Can an FJR1300 make it up the Dalton Highway?
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chivvalry
Well-known member
MotoStrap
Well-known member
June 27, 2011, Day 18
It ended up raining all night. My tent was pretty wet on the outside and there was water under my air mattress. I think it was from the space blanket I placed under the tent, maybe come condensation.
I was on the road by 0630. I had a pretty full tank from the night before and just turned south from Purden Lake Provincial Park towards Jasper National Park on Route 16.
I road about 100 miles and got gas and food in McBride, BC. I ate at a little downtown restaurant. Nothing spectacular, just eggs and sausage.
After that I saw and talked with the couple from Alaska, they were also getting gas. They were going towards Jasper and planned on staying there a few days.
We road together for a while and they eventually pulled off on the side of the road for what they called a "butt break". I road off still heading towards Jasper. It cost about $10 to get into the park, but well worth it.
As I headed south on 16 and then Route 93 south. The ride through Jasper National Park was spectacular, with Glaciers and huge mountain ranges on both sides of the road. There was quite a bit of RV traffic and other cars all over the roads. It kind of took away from the scenery. Also the tourist infusion of "buy here" and other things dotted the landscape.
One of the best roads in the park was 93 south from Castle Mountain to Vermillion Crossing and then onto Radium Hot Springs. This is a great twisty road with several switchbacks. They are log sweeping turns with a smooth road to take. I hit some pretty good speeds in some parts. Its about 94 kilometers from top to bottom.
As I got closer to Radium Hot Springs I began to see more sport bikers on the road. There were several HD riders, but the ratio was more in the sport bike favor.
Saw some animal life:
I found the continental divide:
I got to Radium Hot Springs and passed the hot spring pool just after going under a stone tunnel.......very touristy.....I had officially entered civilization.......boooooooo
I rode down the street then up a hill to a provincial park. I arrived at the gate and saw that camp sites were $32.50 per night! No thank you.......what they heck are they thinking sometimes....camping is supposed to be CHEAP. I am a sport for under $20 but not for $32.50 for a spot under a tree with no amenities.
I bid fair well to the ranger and headed for the information center down the road. Apparently this town is quite a tourist destination. As I road through town I began to see small hotel's and more HD bikers. At the info center I got a list of hotels and pricing. one $ was under $20, two $ was $20 to $50, three $ was $50 to $99 and four $ was over $100. It was looking promising so I headed to a hotel just down the road.
I got to the Crescent Inn, which was under new ownership and had wi-fi (double ). The new owner was a german lady and her husband. They had a room with a kitchenette for $69 for the night. I was still carrying the food I bought earlier and I wanted to cook it up, and I needed to charge my computer so I could type this literary master piece for you to read.
Got to the room and wasn't expecting it to be so nice, but it was very nice. It had a nice kitchenette area with pots/pans, silverware, refrigerator and a gas stove.
I got unloaded and got the food out. I cooked the asparagus, made some classic english chips with a sweet potato, and did some stir fry beef in a fry pan. They had a gas grill outside, but I figured that the stove would do just fine.
Needless to say, I ate everything, and was quite full by the time I got done! I used some spices that I had been carrying around and peanut oil to do the stir frying of the beef. The asparagus got a light coating of salt. The beef got seasoning, red pepper and salt.
It was a master piece of hotel cooking!
I set my camp gear outside on the deck to dry. It was still wet when I pulled it out of the helen2wheels bag.
I settled in for the night, started writing and uploading pictures/video.
It ended up raining all night. My tent was pretty wet on the outside and there was water under my air mattress. I think it was from the space blanket I placed under the tent, maybe come condensation.
I was on the road by 0630. I had a pretty full tank from the night before and just turned south from Purden Lake Provincial Park towards Jasper National Park on Route 16.
I road about 100 miles and got gas and food in McBride, BC. I ate at a little downtown restaurant. Nothing spectacular, just eggs and sausage.
After that I saw and talked with the couple from Alaska, they were also getting gas. They were going towards Jasper and planned on staying there a few days.
We road together for a while and they eventually pulled off on the side of the road for what they called a "butt break". I road off still heading towards Jasper. It cost about $10 to get into the park, but well worth it.
As I headed south on 16 and then Route 93 south. The ride through Jasper National Park was spectacular, with Glaciers and huge mountain ranges on both sides of the road. There was quite a bit of RV traffic and other cars all over the roads. It kind of took away from the scenery. Also the tourist infusion of "buy here" and other things dotted the landscape.
