Alone to Deadhorse - A Solo Journey on the Dalton Highway
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- In June of 2015 I left Chicago on what would be a solo 12,235 mile round trip to the Arctic Ocean. This film documents the 4 days I spent riding the famous haul road called the Dalton Highway on a 2012 BMW F800GS. I'm forever grateful to my wife for making this trip of a lifetime possible.
![The TRUTH about the Dalton Highway...What they don't want you to know! [S2 E4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Uv5U-aeeGyk/mqdefault.jpg)
1972 I rode my Honda CB450K4 from Chicago to Seattle. I sat on the shore of Puget Sound considering whether to head north or head south. I had $400 stashed in a money belt I wore, minimal camping gear, and little sense of how much further it was to the Arctic Ocean. I really wanted to head north but speaking with some folks familiar with the AlCan highway system I was counseled to go south. I still wanted to head north until I realized it was further north from Seattle than it was from Chicago to Seattle. In 71 there weren't many who rode bikes that far, infra structure was not as mature, and I was only 20 years old. I went south and have no regrets. Highway 1 was amazing though the constant shifting of the gears and pulling of the clutch caused tendinitis in my left wrist that stopped me in the Muir Woods for a week so I could heal. From Tiajuana back to Chicago was a thrill and challenge of dealing with 120 degree heat. 15,000 miles on a little bike (40 hp) with no fairing was my reward. It changed my life for the good. I had perhaps 10 near death experiences, not with bears, but with city traffic particularly in Los Angeles. I deeply appreciated your video. Made me cry some now that I am 66 years old. Good for you. Good for you. All I had was a little Kodac Instimatic camera. I have two photos to show of my journey and they are poor and faded. My heart though is full of the memories even more so than my mind. Your effort blessed me so much. Now for the real challenges of life, being a good husband, father, and teacher.
Bruce Kratky I’m deeply grateful for your response and your story. Thank you. Wishing you the very best in all things.
Bruce Kratky I’m 64 this June. I’m going. It’s not age. It’s heart. Solitude at our age is a gift if you
Know yourself
Bruce... your story brought tears to my eye !!
@@randyfarnsworth7825 I m 45 I just learned how to ride. You guys are all so inspiring. I will be sure to take on of these long distance trips soon.
You can share your Kodak picture. It would be honor for the biking community here. As there were very limited options back then
We truckers are your friends on the road, always keeping an eye out for bikes and more often than not we wish we were on two wheels!
Thats awesome Yako.
Wish ALL truckers the world over were like you !!
Can you look out for 2004 green Mustang Mach 1s as well?
Yes You Are....Likewise Hear Also
A rider's best friend on a long ride.
This is what UA-cam was invented for, storytelling. I watched the whole thing and it was worth it, more of this kind of content everyone.
Thank you! I'm glad it resonated with you and I do appreciate you taking the time to ride along.
Absolutely. Girlfriend and I watched a whole 2 hour vid of a guy on his KLR going from like Connecticut to Panama and back. He was pretty much just whining the whole way about the rain but it was fun. He did get the screwgy on the rain lol.
Yes mate! Yes! I am sick to death of reality tv muppets! I use UA-cam as a tool for sourcing awesomess.
sourcing awesomess - I've never heard it put that way but that's, well, awesome.
@ Matt Soper: "SOURCING AWESOMENESS" is a great term!
THIS is why I love UA-cam. Occasionally you run across such a gem of a short movie. Beautifully shot, lovingly edited with interesting music you've never heard of before. Thank you for sharing this inspiring video.
johnhendrik thanks for watching. I’m so glad it resonated with you.
johnhendrik
Well said.
@@snowmobilingburberry Great comment, it is a gentlemen's way.
I agree. Very well done. I've taken some long trips on motorcycles but this one sounds amazing. I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to do it but at least this video gives me a taste of what it would be like.
@@WalterKitunduStudio
Loved your video Walter.
I grew up with the two wheels passion in my family and town since I was 10 or 12 but somehow for many different reasons I wasn't able to follow up on it for more than 20 years.
Have a cousin that is like a brother to me and the same age (43) that unlike me never stopped riding bikes and traveling solo or in group.
Last week he rided from my home country Angola to South Africa crossing Namibia in between and I realized that I've been missing out on that side of life.
Took a resolution of starting doing my research on types of traveling motorcycles and prices because I'm going back to that old passion.
I found your great video while doing that research.
