Tires and gas
Yes the dempster is gravel. The main problem is if it rains and turns to slippery mud and if you want to go really fast when it is dry. The mud is normaly a matter of waiting a day or two. The speed problem is controllable by the throttle hand. Just because your bike will go 85mph on the gravel doesn't mean you need to go that fast. The tire wear problems I have had get much worse over 55mph. I first rode the Dempster in 1979 when they used to use sharp shale to surface portions of the road. I have rode it several times since and made the 25th anniversary in 2004. As far as fixing flats it is the same as a flat tire on any other lonely road, learn how before you leave home and chances are you won't have a problem. The gas scarcity is solved by strapping on a extra gas can if you don't have the range to go 230 miles. The service station at eagle plains had a row of gas cans left there by travelers. The Dempster is still one of the great rides in north america.
|