panther, have decided it best to leave him at home. Have everything squared so I can, yuk, work while away. Will go to my chiropractor right before leaving and will set up an appt. for when I get back as I know my bod will be totally trashed. Have a low credit card limit so decided to up it for the trip, just in case. Contacted Verizon and I'll call before I leave to get additional coverage.

That's about it. Am basically ready. Even though just purchased a battery two years ago, will get a new one. Not worth the risk of it going bad on me.

Astir

05-19-2011, 11:20 PM

:wootrock:

Now just need some dirt fun!

Sunday sunday sunday!

sweptwingnut

05-20-2011, 01:06 AM

:thumbsup: Sounds like you are all ready to go! You are going to have sooooo much FUN!! :yahoo:

Luna Tique

05-20-2011, 07:26 AM

Don't you just love looking at the list and seeing almost everything checked off?
I know I do :wootrock:

ImaSoftT

05-20-2011, 08:07 AM

Can't wait for your adventure to begin. I'll be:camping: to hear and see all about it.

05-20-2011, 08:15 AM

I love adventures too.

albqsusieq

05-20-2011, 10:59 PM

Yes, just about everything is checked off, which helps with the stress level.

Astir is taking me out Sunday to practice on gravel. SheBike doesn't like gravel. OK, maybe albqsusieq is the one that really doesn't like gravel. Know we will be hitting more than on any other trip I've taken so would like to be little more comfortable on it, if that's possible.

Luna Tique

05-21-2011, 06:45 AM

Will you be practicing fully loaded?

albqsusieq

05-22-2011, 09:46 PM

Luna, didn't think about how I should be loading my bike til this AM. Decided to go maybe 1/4 way. Had my tank bag and both saddle bags on. Met Astir, unbenownst to me what she had in store. We rode up our mountain, past the ski lift. Before we got to the turn off for a dirt/gravel road to ride down the mountain, we went to a flat, gravel area to practice turning. Standing Up!!! What!!!! Why would I want to stand up??? I have a perfectly good seat. Well, by the time our lil adventure was over, I prefer to stand up on gravel/dirt. Astir was a great teacher and an inspiration just to watch. No incidences and now realize SheBike will not go over the edge on a sharp dirt/gravel turn. While I have hit a lot of rough stuff on my travels, I never knew how to properly deal with it. I will definitely feel a bit more comfortable now.

Picked up a new cell phone battery. One more thing checked off the list.

Astir

05-22-2011, 09:54 PM

:yahoo: Susie did GREAT! :wootrock: I really did take her down quite a road, but now that she has ridden it NOTHING is Alaska will be as technical as that road! :pompom: (at least I hope not :hiding:) Helping you this morning was the highlight of my week! Made facing PTA this afternoon soooo much better.

Sorry - you know I didn't even think of taking a picture. :(: Too focused on other things.

So excited for your trip! One month to go.

ImaSoftT

05-22-2011, 10:18 PM

Sounds like you two had a win-win day. Now Astir can you teach me to do all of that on my Harley??:rofl:

Astir

05-22-2011, 11:04 PM

:cool: No problemo! :D:

albqsusieq

05-23-2011, 11:07 PM

We actually passed a Harley coming up the mountain (we were going down). He was two up. Don't know what passed through Astir's mind, but just as we got on to pavement, there were a number of Harley riders just hanging out. I was thinking the one that passed up was maybe a part of the group but the only one that decided to try to make it up. Maybe they decided to give it a try after seeing that two women handled it.

Astir was WONDERFUL! Gave me just the basics to focus on. I would say I would never go seek out dirt/gravel so really don't need to learn much more, but I don't know. Now that my hands and knees aren't shaking, I think I kind of liked it.

Astir

05-23-2011, 11:28 PM

Those harleys were turning around before the pavement ended. Those brave souls would have been just fine until the pillion bounced off the back around a couple of those corners. :D:

ImaSoftT

05-23-2011, 11:34 PM

I hope the Harley made it up and then back down again. When it comes to dirt or gravel roads I equate the Harley to a sumo wrestler and the sports or dual sports bike to ballet dancer. And there is just something wrong about asking a sumo wrestler to do a pirouette, poor guy might bust a gut . And besides those sumo diapers look a lot more comfortable than those skimpy little tutus.:rofl:

Astir

05-23-2011, 11:55 PM

:p:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToFMKKtX0G-WiqCXnYRo9GbH5UjFsQXY_zM1fIwtrPTRQD-uf_Eg

:rofl:

Cyclone67

05-24-2011, 05:39 AM

Sounds like a great time.

If you haven't seen it -- there is an excellent rider report on ADVrider. Called something like South/Central America on a Road King. You have to see what this guy did -- he is crazy (but in a good way). You'll never look at Harley's the same again after reading it.

ImaSoftT

05-24-2011, 08:16 AM

:p:

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToFMKKtX0G-WiqCXnYRo9GbH5UjFsQXY_zM1fIwtrPTRQD-uf_Eg

:rofl:
Ohhhh, ain't she cute.:rofl:

Luna Tique

05-24-2011, 08:17 AM

I am so happy to hear you two had a great day and that you feel more confident Susie.:thumbup:

Will you do a shakedown run with all your gear? I know I like to get at least one run in so I can tell how the bike will handle and move stuff around if necessary.:cheers:

albqsusieq

05-24-2011, 10:46 PM

ImaSoft - cute, indeed. Love it!

Luna - good idea to give it a test ride fully loaded. Thanks

Luna Tique

05-25-2011, 07:28 PM

:cloud9:I am so excited for you.:ecstasy:I am happy everything is falling into place.
:gaah:Darn work keeps getting in the way of our plans.
I can always hope for a spur of the moment road trip .:riding:

msyzf2u

05-26-2011, 06:35 PM

Great Idea LT...... I remember doing my first fully loaded shake down ride...... in 10 minutes i was back in the garage dumping 2/3s of the must have items. lol.

Luna Tique

05-27-2011, 05:02 AM

:lol: me too and then repacking to even out the weight

albqsusieq

06-10-2011, 12:08 AM

Little more prep work. Treated my boots to help protect against the rain. I know it won't keep my feet dry in the heavier rains so purchased some boot covers. I suspect they will do the job for this trip. Also have been packing items that will go in my side cases in plastic bags to protect against rain when the cases are opened. Everything will eventually wind up in the plastic bags. Received my twf decals from rAK (thanks rAK); put them on my side cases and one on my helmet. Will post a picture this weekend. Maybe we'll pass a twf on the road and can get honked. Got my new battery. < two weeks. :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Luna Tique

06-10-2011, 05:56 AM

:ears:

:popcorn1:

Cyclone67

06-10-2011, 06:22 AM

I love Alaska ride reports! Some day that will be me!

:popcorn1:

msyzf2u

06-10-2011, 09:49 AM

:clapping: :worthy: :popcorn1: :campfire: :cheers:

setting in the supplies

did you say if you'd be carrying a *Spot* ?

This is so exciting!

ridingAK

06-10-2011, 09:53 AM

You guys are going to have a great time and see more beautiful roads than you ever dreamed existed!

Abosit

06-10-2011, 10:33 AM

I will be so envious of your trip.
Someday hopefully I will do that trip to.

Astir, I probably have to come down and get some of your instructions on riding on gravel.
After my frightening experience in Newfoundland, still feel like for big gravel.

ridingAK

06-10-2011, 11:12 AM

Getting gravel experience helps for riding the Haul Road up to Prudhoe Bay, or riding the Denali Highway, but the main roads in Alaska are all paved. There is no reason why anyone should be nervous about making the trip, and enjoying some of the other things about Alaska. Do you miss out on seeing some of Alaska if you don't go to Deadhorse, ride the Denali Hwy, or go over Hatcher Pass? Yes, but you also miss out if you only go to those places. Valdez is gorgeous and has all paved access. Denali National Park is paved as far as private vehicles are allowed to enter. The Kenai Peninsula, including access to some gorgeous glaciers that you can hike on, has paved main roads. The Seward Highway right out of Anchorage goes down the Turnagain Arm is one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S.

Don't be intimidated by all the scare stories! Just do it!

Astir

06-10-2011, 11:59 PM

Yeah! What rAK said! :thumbup:

albqsusieq

06-11-2011, 12:29 PM

I have never intentionally hit gravel (except when Astir took me) but in my many travels, the road constuction can be unbelievable at times. Beartooth Pass was under construction a couple of years back. It seemed like miles and miles to me as I was so uncomfortable. If I had someone work with me on how gravel/dirt should be ridden, it would've been a piece of cake. I now know to really trust the bike. I've been told that but I've had a hard time doing it. My experience with Astir helped me understand the bikes are really fine in the gravel. The main points for those that hit it during road construction (and Beartooth Pass was only one example of what I've hit and in looking back, it wasn't bad), feathering the back brake, don't grip the handlebars hard, stand up while your legs will allow and you can kind of lean towards the tank with your legs kind of gripping, if needed. In turning, put weight on the outside foot peg. You can see much better and I just felt better. Astir had me standing up as we rode up the mountain so I could be getting a feel for it. She then took me in a flat gravel area for some figure 8s before taking off down the mountain on the dirt/gravel road. Now I will be much better prepared for road construction, or maybe even intentionally taking off on a dirt/gravel road. I also had a friend loan me some dual sport DVDs. That helped also as I watched the front tire go back and forth in mud and gravel and the bike was just fine. It reinforced what Astir told me.

Back in a minute.

albqsusieq

06-11-2011, 12:47 PM

OK. Was uploading some pictures. Put TWF decals on my side cases and one on my helmet.
http://albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-HgNDDxM/0/L/006-M.jpg

My dry bag is ready to go

http://albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-Z5MtvPw/0/L/008-M.jpg

So, if you see us passing through your area, give us a honk. We are both in high viz and the below is a picture of me and SheBike, except we will have the TWF decals and dry bags.
http://albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-23nNdcm/0/L/KRS1073-M.jpg

ridingAK

06-11-2011, 12:52 PM

:yahoo:
I'm getting excited for you, and the decals look awesome! Be sure and let us know if you decide to pass through Spokane!

zee

06-11-2011, 01:03 PM

:iagree:

Abosit

06-11-2011, 01:32 PM

Oh so cool!!!

I love your picture and will sure recognize you anywhere you go!!

Can't wait to follow your RR

http://albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-23nNdcm/0/L/KRS1073-M.jpg

Luna Tique

06-12-2011, 08:56 AM

I am so excited for you and subscribed :D:

albqsusieq

06-12-2011, 08:30 PM

:yahoo:
I'm getting excited for you, and the decals look awesome! Be sure and let us know if you decide to pass through Spokane!

I'll let you know. I know we won't on the way out but we've not talked too much about the lower 48 in coming home. I do know we'll be hitting it hard to get back. But, next year when we make our trip to Idaho for dinking around the state. Maybe we can meet part way for lunch, maybe a mini reunion?? Will keep that in mind whenever we begin our planning for that trip. That would be fun.

albqsusieq

06-19-2011, 03:08 PM

Wed. is right around the corner. Can't believe a year's worth of planning and now it's time. THANKS to everyone for all of their tips and advice. This forum rocks. Thanks to Astir for the basic gravel/dirt lesson. I will definitely feel more comfortable. Abosit, I'll speak for Astir and she can correct me, if you need some practice with the very basics I posted on dirt/gravel, would love to have you come to NM for a visit.

Usually Deb posts in the evenings, where internet is available, to our BMW site. Unfortunately, I usually work although I post also when time allows. My thought is just to copy and paste what she posts on TWF but am uncertain if pictures will show w/o uploading so that might not totally work. The BMW link is below, as well as SPOT. SPOT will not be turned on while on ferries or doing non-bike related adventures. I'll post what I can here also.

I have packed and re-packed. Am taking an additional dry bag, which I hadn't planned on but must have warm items for the non-bike adventures. Everything in my side cases is in pastic bags in case of heavy rain.

I hope everyone's adventures while I am gone are safe and wonderful. Suspect I'll not be purusing the website.

Oh, I came up with a great idea to put over my thermarest, which is what I use on my seat. A toilet lid cover. Not as thick as sheepskin, won't take as long to dry, and only cost $4 if I lose it. + I can pick up a new one anywhere.

BMW site
http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3611

SPOT
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0BqUPIUaPQuGlqI6ud9b75vYkUyNQW5 4C

Astir

06-19-2011, 04:39 PM

ridingAK

06-19-2011, 05:04 PM

Have fun, post when you can, but don't let it become a chore! Your ride is all about you! We can wait patiently...well maybe impatiently, but we can wait! :hug2:

ImaSoftT

06-19-2011, 05:48 PM

http://pic.pbsrc.com/spacer.gifhttp://pic.pbsrc.com/spacer.gif http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/deazy86/bon_voyage.gif?t=1250738903 Susieq and Deb, we will miss you, but we will be waiting right here for updates on all your adventures. Have fun, RIDE SAFE and savor every moment.http://www.myemoticons.com/images/bon-voyage.gif

KellyVA

06-20-2011, 10:37 AM

Looking forward to you RR and have a great trip!! :w2:

Luna Tique

06-20-2011, 05:14 PM

Have fun, post when you can, but don't let it become a chore! Your ride is all about you! We can wait patiently...well maybe impatiently, but we can wait! :hug2:

+1

Have a wonderful trip. Be safe and have fun

LittleRedRider

06-20-2011, 07:06 PM

Have a fantastic time and be safe.
We'll be here waiting :camping:

albqsusieq

06-21-2011, 12:46 AM

A toilet seat cover??! :rofl: you are a genius!

Have a fantastic trip! You and Deb are going to have a BLAST! I am so excited for you.

Ps bought a thermarest yesterday. After 20k on this seat, I believe I am fully qualified to say it stinks!

Pss this is vacation, work will survive without you for a little while.

I hope the thermarest works as well for you as it has for me. Toilet seat cover is below. Yes, work will survive w/o me but I won't survive when I get back if I don't take care of things while I'm away. But, at least I can take five weeks and telecommute whenever it works out.

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes.

OK, I've posted to the BMW site so I am copying now and pasting to see how it works.

Well, Gary O. has gotten SheBike ready for the big trip. I purchased a CB from Mark D. and Mark and Gary installed it, incorporating my GPS and MP3 Player. I'm anxious to try it all out.

SheBike is now loaded and just waiting for Wed. I'll definitely be glad to pass my sleeping bag and mat off to George.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-NbGwvZV/0/L/008-M.jpg

http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-bGnWpj6/0/L/009-M.jpg

OK, now here's the scoop. I had a sheepskin over my thermarest but it added more height than I wanted and was a pain to dry out so I took it off for our 37 state ride and have been just riding on the thermarest. I really wanted something so I could scoot back on the seat w/o sliding forward so easily. I went to the store to purchase some of the shelf liner that is gripping. I was going to make a pocket for my thermarest and sew a strap on it. I picked up my shelf liner and was walking past the bath section. I spotted a toilet lid cover and the wheels started turning. Only $4. No big deal if I lose it, thinner so will dry easier, I'm gonna get it. Cut a tiny hole for the part that you open up to let air in and out. Purchased a strap from REI and here it is. I'm thinking the strap probably won't bother the bottom, but if it does, I'll just sew it on somewhere in route. I'll give a report along the way.

http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/TWF/i-V27JJ4X/0/L/010-M.jpg

Oh, way cool. It worked. I can just copy and paste from the BMW site.

kamilshka

06-21-2011, 03:40 AM

This trip sounds so exciting, and i love seeing your gear all packed up on your bike and ready to go. Using the toilet-cover is ingenious!! Sounds like a fantastic adventure, and it's great that work can be flexible with you like that - i'd have to do the same with working remotely if i were to get that much time off.

Looking forward to reading all about the trip! :D:

Luna Tique

06-21-2011, 07:27 AM

Clever Idea. :thumbup:
I'll bet it won't look snowy white by the end of the trip. :lol:

I have an sheepskin pad with straps sown on but I also have a strap on the front to prevent it from catching wind when riding standing up.:shrug: I know I could of just sticky tape it to my seat but I havent.:D: and so far it doesn't bother me but I am not putting on BIG miles in a day either.

http://lunatique.smugmug.com/photos/1091455320_d9Roq-M.jpg (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/2010/10978806_Rz4Be#1091455320_d9Roq)

ImaSoftT

06-21-2011, 09:15 AM

http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/TwoThumbs%20Up.gif Glad the copy and paste thing works, because we are sure looking forward to tagging along with you guys.

ridingAK

06-21-2011, 10:13 AM

:iagree:

albqsusieq

06-24-2011, 02:06 AM

My toilet lid cover just added a nice extra layer and is quite comfy. I did velcro the thermarest on my seat, which is how it has been in the past, as I couldn't get the strap tight enuff so it would slip some when I got off. I am extremely happy with my set up.

In Missoula tonight and they are expecting floods. We'll have to pay attention to flooding on the way home as they are expecting floods all over.

Here is Deb's posting to our BMW site

first day out and we did well weather was perfect and wind low key. We made it to salt lake city in 12 hours even with pretty heavy traffic on I 15. I always forget how beautiful 550, 491 and 191 are. In Utah all of the rock formations seem to have color.
Found an awesome expresso and health food store in cortez. A++
My buddy put us up in style in Salt Lake City and fed us well.
This morning traveled I-15 to pocatello Idaho and then took 26 to 93. What an awesome ride along the snake river. I was laughing at the game crossing signs because a squirrel ran across the road at one. (well trained). just beyond the squirrel a doe was deciding whether to cross the road. Luckily she was happy browsing in the meadow.
The water is deep out here and the river is close to road level, a couple bridges just cleared the water. They are expecting another huge melt of snow from the mountains and flood alerts are out there. It rained on us the last pass on 93 but gentle and not much. The roads are terrible and the repairs are worse.
We met up with George and are off to canada tomorrow. will fill you in on the travels
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-5HKZfd7/0/M/DSC01219-M.jpg

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-6qCLFkj/0/M/DSC00022-M.jpg

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Q828DVT/0/M/DSC00018-M.jpg

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-DsKD8Vk/0/M/DSC01218-M.jpg

albqsusieq

06-24-2011, 02:07 AM

and here's mine

The temperatures were 49-96 yesterday. It was 94 when we arrived in Salt Lake City. Seemed odd with the snow on the mountains. Deb's friend Maria, told us it was only high of 40's the week before. We'll have to check flooding on the way home. Floods are even expected in downtown of Missoula, which is where we are tonight.

Goodness did Maria feed us well last night and this morning. Threre was a slight temptation to stay our five weeks with her. Black clouds all around us when we got into the mountains on 93. The guy at the restuarant where we ate lunch said his register went out twice today due to lightening. We just slipped right through it all. Got in some good riding. Riding the river is my most favorite ride. It is scarry how full it is getting though.

Have been hitting bugs like crazy and we aren't even in AK yet. My jacket looks like it's been on the road for five weeks instead of this being it's second day.

Some long dirt/gravel construction before Missoula. John H., if you remember passing me and Colleen on the dirt/gravel road from the Crest, this was what the practice was all about. Piece of cake. And you called SheBike that "thing".

Canada tomorrow. I think we'll be able to meander some since we've stayed on track thus far.

Luna Tique

06-24-2011, 05:43 AM

:wootrock:Thanks for keeping us updated.

Sounds like the motogods are giving you nice weather for the start of your trip. :wootrock:Dodging bad weather always makes for a good day in the saddle. :thumbup:

:pompom: I look forward to your day of meandering. Can I assume that will involve more stops for photos ? :D:

ridingAK

06-24-2011, 09:23 AM

I hope the flooding doesn't get in your way too much on the way home. Remember you can come through this way if it gets too bad further East.

Astir

06-25-2011, 08:40 AM

:yahoo: Dirt is no problemo! :yahoo:

Dualsport Chic

06-25-2011, 10:26 AM

Great updates albqsusieq - Keep them coming - can't wait to see Canada!!

Safe Travels.

Best,

albqsusieq

06-27-2011, 01:20 AM

deb

http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/styles/prosilver/imageset/icon_post_target.gif (http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=19855#p19855)by deb (http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=224) » Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:53 pm
The scenery just keeps getting better. took 93 north through montana awesome scenery including flathead lake and then the canadian rockies.
The border went well much easier than toll booths back east. The roads in canada are nice as they do most of their construction in the spring. The down side is converting km to mph quickly. got nervous when a canadian cop followed us as had to do some quick calculating. 100km is the easiest as is 60ish mph. saw a big nice looking buck off the side of the road.
Gas is pricy and the taxes are high. but what a view...
It i 11pm and just turning dark so will attach pictures for now
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-4wzKnbc/0/M/DSC01233-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-4k66qF2/0/M/DSC01229-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-2Xrt38f/0/M/DSC01232-M.jpg

albqsusieq

06-27-2011, 01:22 AM

deb
Today well over 600 miles in and out of rain all day long. Can't even begin to describe the depth of huge mountains and cedar trees and lakes, meadows, swamps that we saw. Saw my first bear black on the side of the road munching on grass. also saw a huge buck on the side of the road. just missed a huge fox which ran between susie and i. we finally made it to Prince george only to find every hotel booked. Luckily we found a nice spot outside of town. good lesson.
Thank god for heated gear which i wore all day
only 1 picture due to rain.
tomorrow plan is to go to prince rupert and have time off the bikes for a day before the ferry. daylight until 11pm pretty amazing.
deb

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-SwJndZv/0/M/DSC01239-M.jpg

albqsusieq

06-27-2011, 01:23 AM

Thanks rAK. We'll see how the flooding plays out and may very well wind up coming your way home.

from me

We crossed into Canada on Friday. We saw some beautiful scenery in Idaho and Montana. There were flood warnings in Missoula on the morning we left. We made Prince Rupert today so have a day to spare. I had built in an extra day in case of bad weather, bike issues, etc. but everything worked for us. There has been rain all around us and we got in some, but not bad. Kind of enjoyable as there were few cars. We had a couple of routes to pick from to go to Prince George. We hung with our original and were glad we did as a bridge had gone out with the swollen river on the other route.

While staying in Golden, an elderly gentlemen visited with us and asked if we had any pins. It took me a few to realize what he was doing. He collects pins. I had one, my female on a BMW so I gave that one to him and he gave all three of us pins.

We have ridden between mountain ranges with snow, up in the snow and fog. It has been fantastic. Several river rides. Some lakes look turquoise. The roads in Canada are great. We were a little hesitant when crossing the border as we were unsure how far we could push the speed limit. It didn't take long for us to settle in to pushing it kind of hard. We usually try to fall in behind another vehicle and let them set the pace but it is not unusual for us to see very few vehicles on the road.

We saw our first bear by the side of the road yesterday. A couple of bicyclists were headed up the hill towards him. With all of the green around here, I suspect the bear left the bicyclists alone. We saw two today by the side of the road and stopped to take pictures. I was getting incresingly nervous as he started moving closer to me. I've see how fast bear can run up an embankment. SheBike was in first gear, ready to go. That is until some vehicles started coming up the road. Hurry, hurry, I want to be able to get out of here. Soon as the vehicles passed, we left. But, what an experience. Deb has pictures.

Went past a sign that said “Wally’s privates sale”. Now I’m kind of wondering just what is so great about Wally’s privates that he has a big sign up by the side of the road stating they are for sale. Had we not been on another mission, I would’ve had to stop to see how much Wally’s parts were. Last night, as I sat by the bikes while Deb and George checked in, there was a room on the second floor with an open door. A guy and lady kept walking to the door, looking out, then began changing clothes. Now I’m thinking they must be Wally’s relatives and are selling privates too.

I think all of the weight on SheBike has helped in the wind. While we’ve not had a lot, enuff to where I can tell I’m not getting whipped around like usual.

Saw a big RV towing a smart car. Kind of an interesting sight.

We’ve passed deer several times.

Gary O., SheBike is purring like a kitten. She is so happy to be out on a trip like this. Thanks so much for keeping her in tip top shape.

Gary O., Mark D., even though no truckers will talk to me on my brand new CB you guys put in for me, sometimes George will respond. It works like a champ and I can hear very well with the helmet speakers. I’ve tried it all now, MP3 and GPS coming through my speakers. I really like not having to stop, get my MP3 out of my pocket and turn it off to be able to talk with someone, just turn it off on my knob on the CB. Love it, love it.

The next time someone asks about our helmets, Mark D., we are going to tell them to contact you. We’ve been asked twice about them.

Couple of things we don’t have in the states, or at least what I’ve seen. Sometimes the green lights blink. I’ve not figured out why and suppose I’ll ask. Went into a restroom and they had toilet seat sanitizer, like for your hands.

It’s 10:00 at night and the sun is still shining.

SPOT will not be activated again until we get to Haines via the ferry, which will be Thurs

Luna Tique

06-27-2011, 06:56 AM

:omg: That is a lot of gear on Deb's bike

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-2Xrt38f/0/M/DSC01232-M.jpg

It sounds like your trip is full of the right stuff. Majestic mountains Sparkling blue lakes and lush green valleys sprinkled with critters. :yahoo:

I am glad that fox was not working for Geico (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40kPEjZpM8M) and your got to see a black bear and deer minding their own business along the way. :wootrock:

Would one of our Canadian members enlighten us on the meaning of an occational flashing green light please? :D:

Thank you both for the updates
I am so happy the :singingrain: is not dampening your sprirts.

Abosit

06-27-2011, 11:51 AM

Thanks for posting,
Your pictures remind me my visit to BC, what a great state so beautiful.
Ride safe, I am hooked to your RR now!!

bekefi1

06-27-2011, 12:36 PM

I've seen blinking green lights that mean they're about to turn yellow. Kind of a warning before the warning I guess? I can't remember where I saw them, though. I can't remember if it was somewhere in the States or on one of my international business trips. I'm interested to hear if these are the same or something different.

Love the pictures and the RR! :thumbup:

albqsusieq

06-27-2011, 06:54 PM

I originally purchased my paniers so I could have some of the weight lower on She Bike. Have determined they serve another purpose - protecting my legs from some of the wind. Seem to have brought all the right gear. Can withstand back to back cold, wet days. So far havent thought of anything I forgot.

from Deb

It was nice to sleep in a bit this am have had some long days. We have been getting up at 6am loading the bikes and then traveling 11-13 hours to destination. In Prince George two major events had all the rooms booked in numerous hotels the only ones with vacancies caused a little angst in our whole party. Finally George had a book of resources in the goldwing club and found us a place outside of town that was clean and friendly. We got there around 9pm and the only place open was a liquor store so went to get a beer. Canadians are way serious about their beer saw a couple of bottles of wine and hard liquor so asked where the beer was and was led to a walk in cold room with cases of beer that were cold almost heard angels singing in the background. First mosquitos we encountered and big as birds.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-fgsCvHs/0/M/DSC01242-M.jpg
George has been a good traveling companion as he has dreamed about this trip for 30 years and has had every route planned out ahead of time. He has patiently brought up the rear to make sure all of us get to destinations ok. I have had to learn a bit about traveling with three people and making sure we all know the plan for the day and have a way to meet or find a lost person. I am usually the lead. Susie and I agree about every route and plan just so you know although george saw it a different way on camera.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-TF5S9b2/0/M/DSC00001-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-j9xhgmm/0/M/DSC00501-M.jpg
The scenery has been outstanding every day. The mountains are huge and the rivers always present. We haven't turned an ugly corner all good. The roads are outstanding and no construction heard they do it all in the spring.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-rDpfrCw/0/M/DSC00028-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-LZdrSkn/0/M/DSC01262-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-TS9Wqqq/0/M/DSC00526-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-ML4f8BT/0/M/DSC00529-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-DFmgQcN/0/M/DSC00508-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-83Jz6Zs/0/M/DSC00515-M.jpg
We have seen more animals than i can imagine although no moose. The deer are huge and look as if fed steroids. I saw three bears yesterday two black bears that were pretty interested in food at the side of the highway. we were able to get pretty close but i have to admit my clutch was in and my throttle hand not far off the throttle.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3m6h69H/0/M/DSC00519-M.jpg
Today we took a walk to cow bay and had a great americano at cowpaccino's. a cute very cow oriented town. We got to see the crab cages stacked up to go out in boats and were lucky enough to see a couple bald eagles.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-KxcKdCS/0/M/IMGP1583-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-J75rX6C/0/M/IMGP1585-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-dpJnzC3/0/M/IMGP1584-M.jpg

albqsusieq

06-27-2011, 06:55 PM

from Deb

Here are some more pictures
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-rVTtj6T/0/M/IMGP1581-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-nn632FN/0/M/IMGP1575-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-tTh5sPb/0/M/IMGP1569-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-rjhHxxs/0/M/IMGP1566-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-PwVGHDN/0/M/IMGP1576-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-8PK2DNP/0/M/IMGP1573-M.jpg

We will be out of touch for a bit until destinated in alaska. will have plenty of pictures from the ferry by then. We have come 3400 miles so far and bikes are working well.

