Dalton Hwy in June
 

I'm leaving Colorado Springs May 25th 2004, intending to be in Fairbanks the second week in June. I plan on riding up to Deadhorse and wanted to know what type of road conditions to expect on the Haul Road that early in the season. I"ll be on a V-Strom. I have 30 + years of dirt riding so dirt and gravel is fine, just wondering about the mud with this bike. Thanks for any info!!

"haul road" is now paved for 70 mi. north of fairbanks. very fast paced with lots of twisties. pavements ends in Livengood (which is nothing more than a few houses)and is gravel most of the way to deadhorse. the road can be really dusty and dry or can get muddy and sloppy. I've found it to be a better ride when it was wet, even a little muddy as the dust isn't bad and when the truckers pass you full tilt the boulders they throw at you arent' as bad. best to just pull off the road at first glimpse of an incoming truck as it is there road and the could give a hell less if they sand blast you or push you and your bike into the rhubarb. you can usually get gas at the yukon river bridge, which is the only bridge that crosses the yukon in AK (125 mi. north of Fairbanks) then Coldfoot (250 mi. north of Fairbanks) the remaining 250 mi. north is nothing as far as stops go. plan on packing gas if your range is anything less than that or close.
olee

Thanks for the info. There are sooo many stories of varying conditions on the Dalton Hwy. All the way from don't even try it without a dirt bike, to someone riding it on their bagger in February without any problems.
As you are from Fairbanks, I trust you know the road well. I'll be passing through your neck of the woods sometime in early June, maybe we can hook up for a cup if you are around.
Kirk

Kirk,
Please post comments on how your trip goes.

I plan on heading that way on my V-Strom in August.

A few questions: what accessories have you added to your Strom? What tires will you have on the bike for the journey to Alaska?

Thanks.

Doug

keep me posted when you get to fairbanks or anywhere in AK. I'm always looking for an excuse to blast up the haul road and can show you some nice day rides to hotsprings and good honky-tonk bars as well as free or cheap places to stay.
olee

I have heard of guys doing the Dalton on Harleys so I would think doing it on a V-strom would be a walk in the park.

I plan to head up the highway tomorrow.
I'll let you all know this year's current conditions when (if??) I make it back.
I'll probably going with a Columbian on a GS Adventure, Fernando, who I met this morning.

BTW,
There is only about 30 km of gravel on the Alaska Highway this year. No problems at all. Of course, construction can start any time...