Thank you, you helped me a lot🙏👍😊
Regards from Angola
Excellent. Well done, Walter. No BS, no patting yourself on the back, no pontificating. Just your story.
Mike O'Keeffe thanks for those kind words. Cheers.
73 year old ex biker , thinking back , hell I enjoyed this .
Great video , loved your calm voice , damm I love all of it .
73 no big deal way past that still do 6 7 on mild days
73 just a numbers boss. Keep on riding now.
"Ex Biker" ?
Just turned 60.... and bought a new bike ! Don't plan on , or know how to get "too old".
Now... get back in the saddle !
I'm 71 year old, just been back from 16 days, 6000 Kilometer, tent and some hotel, 70% rain, Slowakei, Ukraine, Rumänien, Serbia, Kroatia and Italie. Never any problems. So, I would say, it still works. 😎
Grettings from switzerland
PS, great Video👍👍
Your narration voice is a gift to us. Clear and articulate. I enjoyed this posting. Thanks.
One of the best videos I've seen in awhile. Everyone tries to hard to be to polished nowadays. This is how travel videos used to be like and are still the best way to watch.
Russ the Highlander thanks for watching and for the feedback.
I did 12,000 miles in 2019 throughout the lower 48. 58 years old. Repeated on a Gold Wing the Trip I had taken when I was 17 on a Honda 400. 2020 doing it again God Willing. Lone Traveler.
The States have so much to offer! This was a good representation of some of its gems.
@@2UpAndOverloaded Yes they do. So much to see and so much to learn. My traveling Summers during college taught me more about just about everything than the schooling did. I'm a lucky man for having done it.
I started this trip on a 1988 Gold Wing with 160K on it. Never had a problem. Tires and oil changes. I got bad gas is Idaho that was so contaminated it scored the cylinders 5000 miles into the trip. Ended up changing rides in Boise. The Honda dealer there was fantastic. July 16 2019 I bought a Wing with 42K on it. By the time I parked it in November for it's Winter hibernation the odometer now read 61K and change. I liked the 88 better for it's giant size, fortunately the 2007 is a magic carpet ride as well.
I’ll
Be getting my license and a klr GOD willing
Went to Deadhorse with my friend Mark five years ago. You're right, it's hard to find someone who can and will take an epic trip like this. Great video
Hello my friend Walter, I just to let you know that yesterday, August 21, 2017, I have returned home after a solo trip from Mexico City to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, leaving Mexico City on July 10, 2017, arriving in Prudhoe bay on the 31st July 10 at 10:30 am, the F800GS motorcycle was very good, I just had to change the tires and brake pads in Fairbanks, the chain when I arrived in Fairbanks was in very poor condition, I think the lubricant used that contains an additive Called PTF is not the most appropriate, I finally had to buy a chain at the local BMW dealer in Fairbanks and I installed it myself on the bike, in total there were 42 days of travel and 13161 miles, your video was very inspiring for me thanks now i have a picture in from of the General store in Deadhorse....end of the Dalton Highway
jorge perez congratulations on your incredible journey. I know there are many stories and memories that you will treasure for a long time to come!
Hello, with Walter's permission, I'm going to answer you in steps, because I have to check my notes. I am Cuban, I have lived in Miami, Fl for 10 years, I came from Miami to Mexico City on the bike, for business and from here I started my solo the trip to Prudhoe Bay and back.
1. Personal travel equipment.
- Jacket and pants Klim Latitude
- Adventure Forma Boots updated whit drytex liner
- HJC helmet
- four long-sleeved polyester jersey from Fox racing clothing
- six cotton t-shirts from Walmart
- six pairs of black cotton socks from Walmart
- a jacket North Face
- a pair of HOKA One One boots from REI
- a pair of pants Nort Face Paramount Trail convertible pants
- beach shorts
- crocs flip-flops
- slim sports pants from Walmart
- six underpants
Revision of all the above:
The hiking boots used them in 42 days only on 8 occasions they are not really WP like on the specification, the worst of all was the HJC helmet, it is very noisy, does not close tightly, in the rain and in the fog does not work well. The jacket and pant Klim and the boots form are excellent, the boots are 100% water resistant, are very light you can use with the jeans.
in the next comment I tell you about the bike and its accessories and tools
Dear Walter, with your permission, I go ahead.
2. The bike and its equipment
F800GS year 2016, black color nickname La Negra (black woman).