Astir

06-27-2011, 06:59 PM

What is all that grey stuff falling from the sky? Weird.

Thanks for the update Susie! Things are still hot and dry here - Los Alamos didn't work today, emergency evacuations this afternoon. The fire is scary huge!

Luna Tique

06-28-2011, 06:06 AM

I enjoyed catching up on your trip and am happy to hear your bikes are running well.

I look forward to your next installment.:thumbup:

What is all that grey stuff falling from the sky? Weird.

Thanks for the update Susie! Things are still hot and dry here - Los Alamos didn't work today, emergency evacuations this afternoon. The fire is scary huge!
:offtopic:
Is it ash falling Astir?
I haven't been following the fire lately.
How close to you is it? Los Alamos is not that far from you is it?

Astir

06-28-2011, 09:53 AM

Los Alamos is about 90 miles away by road. There is a continuous thrum in the air from the tankers flying overhead as they come and go with their loads of water. To the North West, it looks like a huge thunder storm from the smoke.

Clouds are slowly building in our parched area - rain is coming. Our monsoon season normally starts around July 4th.

Luna Tique

06-28-2011, 02:56 PM

I will start to do a raindance for you and all your neighbors.:singingrain:

kamilshka

06-28-2011, 04:03 PM

Oh the roads look gorgeous albqsusieq! Loving the photos, and following your trip.

I've certainly got my hopes set on rain for you, too, Astir. I'm sure Britain won't mind you having some of ours, we have plenty. :P

albqsusieq

06-30-2011, 11:29 PM

from me and Deb is uploading pictures now. I gotta get some work in since I've been out of touch for several days. Really enjoyed our ferry ride.

Riding into Prince Rupert, we were coming to a curve and here comes a train around that curve, heading straight towards us. It takes a second for the brain to process. I look to make sure I am on road and not rr tracks as we do ride between the rr tracks going into Whitier. Yep, road. I’ve never ridden so close to the train tracks before. Didn’t even have time to try to get the engineer to honk his horn.

We’ve gotten some curious looks just walking around town. I know we don’t look any different. Then as we pass one lady, she says, goodness you are tall. So our stares are for Deb ‘s height of 6’1”. Guess that’s a little unusual around these parts.

We enjoyed our stay in Prince Rupert. Found some good food at Cow Bay. Ann and Jerry showed up at the Totem Lodge on Monday, are on the ferry and will be in Valdez with us. They left a few days before us, coming through WA. They hit a lot of rain and bad winds. Rained all day the day we left for the ferry.

Ferry Day 1. Met some nice folks on bikes. One gal is from Pagosa Springs. There are four in her group riding together with a van following. They are brothers and sisters from different cities There are two more guys on bikes that went to high school together, stayed in touch, and are now riding together. Loading on the ferry was a bit challenging. I’ve loaded before with no problems. I’m lined up ready to come down the middle of the ramp. As I am right at it, I realize it is uneven, the middle section, very skinny, is lower than the two outside boards. I know I can’t stay up if I hit that middle section so am struggling to get back over to the side. Whew! Then it’s very uneven as we get off the ramp. We have to go over a chain to get on the other side to park our bikes. One wouldn’t think it would be that difficult but when you don’t want to gas it that much given you have the wall of the ship on the other side, it makes it a bit more difficult to get over that chain. Whew! Get the bikes strapped down, find our room, and have a beer. Yep, this non drinker had a beer. It’s raining fairly hard as we are beginning our ferry journey. Can’t really see anything. The food is reasonable in price and actually, fairly good.

Met a couple of engineers that work on ships that came back home from being out for months. Very interesting. One lives in Valdez and has for years. He offered to take us out on his boat when we make it to Valdez. Deep sea fishing is on our list and he will take us. We will also spend the night on his boat in between glaciers. OMG, it can’t get any better than that. We are very excited to take him up on his offer so are hoping it will work out. It can’t get any better than going fishing with a local. We will call when we get there. He told us who to go to get our fish shipped home. The other engineer use to be a chef in ABQ. Such a small world. He had just come in from four months, stopped by to pick up his toy hauler from AZ and is headed home, Wasilla. He lives on Sara street but insists it was named Sara before Sara Palin. Anyway, he is headed part of the same way we are and said we are more than welcome to knock on his door if we see him pulled over and he will give us a bed.

Day 2. Has been raining all day but we can see more distance than yesterday. The ferry is quite smooth. The beauty just can never be described nor captured in pictures, although we are trying. Our cabin has two windows and is actually quite comfy. It is quite cold though, even with turning up the heater to 85 (obviously didn’t work). I knew there was no way I could survive the night as there is just one thin blanket on the bed. I was wishing I had brought up my sleeping bag. I went to bed with every piece of clothing on that I could manage. It didn’t take long and I was peeling the clothes off. How on earth can that one little blanket be so warm. Dunno but the tag says Alaska Correction Institute
Still visiting with our new friends. Always interesting to learn about people and where they are from. Saw our first whale and saw numerous ones, some breaching water., Saw our first icebergs.

Day 3. The ferry is two hours late. It is really raining. As we get closer to Haines, the rain subsides. Getting off of the ferry was nothing compared to getting on. OMG. We get into some of the worst rain to date, but it is so incredibly beautiful to Haines Junction. You just have to make this trip to see what we are talking about. Tomorrow night Tok and then to Valdez for four nights. We saw two more bear along the side of the road. They seem to be getting bigger. So, we hit AK but had to cross back into Canada. We will cross back into the US tomorrow.

We’ve had nothing but great food along the way. It’s nice to have Ann and Jerry as they have their car pulling their bike so we get to hitch a ride sometimes. We’ll be together til probably Valdez.

Astir

06-30-2011, 11:41 PM

:ecstasy:

albqsusieq

07-01-2011, 12:21 AM

Nothing but rain in the forecast for 10 days. Hopefully there will be some breaks.

Astir- what is going on with the Los Alamos fire?

from Deb
The ferry ride was outstanding it was great to see scenery without having to get soaked by the rain. They had an expresso machine on the boat and that was great. The ferry docked both nights from midnight to 4:45 am of which time there was plenty of light. It was great watching for whales and striking up conversations with all sorts of people all of which who seemed to know where New Mexico was and had even stopped by for some reason. When a whale was spotted the whole room would run to one side of the ship I think we got it leaning a bit.
I think the mounty at the canadian border today cracked a smile but I really have no proof
This morning rocked as I was able to sit in the cafeteria and watch scenery at five am with coffee.
So far the roads are not as bad as anticipated although I understand we haven't hit the worst. The roads do crack about every ten feet but not as bad as salt lake city or I-10 in california yet.
Scenery is breathtaking and really indescribeable. My perception is large mountains rising from sea level with all sorts of plateaus or mesas surrounding them. lots of swamps but no moose yet. Eagles are everywhere and often see them diving, their talons are huge.
Just starting to feel the wrath of mosquitos no complaints so far.
Talk with you soon have a couple pictures from Prince rupert yet and will include.
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-XwdcJsh/0/M/IMGP1592-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Q5t5WPn/0/M/IMGP1587-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-chfcnBB/0/M/IMGP1588-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-xcwL2qm/0/M/IMGP1595-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-LRwr5Sc/0/M/IMGP1593-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-dCSmM7b/0/M/DSC01273-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-xnSxhsq/0/M/DSC01291-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-wZ9sjM2/0/M/DSC01305-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3nwz7wB/0/M/DSC01320-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-JQtHFpf/0/M/DSC01308-M.jpg

ImaSoftT

07-01-2011, 07:58 AM

http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/images/smilies/TwoThumbs%20Up.gif I am really enjoying your write ups and pictures. Can't wait for more.

zee

07-01-2011, 08:00 AM

I think the mounty at the canadian border today cracked a smile but I really have no proof
:lol:

Scenery is breathtaking and really indescribeable. My perception is large mountains rising from sea level with all sorts of plateaus or mesas surrounding them. lots of swamps but no moose yet. Eagles are everywhere and often see them diving, their talons are huge.

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-XwdcJsh/0/M/IMGP1592-M.jpg

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3nwz7wB/0/M/DSC01320-M.jpg

Great pictures, I especially love these two!!

:popcorn1:

Luna Tique

07-01-2011, 08:13 AM

:yahoo:I am enjoying following along on your journey.
Thank you for the update.:thumbup:
I do hope the rain lets up soon and the sun comes out before the roads turn to mud.:cheers:

ridingAK

07-01-2011, 09:35 AM

I'm loving your report! The scenery can be almost overwhelming can't it? :):

bekefi1

07-01-2011, 10:36 AM

Alaska is so breathtakingly beautiful - your report is bringing back wonderful memories. Thanks for taking us along on your ride! :):

LittleRedRider

07-01-2011, 01:57 PM

Fabulous pictures & rr. :thumbsup:
Bring some of that gray wet stuff falling from the sky back with you please.

albqsusieq

07-02-2011, 12:31 AM

The folks here are tired of the rain. Another 10 days, they say. I've tried to wish it back to our area where we so desperately need it.

from me

I forgot to mention that yesterday we went past a Beaver Crossing.

Today started out nice and sunny. There were a couple of guys on VStroms getting ready to leave the lodge as we were packing up. They had just come from Tok and advised the road was quite bad – ice heaves, dirt, gravel. OMG were they correct. It went on and on and on. Now the gravel wasn’t bad cuz I had practiced before the trip, and I cannot thank you enuff Astir. But, it had been raining and the dirt had turned to slick mud. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone. At one point, they had us behind a lead car. While behind the lead car, we slow down as a grizzly was crossing the road, several times. The two gentlemen we met on the ferry that were high school friends were ahead of us. It was nice to see a couple of familiar faces on this road. We wound up eating lunch with them and may very well run into them again before we head home. The lead car finishes their job. YIPPEE! We are done. NOT. We even had to pass working machinery in the lanes w/o the lead car. OK, finally, construction end. NOT. We determined construction end meant more construction. That happened twice. The pot holes, the slipping and sliding. We had to hyper focus on the road so didn’t get to check out much of the scenery. There was some beige dirt on the road. The road would sometimes turn beige so it would be hard to determine if we were coming upon dirt or the road. We did pass Christmas River. Man, then we hit a fairly hard rain most of the way into Tok. Another beer night. Ran into our new friend, Mike, one of the ship engineers, at dinner. I had been looking at the map and it appears, unless we want to go to Chicken, we have to come back down this road to get home. Mike advised the road to Chicken was worse than what we crossed so, yep, we’ll be back over the road from hell. I asked Mike if he would be going to Haines Junction in ~ 10 days with his Toy Hauler so he could take me back over that road. Unfortunately, not the case. There was a Spyder on the ferry and got off at Haines also. They were behind us on this road. I hope we run into them again as I would be interested in knowing how it handled the rough stuff.
But, we got lots of good, fun things to do in between and maybe the dirt part won’t be wet and slick on the way back. We’ll call our other new friend, Doug, when we get into Valdez and see if we can work out the boat trip.

Luna Tique

07-02-2011, 05:20 AM

Sorry to hear you are hitting so much construction and rain,but riding in the rain sure beats working.
I hope overall you are enjoying yourselves even with the weather not being perfect.
Remember with the rain comes rainbows :singingrain:
Thanks for the update I look forward to your next post.:thumbup:

ridingAK

07-02-2011, 08:36 AM

Road construction and Alaska summers just kind of go together. :shrug: Hopefully things will dry out for you so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The ride from Tok to Valdez is beautiful! I hope you'll have lots of pics to share with us!

