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-   -   New York to Alaska, Alaska to Argentina, July 2010. Hopefully! (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/travellers-seeking-travellers/new-york-alaska-alaska-argentina-50297)

Smudger 17 May 2010 14:37

New York to Alaska, Alaska to Argentina, July 2010. Hopefully!
 
Hello all,

I’m planning on squandering all of my savings (that I apparently should be using as a deposit for a flat) on a motorcycle tour of the Americas. Just as I was beginning to settle down in London, the urge to see a little more of the world became too overwhelming to ignore. HU deserves some of the blame.
I’m hoping to ship my bike from Southampton, England to New York in early July 2010 followed by a trip across America, Canada & Alaska up to Prudhoe before turning round & heading south as far as my luck & a few dollars will carry me. Hopefully, right down to the southern tip of Argentina.
I have no set time frame as I don’t intend to break any records nor any definite route other then calling in on the ‘highlights’ as I go. I plan to mostly camp with a mix of hostels/hotels thrown in when required/the smell gets too bad.
I'll be riding my BMW F800GS at a leisurely pace & will be stopping at a language school somewhere on route as my Spanish is sadly non existent.
I’m currently waiting on a ‘non resident temporary import approval letter’ from the EPA before I can really get the ball rolling with insurances, shipping dates (10+2 Regs???) & a little nervous of arriving in the US with no return ticket. I’ve heard immigration get very annoyed.
I’ve seen & responded to a few posts of people heading in the same direction around the same time (Uggawish, Robopie, Crappybiker, Bruce P, Olyflyer, Motivator, Novissima, Gugie 1, Planet Hopper & Pat Fitz ) & wanted to say hello & add my name to the list of those on the road this summer.
So if you are thinking of much the same route or part of, around the same time I’d be grateful if you could bear me in mind & get in touch. It's always good to share some miles.

Safe riding,

Smudger

T.REX63 17 May 2010 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smudger (Post 289276)
...
I’m hoping to ship my bike from Southampton, England to New York in early July 2010 followed by a trip across America, Canada & Alaska up to Prudhoe before turning round & heading south
...


Hi there, by what time do you intent to arrive in Prudhoe Bay? Just keep an eye on the weather if you get past July. Doesn't have to be bad, but it can be. I have seen snow on July 30 north of Brooks Mountain Range.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smudger (Post 28976)
... a little nervous of arriving in the US with no return ticket. I’ve heard immigration get very annoyed.
...


If asked, as to why you only have a one-way ticket, make sure you have the import/shipping papers for your bike handy, as well as some kind of travel itinerary. I don't believe they'll give you a hard time. If anything, the CBP officer will be interested in hearing your story. If it all adds up, there is no need to be nervous.

Smudger 18 May 2010 08:00

Thanks for the info - much appreciated.

I'm hoping to arrive Anchorage in late July where I'll service & probably put some new tread on the bike before venturing north.

I was aware of the rain & mud stories but wasn't expecting to hear the word snow in August. Hopefully if it does arrive, I'll still be able to slowly make my way through.

However, if the weather reports advise otherwise then I've got enough sense to turn round & head south towards the sunshine.

When I fly in I'll have a file with all the relevant bike importation docs, an itinerary (of sorts) & a few maps of Mexico & Central America for good measure.

Thanks for the tips. I'd tried accessing your ride report but couldn't. I'll see if I can access it via Adv Rider.

Smudger

T.REX63 18 May 2010 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smudger (Post 289358)
...
I was aware of the rain & mud stories but wasn't expecting to hear the word snow in August. Hopefully if it does arrive, I'll still be able to slowly make my way through.

Snow on the road melted away relatively quickly. We experienced a temperature spread of ~50 degrees F between North- and South of the Brooks Mountain range on July 30th. The pics were taken at 31 degrees F, right below freezing. The same spot a day earlier was 42 degrees F.

http://trex63.smugmug.com/Motorcycle...86_jhtEE-M.jpg

http://trex63.smugmug.com/Motorcycle...97_28kk4-M.jpg


Quote:

Originally Posted by Smudger (Post 289358)
When I fly in I'll have a file with all the relevant bike importation docs, an itinerary (of sorts) & a few maps of Mexico & Central America for good measure.

I do an average of 5-7 US boarder crossings/year, as I have done over the past 25 years. Most crossings I have done on a European passport and permanent resident card. I have noticed that quite a few of the CBP guys ride too. I'd say you are very well prepared.

Whenever I had motorcycle stuff in my luggage, I ended up having nice conversation and sincere interest in what I was doing concerning riding etc.

motoita10 20 May 2010 21:47

Hi,
I should hit new York in July at the end of my trip so if you are around, let me know and I can try to give you some info for the road, email me emmaespana66@yahoo.co.uk

emma

garmei 21 May 2010 16:37

we may cross paths...
 
hi smudger,

The (soon to be) wife and I start off in Buenos Aires in October before heading north from TDF. I have no useful information to give as this is our first big trip and we will be completely winging it, but it would be cool to meet up wherever we cross paths to share tips on where we have been.

We're both 29, share a beat up 950 adventure, enjoy beer and will be trying to camp as much as possible. Have a good un

Smudger 24 May 2010 08:22

I wish you both well on the road & I'll keep an eye out on the Hubb for your progress.

Somewhere out there (no idea where!) we'll cross paths, share some info & a drink or two. Good luck!!!

sonnycalistoga 25 May 2010 05:17

Leaving the Napa Valley(N of San Francisco) for TDF in Oct/Nov
 
Be great to meet up or host you on your travels. I'm planning on heading south for TDF IN OCT/NOV after grape harvest in Napa. I'm taking 6 months to a year depending how money goes. Be great to have someone to travel with and take a language class with as i as well need some work been looking at Guatamala for classes.

Sonny

Smudger 27 May 2010 08:20

Hello Sonny,

I'll keep you informed of my progress & hopefully our paths will cross on the road somewhere. Always good to share the miles!!!

Smudger

Lonesome George 27 May 2010 08:43

I'll also be arriving in Anchorage at the end of July.

Are you going to the UK HUBB meeting in June? I so we should hook up. I'm running a workshop on "Planning a trip" and I'm sure it would be of benefit to both of us.

Smudger 28 May 2010 23:43

In that case George if I manage to get across to Alaska we should hopefully be able to meet up.

I can't make the HU meeting as I've been signed up for a charity run on the same wkend & couldn't say no, despite the fact that I really, really wanted to be up in Ripley.

Hope to see you on the road!

Smudger

Murph 27 Jun 2010 18:15

Prudhoe
 
I`ll be in OR July 12-18 at the BMW thingy in Redmond,then thinking of shooting up to P`doe Bay for shits `n grins.
If you`ll be in the area lemme know,be glad of some company since it`ll be my first Alaska run.

Murf

Smudger 29 Jun 2010 20:26

Hey Murph,

I've been delayed so I won't be arriving into New York until 12th July. Still planning on heading up & across to Alaska (no set route in mind) but won't be there until late August (ish) as I plan to spend a little time catching up with friends & family in New York & Boston before hitting the road & won't be going too hard. More into enjoying the ride then racking up the miles.

I intend to take on the Dalton too weather dependent. Go easy, enjoy & let me know how the road is.

Safe riding

Smudger

Murph 29 Jun 2010 21:00

Smudger,i`ll be out of Alaska by the end of July/first week of August heading south.If you`re going up there middle to end of August be prepared for the weather to turn.
I too have no set plan,but i`d like to make the HU meeting in Petrolia CA,August 19-22 :http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/mee...fornia2010.php
I would also like to head south across the border into Central America as far as I can afford to make tme wise and money wise.
So hopefully you get over not too late for your Alaska run.I`ll keep you up to speed on the conditions of the Dalton when I get there.If you get a cell when you get here,pm me yer #.

Murf

WASABI 1 Jul 2010 18:39

America 2010
 
:Beach:
Hi Smudger, I just got from MEX yesterday going trow customs in Nogales - Arizona with no problems forever regarding my self or my bike. I got in with a Argentine passport with the regular visa. No questions just have a nice trip to Alaska and I said "thank you officer". I will be in LA for 3 weeks before going up to Canada - Alaska. No sure yet which way to go but because I only can start back again the ride on the July 25th 2010. I have been riding alone the last 60 days coming all the way up from Argentina and will be nice to have some one to talk on the way up to Alaska. I have a budget for USA and CANADA around 70 dollars a day with gas - food - room.
I hope you can send the bike and get in without to much problem.
Ride safe ride far
And a big m motohug
If you want to check my web Motosolo

Regards
Raul

Smudger 5 Jul 2010 09:43

Hey Raul,

had a nose around your blog - very impressive! Would be great to catch up at somepoint & hopefully our paths will cross out there somewhere!

Realistically I won't be going far or fast enough on a daily basis to get across in time to join you for your jaunt along the Dalton but I wish you well!!!

Ride safe,

Smudger

ajaxer 5 Jul 2010 22:02

Shipping with whom?
 
Smudger.

I'm an Aussie on the way home across the US too, hoping to leave the UK in late August and just now going through the paperwork hoops needed to ship the bike.
Was wondering who you were shipping your bike with? I have approached James Cargo as they seem well regarded on the HUBB. Hope they are up to their reputation but email responses do seem a bit slow.

ajaxer 8 Jul 2010 18:26

@Smudger,

I was considering Wallenius myself, as they are £300 cheaper than airfreight via James Cargo, but in the end I opted for airfreight.
I spoke with them by phone and they indicated that I dont need any documents other than rego and passport. The EPA form seemed to be just a fill-in once you know the shipping details - so I am a bit worried out the EPA Approval letter you mention, I could not find anything on the EPA site that could explain how to actually get it, it only refers to EPA Form 3520-1.