One of the best roads in the park was 93 south from Castle Mountain to Vermillion Crossing and then onto Radium Hot Springs. This is a great twisty road with several switchbacks. They are log sweeping turns with a smooth road to take. I hit some pretty good speeds in some parts. Its about 94 kilometers from top to bottom.
As I got closer to Radium Hot Springs I began to see more sport bikers on the road. There were several HD riders, but the ratio was more in the sport bike favor.
Saw some animal life:
I found the continental divide:
I got to Radium Hot Springs and passed the hot spring pool just after going under a stone tunnel.......very touristy.....I had officially entered civilization.......boooooooo
I rode down the street then up a hill to a provincial park. I arrived at the gate and saw that camp sites were $32.50 per night! No thank you.......what they heck are they thinking sometimes....camping is supposed to be CHEAP. I am a sport for under $20 but not for $32.50 for a spot under a tree with no amenities.
I bid fair well to the ranger and headed for the information center down the road. Apparently this town is quite a tourist destination. As I road through town I began to see small hotel's and more HD bikers. At the info center I got a list of hotels and pricing. one $ was under $20, two $ was $20 to $50, three $ was $50 to $99 and four $ was over $100. It was looking promising so I headed to a hotel just down the road.
I got to the Crescent Inn, which was under new ownership
and had wi-fi (double ). The new owner was a german lady and her husband. They had a room with a kitchenette for $69 for the night. I was still carrying the food I bought earlier and I wanted to cook it up, and I needed to charge my computer so I could type this literary master piece for you to read.Got to the room and wasn't expecting it to be so nice, but it was very nice. It had a nice kitchenette area with pots/pans, silverware, refrigerator and a gas stove.
I got unloaded and got the food out. I cooked the asparagus, made some classic english chips with a sweet potato, and did some stir fry beef in a fry pan. They had a gas grill outside, but I figured that the stove would do just fine.
Needless to say, I ate everything, and was quite full by the time I got done! I used some spices that I had been carrying around and peanut oil to do the stir frying of the beef. The asparagus got a light coating of salt. The beef got seasoning, red pepper and salt.
It was a master piece of hotel cooking!
I set my camp gear outside on the deck to dry. It was still wet when I pulled it out of the helen2wheels bag.
I settled in for the night, started writing and uploading pictures/video.
mfletch69
Well-known member
Your amazing ride & report has inspired me.
Bought this DL650 last week and heading to Alaska next June!
Bought this DL650 last week and heading to Alaska next June!
Last edited by a moderator:
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
My gawd that's an ugly bikeYour amazing ride & report has inspired me.
Bought this DL650 last week and heading to Alaska next June!
I'm heading to Alaska after NAFO in Castlegar next June. Departing from Prince George via ferry to Haines AK. Not doing the 'big bit' as I just don't have time. But heading south from there past Kluane Ntl Park to Whitehorse YK, then home through the Icefields Parkway and across the flat bit.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
MotoStrap, I've really enjoyed this. First rode my motorcycle to Alaska 27+ years ago and your Report brought back fond memories to this Old Man!
Uh Steve-O, I know you are a Canadian Dude and have local knowledge; but how do you take a ferry from Prince George to Haines, Alaska?
My CA Tourist Board map shows Prince George as being 500 kilometers away from the Pacific Ocean! I better double check this with Bust!
"I'm heading to Alaska after NAFO in Castlegar next June. Departing from Prince George via ferry to Haines AK."
CAPTAIN U TURN!
Uh Steve-O, I know you are a Canadian Dude and have local knowledge; but how do you take a ferry from Prince George to Haines, Alaska?
My CA Tourist Board map shows Prince George as being 500 kilometers away from the Pacific Ocean! I better double check this with Bust!
"I'm heading to Alaska after NAFO in Castlegar next June. Departing from Prince George via ferry to Haines AK."
CAPTAIN U TURN!
Last edited by a moderator:
MotoStrap
Well-known member
MotoStrap
Well-known member
WheelNerds.com Interview
I did an interview with Wheelnerds.com a few weeks back. We talked for about 30 minutes about the trip, the shotgun and just the general "get out and do it" thoughts when it comes to ADV riding.
Here's a link to listen to the Podcast: https://www.johnsalas...-interview.html
I did an interview with Wheelnerds.com a few weeks back. We talked for about 30 minutes about the trip, the shotgun and just the general "get out and do it" thoughts when it comes to ADV riding.