Astir

07-02-2011, 10:34 AM

So sorry to hear about the rain and road construction. Sounds like you are doing great though! Just breathe, you know how to ride, shebike will take care of you!

albqsusieq

07-03-2011, 01:52 AM

Deb's post from yesterday
I was warned about frequent gravel patches in alaska but today was more gravel than pavement. Overall the gravel was half way decent it was the long stretches of mud that were tough. I know better than to correct on this stuff but just holding onto my bike took a lot of upper body muscles. We did well and the beer was well earned tonight, it was pouring as we destinated and we got about the last room in a large hotel.
Our bikes need a major cleaning tomorrow.
The scenery is still breathtaking.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-cwHbC6N/0/M/DSC01324-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-zmxjbDM/0/M/DSC01325-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-S8bw2m2/0/M/DSC01328-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-cVWwv95/0/M/DSC01338-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-58dHPT8/0/M/DSC01336-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-03-2011, 02:30 AM

from me
We started out loading in the rain this morning for our ride to Valdez. We had heard roads were fine going to Valdez, where we will stay for four nights. We hit short sections of gravel. No slick mud so not a problem. We come to a sign that states road construction for 24 miles. We think there will be short sections occasionally. It was for the whole 24 miles. But it was gravel and no slick mud so it was fine. Just a long haul. We came around a corner and the sun peeped out. OMG. It was the most beautiful view yet. There were green mountains with clouds sprinkled around and mountains with snow in the background. We had sun all the way into Valdez. We were very close to glaciers and saw great waterfalls. The ride into Valdez was absolutely awesome.
We’ve seen a lot of BMW GSs. We are now experiencing AK mosquitoes. But, they love Deb so she is my bug repellent.
We are going down the road and I see a critter on the side of the road. Stay there Mr. Critter. I want to see what you are but stay on the side of the road. As we approach, I see that this critter is of the mail box family.
SheBike turned 50,000 miles on this trip.
Deb got her first road kill of the trip, a little squirrel.
A very large fox ran across in front of us.
We had a good lunch along the way. It served reindeer sausage. Deb decided to try it and even liked it. She offered me a bite but I couldn’t quite eat Rudolph.
It hit the 60’s today. Not seen that in a few. Got to turn off the heated jacket. SheBike was happy to be in 5th gear again.
We get in and call our new friend, Doug. He’s getting his boat ready to go. We will head out tomorrow for some deep sea fishing and he offered to take us out for the fireworks show on the 4th. We are looking forward to a local’s perspective of his beautiful home of Valdez. Valdez is so cool amongst all of these glaciers. Absolutely postcard worthy.
We got some more good pictures that Deb is now uploading. I will post hers when she is finished.

albqsusieq

07-03-2011, 02:41 AM

from deb
Funny you should mention that Mark. Today we were making good time in the rain which is somewhat a constant these days and came upon a construction for 24 miles well they weren't kidding it was gravel for 24 miles. Susie and I are starting to clip along on this gravel stuff. The calcium chloride (I may be wrong) they add to the gravel is pretty tough on bikes so we stopped by a carwash in Valdez and my master link clip had come off. I must have some busy guardian angels because the link stayed put. Jerry helped me tighten the chain and luckily I carry a spare clip which worked. I hadn't been keeping close enough watch on my chain although the link clip was there the last time i cleaned the chain. George lost a huge peice of molding on his top case and an led bulb. Susie has a new sound on her bike too.
It seems the frito bandit vandalized my bike in tok last night. Ask me about it next time you see me and I'll fill you in.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-q2wLM7H/0/M/DSC01344-M.jpg
We started out in the rain today but the amazing scenery made up for it. Saw the biggest red fox susie and I have ever seen. seems that my bike is a squirrel magnet and one suffered the wrath of my front tire this morning. Still haven't seen the elusive moose. I had reindeer sausage for lunch.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-JDD5NWs/0/M/DSC01363-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-35nvwmg/0/M/DSC01362-M.jpg
Coming into Valdez was through a 2800 foot peak it seemed huge but I guess that is from sea level so appears higher. We were warned about thompson pass as twisty and not much shoulder so anticipated hairpin turns. Much to our delight it was nice curves with some of a shoulder. The mountains are still visible from the coastline in valdez. I heard mosquitos are the state bird and I believe it.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-46Nwtkv/0/M/DSC01368-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3tFBwX6/0/M/DSC01371-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-cC6KfGT/0/M/DSC01359-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Pg6nSBD/0/M/DSC01355-M.jpg
We touched base with captain Doug whom we met on the ferry and he plans to take us salmon fishing and sightseeing tomorrow.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-hJk3HpN/0/M/IMGP1619-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-ZpvBWGN/0/M/IMGP1621-M.jpg

Astir

07-03-2011, 07:04 AM

:ecstasy: You made it to Valdez!!! I hope you love it as much as we did! Finding a local guide makes it even better!

Wow, last year the road was clear the entire way. No construction at all. My how quickly things change in Alaska.

Luna Tique

07-03-2011, 08:25 AM

I am glad the motogods are shining down on and you have been able to get some awesome photos.:wootrock:
:chin:Although in this picture it looks like Mother Nature is about to rear up again.
:zen: Sending you thoughts for calm waters and lots of salmon for your fishing trip. Thanks to Captian Doug for being your guide :yahoo:

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-ZpvBWGN/0/M/IMGP1621-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-04-2011, 02:39 AM

Today was a perfect day. We woke up to rain. Deb and I meandered around Valdez and I did some souviner shopping. We were to meet Captain Doug and George at Captain Doug’s boat at 2:00 for some afternoon fishing. We first put out some shrimp pods and will check them tomorrow. We watched some of the fishing boats. Quite a process. They lay out their nets and then bring them in with their catch. Some will then go to a Mother Ship to unload the fish while some do not. We just got outside the dock area and there were already a lot of little ships doing their fishing. I had not envisioned that all of the little boats would be so close to the marina to fish. There were lots of them. We had to weave in between their nets to get to our destination. We then got to fish. Deb will share what she did and I got to be Captain Susie.

We saw a tanker leave the end of the pipeline after getting loaded with the oil. He was followed out by two little tug boats. There are a lot of storage tanks across the water where the oil is stored and then moved to the ships.

This day could not have been more perfect. It wasn’t raining while on the boat but began on the way back in. We fished amongst some of the most beautiful mountains/glaciers, which were all around us.

We really, really appreciate Captain Doug opening up his world to us and teaching us things we knew nothing about. He also has great stories.

Fireworks start at 10:30 tomorrow night so we will meet Captain Doug at 7:00 to go pick up our shrimp pods and then come back to watch fireworks from the water. Deb and I will start our day taking all of the 4th activities in that we can.

SheBike definitely has a knock so need to see if we can come up with some idea so to let the mechanic in Fairbanks know what to maybe expect. I’m hoping she makes it to Fairbanks. That one road was very hard on her. Gary O. has given me some ideas of what to check on.

sweptwingnut

07-04-2011, 04:46 AM

SheBike definitely has a knock so need to see if we can come up with some idea so to let the mechanic in Fairbanks know what to maybe expect. I’m hoping she makes it to Fairbanks. That one road was very hard on her. Gary O. has given me some ideas of what to check on.

BMW 1200r correct?? If it is a slight knock / tapping sound then it is probably just in need of a valve adjustment. Nothing major just expensive. My 1200gs suggests it every 6000 miles so yours may be the same. FWIW, I dont do mine that often.

Check the oil level and if that is ok then you should be fine to Fairbanks. If the mechanic thinks it is just a valve adjustment needed, I would wait until I get home to do it. Heck, he might even recommend it.

Luna Tique

07-04-2011, 06:54 AM

I hope you are right Nut and that a valve adjustment is all it needs.:zen:

Astir

07-04-2011, 07:09 AM

I can't wait to see your pictures! What a great adventure. Captain Doug totally rocks!

Ps, I hope you take some pictures of the shrimp apparatus. Very curious what that looks like.

albqsusieq

07-04-2011, 12:07 PM

Thanks swn. Hopefully that is all that's wrong.

I did take pictures of the shrimp pod but Deb didn't post. She may be waiting to see if we catch some. Captain Doug has invited us to his house where he will cook Deb's salmon, hopefully our shrimp, and he has a roast. Unbelievably nice man.

from deb

What a beautiful day yesterday. I felt like I was living the discovery channel and watching some of the most dangerous jobs. Those fishermen and women worked hard and only one mistep could lead them to getting wrapped up in the net and getting yanked out to sea. We watched the fine art of competition at its best as some of the boats as pulling up their nets another boat was right on top of them dropping theirs. Doug said bar brawls at night between boats could often get deadly.
Saw a young eagle land with a branch and strip the leaves with its big talons before we left. He was huge. Saw an otter taking a shower in the rain as we came back into port.
Doug was the most gracious host as tied and set up our lines and positioned us well on the boat. I caught a salmon and was a nice battle. After I caught the salmon we hit a swell and i fell into the middle of the boat right into the fish bucket but I held onto the rod and saved my fish. We will enjoy it fileted and some shrimp hopefully tomorrow evening. Tonight we head back out on the boat for the fireworks which are supposed to be great and better from the water.
Off to enjoy the fourth in town today and get fed salmon.
deb
I forgot to mention Susie found her dream alaskan man on the wall of a local restaraunt he does have more than webbed feet it takes two pictures to tell

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-W6kBcFx/0/M/IMGP1626-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-BGjSvtR/0/M/IMGP1627-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-WdqmWhn/0/M/DSC01461-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-fHNC5JP/0/M/DSC01439-M.jpg

Cyclone67

07-04-2011, 12:54 PM

What an awesome trip! I am definitely going to travel to Alaska someday!

ridingAK

07-04-2011, 01:03 PM

Beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful day!

albqsusieq

07-04-2011, 01:15 PM

rAK, SWN
Jerry, riding some of the way with us, doesn't want me to try to make it to Fairbanks. He is really thinking drive line or transmission. He's going to look at it some more today. It seems to make the knock in the lower gears. So, I'm thinking go ahead and ferry to Whittier, ride to Seward, then maybe George will let me get on the back of his bike to do our meandering on the pennisula, then on to Anchorage to have someone look at it. Do you guys know of a recommended mechanic in Anchorage? thanks

from Deb
a few pictures of the fishing industry. Annie also gave some her pictures of all of us eating so thought I would include them as it is a club dedicated to the pursuit of good food and good beer. Yukon gold the best but alaska summer brew good too.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-DFGgnbJ/0/M/IMGP1650-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-CS7tqjj/0/M/DSC01442-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-LxCFrQj/0/M/DSC01396-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-CZF5nXX/0/M/DSC01418-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-qSsn73m/0/M/DSC01413-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-2fxL3bJ/0/M/DSC01390-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-hTgr66m/0/M/DSC01388-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Lk9kZwL/0/M/IMGP1645-M.jpg

ridingAK

07-04-2011, 01:57 PM

Great pictures!

Sorry about the bike. I would recommend going to Wasilla (about 50 miles from Anchorage) and visiting Mike Strong at The Abbey. He's on ADV and has a good reputation. His shop number is 907-376-6919.

If you can't make it to Wasilla, the BMW dealer in Anchorage in The Motorcycle Shop. Their phone number is 907-561-1165. I hesitate to recommend them because I had bad luck with that shop. Others have had more positive experiences, and in all honesty in haven't been to any of them since 2007.

albqsusieq

07-04-2011, 02:24 PM

Perfect. Thanks so much rAK.

from me
Now that Deb has told you guys about her fish, while she was standing fishing, a huge wake got us and she tumbled off her perch and wound up, legs and arms all over the place, in a bucket. After I knew she was OK, I laughed til I cried because it was such a sight. There was no way she was going to let go of Captain Doug's fishing pole.

A sea plane landed in the water not far from us. It was interesting to watch him land.

more from Deb
We met up with Jerry and Annie from Apache Junction in Prince Rupert BC and have been lucky enough to have them along for the trip. They have patiently brought up the rear to make sure all have made it . Annie has provided constant optimism and entertainment and Jerry has been our personal motorcycle diagnostic specialist and vstrom specialist. George has provided extra space for us in his trailer for things like tie downs for the ferry. All of us have been having fun swapping mud stories and what animal did you see commentaries. Here are some of the pictures annie has taken so far. I have to say we haven't gotten a bad meal yet overall very good food, espresso, and beer, and great company.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-sdvmVn3/0/M/P6270117-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-L2JS4q2/0/M/P6300027-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-KKcR3r9/0/M/P6280108-M.jpg
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http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-nj7Z5xc/0/M/P7010233-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-dMXqGd2/0/M/P7010221-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-rsM8Npc/0/M/P7010231-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-4ZdLDjM/0/M/P7010144-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-XxJZhSp/0/M/P7010230-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-X2Fhgnn/0/M/P6300091-M.jpg

sweptwingnut

07-04-2011, 03:01 PM

Looks like you two are having a blast! As it should be!

I wish I could be more help. All I can suggest at this point is checking the fluid in the final drive. I would give the guy in wassila a call for his input/advice first. Stop by the shop in anchorage if it is an emergency.

Luna Tique

07-04-2011, 04:45 PM

I am alway amazed when I see little islands like this.
Nature always finds a way to survive and in this case prosper :wootrock:

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-fHNC5JP/0/M/DSC01439-M.jpg

This isn't the shrimp trap is it?

it reminds me of my Dads minnow trap (Only the holes were much smaller and it was a a more round in shape.) We used to bait if with bread and once they swam in the apparently couldn't figure out how to get back out because we would always have enough for the days fishing.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Lk9kZwL/0/M/IMGP1645-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-05-2011, 04:45 AM

Thanks SWN. I called the gentleman in Wasilla but he is too backed up to work on my bike. He said the reason being was because folks don't want to take theirs to Anchorage BMW. I gave him the symptoms and he said either transmission or drive line. So that's kind of reinforcing what Jerry is thinking. I really wish I could get it to Fairbanks for the mechanic there that has been highly recommended. Capt. Doug offered to put her in his truck and take her there for me but I just could not impose. He just got back in from 18 months at sea and is going to have to leave again shortly. I noticed the knock when I didn't have ear plugs in riding to the car wash. Have no clue how long it has been there. I've decided to hang with our original plan and ferry to Whittier, ride to Seward, then ride around the pennisula and then to Anchorage. I will not have my ear plugs in. If she is getting worse, I'll just park her and ride behind George on the pennisula. If I'm feeling like things aren't getting any worse, maybe I'll try to make it to Fairbanks, don't know.

Woke up to rain. Took the rain gear with us and headed out. I think we have now tried every espresso place in Valdez. Went shopping and wandered around. What a fun little town. Watched their 4th parade. Had good food. Watched the canoe fights. The sun came out in the afternoon, which was welcomed.

Hooked up with Captain Doug to go check our shrimp catch. I think we caught ~12 and some were kind of big. It was quite interesting to watch the whole process unfold. We have some pictures to post. We then came back towards the docking area and watched their fireworks from the water. That was fun – fireworks with these amazing snow/glacier mountains as the backdrop.
Deb had to give up her green butt bucket for the shrimp. Capt. Doug has invited us to his house tomorrow for a cook out. It will be Deb’s salmon, our shrimp, and he has a roast, halibut, and he mentioned several other types of fish. What a gracious person Capt. Doug is.

Tomorrow will be dinking with the bikes, probably hitting the museum and a few more souviner shops.