Can you advise where you can apply for such approval or more info about it? The EPA site is scant with information.

The other document I believe that I need is a DOT HS 7 form - which did not appear to be difficult to complete, again it only required shipping info.

Also what is the ISF form you mention?

ajaxer 8 Jul 2010 22:20

I think I'll ask James Cargo about the ISF. After some searching for info about it I thought maybe it only applied to sea shipped fright, not airfreight, but would be safer to check.

Reference to the DOT HS7 was via several other sites which had info about import regulations - seems to be quite hard to find everything in one place, tho the EPA site mentions DOT requirements somewhere or other.

At least there doesnt appear to be too much else in the way of forms and docs. As you say, may not be as complicated as it sounds.

My next challenge is bike insurance, HUBB is a good source of info on this too. Plenty more challenges to come......:cool4:

ajaxer 13 Jul 2010 22:16

Had a reply back from James Cargo (helpful lot) about the docs.
Giles says that he will give me a pack of documents to be completed only when I drop off the bike with them. The EPA 3520-1 form can be completed on the spot and does not require a letter from the EPA to go with it, in his experience of shipping 100s of bikes.

However, in the next breath he added that just once recently, an owner was asked for such an approval letter when the bike arrived in Anchorage.
His conclusion is that it depends on who the custom agent is at the time - grrrr:thumbdown: I hate that kind of inconsistency.

Unfortunately he didn't mention anything about ISF.

So not entirely satisfactory. At this point I am going on trust that he knows what he is doing.
I have successfully negotiated the first layer of Australian officialdom and have obtained my Import License for entry into Oz, which makes me happy. All I have to do now is get over there :mchappy:

Juan Felipe 15 Jul 2010 02:33

NYC - Prudhoe - Ushuaia
 
Hey Smudger, I'm planning to do exactly the same trip and for the moment it's just me. I'm from Colombia so my Spanish can be of help. I do plan to make it in 6 months to Ushuaia so please reply or email me to see if we can arrange something. I think I can be in New York 1st week of August.

See ya!

Smudger 15 Jul 2010 03:47

Hello Juan,

I'm in Weehawken NJ at the moment waiting for my bike to arrive next week. When I clear Customs I'll then be heading off towards Alaska. Company on the road would be good, sharing the miles makes life so much easier.

All being well the weekend after next should see me heading North West.

Let me know your plans & I'm sure we'll be able to sort something out. If we don't leave New York together we'll definitely catch up on the road.

Smudger

uggawish 22 Jul 2010 15:43

Hi Smudger,:welcome:
Welcome to the USA. Hope you and your bike are happily together and enjoying the open road headed north to Alaska. Looking forward to your RR and meeting you when you come through Washington State on your way south.
uggawish

Smudger 27 Jul 2010 01:18

After finally getting the bike on Friday afternoon from port New York I took to the road Saturday morning calling in on family in Pennsylvania then on to Ohio & now I find myself in Illinois. I'm doing my best to avoid the Interstates & smile whilst wearing my biking gear in 33 degree heat. All the other bikers in shorts & t-shirts think I'm crazy.

From here I'll be heading through Iowa & then to South & North Dakota. Anyone out there riding in the same direction drop me a line.

Bikers I have met on route reckon I have to call in on the Sturgis Rally which starts in two weeks time. I'll give it some thought. 500,000 bikers in one town???

Uggawish - hope to see you in a few thousand miles time!

T.REX63 27 Jul 2010 02:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smudger (Post 298788)
...
Bikers I have met on route reckon I have to call in on the Sturgis Rally which starts in two weeks time. I'll give it some thought. 500,000 bikers in one town???
...

It's actually not that bad. Assuming that you don't have any overnight accommodations reserved in or around Sturgis (camping or otherwise) at the time of the rally, you can easily make Sturgis a midday stop. It's well worth seeing. It's all civilized and well organized.

My riding buddy and I stopped by in 2008 on our return trip from Alaska (...on dirty BMW's :biggrin:).

Enjoy and have a safe trip,

Smudger 20 Sep 2010 03:44

Crossing into Mexico - 26th Sept 10' - Tecate
 
Made it from New York to Prudhoe & I'm currently in LA about to get the bike some love & attention prior to crossing into Mexico with Uggawish next Sunday the 26th.

From Tecate we're taking the 'Wine Route' towards Baja - I'm relying on Rich's superior knowledge as he's been there, done that. Anyone heading the same way & wanting to cross together, feel free. Just drop Uggawish or I a line.

olyflyer 20 Sep 2010 08:04

I'm a few weeks behind you as I've got to head back to Bend OR to get the title for the bike then down to Mexico, currently in Flagstaff AZ

might see you on the Baja peninsular


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