Alaska Highway
A group of 14 friends from all over the US, and yours truly from Australia, has just ridden the full length of the Alaska highway.
17th June to 28th June.
Most of it is in good to excellent condition, with one dramatic exception. Most of the construction is very short and no problem at all, hard base. There is one long section, about 20 miles between Whitehorse and Tok, which was also no problem on the way up, but one the return over that section it was a different story.
It had rained heavily on major construction and the result was a half mile skating rink. many bikes had fallen, including trailers, and the mud was of the sticky calcium chloride kind. We all got through sans any falls, but our passengers dismounted, it was no place for heroics. The road gang guys were very good, they stopped the traffic for our passage..
But overall the road was much better than our research had indicated.
We rode bikes ranging from Kawasaki Concourse, to BMW R100GS, R100R, R1100RT, and a lone Gold Wing 1800. And one Harley.
No flat tyres despite the many very short gravel bits and no bike problems, good fine weather, warm temps, it was a fantastic experience.
We returned from Skagway on the ferry to Prince Rupert, two days was enough, but it was ok..
If you're thinking of going, don't be put off by the road, but accept that your pristine bike will get filthy...
cheers
fastoy Australia
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