Then we pick up the ferry to Whittier on the 6th.

Cyclone67

07-05-2011, 07:08 AM

I think the rule for falling in a bucket of fish is -- if you don't have a picture; it didn't happen!!

albqsusieq

07-05-2011, 02:11 PM

I think the rule for falling in a bucket of fish is -- if you don't have a picture; it didn't happen!!

Yes, but there were three witnesses.

If you notice the last photo, I had to outdo Deb

from deb
What a good day yesterday turned out to be. The town of valdez sure throws a great 4th bash.
the canoe jousting was pretty entertaining. From every street you can see these great majestic mountains that are so varied in their appearance, lush green, black, red, white all on the same mountain and if you look at the same mountain at just a slightly different angle it all changes. We saw an old gold mine on the shore Doug said a big corp took it over and never was able to get it to produce so gave up. The boat ride to check the pods was beautiful and we finally hit a patch of sun even had to look for the sunglasses.
The shrimp are huge and I never see the whole deal in the store. they are a little spiny and sure put up a fight with their tails. Their were two big starfish in the pods and they climb in to eat the shrimp. one was huge took up almost half the pod. We caught tiger shrimp and spotted shrimp. Saw a 40 pound halibut on deck which is pretty small.
Today hopefully will do a helicopter ride as one of the few sunny days we've seen.
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-JMF4jB3/0/M/DSC01478-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-47Rz5dG/0/M/DSC01480-M.jpg
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http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-CzDMzqc/0/M/DSC01531-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-ChH99HJ/0/M/DSC01533-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3r4XLm6/0/M/DSC01537-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-JNkxG9g/0/M/DSC01516-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-GFMjQSB/0/M/DSC01520-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-wJ8fnNW/0/M/DSC01487-M.jpg

ridingAK

07-05-2011, 06:00 PM

Love the last pic! :lol:

albqsusieq

07-06-2011, 03:05 AM

Ready for some more breath taking pictures??

From our helicopter ride - Deb's posting
Just can't stop taking pictures. The helicopter ride was breathtaking and that thing booked at about 100mph. The glaciers were fantastic and one doesn't have a road to it so only way to see it is by kayaking or flying over it. We saw three bears that were the size of javelina from the air. I never imagined valdez to be so beautiful. We then went to Dougs for fish and shrimp on the grill. Yum of course my huge salmon was the best.
Off to whittier tomorrow.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-9nhsNr3/0/M/DSC01565-M.jpg
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Astir

07-06-2011, 09:54 AM

Wow! What a great view!

zee

07-06-2011, 10:24 AM

Oh that's gorgeous.

ridingAK

07-06-2011, 10:48 AM

Beautiful! Those mountains around Valdez are where they hold some of the biggest extreme skiing championships, and where heli-skiing tours are popular. I'm sure you can imagine how intense that kind of skiing has to be. Those mountains are steep and rough!

albqsusieq

07-06-2011, 11:29 AM

from deb
Forgot to include the ariel view of Valdez. Rained pretty hard when we took off and set back down but sunny around the corner. We got soaked on the 10 mile ride back to the hotel. Valdez is a must stop for Alaska in my book.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-3sKNsn6/0/M/DSC01554-M.jpg

msyzf2u

07-06-2011, 09:22 PM

Stunning!

:clapping::popcorn1:

albqsusieq

07-07-2011, 12:08 AM

We rode the ferry from Valdez to Whittier today. We saw a lot of porposies and was on the “fast” ferry. We arrived at 3:00, unloaded, found our hotel and then walked around the area. We had some very good fish for dinner. The railroad tracks are between our hotel and the waterfront where all of the little stores are. George had spotted a pedestrian tunnel to take us through. We get closer and I am accusing him of taking us through a drainage ditch. It did, indeed, turn out to be the tunnel to get us to the other side. There is a big cruise ship docked here. Whittier was also hit hard by the earthquake in 64. Appears to be a little fishing village now.
We were going to stay here for two nights but we’ve seen it all. We will head to Anchorage tomorrow to the BMW dealership to have them look at SheBike. Then we play it by ear. If they need to keep her for a few days, we head to Seward and me on the back of George’s bike. If they need it just one day, we’ll stay in Anchorage and then head to Seward. So we’ll see. Seward has lots of fun stuff to do so we’ll see what kind of trouble we can get into. We may even wind up staying longer as we also want to take in the peninsula. The next stop was to be Anchorage but we can easily keep on going to Denalli so could spend another day in Seward. Ann and Jerry are already there and called to let us know it was a great ride and awesome town but they almost couldn’t find lodging.

Astir

07-07-2011, 09:29 AM

How was the tunnel and riding over the railroad tracks through the tunnel? Did you have to wait for a train?

albqsusieq

07-08-2011, 01:24 AM

No, we didn't have to wait for a train, just the oncoming traffic. Whittier is definitely a fishing town. There were trailers and trailers of fish waiting to be loaded up. The machine they use to load the trailers on the rr cars was interesting to watch.

from me
We had a busy day. Left Whittier and rode the "tunnel" that is shared by the railroad so you have to ride between the rr tracks. I took pictures but they, unfortunately, did not come out. It was a tad stressful. It is two miles, wet, and they have huge fans blowing. George had ~ 3" on each side of his trailer. Usually m/c go first on ferries so we thought we would go first through the tunnel but we had to go last due to m/c crashing in the tunnel. Then those with trailers had to go very last. The BMW place, The Motorcycle Shop, said they always get a few in each year that have crashed in the tunnel. Two miles is just a long way. I can see how, if someone doesn't totally focus or focuses too much on the track, they can crash. I wouldn't want to go through it again but would if I had to.

On to the BMW shop. We were there before they opened. I had called a couple of times, which they appreciated instead of me just showing up. They took me right in, even though they are booked three weeks out. They were going to run diagnostics and then we would go from there. We went for an early lunch while they were diagnosing. I called to check on the status and they told me it was finished. WHAT?? How could that be. This was a very loud, constant knock that three of us heard and it was repeatable. I get there and they had pulled both drive line boots. No drive shaft or ujoint dmage; removed the wheel and no significant play in final drive unit; oil sample was gathered from the final drive and showed no contamination or metal particulates; test rode and didn't come up with anything abnormal. I ran it through the tests Gary told me about and no knocking. So, the only thing I can think of is that, when putting it back together, they tightened something that had come loose. $42 and I'm on the road. Wow! I could not believe it. Just hope that, since we have to go back over that one awful road, that it doesn't loosen whatever up again.

On to Seward. We rode a lot along the water, then through the mountains, Moose Pass but saw no moose. Seward is a perfect little town for me and Deb. We got here one day early and are going to see if we can keep our room one extra night. We've decided to bypass Anchorage and go on to Wasilla for the night of 7/12. Maybe we can find Sarah's house.

I've decided I must be on the verge of becoming an Alaskan. I didn't turn on my electric jacket until it got <60 degrees today. The sun was out most of the day.
We have had so much good food. I had a root beer on draft tonight. This is a great town for souviner shopping. I can see I'll have to send a box home.

sweptwingnut

07-08-2011, 01:36 AM

So glad to hear there was no major concern with your bike and that the service went well!

Luna Tique

07-08-2011, 08:28 AM

So glad to hear there was no major concern with your bike and that the service went well!
:iagree: that is great news.

Astir

07-08-2011, 08:34 AM

Oh yeah! Great news about shebike!

ridingAK

07-08-2011, 09:10 AM

That is great news about the bike! There isn't much to do in Wasilla itself, although I must say the view from the Best Western is spectacular. I don't know if you are dog people, but the Iditarod Headquarters is just a few miles down Knik Road. They have sled dog puppies and do mushing demonstrations.

zee

07-08-2011, 10:21 AM

So glad to hear that nothing major was wrong, they were able to get you in and back on the road so quickly! Here's to no more incidents the rest of the trip!

msyzf2u

07-08-2011, 10:52 AM

Oh yeah! Great news about shebike!

:thumbsup:

albqsusieq

07-08-2011, 02:49 PM

Good. The reason my pictures didn't show up of the tunnel is because I took them with Deb's camera.

from Deb

Whittier was unique as Annie said. It was a shipping port for seafood. They loaded the seafood onto semi trailers and loaded those on trains and worked all night. We saw the town three times in an hour but managed to find some great rockfish and cold beer. The next morning to get through a 2 mile tunnel had a 30 minute wait. There was plenty of room between the tracks as long as you didn't focus on the tracks. It was pretty wet and steel but went well and the view on the other side was stellar. Anchorage had great views the whole way north.
Susie and I are destinated for a few days and have plenty of room to spread all of our stuff out and dry things out. Overcast as usual and pretty cool this am but i am in heaven as sitting with a cup of espresso and looking out at mountains with my three favorite smells surrounding me coffee bacon and dryer sheets. They call this sit and suds a laundry facility with an espresso bar and is attached to our hotel. The owner said there was a mom moose and baby in the parking lot a few days ago. Susie and I are still seeking a moose sighting (from a distance)

I am also putting in a couple pictures of dinner with captain Doug the other night and the ferry trip to whittier.
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-SkBCqNp/0/M/DSC01626-M.jpg
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Cyclone67

07-08-2011, 06:16 PM

Man, I shouldn't have opened this!! I'm hungry; missed dinner, and the kebabs look awesome........

albqsusieq

07-09-2011, 01:34 AM

from me
We've explored Seward by foot. We are located in a perfect spot, not far from the water and stores and restaurants in both directions. We went to the Sea Life Exhibits today and enjoyed learning more about this area. We walked from one end to the other along the water front. Lots of big, nice boats in the marina. Seward is nestled between mountains and glaciers.

We are right across the street from the Senior Citizen center. Figure I can get free food and Deb can be my caretaker.

George is in heaven. He is camped along the waterfront and can fish and fish and fish.
Tomorrow is learning about dog sledding and, get this, a massage. Yep, a massage. Kind of goes with my pink purse.

Decided not to stay in Wasilla. Best Western was $299/night. A little pricey. We want to get to the other side of Anchorage when it comes time to get set up for Denalli so we'll see what else we can find.

Luna Tique

07-09-2011, 07:19 AM

ridingAK

07-09-2011, 09:16 AM

If you want to go further than Wasilla, and take a funky little side trip, Talkeetna is a cool hippy town. It serves as the jumping off spot for climbers heading to Denali. The Swiss-Alaska Inn is pretty nice. It isn't cheap either, but $130 for a double beats $299! Their number is 907-733-2424.

Hope the weather cooperates and gives you great views of Denali!

albqsusieq

07-09-2011, 07:38 PM

Meeting Captain Doug was a stroke of good luck. He has really enchanced your visit to AK

YIKES..... $299 a night is too steep for this thrifty lady. I would be camping and fishing next to George :D:
What am I seeing? Is it 2 mailboxes ? :lol:

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-9nPh7w8/0/M/DSC01631-M.jpg
You got it. We're having so much fun that we've decided to take up residence on the ferry and they even put mailboxes up for us.

Thanks rAK, we'll check out the lodging you mentioned.

from Deb
Spent the day wandering around Seward. Went to the aquarium which was pretty cool.
this poor little puffin was tapping the glass working hard with his feet trying to get through to the otherside. I feel this way at times in life. I watched him for about 15min just working hard.
The sea lion's are huge 1300 pounds average mostly fat. they sure move that mass around the water well.
It was overcast and pretty cool all day. Susie swears she has hit her souvenir limit and I swear I have hit my sticker limit but as you know we'll see.
The lawn art in these areas is interesting had to take a picture of the buoy tree. The picture of the dock in the right lower corner is an otter tough to see but I promised would post a picture of an otter.
My new favorite beer which is girlie beer is glacier rasberry wheat yum.
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-4b58Np8/0/M/DSC01647-M.jpg
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albqsusieq

07-10-2011, 04:12 AM

from me
Another good day in Seward. Ate breakfast, mailed two boxes of souviners home, then headed out to the dog sled ride. We were more interested in learning about the dogs and the Iditarod than actually riding but that part wound up being fun, the dogs love to work and they took us out into the woods and along a little stream. They had some six week old puppies. I really tried to stuff one under my jacket but it just wasn't working. Very informational. The dogs are much smaller and leaner than what one would expect. We got some good pictures so Deb will upload.

Then lunch at the Train Wreck, which was yummy. Back for our massages, which the gal was wonderful and I could've just stayed there forever.

Deb has some friends that invited us to dinner for Moose :eek: I kept thinking Bullwinkle. They own a B&B ~ 24 miles out of town. It was scrumptious. Had red salmon and salad from their garden. Very nice folks. They just bought a place in SW NM for the winters.

Oh, I might add, Deb has had this really big head ever since she was the only one to catch the pink salmon. She was busy bragging about it today to different people and she was told that pink salmon is dog food. The red and king are the good salmon. At least her head isn't quite so big now. And, I must confess, hers was good anyway but shhhhh, just don't tell her.

albqsusieq

07-10-2011, 01:27 PM

from deb

Yesterday was pretty awesome had a great time learning about the Seavers dog ranch and the preparation, training and care of sled dogs. We were lucky enough to be put on a dog sled wheeled 9 of us with about 16 dogs pulling us a couple of miles along a gravel road. average speed 8mph. Bears weren't a threat due to all the barking dogs but the guide said moose the biggest threat they have actually taken out dogs before. I guess in winter moose like to run along the packed down dog trails and they don't like to give up their space.

I had an interesting and delicious breakfast of oatmeal pudding it had coconut milk and nutella in it and then it is baked like a bread pudding. Yummy. Lunch was pulled pork at a neat little train car the chef was totally into her work as she danced and cooked and gave constant commentaries to life in alaska.