Here's a link to listen to the Podcast: https://www.johnsalas...-interview.html
Last edited by a moderator:
MotoStrap
Well-known member
That looks like a well sorted bike: side bags and top GIVI case, plus adjustable windscreen? Don't go too crazy with accessories or tires. Just get out ant ride the SumBitch!!Your amazing ride & report has inspired me.
Bought this DL650 last week and heading to Alaska next June!
p.s. is your wife angry I MADE you buy a motorbike?.....just tell her its all my fault
chivvalry
Well-known member
Sweet bike and jealous about the planned ride... I've given the wife a heads up that within the next few years I'm doing this. It will eat up a big chunk of vacation time for the year though so I have to get a couple of great family annual vacations in first!Your amazing ride & report has inspired me.
Bought this DL650 last week and heading to Alaska next June!
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
My bad Price Rupert, just a typo.
(btw, I'm calling you prince rupert - see what I did there.).
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
I wish that was the case! SPU calls me Stud Muffin and OM refers to me as Lover Boy!!
Say Steve, I just went to the Alaska Ferry website and they're accepting 2012 bookings.
Since I need the BC Ferries Passage from PR to Port Hardy, I'll be checking it out ASAP!
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
I'll be booking Alaska Marine Highway Service from Port RUPERT to Haines. I'm just trying to nail down whether one of the other Ontariearionions are interested. In which case, I'll get a berth for $200 and split it (sleeps two), otherwise, I'll find myself a comfy chair and just lay my sleeping bag out on it.
Good deal if you think about it, if you were to ride that distance, it'd cost you WAY more than ferry costs, and end up running the same roads twice (not nesc. a bad thing!)
MotoStrap
Well-known member
Do you really need to book so far in advance? I was going to just show up and try and get a spot for the bike.
MotoStrap
Well-known member
Tuesday, June 28, 2011, Day 19 - Hello Montana!
I woke up around 0800 am, which was sleeping in for me. It was nice to have a bed for the night.
I cleaned the dishes from last night. There was a sign saying they would charge extra if they had to wash dishes
Some pictures of the motel:
I packed my gear and got ready to hit the road towards the US Border. I stopped at a gas station just down the road, refueled and got a subway breakfast sandwich. I have eaten entirely too much the last two days!
I talked to the subway lady behind the counter, she said Radium Hot Springs was a nice town with great views, but if you moved there the locals wouldn’t like you, since you were not born in the area.
I pushed off and drove the 100 miles or so to the border. I stopped just before and got my paperwork ready.....I was expecting more fun from the CBP people. I waited in line and got to the gate. This guy was actually pretty nice, just a few questions and I was on my way.
Hello Montana!! didn’t see a BIG sign to take a picture of
I got to Eureka and stopped for fuel and lunch. I ate at Cafe Jacks, a pulled pork burrito with rice/beans. Was really good!
After I was walking back to my bike and I saw this dog running down the sidewalk towards me. I grabbed him real quick thinking that he was escaping from its owners. I spotted this couple walking towards me talking, I didn’t think it was their dog but I asked anyway. They said it was and he was fine, he just liked to run. I apologized to them for grabbing him and they said no worries. The dog ran off again down the side walk, owners in tow.
Off again south on 93 to Whitefish. This was real civilization with burger kings, fast food and super markets. The streets were lined with firework stores and tourist here stuff. I got through the city and headed to West Glacier.
I turned into the park entrance and when I got to the gate they said that the “going to the sun road” was closed due to snow and they were trying to get the plows to open it. But no time frame on when it would be open. I decided to take route 2 around the park and get to my campsite on the other side.
I hit several road construction areas where pilot cars were being used to escort cars through the area. I turned north on route 49 and entered the park at Two Medicine Lake, $12 for me and the bike and then $20 for the camp site. The site was quite full and I had to drive around a bit to fine one open and that didn’t have snow in it.
I found a spot and unloaded. My plan was to head to the lake and jump in to get refreshed. It got hot when I crossed the border, around 80 degrees F.
I grabbed my towel and headed to the lake. I got in as far as my feet and got the heck out. There was snow in the lake and the stream feeding it was going right through the snow. It was FREEZING! and I am chicken....so no dip....just a rinse off with splashed water.
I got back to the campsite and more people had arrived. I talked to a few people and one guy came over to as about my MSR stove. He was from Montana and this is his usual spot for camping and hiking. We talked guns and bears so refreshing.....
So my plan tomorrow is to head east on Route 2 across Montana.......
Later in the evening I was approached by a guy with a trailer. The campsite was filled up and he wanted to share a spot for the night. I had no problem with that, he was planning on staying for the week and I was only for one night. He was with his fiance. I just pulled my bike out of the way and he pulled in.
