Alaska two-up on 1800 Goldwing

[paulwebac]

June-July 2003, we plan on riding two-up to Alaska (from Southern California) on a 1800 Goldwing. We also own a R1150RT but the girlfriend prefers the 'comfort' of the wing. I have been riding for 25 years but this will be the longest trip. Is it too risky to attempt (1) the Top of the World Hwy from Dawson to Chicken and (2) the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle and back on the Wing? Any suggestions, tips, warnings? I sure do not find many Goldwing posts on this great web-site.
Thanks,
Paul

[Grant Johnson]

Hi,

Assuming good weather, the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle shouldn't be a problem. It IS a lot of gravel road, with extremely variable condition. It can be slicker than polished ice, or it can be just great, nice easy well-packed gravel road. You'll have to let the conditions on the day decide. I have seen Wings on that road.

The other I haven't been on, but my understanding is that it is generally worse than the Dalton.

OTOH, there is a ton of great paved and excellent gravel roads in Alaska and the Yukon, you could have a great time just sticking to pavement.

Your off-road abilities and tolerance for scratches and dings and rock chips will determine whether you CHOOSE to do either road - I'm sure both can be done on a Wing, or any motorcycle for that matter. A couple of Wings have gone around the world, including some very not nice roads / swamps / rivers etc.

Have a great trip!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[fzappa]

Paul,
You should have no problem with the two roads you asked about. I enjoyed them last summer on a R1150GS and have ridden a Goldwing 1200 up the Dalton in previous years.
The road from Dawson City to Chicken was dry last year and very dusty. Lots of gravel.
Was surprised to find several miles of the Dalton asphalt paved just south of the Arctic Circle. Should be even more so this year.

Some suggestions: 1)Be equipped to repair flat tires as you will be far from services if that should happen. 2)Get some sort of headlight protector as flying gravel from passing trucks can damage headlights as well as do a number on your paint. 3)Become familiar with how the Wing handles in gravel, mud and even river rock as much as possible. Constuction sites are good for this. 4)Have a great trip!

[paulwebac]

Thank you for your responses. The trip is a go and will start June 7. As for dirt and gravel roads we will decide as we get there. Chicken is definitely on my to do list.
We did practice on some local dirt roads – a loaded Goldwing is definitely a pig on loose surface - easy does it.
We have a new webpage for pictures and travel stories, etc. at www.natureseeker.com


[This message has been edited by paulwebac (edited 29 May 2003).]