The evening we were lucky to be invited to the house of Jen and Russ for moose burgers and red salmon. It was delicious and we had a late night ride in daylight thought for sure we would see our moose as went past several lilly ponds and swamps.
I think we are forgoing Homer as I am having some questions on my chain integrity so will have a shop in anchorage take a peak.
deb
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albqsusieq

07-11-2011, 12:50 PM

from deb

Yesterday just a quiet day of exploring eating and getting some sleep. It has been actually somewhat difficult to shut down at night when it is bright outside. It was still bright at midnight last night.
susie asked me to include a picture of the dog housing at the iditarod training site.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-c9b6FJR/0/M/DSC01677-M.jpg

I am still amazed at how close the mountains are to town here and it is great to sit and watch them. lots of local artists around here who paint the mountains I don't seem to tire of those pictures. It is a small town and a bit of effort to leave this town for kids. Have heard from a few folks that when they were 18 their parents sent them to the lower 48 without the option of coming back unless they earned their own way back. They went to college or joined the armed forces and then as they got to be adults missed alaska too much and ended up coming home. Most have spent time in the fishing industry and a whole realm of jobs not tied specifically to their education.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-MXqK45W/0/M/DSC01720-M.jpg
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bekefi1

07-11-2011, 03:14 PM

It's amazing how much the sled dogs love their work, isn't it? I got a chance to ride with some and as they were waiting to start they were literally bouncing straight up and down like Jack Russells.

It's easy to fall in love with Alaska, and the more you're there the harder it is to leave. :):

ridingAK

07-11-2011, 04:30 PM

My daughters' great grandmother on their dad's side got to ride in one of the Iditarod sleds from the ceremonial start in Anchorage out to Eagle River. She had just turn 80 or 85 and had a ball. Good Morning America interviewed her on air! Of course, she was a pretty impressive person. There is a section on her and her family in the Anchorage Museum. She was one of the first caucasian babies born in Anchorage, and one of the first women to graduate from the Alaska School of Mines, what is now the University of Alaska.

bekefi1

07-11-2011, 05:10 PM

Very cool, rAK! :thumbup:

Luna Tique

07-11-2011, 05:43 PM

I noticed some of the dogs tails were docked. Is there a specific reason they do that? Other than maybe swishing it in the dogs face that is tied behind

I worked in a local German resturant years ago and one of the many beers on the menu was a Berliner Weisse The Weisse beers were light bottled wheat beer that after you poured the entire bottle into the special large and heavy champagne style glass (Himbeere)raspberry syrup was added. It was very popular.

Very cool, rAK! :thumbup:

:iagree: very cool

albqsusieq

07-11-2011, 11:46 PM

Oh, rAK, that is way cool.

I don't know, LT, about the dog's docked tail. Could be it got hung up in something it shouldn't have, or maybe it was stunted at birth??

from me

Well, we leave the little town of Seward tomorrow, the little town we have become so fond of. Our plans were to ride to Homer but Deb is having chain issues so didn't want to put the miles on the chain. We just hung out and enjoyed more food and wonderful views. Had a lavender scone, quite tasty, and a lemon shortbread cookie, absolutely to die for. We will stay in Anchorage tomorrow night. Deb has been in contact with her mechanic and the Suzuki folks in Anchorage. She will change out her chain and sprocket. While they had the chain, they had to overnight her sprocket. They may have it in tomorrow and we can get it taken care of tomorrow evening, or may have to wait til Wed. AM. Wed. we are off to Denalli National Park. We are scheduled for a full day trip into the park on Thurs., 7/14. Then 7/15 to Fairbanks for final bike maintenance, then the long trek home. We do have to go over the same section between Tok and Haines Junction that took it's toll on all three of our bikes. Unfortunately that is the beginning of our trek home. We'll just to see how it goes this time.

George has been busy fishing in Homer and headed to Wasilla for tonight. We'll hook back up with him at Denalli.

albqsusieq

07-13-2011, 09:02 PM

We saw one of the goats on the mountain by the road on the way in to Anchorage yesterday. One would wonder how they get where they are and how on earth they get back.
It rained a lot the last leg of the ride from Seward to Anchorage. Got destinated and Deb got her bike in for a new chain and sprockets. Life is good.

That elusive Moose. All the way through MT, Canada, and almost ready to head home from AK. We've been over Moose Pass four times, Moose crossings countless number of times, many marshes. Where is that darn moose?? The inn keeper in Seward had informed us she had one in her yard the week before. Everyone seems to have them the week before. That's an absolute must to spot on this trip. Deb and I decided we will hijack the bus driver that is taking us on our Denali Tour tomorrow until he can find us a Moose. Well, 40 miles out of Denali Park and we see a Mama and two babies. Yes, our Moose. We are staying at Denali Park Hotel and were told the Moose show up in their meadow. Maybe we'll see even more Moose.

It sprinkled a little on the way in and we saw some sun also. Not many folks get to see the top of Mt. McKinley due to clouds but there's suppose to be some sun tomorrow so hopefully we will be one of the lucky ones. I suspect we'll have more pictures to post after our Denali trip. George has been camping inside the park since yesterday. It's a beautiful camping area. I stopped by to let him know we made it here and to pick up our tickets for tomorrow. Ann and Jerry made it here a day before us so are on the tour today. We'll get some input as to what to expect. It was a beautiful ride to the park.

I so hate it when a bug splats right in the middle of the face shield and it's not a full splat, just a partial so parts are moving with the wind.

sweptwingnut

07-13-2011, 09:31 PM

Bug guts suck!

:wootrock: MOOSE!!

I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy reading about you three's fun and adventure! :cheers:

ridingAK

07-13-2011, 09:35 PM

I'm glad you saw your moose. It is funny how often visitors to AK have a hard time finding them, while AK residents get sick and tired of having them eat their yards. It seems as if they hide from people who want to see them, and stalk people who aren't so fond of them.

Denali Park is gorgeous. I'm sure you'll see lots of wildlife and even if you don't the landscape is amazing!

Luna Tique

07-14-2011, 07:20 AM

:yahoo:for seeing not one but 3 moose :wootrock: I am very glad you saw them the way you did and not staring at you in the middle of the road while:riding:

I look forward to your Denali photos and have my fingers crossed you will get to see Mt. McKinley.

I agree bug parts flapping in the wind suck :lol:

Astir

07-14-2011, 10:43 AM

I hope Denali peeks through the clouds for you! :zen: we didn't get to see it.

zee

07-14-2011, 11:03 AM

Glad you got to see the moose! We had one visit us at work a year ago, I think it was. Right outside my window, just standing around. He was there every day for a week or so before moving on to greener pastures.

Loving your updates!!

albqsusieq

07-15-2011, 03:55 AM

from me - pictures to follow

If you followed our 37 state ride last year, maybe you might remember when Deb was pointing out a deer and I flat could not see it. Where? where? errr, do you mean the donkey? OK, so as we are walking to dinner last night, Deb goes "a moose, a moose". Where? Where? errr, the two legged kind? as in the human species? that's coming out from behind the trees? One just never knows what Deb might see.

Today started out great. The hotel took us to the Park to begin our tour but first took us to a little coffee shop that only locals know. Deb was in heaven and I tried their hot chocolate. Love to hang with the locals. Then on to the park. On my gosh!!! What an absolutely wonderful day. It lightly rains on and off and the sun peeks out some also. We were not one of the lucky few to see the top of Mt. McKinley. Learned Mt. McKinley generates it's own weather. But, we were in the 10% population that saw the pack of four wolves, walking right down the middle of the road, taking their sweet time. We also saw three grizzlys and one quite close. Didn't know this but they are of a golden color. A fox was just laying in wait by the side of the road. The fox and wolves hunt by the road as there are the rabbits and squirrel. There wa a goldeneagle, lots of dall sheep (not goats as I thought on the way to Anchorage), lots and lots of carribou, birds (turns, ducks, pfarmin), collard pica. I know you won't believe this, but no moose. Our guide couldn't even believe it. Just more absolutely beautiful, breath taking scenery. Anyone coming to AK should include the full day bus tour of the park. Definitely worth it. Our guide had been doing this for >20 years and was the best.

Another great day in AK.

Tomorrow off to breakfast at our golf course in the middle of no where and Fairbanks for bike maintenance.

Luna Tique

07-15-2011, 09:01 AM

I am so happy you got to see such a big variety of wildlife. :ecstasy:

and :wootrock:Mt. McKinley showed it face to you.

Astir

07-15-2011, 09:38 AM

Wolves, cool! (from a distance or in the safety of a bus)

No moose? What is up with that? We only saw a handful when we were there. Where do they hide out? In everybodys back yard where tourists cant see them? :lol:

KansasKawboy

07-15-2011, 02:08 PM

ImaSoftT

07-15-2011, 05:43 PM

http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Animal%20Animated%20Emoticons/moose%20run.gif http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Animal%20Animated%20Emoticons/moose%20run.gif http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Animal%20Animated%20Emoticons/moose%20run.gif
http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Animal%20Animated%20Emoticons/moose%20run.gif http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Animal%20Animated%20Emoticons/moose%20run.gif
:kcd: Ride rAK Ride...

Astir

07-15-2011, 11:28 PM

:lol: they do tend to seek her out. :lol:

albqsusieq

07-16-2011, 01:10 AM

from me

We saw more of Deb's moose; one with a red jacket, one with a blue jacket, and one with a back pack on.

Back to Denali. I really appreciate the way they manage the park. You can only drive a few miles and then you have to take a bus, which they have different tours, or jump on, jump off. They will take backpackers into the park. You can drive a vehicle but you have to get special permission. This really eliminates the numerous vehicles as in Yellowstone. You are not allowed off the bus except in designated areas. The buses will stop so you can photograh the wildlife or take in the views. Basically all you will see is a bus periodically and a few vehicles. I believe it is the first 14 miles that is paved and the rest of the 91 miles is very well maintained gravel. They put equipment in strategic places so they can easily to get to trouble spots on the road.

Our park bus dropped us off at the Denali hot spot for dinner and the restaurant took us back to the hotel. There were numerous shops and a couple of hotels in this area. We enjoyed dinner and ice cream.

Tonight we are staying at a very reasonable and impressive lodge, Pikes Waterfront Lodge. It is on the river in Fairbanks. There is a restaurant next door so dinner was on the waterfront. A dinner river boat passed by. They call the river the ice bridge as it freezes in the winter, in which it is not uncommon for it to get -50 degrees here. They say it is all too common that, when the river begins to thaw, they find cars half in the river as some folks always try crossing the river too late in the season.

There also is a spot on one side of the river where you hit a golf ball and try to get it in a hole across the river. We watched one guy that never got it to the other side, the balls always fell in the lake.

albqsusieq

07-16-2011, 01:12 AM

from Deb

Check out the picture of the grizzly. And it was even me that took that picture.

Re: Deb and Susie N. to Alaska (http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3611&p=19997#p19996)

http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/styles/prosilver/imageset/icon_post_target.gif (http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=19996#p19996)by deb (http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=224) » Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:21 pm
Friday started out raining hard and a mile walk to the black diamond for breakfast. Finally Susie and I got sourdough bread that was good we asked about sourdough in Alaska and I think the reason they eat it is that the starter is much more stable than yeast and causes bread to rise. We found that old timer alaskans are called sourdough's.
The ride to Fairbanks was wet at first then we caught about 50 miles of sunshine yeah actually got a bit toasty at 60+ degrees. Once we destinated we looked up the local mechanic adventure cycleworks Sean and Dan. Dan set me up for my own oil change and helped me tighten my new chain and did Susies oil change and fine tuned her bike. His place was up a pretty vertical gravel driveway that confused the gps but it all worked and Susie is getting more brave with gravel.
Tomorrow Susie wants to do the Artic circle bus ride. I think George and I are going to see the air museum here is supposed to be pretty good.
The Denali bus tour was breathtaking I was amazed at how many animals we saw and how unafraid they were. The bus driver was great at keeping everybody respectful and quiet as the animals were near the bus. athe pack of four wolves looked like the gunslingers from a western sauntering down the middle of the road right past the bus. They were much larger than any coyote I have ever seen. There was definitely knowledge on their part that they were the top of the food chain. The grizzlies were also huge and in hot pursuit of bear flowers. The bus driver enjoyed and photographed the wildlife as much as we all did.
After ate alaskan elk sliders and buffalo burgers at the salmon bake restaraunt.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-MRXw9WP/0/M/DSC01761-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-F4LnRxx/0/M/IMGP1721-M.jpg
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http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-hfPSbsw/0/M/DSC01824-M.jpg

Luna Tique

07-16-2011, 05:49 AM

Thanks for the follow up photos I like seeing critter pictures.:wootrock:

They are wondering around looking for rAK! :lol:

+1 Rumor has it, they have all followed her to Spokane :lol:

ridingAK

07-16-2011, 10:26 AM

I am thrilled that you got to see the wolves! Even living in AK for so long I only saw wolves a handful of times. It is a pretty rare and exciting event. You are taking the Richardson Hwy back from Fairbanks? If you are hungry as you pass Paxson Lodge, they make a great burger!

Thanks for the follow up photos I like seeing critter pictures.:wootrock:

+1 Rumor has it, they have all followed her to Spokane :lol:

Yep. They are still trying to get me.

Audubon Park Moose (http://www.krem.com/home/Wayward-moose-makes-a-surprise-visit-at-Audubon-Park-125250904.html)

I think we'll try moving to Hawaii or something and see if I can escape them that way. What do you want to bet they'd have one in a zoo that would escape and come hunt me down? :lol:

Luna Tique

07-17-2011, 07:02 AM

I am pretty sure they can swim also :rofl:

albqsusieq

07-17-2011, 09:28 PM

pictures from George and he was sitting on the good side of the bus for the wolves. The glacier picture is from the helicopter.

few more photos from george all the way back to valdez whittier then denali
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Zqjm3mr/0/M/DSC00625-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-zSFzVTB/0/M/DSC00630-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-d8XpmdR/0/M/DSC00631-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-LXdFjtg/0/M/DSC00642-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-DRc8fwX/0/M/DSC00644-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-D4qSqpc/0/M/DSC00646-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-KgsmzPh/0/M/DSC00650-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-K82LZW8/0/M/DSC00659-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-2gM6whk/0/M/DSC00672-M.jpg
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http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-PpDRKB6/0/M/DSC00676-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-6fsPsxb/0/M/DSC00683-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-17-2011, 09:32 PM

I saw the exact same bikes at the Yukon River that Deb posted a picture of as they stayed at our hotel. I talked with the guys and they had rented in Anchorage. It had been pouring rain that day, in which they were coming back from Prudoe Bay. A tough ride for them and they came upon a biker that had gone down.

from Deb

Ended up staying another day in fairbanks. Susie decided to spend the day riding a bus to the arctic circle. George and I hung around town thought the air museum was here ends up it is in anchorage. We visited the visitor center which was pretty cool had a hands on museum with a log house and many native american displays. We also took in the ice museum pretty neat movie on the ice sculpture contest held every march in fairbanks. George was feeling bad about missing the prudoe bay road on his goldwing. Well these folks just got back from prudoe bay and there was relief on George's part.

http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-swSPxpp/0/M/DSC01866-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-dV46Ljw/0/M/DSC01860-M.jpg
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http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-Fpwk8ZT/0/M/DSC01869-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-17-2011, 09:35 PM

from me and I'll be back

Well, we stopped in Tok for the night, our last night in AK. We wanted to be fresh tomorrow for the road that took a toll on our bikes coming out. The good news is, and I’ll not say this to loud, is that maybe the dirt won’t be the really slick mud as we hit it when it had been raining for 10 days. It’s sunny today although cloudy and did sprinkle some. When we finally see the sun, we have to struggle to find the sunglasses and sun screen. It was a nice, uneventful ride from Fairbanks. Roads were fine, some little construction.

So, as I reflect back upon our AK visit, although we still have some beautiful scenery ahead of us, it is kind of sad. AK has been on my list for a very long time. But it wasn’t until I started riding and then Deb and I successfully completed our 37 state ride last year that I realized I could do this on the bike , and by including the ferry, we got the water view. We left George in Fairbanks as he had some business he needed to take care of and Deb and I needed to keep moving to get home on time. We’ve not seen Ann and Jerry since Seward. They are still in Fairbanks. So it is now just me and Deb. We’ve met some wonderful folks and have enjoyed swapping stories. We enjoyed talking with the AK folks, learning what brought them out here and what is keeping them out here. I must say, I could easily come back for some RVing and ATVing. It is so beautiful and the people are great. A special thanks go out to Captain Doug for everything he shared with us and Mike for all of tips and willingness to open up his camper, also Russ and Jen for a wonderful Moose and Salmon dinner. We have been touched by everyone’s kindness. Those we met on the ferry and those that took a special interest in our journey will not be forgotten.
I learned so much history yesterday on my Artic Circle Tour. I really enjoyed it. Will upload some pictures later this evening and try to recap some of what I learned. The pipeline is quite impressive and we get to walk up to it.

AND, I saw another Moose. Really close, along side of the road munching away. I was on the right side of the bus.

The route home – Whitehorse, YT; Ft. Nelson, BC; Grand Prairie, AB; Missoula, MT; SLC, UT; home. Unless we have bike, health, or weather issues, we'll hang pretty close to this schedule.

albqsusieq

07-18-2011, 03:36 AM

It's getting late and I've not proofed the next few posts, not that I proof any of them very well.

I am usually working when Deb posts to the website. I now have time to include some other pictures and share the tour to the Artic Circle with you. I was very much interested in the pipeline. I will break this up into multiple postings.

Big machinery on ferry
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-bVDfh8V/0/S/062-M.jpg
Many of these little islands seen from the ferry
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-s2j6Lgw/0/S/068-M.jpg
View of most of the ports from the ferry
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-ZqmgJS8/0/S/066-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-dtCjcLk/0/S/076-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-rdLRSL7/0/S/067-M.jpg
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http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-9K7ppD8/0/S/080-M.jpg
Valdez yard art
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-jVsGt38/0/S/084-M.jpg
Deb fishing off the front of Captain Doug’s boat
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-psmVgkc/0/S/097-M.jpg
Since I took a special interest in the pipeline, here is a picture of the oil freighter being loaded up. You can see a tug boat beside him. We were on the water when they finished loading and took off. It was escorted by two tug boats.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-B6Vbb73/0/S/092-M.jpg
We are now in Whittier.
The tunnel that took you under the railroad tracks and road to get to the touristry section.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-Qq7S5TR/0/S/105-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-4HSSp7r/0/S/104-M.jpg
I took a liking to the moose plates – lunch in Anchorage while we waited for the BMW shop to find my klunk.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-mXZHfNb/0/S/106-M.jpg
They were giving details on one of the sled dogs in Seward.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-22VjkNS/0/S/109-M.jpg
A few more views from Denali
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-xkpjz6F/0/S/141-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-zC6NZSh/0/S/142-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-18-2011, 03:38 AM

Next to the hotel we stayed at in Fairbanks. Pike’s Waterfront hotel – reasonable and very nice rooms.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-p2NGZmt/0/S/151-M.jpg
Moose made of tundra in front of our hotel. From my understanding, Tundra is everything above the permafrost. The top layer is organic matter. The part the moose is made of was also used to put between logs in cabins to seal the cracks.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-dCFTs7p/0/S/190-M.jpg

Now, my Artic Circle tour.
We started out at 6:30 am, arriving back to the hotel at 10:30 pm. We stop at Joy, AK which you will see the heart of it. There is a family that moved there. A couple of their daughters wanted to sell lemonade to the truckers (this is on the Dalton Highway). One day their dad asked how much they had made and they never counted it. Wound up being $300. He decided to open up a gift store. They are very gracious folks, offer everyone coffee and hot chocolate and the use of their outhouses. Town of Joy is run off of generators.
The lemonade stand is still standing.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-C9c6RSR/0/S/188-M.jpg
This is the gift shop. Notice the roof of the porch. Has grass on it and a sled and few other items.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-F57Fbk2/0/S/155-M.jpg
No explanation needed
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-cLpQnJJ/0/S/156-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-7KmQJjG/0/S/157-M.jpg
To put the size of the pipeline in perspective.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-TSRN23D/0/S/159-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-hmH9wrP/0/S/160-M.jpg
Yukon River. While you can’t see it, the pipeline is running alongside the bridge, attached to the bridged.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-BvLm9SZ/0/S/162-M.jpg
In my AK research, I came across the TV show, Ice Road Truckers, where truckers haul their loads on the Dalton Highway during the winter. A trucker was hauling generators on one show I watched.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-4kthXpm/0/S/166-M.jpg
The Roller Coaster portion of the road that has been featured in the show.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-5ksbTWD/0/S/170-M.jpg
The pipeline is buried underground whenever it can be as it is cheaper. Here is a photo of one of the places it is going underground.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-c6mktJ7/0/S/176-M.jpg
Yippee!!
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-2Ngnh3V/0/S/178-M.jpg
This picture tells a lot. The pipeline zig zags so it can absorb movement. It has to withstand -80 degrees to mid 90’s. It has many, many sections. They can cut the oil flow off at intervals in case of a leak. We were told there has never been a leak due to engineering and they engineered some on the fly. Someone shot holes in it and two folks dynamited it. Notice the many brick colored posts. The pipeline was built to last 20 years and now it has lasted 35 years. 400 miles are above ground and 400 below. Part of their security includes a helicopter.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-KdDn4jq/0/S/180-M.jpg
This is the underside. The pieces that slide for movement have Teflon on the bottom.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-txb7Q7T/0/S/181-M.jpg
I assume this is a homemade cabin cruiser.
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/AK-2011/i-kBg45WT/0/S/187-M.jpg

From what I can remember.

We took off from the airport. They had a pond for the sea planes. I never really thought about how sea planes were, what docked. They had a pond and the planes were partially in the water and partially on land.

Passed by a Sourdough gas station.

Passed by a town with a population of one.

Permafrost has been found to be 2800 ft. deep. Trees that grow on top of permafrost cannot have a tap root growing deep. To be considered permafrost, it has to be frozen two consecutive years or longer. 67% of AK is permafrost. Permafrost doesn’t melt evenly, which is why it “rock and rolls”.
They have a sport called ski joining? Where a skier is pulled by dogs.

AK moose are the largest with bulls getting up to 1600 pounds and the cows 1300.

We walked on the tundra, which is very soft and squishy. We picked blueberries, touched the pipeline. Our guide has holes along the route. We stopped and he stuck a small pipe in one and left it in for a while, probably stuck it in 2 ft. It was quite cold from the permafrost. We made another stop where he had a couple of holes. We stuck our arm up to about our elbows and could touch the permafrost.

If you can’t tell, I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. Hope you’ve enjoyed the info. He gave us so much more but that’s all I could retain. He showed videos on the trip that went over the history of building the pipeline and AK gold. /Quite interesting.

ImaSoftT

07-18-2011, 08:45 AM

:clapping: Great post albq, what an adventure. Can't wait to hear and see more. Thanks for sharing.

Luna Tique

07-18-2011, 10:03 AM

:wootrock: I found your pipeline photos to be very interesting I had no idea they zig zagged across .

George's wolf photos are so special. To see such an illusive secretive animal is great To capture a picture of several is awesome.

ridingAK

07-18-2011, 10:24 AM

Being pulled by dogs while skiing is called skijoring (http://www.sleddogcentral.com/skijoring.htm). It is a lot of fun. My girls all love it, as do most kids in Alaska. :):

Astir

07-18-2011, 12:35 PM

Wow Susie! You really did it right! :thumbup:

Ride safe and see you soon.

sweptwingnut

07-18-2011, 09:14 PM

:clapping::clapping:

Enjoy the Alcan and don't forget a picture by the mile 0 sign in Dawson Creek B.C.! :kcd:

kamilshka

07-19-2011, 01:29 PM

Fantastic photos, what a place to visit. I must admit, that photo of the tunnel had my stomach clenching up, i'd have to really focus to not go absolutely claustrophobic-crazy in that thing! Way too tight for my comfort.

albqsusieq

07-20-2011, 03:13 AM

We were all excited in Tok Sun. night as the sun was shining when we went to bed. Mon. was our road from hell. We knew things had changed since we made the trip ~ three weeks ago and we also knew that as long as it had not rained bad, it shouldn’t be near as slick as our first time over it. It had rained for 10 days but this go round there had been some sun and time for some drying out. We got up and it was cloudy and sprinkles. Sigh! But at least it hadn’t been raining for 10 days. We talked with some bikers that came through it and said it was dusty. Heck, we’re from NM, we’re use to dust. The road construction just before the border crossing was good gravel. It’s not raining, just cloudy. As we hit the beginning of the road construction on the Canada side, we’re seeing really good gravel, time after time. Man, this is wonderful. They’ve graveled it all. We have good news for those that follow. NOT. Then came the parts with the dirt. The rain had hit hard just before we got there. Still, not 10 days worth of rain. It was slick and one of the workers advised us to be very careful because of the slickness. The pilot car didn’t like bikes behind him but she wanted to put us in front of all of the motorhomes so moved us behind a truck and jeep. As we are slowly, and too slow I might add, making it over this section, we see an ambulance parked on the side of the road. This does not give one a warm feeling. Had they heard we were coming?? We go through another section which was as last time, we have to maneuver ourselves amongst the machinery. A dump truck pulls out right in front of Deb. Two of the pilot cars went incredibly slow. I do realize it is hard for the RVs on that road to go much faster but that slow is incredibly hard for us. It takes us 2.5 hours to make it from Tok to the border crossing and 5.5 hours to make it to Haines Junction but we finally made it. The road still has lots of pot holes and ice heaves. In talking to the fellow where we ate, apparently this particular road is always like that due to the ice heaves and the way they chose to build the road. Gravel would be better so it can move but they got complaints on the gravel. The border crossing was very easy, as last time. It was harder for me and Deb to get through the toll booths when we were back East on our 37 state ride than to get through the border crossings. We stayed the night in Whitehorse. So far, sushhhh, the only thing that happened to either of our bikes from that road is my mirror is loose.

I find myself doing a Saturday Night Live impression of Chris Hansen from Dateline, while on the road. I’m thinking I’m sounding pretty darn good. We get to the room and I try to proudly show off my new found talent to Deb but it just isn’t working. Guess it’s just a helmet talent.

Now, Whitehorse. We get absolutely drenched the last seven miles of the trip. As we all know, there’s always the unexpected. For parking, they ask us to move around back and we can park in their garage. Way cool, thinks us. We go through a gravel parking, thickest gravel yet, to come to a very steep downgrade into their garage. Deb parks at the top and is asking if we can really make it there. I am at an angle so can’t see the bottom. Deb goes down so I know I’m next. I just wanted to make sure there was enuff room for us to stop once we get in. There is so down I go. We were both a little anxious on getting out. We have to gun it to get to the top of the ramp and then are faced with very thick gravel. When we drove in, the lot had numerous cars so that could pose an issue. He opens the door for us to get out, I walk to the top and the parking lot had very few cars so we had plenty of room to maneuver in the gravel lot. Whew!! We saw the airplane weather vane on the way out.

We had an interesting discussion with some folks we met at the hotel in Tok and they stayed at the same one in Whitehorse. The mother and dad rode from NY to bury the ashes of their son. Four of his friends rode with them. Their son’s death was expected. He had been to AK many times and wanted his ashes to be buried there. He gave them route information and where to spread his ashes. It took them four years to get the trip together. The only reason I am retelling this story is we must all follow our dreams. We never know when it will be our last day.

On to Ft. Nelson. Leave Whitehorse in rain. 120 miles of pouring rain, to be exact. We get rain on and off. See some sun but mostly clouds and rain that has fallen where we are going. The temperatures were down in the 40s which we haven’t seen in a while. We take our picture at Watson Lake where all of the license plates are. Now the next stretch proves to be quite interesting. We see bear, wild horses, buffalo, and another MOOSE. There are tons of buffalo and walking alongside of the road. We have an idiot RV driver that is going very slow along the buffalo. I know Deb is getting pissed and I know I’m pissed. He is putting us in danger by going so slow and the only for us to go is in the other lane which puts us right beside the buffalo. Of course the brain begins to process. Will they like or even hate high viz?? What about my deer horn?? What if they hate the sound?? It obviously didn’t phase them. Doesn’t phase bear either, by the way. The RVer finally pulls over so we can get the heck out of there. We had a beautiful ride along the river, which was of a turquoise color. It was quite a technical road but the real crappy thing is there was gravel sections everywhere so we really couldn’t enjoy it as we had to pay very close attention since they were never marked. This was one of our longest days.