At the beginning of the trip, the bike had the next mileage from new 35420 km (22000 miles).
The week before leaving, I did the following works
-Change of oil and filter
- Installation of a new K&N air filter
- Installation of new front and rear brake pads, ECB type, the rear ones were changed in Utah during the rally of the MOA 2017, also there I did a change of the oil and the oil filter
- Installation of a new front tire TKC-70 (reach for the entire round trip)
- Installation of a new rearTKC-70 - Arrived at Fairbanks, Alaska very worn, there installed a new Heidenau K60 Scout Dual Sport tire, buy it online from www.rockymountainatvmc.com, being in Dawson Creek at the beginning of the Alaska hwy and send it in advance to the University of Fairbanks, Alaska. This Heidenau K60 tire made the trip to Prudhoe Bay and back to Mexico and it are still in a good condition.
The bike has installed the following additional equipment of Touratech although I confess I am not a fan of Touratech but when I bought the bike in the dealer, I got a good discount for the following.
- Quick release clear headlight guard - review very good
- Engine crash bar - review near the border Mexico USA broke a fixation piece, still Touratech did not replace me this part
- Upper crash bar - review good
- stand support extension - review very good
- large engine guard - review very good
Other equipment
- Hand guards BMW Motorrad - review very good
- Tank Bag BMW Motorrad - review very good
- Touratech waterproof adventure dry bag 31L - review very good
- AltRider 25L Synch Dry Bag - review excellent
- AltRider Luggage rack for f800gs - review excellent
- Givi 37 Liter treckker outback - good and nice, but I do not recommend them for long off-road trips, their bottom bracket is plastic and can be damaged, I leave them at the University of Fairbanks and to the Prudhoe Bay only carry the soft Touratech and Altrider bags
- Ram Mount Universal X-Grip - excellent fixation and very useful my cell phone made the whole round trip on this support and did not suffer any damage.
- Rotopax 1 gallon gas fuell Pack - excellent use it twice in the segment of the Dalton hwy between Coolfoot and Prudhoe bay, that is a very long space without gasoline and back in a very long segment of the peninsula of Baja California in Mexico, although in the Alaska hwy sometimes you found gas stations without gas or closed.
- Rotopax 1 gallon water Pack - excellent use it more than gasoline, all the time was full, very useful in camping and in case of a break in the middle of nowhere water is important to survive and prepare meals
- GPS Tomtom Rider 400 - very good and exact, I stand the rain, the sun, the mud, all the way, the only negative is that the letters on the keyboard are very small
the next comment for parts and maintenance and behavior of the mine F800GS
3 Spare parts and maintenance
- NGK DCPR8E Spark Plugs Qty 2 - Not Used
- ECB front and rear brake pads, rear was changed in Utah, the front was not used
- Chain master link Clip Type 525 Qty 4 from Amazon - most experts say it is not very safe, but believe me that on the road is much easier to install than the riveted link. I have had bikes for more than 10 years with this type of link without any problems, I had to use one in Fairbanks when I changed the chain of the bike, give one to another motorist who was in trouble.
- lamp H7 12V / 55W, from Walmart they are better than from the Autozone, last more hours Qty 1 - not used
- OEM throttle cable from Bmw Qty 1 - not use
- OEM clutch cable from Bmw Qty 1 - not use
- OEM oil filter Qty 1- use 2
- tube for front tire Qty 1 - not use
- tube for rear tire Qty 2 - not use
- Spray WD40 QTY 1 - very useful
- Spray of chain Lube - during the trip use several, following the recommendations of the our teacher and master Walter, to lubricate the chain every day before going to sleep, I made the mistake of using a lubricant not suitable with PTF or Molly, my chain arrived at Fairbanks, Alaska in bad conditions this topic will be commented on separately
- Spray of special oil for maintenance of the K&N air filter - the air filter I recommend cleaning it frequently in this type of travel, when you go through the forests of USA and Canada in summer time there are full of insects, cleaning the filter on the F800GS is very easy, and the bike sounds different with the clean filter
- two small rolls of electrical cables black and red from Autozone - not use
- Electrical tape Qty 2 - use one
- Nylon cable ties medium and large size - use de medium sizes
- small brushes to clean chain and filter
Tools and accessories
- Ultimate Deluxe tool kit for F800GS from www.advdesigns.com - very good and compact use them very frequently not only on my motorcycle but also to help other bikers
- Spark plug Cap removal tool from www.advdesigns.com - in the trip do not use it, really the spark plugs can be removed without this tool
- Oil filter wrench from Autozone - I did a three oil changes, this tool is not expensive and is easy to transport I recommend
