BigJohn's Alaskan Adventure - The Trip Begins

[escapefjrtist]

Glad everything worked out and thanks for the update John!

--G

 

[bigjohnsd]

It's been a long day. Went to bed last night in Stewart BC under starry skies, about midnight it cut loose. We packed up very wet gear and were on the road about noon after a late breakfast at the Prince Eddy. The Buell acted up again, the Isolator, remanufactured in Whitehorse several weeks and many gravel miles ago, sheared a bolt and the aluminum casting broke, the Buell also are it's rear tire. Tire fix was easdy, we were carrying one spare for the GSA which also fits the Buell, tire changed. Isolator not so simple. No one in Stewart could/would weld it. Sheared bolt extracted, isolator re-attached, with both broken pieces supporting the front of the engine, we made it five miles out of town and the Buell spit it's drive belt out the back. I continued on to Smithers to look at a potential replacement tire do it the GSA which is now approaching the wear bars in the rear, remember the GSA spare is now on the Buell. Dave ***** initiated a search and located the correct tire heard his home. We are headed there, spending tonight in Vanderhoof, BC. 400 + or - miles to go to Dave's. We finally found Sun at Smithers, clear skies, mid-sixties and we started to shed some layers. Looking forward to the Frazier Canyon tomorrow and a promised steak dinber, green salad and Molsen Canadian. Monday will be devoted to tires and isolator repair. My two partners will most likely head south as soon as tires and isolator have been really with, I will ride with Dave on Monday and head back to Eureka via Jasper and Banf in the Sun rather than the rain, then to Helena, then home. It has been a great trip and it is not over yet! The KLR seems happy at 4,500-5,000 RPM which translates to 110 KPH.

 

[RossKean]

I don't know if it is the brand, the specific bike or a lifetime of maintenance neglect but that Buell has surely been a pain in the *** for you guys!! I can't speak for the rider (or the situation) but I think I would be massively embarrassed if it was my bike and I had messed up (to some extent) a trip for a bunch of others. (Suspect I would have turned back early on)

I have enjoyed the narrative - I hope we will see at least a few photos after you get back.

Safe ride!!

 

[sapest]

You are going to discover most m/c shops in BC are closed on Monday.

If Kamloops is on your radar after Vanderhoof, Barnes HD IS open on Mondays. 1465 Iron Mask Rd.

Good luck getting things sorted out.

-Steve

 

[Mudslide Miller]

Have enjoyed your narrative John. Good luck on the final leg of your epic journey.

 

[Mr_Canoehead]

The joke used to be that Buell called it the Ulysses because it will always take you 10 years to get home. Every trip is an Odyssey.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Maintenance this afternoon after a morning ride to Revelstroke. The Blue Beast is ready for the 1,600 Mike run home, tomorrow takes us to Eureka MT, the Buell Boy and The GSA got on the road this morning bound for Coeur de Alene

 

[BigOgre]

. . . Buell Boy . . .

 

[bigjohnsd]

Beautiful ride across the bottom of BC on Canada 3 today. All these miles, all the warning signs, Nary a Moose to be seen over the entire trip! Sucks to be me I guess. Eureka MT tonight and maybe a Moose at Lake Koocanusca?

Ahh.....Hot Huckkeberry Pie ala mode

 

[dcarver]

good on yah buddy.

 

[Niehart]

Eureka MT tonight and maybe a Moose at Lake Koocanusca?
Ahh.....Hot Huckkeberry Pie ala mode

Homestead Ales 2525 Grave Creek Rd Eureka, MT 59917

Not pie but dang good suds.

 

[Pterodactyl]

Bushmills awaits at the Outpost.........

 

[escapefjrtist]

NICE ride/route today John...wish I could've joined you.

Safe travels as you make your way home!

--G

 

[Uncle Hud]

escapefjrtist posted: Safe travels as you make your way home!
--G

Same good wishes from me, brother.

 

[bigjohnsd]

At Pterodactyl's Outpost, well fed and watered, 500 miles to go! The Beast turned over 10,000 miles today.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Finally glimpsed a phucking moose in Eureka last night. 6,000 miles through the Yukon, BC, NWT and Alaska, no moose; coming home from the Lake Koocanusa marina last night we espied a Small Bull feeding in a lake about 1/4 mike from the road.

 

[JamesW]

Finally glimpsed a phucking moose in Eureka last night. 6,000 miles through the Yukon, BC, NWT and Alaska, no moose; coming home from the Lake Koocanusa marina last night we espied a Small Bull feeding in a lake about 1/4 mike from the road.

No accounting for nature, just got back from a little 4 day trip and we saw TURKEYS!

 

[Bugnatr]

Be careful what you wish for John, those Moose are even bigger than a KLR.

Good ride my friend.

 

[harper]

Finally glimpsed a phucking moose in Eureka last night. 6,000 miles through the Yukon, BC, NWT and Alaska, no moose; coming home from the Lake Koocanusa marina last night we espied a Small Bull feeding in a lake about 1/4 mike from the road.

How long did it take you to kill him with your bare hands, dress him out, butcher him, roast him, and eat him? Is that why it's taking you so long to get home?

You're the man.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Forsyth Montana for gas and a quick lunch, I'm smelling the barn now. Just love passing Harleys, FJR or KLR, it warms my cockles!