Tomorrow to Grand Prairie. 100% rain.

Should be able to upload and post a picture that my golfing friends will really enjoy.
We have seen many Harleys, and many BMW GSs. A handful of BMW RTs, one K and no Rs, and quite a few VStroms. When I took SheBike to the mechanic in Fairbanks, he looked at her and said “a R?”. I would, again like to thank Astir for giving me the confidence in SheBike in that we could make this trip. Our one morning trip down the side of our mountain on dirt and gravel has proved to be invaluable for us. She’s been put through more than most R bikes. I think she may be kind of thinking she is really a dual sport instead of a sport touring. Deb laughs at me as I’m zipping in and out of gravel parking lots where I never would’ve done that last year.

Luna Tique

07-20-2011, 07:20 AM

I am happy this trip has given you the confidence to tackle one of your riding fears

The dreaded loose gravel roads :wootrock:
:clapping: Astir :pompom: for sharing your knowledge that seems to have made big difference in the enjoyment level of Susie's Trip :thumbsup:

You rock :hug2:

albqsusieq

07-21-2011, 01:15 AM

from deb
I have been a little delinquent in taking pictures as have been doing a bit of surviving rain cold and road construction. These Canadians are cutthroat in their driving. They seem to zip out of sideroads without even a california stop. We made it to Grande Prairie today and I lost Susie for awhile as she was waiting for a break in the traffic to get to the hotel. I am looking forward to stashing the heated jacket and having everything dry for a bit. Looks like another cold day tomorrow high of 49. Sure grateful for all my gear as it has held up to the rain. Even my generic nonwaterproof gps has held up well. Lost my thermarest yesterday when I stood on the pegs and that is the only lost gear so far. I have used all clothes and gear at some point on this trip.
We woke up to rain this am but pretty dry on the trip today. The scenery is always breathtaking even when I'm tired and ready to be destinated it just seems to get more beautiful. Today fields of yellow flowers that were impressive. The construction today was mostly pavement although the grooved stuff is always interesting and I wonder sometimes if the groover had too much to drink when they zig zag the grooves. I was wondering about the steel decked bridges but met a few of those today and grateful they weren't wet.
We have met an old timer at several gas stations with his camper and he told Susie today that he came to alaska with his wife earlier in life and she always wanted to come back and enjoy Canada, I guess she passed away before they took that trip so there he was with his camper touring Canada.
Just to clarify the rv's watching the Buffalo were stopped in the middle of the road taking away our only escape route I pulled up and was face to broadside with a pretty big buffalo. when the second camper pulled over and i passed him he waved and gave me a thumbs up as I was ranting in my helmet. The moose we passed was barely fifty yards from us drinking at a pond even with helmet and earplugs could hear her gulping down water. We didn't wait to see a calf just rode by slowly ready to gun it should she turn ugly.
Here are pictures of North pole and watson lake. North Pole was disappointing no grand welcome from Santa Claus and very few shops guess they all have the summer off.
deb
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-tkzTb4H/0/M/DSC01871-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-jTGrg3F/0/M/DSC01878-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-fGqnCVb/0/M/DSC01874-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-LnDTPnS/0/M/DSC01876-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-jzjfjF7/0/M/DSC01879-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-21-2011, 01:19 AM

For my golfing friends
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/ak/i-TZT99DV/0/S/001-M.jpg

We get up and it’s sprinkling with some clouds. At least we aren’t starting out in rain. We see buffalo but behind a fence. We begin to see some sun. Could this really be? Will we not have to ride all day in rain? The answer is we rode in sun most of the day. Rain had hit before us but for the most part, we rode in sun. And a good thing given more road construction. There’s gravel, etc. no probem. Then we come to the grooved road and it goes on forever, then it turns into fresh oil and it goes on forever. Then it turns right into a steel bridge and the longest we’ve gone over yet. OK then man, you’ve gotta be kidding. We have to stop right on a hill that goes straight up for more construction. We get going and then have to stop again. Glad I had been practicing my starting on hills. Finally it is all over and it is great the rest of the way. Construction is just part of our sport. We saw fields and fields of yellow flowers. They were absolutely beautiful amongst green pastures. And they smelled so sweet. Oh, we are beginning to see cows again.

We definitely take the sun for granted living in NM. We checked and it will be in mid 90s in Salt Lake City, where we will spend two nights with Deb's friend before making that last leg home. Then I'm sure we will be commenting on the heat.

Tomorrow is off to Canmore, AB where we will be staying the night with some of Ann’s friends. We've heard the Icefields will be the most beautiful part of our whole trip. Can that possibly be? We'll find out tomorrow. Ann and Jerry are several days behind us. George is now in Tok but has decided to hit the west coast to get back to AZ.

sweptwingnut

07-21-2011, 12:41 PM

It is sooo great to hear about you guys adventure. You guys are coming back with so much more experience to draw from that soon you will be sitting around your table discussing the next ride and going, "meh, so there will be a little, _____. No biggie"

albqsusieq

07-23-2011, 12:33 AM

You are absolutely right, sweptwingnut. We both have become much more experienced riders.

from me
We've made the decision to hit I-15 to Salt Lake City. We're toured out.

Now it’s on to Canmore, AB. Hard rain for 250 miles. There was bad fog also. I have discovered that it is not wise to have the faceshield cracked during a rain with a semi going by. The spray he puts out definitely finds it’s way into the helmet. But, oh my, the Canadian Rockies are so incredibly beautiful. The icefield parkway has glaciers. If you are ever up in this area, you must take this route. The water off of the glaciers is a beautiful turquoise. Pat meets us at The Crossing to bring us on into his and Mary’s home. He takes us up to a spot where you will see the pictures Deb took. This is awesome. Mary has cooked us dinner, which is wonderful. Pat and Mary’s hospitality was greatly appreciated.

We pass the elderly gentleman Deb mentioned earlier. His trip to AK was because his wife wanted it and unfortunately passed away, unexpectedly before the trip. I’m thinking of him often. He was telling me how beautiful she was. I’m wishing we could have dinner with him as I know this was a painful, but good trip for him. His son had encouraged him to take the trip while he still could. I gave him a big hug at the last gas station and told him I was glad he was able to make the journey to see this beautiful country. He seemed to want to share more of his story. I was glad we passed him one more time. He always moves over to let us by. I gave him a really big wave. He’ll head east and we’ll head west so we’ll not see him anymore. My heart felt very heavy.
I talked to a gentleman at breakfast. He tells me he helped build the AK and Haines highway. I thank him for making it possible for these places to be more accessible.

On to Missoula
It is good to get back into the lower 48.
We get up to head out and it is raining. Rains hard but not near as long as the day before. More absolutely beautiful country. We hit some more fog but it's not as heavy as the day before. But, there is a huge blinking sign that Warns of Bears. http://nmbmwmc.org/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif during that foggy section. We actually saw two of those signs. Think I’ll take my RV and make a trip back up there. The first time we stopped after entering Icefield Pkwy, Deb and I just looked at each other and our mouths were hanging open. We see a couple of elk and a deer. The deer is right beside the road. I watch him as Deb approaches and passes. He is carefully watching her. Then his attention turns to me. After Deb passed and as I approach, he takes off running. I know deer horns are controversial, but I’ll not ride without one. We finally see some blue sky after getting over the border, but lots of dark rain clouds. We stop in Eureka for lunch and the sun finally comes out. It was mostly out the rest of the day and it hit 75. Haven’t seen that number in a while.

We passed a bicyclist with a bicycle rain coat. I’ve not seen that before. His head was poking out and the rain coat went over his while body and only the bottom portion of the tires were sticking out.

It’s off to Salt Lake City to stay two nights with Deb’s friends and then the last day will be home. I’ll probably not get the chance to post again but will give a final post after I’m home.

albqsusieq

07-23-2011, 01:49 AM

This is what we were looking at yesterday afternoon. Wow!

from deb
I'm pretty beat but wanted to get some pictures up.
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-2wSGQdX/0/M/DSC01923-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-j2wnSQC/0/M/DSC01895-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-mnFs5GR/0/M/DSC01896-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-5mVMr49/0/M/DSC01888-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-bgFSjVM/0/M/DSC01903-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-ZqF9fnG/0/M/DSC01891-M.jpg
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-kWCr9b5/0/M/DSC01919-M.jpg

Luna Tique

07-23-2011, 09:25 AM

:drool: We don't hav very many places with views that you can see so far like that here in the east, nor glacier blue waters.
.Even when we can see distance most days we have smog that fogs the clearity
Your trip has taken you through such beautiful almost magical places that your pictures sometimes look like paintings.

albqsusieq

07-26-2011, 12:50 PM

Yes it was bow lake short uphill hike from parking area and well worth it. We are enjoying a warm sunny day with my buddies Carl and Marie in Salt Lake City. It is really great to have a down day off the bikes. Did a little maintenance and tightened my new chain. Thanks to Jerry and the mechanics in Anchorage for refreshing my chain tightening skills. We really enjoyed a day on the freeway yesterday no traffic light pretty easy chip seal construction and better speed.
Tomorrow off to home.
Last night we were lucky enough to see some up close fireworks as tomorrow a holiday in SLC pioneer day. Tonight our buddies bought some fireworks and boy have home fireworks come a long way.
I was thinking about local beers I have tried on this trip.
Yukon gold IPA
Rickers red
Alaska white
Alaska summer
Silver Gulch Amber
Silver Gulch Fairbanks Lager
Glacier Raspberry Wheat
Polygamy Porter (you can't just have one)
Midmountain mild ale
Pyramid wheat
I think there were more but don't remember right now
http://2wheeldeb.smugmug.com/Other/deb-and-susie-alaska-trip/i-RhjsLgk/0/M/DSC01897-M.jpg

albqsusieq

07-26-2011, 12:53 PM

from me

I did forget to mention, that on our way to Canmore, in the pouring rain, one small portion of road construction had a temporary short bridge of wood. Oh boy! Come on SheBike let’s hold her steady. Whew! Then we cross another short bridge made of wood during the bad rains. Same little talk with SheBike and we make it.

On to Salt Lake City from Missoula, MT.

I’m not believing my eyes when we peek outside in the morning. Absolutely no clouds, no rain, only sun. Sun all the way to SLC. Unbelievable. No electrics and eventually everything else that could come off, did. Started out at 46 degrees and climbed to 92 degrees. I so appreciate whomever created electrics. My jacket has such a short plug in that it is constantly getting lost amongst all the layers so it was nice not to have to deal with it.

We pass a truck carrying a helicopter. I’ve not seen a helicopter being trucked before. There was construction but just miles and miles of gravel. It’s good to be back in the lower 48 where we can open the bikes up. 75 mph, haven’t seen that speed limit in a while. We know the interstates will be in fairly good shape. We get into more road construction just before SLC. Motorcycles be careful, loose gravel, fresh oil, and that same thing repeated for miles and miles. I’m thinking miles and miles of fresh oil could be a tad stressful. Gravel, no problem. The only thing we had to do was go down to one lane. Then a sign to watch the bump. It was a tiny bump compared to what we have recently been over. In everything we have been through, it was always encouraging to see another m/c coming from the other direction. They made it so there is hope.

Deb and I had remarked that we’ve not seen much road kill on this trip. The trip between Missoula and SLC proved that statement to be incorrect. Although, I did see two dead moose along the side of the road in Canada.

Utah welcomed me and Deb back to the states with a fireworks show.

http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/ak/i-S2HJ986/0/S/002-M.jpg
http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/ak/i-bPrhLzF/0/S/004-M.jpg

A local beer

http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/ak/i-bgB7V5j/0/S/005-M.jpg

Deb with glaciers in the background in Jasper National Park, BC

http://www.albqsusieq.smugmug.com/Other/ak/i-XC4Dtwx/0/S/001-M.jpg

Carl and Marie gave us a tour of SLC and the surrounding area. Quite interesting. They fed us steak and spaghetti with a wonderful breakfast.

My toilet seat cover came back out since we are out of rain and putting the miles on again. It does help make for a comfy seat over my thermarest.

Also had another casualty of the bad road construction, my CB came loose, almost dangerously so as it was beginning to effect efforts to get to my clutch. We got the CB and mirror tightened before the last long leg of the trip. Checked everything else over also. I don’t think she’ll be in too bad of shape when we show up at Gary O’s.

SLC to home. We make it < 12 hours. We are met with strong winds in CO and the winds and rain in NM. It’s really good to be home. But, I put my keys in such a safe place, that I had to go through everything to find them. I meant to look for them before we left SLC.

SheBike is now safe in the garage. She’ll get a bath soon. I’m going to stay in bed for two days. I can’t believe we just got home from a ride to AK. Haven’t checked exact mileage but it is ~ 7,600.

Another great adventure has come to a close. Deb is a great traveling partner, even after almost five weeks. It was great to share a dream with her as well as George, Jerry, and Ann and the many folks we met on the road. George, Jerry and Ann have made it back to the lower 48.

The packing was spot on. Did not have to use any of my emergency stuff (tire repair, etc.) but used absolutely everything else except the mosquito netted hat I purchased (they gave us one on our Denali bus tour), and never used my curling iron. Did, however, use my pink purse. Did not use the sleeping bag and mat as everyone we stayed with had beds for us.

What’s next?? I’m thinking an African Safari is moving up close to the top of my bucket list, and not on SheBike. I’m not sure what big adventure is next for me and SheBike. I can’t imagine anything grander than what we’ve accomplished the last two years. We’ll see.

If anyone would like any additional input regarding our trip, email me at albqsusieq@comcast.net (albqsusieq@comcast.net) and I'll be happy to share.

THE END