- PBR 3 in 1 Chain Breaker tool from Motion Pro www.advdesigns.com - this tool is very good, I use it in Fairbanks when I had to change the chain, but it is very heavy to carry in a trip, I recommend to take from Amazon a cheap chain breaker only to break the chain and carry some master links of the clip type
- BeadPro Tire Bead Breaker and lever from Motion Pro www.advdesigns.com - very good and light tool use it in Fairbanks when change the rear tire, if you use tires with tubes you have to carry with some tool of this type
- Mine tire inflator “Hyper Tough” from Walmart - compact air compressor, light and cheap, certainly made in China, use it very often without any fault, there are different brands but they are all the same
- Trail strap emergency from www.advdesigns.com - no use
- Rock Straps - medium and large I recommend carry several are often used, always appears something to tie the motorcycle
- Tie down straps medium from Autozone Qty 4 - I recommend taking at least a couple, they are strong and can be very useful and I use them to tie the motorcycle when boarding the ferry in Baja California, Mexico
- Yellow electrical tester from Autozone - is small, light and costs only about 11 dollars, if you have elementary knowledge of electricity you can take it, use it once to check the battery and a fuse on another motorcycle
The F800GS - The motorcycle remained excellent throughout the trip without any fault, my average speed was at 6th speed 5000 rpm the speed is between 120 and 130 km per hour (74 - 80 mph), this bike is a rock.
Problem with the chain: Before the trip I look at many videos on UA-cam, many times look at Walter because he use a bike just like mine. Walter recommend me lubricate and clean the chain every day. So I did but when I was at Lake Louise in Canada, the chain came behaving in a strange way, you adjusted it in a position, and when it turned it was too loose, if you stretched too much it was dangerous, it was not well, so when I arrive to Fairbanks, Alaska there I had to change it. At this moment that chain had from new 45325 km (28163 miles), I discovered that I was using an incorrect chain lubricant, maybe it could have been chain fatigue for so many miles or the weight of the bike plus passenger and cargo…
weight of the passenger 100kg (220 pounds), weight of the load two side bags with 8 -10 kg each (22 pounds), bag with camping equipment and a gallon of gasoline and a gallon of water total weight of the cargo about 30 to 35 kg (66 - 77 pouds)
Gracias, Jorge, for the useful information.
Walter,
I just recently purchased a BMW R1200GS (2009) ...I turned 60... time is now for a trip. Perhaps not to Alaska but you have inspired me. Thank you for posting!
Brian Wells thanks for watching! As we say in Tanzania, Safari njema, travel well!
me too, 75 now
Creatively done, well-narrated and nice use of stills / video to chronicle your journey. Thanks for sharing and hope you shared this trip with your students to inspire them to explore and take reasonable risks.
osimnod thank you for watching. I certainly learned some lessons that are applicable in the classroom. The trip made me aware of my capabilities and I gained confidence as a teacher and parent and partner. I like your phrase "reasonable risk." It resonates with me. You can step outside of your comfort zone in ways that test you without being too careless. It's an important skill in long distance travel, and in life too.
I did that very trip back in 2012 on my F800GS. I believe it was the wettest summer in recorded history and riding through the Atigun pass was like riding on oatmeal. I celebrated my 61st birthday when I got back and to this day that trip has been the best birthday present ever.
Very well made video! I hope to bicycle the journey you did. Your video helps me know what to expect. I appreciate and respect that you took time to narrate the video, as opposed to just tacking music onto some footage without any comment. You truly let me, the viewer, feel like, as much as possible, the journey you took. Not that I'm any great video critic, I can't think of a single thing I would change in how you made it. Thank you!
Very nicely done. At first I wasn't going to watch this because of the length, but the more I watched, the more I wanted to watch. Now that's the sign of a good story.
I couldn't ask for more. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time. Much appreciated.
This was very nicely laid out!
I am so fascinated by the Dalton Highway! You doing a bike trip enhanced it! Thank you very much!
Very very cool. I did that ride by myself back in 1971 on my 1971 Honda 750. I wish I had the teck stuf then that everyone has now. I had rolls of film and a 35mm camera. My slide projector still works. The roads were not as good back then either! Kudos dude. Jim
JAPN Jim always great to hear from people with firsthand experience. I'm old school enough to be nostalgic for film cameras. Kudos to you for venturing into the real wilderness back then. All the best.
The 'old' days....iron men and aluminum motorcycles.....quite a trip back then.
Wow ! I know those old bikes, myself being 59 years old, and been riding for 41 years. Those old 4 cylinder Hondas were top heavy. I'm guessing that was a REAL challenge.
I've thought of your video often over the last year or so as I think about your circumstance at the time, ie multitude creations happening (the baby growing, strengthening your relationship with your wife, the trip itself, the video...the music, editing) You did all! Your wonderful work here challenges others to create. What a powerful example of living life, craftsmanship, going beyond. Thank you.
Warren Currier thank you for your thoughtful and kind words. They are deeply appreciated.
I haven't ridden a bike in about 35 years, but I felt like I was with you. Thank you!
I bypassed this video many times because of its length. I finally had the patience to sit through it, and was sorry it ended so quickly. Vey well documented with details any ADV rider can relate to. Well done, Walter.
Thanks Tad. I appreciate you taking the time, both to watch and to let me know in the comments. All the best.
This was awesome, thank you so much. I worked out of Deadhorse for 4 years and would always see motorcycle guys parked in front of the hotels, it's so cool to see your story and such a different perspective from mine. And your narration is top notch!
Hey thanks so much. Always good to hear from folks who know the area. Must be an intense place to work!
that was an amazing video. it felt like I was there! i hope to travel this road some day
Nooo chance i find you here
Great presentation. Kudos to you for pulling off the long ride of your dreams; kudos to your wife for being an awesome spouse and supporter.
Thanks for helping to keep my Prudhoe Bay dream alive.
I just watched your Awsome vidio again.
I just don't want "Later to become too late. "
Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Lucky for weather and road conditions.... even luckier for the wife to give her blessings(permission) to accomplish this trek. Well done. Congrats on the offspring.
I've just ten days ago returned from the Dalton - I did it by car. Watching your film inspired me after reading so many doom laden tales and warnings. What a spectacular road! And what a strangely life affirming experience.
John Hoey I’m so glad to hear it. Congrats.
Truly the blood of an adventurer courses through your veins! Awesome video, very inspiring! Respect!
Thank you Walter. I was mesmerized the whole time. The placement of your camera was perfect. It engaged the viewer. Happy anniversary.
A big thank you, Walt, my ride on a 1982 Yamaha 750 Virago got as far north as Fairbanks. I had ridden to various places further south, including Valdez, Palmer, and Homer. I chickened out about going up to Prudhoe Bay after encountering black bear and grizzly bears. Your documentation completed, virtually, the trip for me. Thanks again!
Thank you for making this video. I'm 20 years old studying engineering at a major midwestern university, and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Motorcycling is a passion of mine and I want to make this trip next year. It seems to me that riding long distance is the best meditation for me, and I hope that with the inspiration I got from this video I am able to find myself in this world.
Let me put a bug in yer ear. I always wanted to drive from Key West, Florida to Van Buren, Maine. Now that would be a great ride on a scoot
You wouldn't regret one second of it... I hope that you take the leap and we meet you on the road in some far away country!
For genuine “me time”, you cannot beat motorcycling.
Walter Kitundu, I really, really enjoyed watching your video. I'm 63 and want to do that trip myself before much longer. I've been wondering about the feasibility of doing that trip alone, for the same reasons that you did it alone, and your experience has shown me that it can be done safely with proper preparation. Thank you again for recording your trip and sharing it with us.
"All we have is each other when things get difficult." What a cool video!
Even though certain folks in our country would want to think different.
Being a kid born and raised in Chicago. This video brings me inspiration everytime I see it. I'm 38 now and plan to one day achieve a trip like this. Life is going rather quickly right now. 2 kids in HS. Working as a steelworker the past 15 years I've had dreams of this kind of trip. Everyday I get a little closer to finally pulling the trigger. Looking to trade in my triumph for ADV bike and maybe finally take the next step to s trip of a lifetime . Great video and thank you
This same trip was one of my dad's bucket list things. After he retired in 2012 he made the same trip from Fulton IL on a brand new Goldwing. After 2 months of this epic trip for him he came back home with tons of pictures and stories. Congrats on achieving your same goal.