His payment for sharing the site was build a fire and give me rhubarb pie It actually turned out to be a nice night. The campsite I was in was where he proposed to his fiance. They are both EMT’s part time and Fred is a full time teacher in his town of 450 people. The fiance, Charlene is a full time physical therapist. Both are divorced once, with 4 kids between them.
After the fire got going, we cooked hot dogs over the fire pit, roasted large marshmallows, drank beer and had rhubarb pie. We talked for a few hours about their bear encounters while camping, the wolf problem in Montana and just chatted about general stuff.
I headed off to bed and they stayed up a few hours more talking the night away.....
I woke up around 0800 am, which was sleeping in for me. It was nice to have a bed for the night.
I cleaned the dishes from last night. There was a sign saying they would charge extra if they had to wash dishes
Some pictures of the motel:
I packed my gear and got ready to hit the road towards the US Border. I stopped at a gas station just down the road, refueled and got a subway breakfast sandwich. I have eaten entirely too much the last two days!
I talked to the subway lady behind the counter, she said Radium Hot Springs was a nice town with great views, but if you moved there the locals wouldn’t like you, since you were not born in the area.
I pushed off and drove the 100 miles or so to the border. I stopped just before and got my paperwork ready.....I was expecting more fun from the CBP people. I waited in line and got to the gate. This guy was actually pretty nice, just a few questions and I was on my way.
Hello Montana!! didn’t see a BIG sign to take a picture of
I got to Eureka and stopped for fuel and lunch. I ate at Cafe Jacks, a pulled pork burrito with rice/beans. Was really good!
After I was walking back to my bike and I saw this dog running down the sidewalk towards me. I grabbed him real quick thinking that he was escaping from its owners. I spotted this couple walking towards me talking, I didn’t think it was their dog but I asked anyway. They said it was and he was fine, he just liked to run. I apologized to them for grabbing him and they said no worries. The dog ran off again down the side walk, owners in tow.
Off again south on 93 to Whitefish. This was real civilization with burger kings, fast food and super markets. The streets were lined with firework stores and tourist here stuff. I got through the city and headed to West Glacier.
I turned into the park entrance and when I got to the gate they said that the “going to the sun road” was closed due to snow and they were trying to get the plows to open it. But no time frame on when it would be open. I decided to take route 2 around the park and get to my campsite on the other side.
I hit several road construction areas where pilot cars were being used to escort cars through the area. I turned north on route 49 and entered the park at Two Medicine Lake, $12 for me and the bike and then $20 for the camp site. The site was quite full and I had to drive around a bit to fine one open and that didn’t have snow in it.
I found a spot and unloaded. My plan was to head to the lake and jump in to get refreshed. It got hot when I crossed the border, around 80 degrees F.
I grabbed my towel and headed to the lake. I got in as far as my feet and got the heck out. There was snow in the lake and the stream feeding it was going right through the snow. It was FREEZING! and I am chicken....so no dip....just a rinse off with splashed water.
I got back to the campsite and more people had arrived. I talked to a few people and one guy came over to as about my MSR stove. He was from Montana and this is his usual spot for camping and hiking. We talked guns and bears
so refreshing.....
So my plan tomorrow is to head east on Route 2 across Montana.......
Later in the evening I was approached by a guy with a trailer. The campsite was filled up and he wanted to share a spot for the night. I had no problem with that, he was planning on staying for the week and I was only for one night. He was with his fiance. I just pulled my bike out of the way and he pulled in.
His payment for sharing the site was build a fire and give me rhubarb pie
It actually turned out to be a nice night. The campsite I was in was where he proposed to his fiance. They are both EMT’s part time and Fred is a full time teacher in his town of 450 people. The fiance, Charlene is a full time physical therapist. Both are divorced once, with 4 kids between them.After the fire got going, we cooked hot dogs over the fire pit, roasted large marshmallows, drank beer and had rhubarb pie. We talked for a few hours about their bear encounters while camping, the wolf problem in Montana and just chatted about general stuff.
I headed off to bed and they stayed up a few hours more talking the night away.....
blrfjr
Well-known member
Wow what an adventure!! Ive never riden more than 500 mi from home. But, then again i never had an fjr till last july so..... Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Its been great reading this. I am curious about how much $ did this trip cost ya? If you ever need a camp site in Indiana just holla.
MotoStrap
Well-known member
The whole trip was about $2500 bucks with about $1500 in just gas, only did a hotel 3 nights and did camping and I shipped food to Alaska to eat.....
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