Top of the World Highway
 

A buddy and I are planning to ride from Calgary, Alberta to the Arctic Circle in June this year. The route will require riding the Top of the World Highway from Dawson City, Yukon to Tok, AK. I will be riding a Goldwing trike and my buddy a HD Ultra Classic. Anyone that has ridden this road can you please comment on the feasibility of riding it on a trike and a road touring bike. I have read various reports on the road condition and they seem to vary widely. We would be departing Dawson City on June 25th. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks

I was in that part of the world last year and although I didn't ride that road lots of people did. I saw/heard of people on bikes, trike, harleys all sorts of vehicles doing it. It can be tough and is very rocky in places.

The thing is it all depends on the weather. If it's raining or has just rained it can be a nightmare. Occaionally the road is shut. But if it's dry it should be fine. My advice would be to plan to do it but have a plan B, be prepared to go the other way. head up to Dawson and THEN make a decision. You're going in a pair anyway but I'm sure you'll meet others so safety in numbers.


In Tok I stayed at http://http://www.thompsonseaglesclaw.com/

No water, millions of Mozzies but good fun (honest)

Under normal conditions, no problem. The road is packed gravel and sees all sorts of bikes and motorhomes.

I ran into a Can-Am Spyder on it a couple of years back and he had no problems with clearance, handling, etc. so I would expect your trike should be fine.

In regards to the HD, it'll get muddy but just make sure that he is comfortable handling a big cruiser on gravel roads before hand.

To compare to your local roads it's better than Chute Lake Road and roughly about the same quality as Brenda Mines Road, although with less loose gravel.

Ride safe.

Should not be a problem
 

Rode this highway on a HD Ultra in 2002, 2 up, pulling a trailer. I can't imagine that the road conditions are any worse now. We had no problem on this dry road, but I was told that the road can be very difficult if it is raining.

I rode the Top of the World Highway in 2009 on a BMW 650 GS with road tyres on.

I got a flat as the surface is covered in quite sharp gravel which was a bit of a nightmare as I couldn't get the rear wheel out on my own - it took 3 of us in Dawson City to get it out in the end!! I didn't see any other bikes on the road when I was there and only a handful of cars. An Alaskan man stopped and gave me a can of fixaflat which allowed me to crawl along to Dawson City some 75 miles away!

This road would be fine on your bike/trike if you take it steady and make sure you carry spare inner tubes and a can of fixaflat. You are not riding alone which is also an advantage.

Remember there is no cell phone coverage between Tok and Dawson but the border guys will allow you to pay for a phone call if you need to. The nearest tow truck is in Dawson City.

PM me if you have any more specific questions.... but enjoy it - it is an amazing part of the world!

Kate

In 2006 we rode the Top Of The World hwy, wife on a HD soft tail and I on HD bagger. Was a great ride with no problems. I have been from Alaska to TDF and this road is definitely in the top five roads. Don't miss it.
RJT:scooter: