BigJohn's 2017 BIG Ride

[bigjohnsd]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Boyd's Auto" data-cid="1343823" data-time="1476890448"><p>

Greetings from Whitehorse. Your trip looks good and you are traveling at the best time. The Dempster is like riding through a National Geographic Magazine. As for weather you could experience everything from hot weather to snow so plan for the worse and hope for the best. As for a tire drop, I have had folks send tires to me in Whitehorse then change in Dawson or as another rider indicated at the Honda shop in Whitehorse. You and your other riders are welcome to use my shop in Whitehorse if you want. Send me a private email.<br />

<br />

Mike<br />

<br />

'14 es<br />

'04 Ducati ST3<br />

'75 Water buffalo</p></blockquote>

, thanks very much for your kind offer we may be in touch

 

[NorCal FJR]

Great looking trip John. Look forward to seeing you in Yosemite next year. I look forward to following your trip.

 

[Fred W]

Jealous

 

[Boyd's Auto]

Greetings again from Whitehorse, I want to give you a quick update on the Alaska highway as I drove from Calgary home last weekend (approximately 2500 kilometers). I have driven/rode the Alaska highway from mile "0" to Whitehorse and a few through to Fairbanks) at least 20 times or more over the last 25 years and have never seen the highway in better shape. From mile "0" Dawson Creek to Ft. Nelson the road is great, going out of Ft. Nelson to Toad River is in great shape. The only semi-rough spot is just after Muncho Lake, frost heaves and pot holes. From Liard Hotsprings (a must to stop at) to Watson Lake the highway is a breeze, except be wary of the buffalo that rule the road in these parts. If you want a reasonable place to stay in Watson Lake look at the Airforce Lodge, airforcelodge.com, it is a very clean basic lodge that is run by a European couple - and they like bikes. The best place to eat in Watson Lake is Kathy's Kitchen. From Watson Lake to Whitehorse the road is perfect and you can ride well over the speed limit just slow down coming into Teslin and as you approach Whitehorse. Have fun on your trip north.

Mike

 

[bigjohnsd]

Thank you for the update Mike

 

[escapefjrtist]

Echoing John, thanks for the update Mike.

If all goes according to plan, a couple of Tenere's will be hitting points north the summer of '18.

--G

 

[puppychow]

Alaska 2018 sounds good to me. You going George?

 

[escapefjrtist]

Alaska 2018 sounds good to me. You going George?

Yup, that's the plan Sam...crossing fingers it works out!

--G

 

[puppychow]

Alaska is still a dream. My dirt skills suck majorly right now ... so probably not Prudhoe Bay, but Alaska nevertheless.

Need to find good people to go with, as it is an endeavor I do not wish to undertake alone.

 

[bigjohnsd]

The KLR is ready for the "Big" trip.....Leaving Eureka MT on June 8th, Heading up through the Canadian Rockies to arrive in time for Dust to Dawson (D2D) in the Yukon, on to Inuvik, back to Dawson, over the Top of the World Highway to Chicken, on to Fairbanks, a few days in Denali, Anchorage, Homer Seward and to Valdez by Ferry, work my way down to Prince Rupert, ferry to Port Hardy, down Vancouver Island and across to Port Angeles Washington, down the coast to Astoria and up to Portland where my lovely wife and Pickup Truck will await me at my Grandaughters for the ride home.

I'll post updates, pictures and a spot link etc on Facebook, it is so much easier, if you want to watch send a friend request.

 

[LCB]

Best of luck, John - have a blast!!

 

[bigjohnsd]

Latest Route:

SWMBO will truck me to Eureka MT for a June 7th Rendezvous and June 8th departure.

Up through the Canadian Rockies then up the Alcan to Dawson City for D2D - Dust to Dawson June 15-16th.

https://goo.gl/maps/2kGsqHm4tcp

Up to Inuvik

https://goo.gl/maps/WYtZJQnd8Ks

Back to Dawson

https://goo.gl/maps/dBDcSr1XgQT2

Over the Top of the World Highway to Chicken and on to Tok, Fairbanks.

Several days in/at Denali

Anchorage

Homer,

Seward ferry to

Valdez

Prince Rupert, BC ferry to

Port Hardy, Vancouver Island

Victoria, BC ferry to

Port Angeles WA

Maybe a visit with Dr. Rich

Astoria OR via the coast road

Portland, OR and a rendezvous with SWMBO, the Grandaughter, and my Pickup truck for the ride the rest of the way home.

 

[Pterodactyl]

John, take a look at PegPackers to haul the fuel. Made by Best Rest Products. Keeps the weight low and out of the way. Annie used them on her 650 when we used to run around Alaska and the Yukon.

https://bestrestproducts.com/product-category/pegpacker/

 

[escapefjrtist]

Looks like a blast, have a safe trip John.

If maintenance items come up when you're passing through Seattle, my garage will be open and available...you know where I live!

--G

 

[bigjohnsd]

John, take a look at PegPackers to haul the fuel. Made by Best Rest Products. Keeps the weight low and out of the way. Annie used them on her 650 when we used to run around Alaska and the Yukon. https://bestrestproducts.com/product-category/pegpacker/

You told me about those previously, I investigated, they don't/won't make them for the KLR, hence the Pannier kid mount on my bike.

 

[festar]

Wow John, sure looks tempting.

 

[festar]

Always wanted to do that ride on my KLR. Guess I'll just watch you do it and fantasize.

What is holding you back Ray?

 

[bigjohnsd]

Wow John, sure looks tempting.

What's holding you back Brother?

 

[hppants]

John - while this trip looks to be one fantastic ride, personally and selfishly, I'm looking forward to meeting you at YFO before this one begins. JSNS.

 

[puppychow]

It will be quite the adventure!! Life is good!!