How could anyone possibly give this a thumbs down? Unless they don't like motorcycles, or Alaska, or a good, well presented story, and if that's the case, then why the heck did they click on this video in the first place. Excellent job Walter. You were honest and sincere. I too, was on the Dalton in June of 2015. Perhaps we rode past each other. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much. I’m sure we must have crossed paths or given a wave at some point. All the best.
Very nicely done. Really enjoyed the ride.
Awesome Players thank you! That means a lot coming from you.
what kind of bike is that it looks cool for touring like this
BMW F800GS but it looks like he took off the "beak" that they're well known for. I'm actually curious about how Walter did that as well.
Wow...well done & thank you!
There was a short beak conversion kit from Wunderlich that I installed. Think it might have been discontinued. I just liked the look with the tall screen and it felt more rally-ish. Purely an aesthetic decision. Every other mod was functional but I allowed myself that extra. And yes, 2012 F800GS
Absolute gold! I need to get a bike and explore the word on two wheels 👌 great piece of work Walter!
You absolutely have to get out there and explore the world on two wheels!!!! It is an amazing experience!
You will never forget it. It is life changing and validating.
Walter, solid content and even better ride! That's totally on my bucket list! My wife and I visited Fairbanks in Oct '21. While there we caught a quick flight up to Coldfoot Camp and had a quick tour of the town, drank water out of a glacier stream and had a beer in the truck stop there. We crossed over the Dalton Hwy but didn't spend any time on it. Thanks for taking the time to make and edit the vid. I was digging the musical accompaniment .
You are a talented writer and narrator. I don't often watch long-ish UA-cam videos, but I wouldn't have thought to hit the pause or stop button. A great film! Thank you for taking me along on your wonderful adventure!
Rick Pappas thank you for your response. I’m glad it resonated with you.
So very entertaining my friend I love how you spoke, so professional, great camera work, and cool still shots too, I feel like I went on the trip. Take care my friend and thanks for sharing
Thank you for allowing me to go along with you.Really enjoyed the trip.
This is one of my favorite videos on UA-cam, have watched it many times, made my whole family watch it and as non-motorcyclists, they were riveted and watched the whole thing. Amazing story so well told.
Hey thanks so much. Glad you are enjoying it. I appreciate your kind words.
Very inspiring video and wonderful storytelling. Keep riding. Hopefully, someday I might be doing the same route.
What an amazing trip! I love your positive open minded outlook on the experiences you were "warned" about before getting there. Great video and I really enjoyed watching your adventure. Thanks for sharing.
Walter you should have called me, I would have totally went with you. I'm so impressed you did this alone on a motorcycle. I bet you replay parts of your journey in your head every single day.
I was poking around on Google maps, as you do, and stumbled upon Dalton Hwy. I was immediately intrigued, so started reading about it, and then started looking for vlogs. That's how I found your video. This is an awesome journey! You're crazy! haha. But I am really enjoying this. What a fascinating world. Greetings from Alabama!
Well edited, well narrated, long enough to tell it all, short enough to be inviting. And the story was interesting. Good on ya.
While I may never get the chance to ride my ADV bike on a trip as long and as adventurous as yours, it's important for you to know that the time you took to make the trip and then put together this video is a truly inspirational endeavor. For those of us that dream of doing this, but can't for many reasons (no time, no money, physical barriers, mental aptitude, or others), we appreciate allowing us to take this journey with you, albeit in the digital world. My rides are mostly 2-5 days and 80% asphalt. But perhaps someday, after I'm 60 years old this year, I'll take a bigger chunk out of life!
Amazing adventure, Walter! Glad you got to live out a dream before starting another chapter in your life. Thank you for efforts on making such a great video.
An awesome moto adventure. Beautifully shot, musically complemented, and well told--thank you, and bless the roads you travel upon!
Awesome, Walter. My hat's off to you for having such ambition. Thank you for sharing this excellent video.
Walter, Thanks again for documenting your great ride. Out of all my research your video was the most helpful in preparing for my trip. I made it to Dead Horse (solo) on July 1 of this year on my F6B Honda. Many thanks and happy riding to you! David
Thank you for the feedback and congratulations on a successful run to Deadhorse. That's a serious bike to take and it must have been a great ride. All the best to you!
tentcamper well done
Good video. I'm in Fort St John BC. Grew up on the Alaska Highway between here and the Yukon border. Glad you could visit.
A true ride on the wild side and a very inspiring and enjoyable video! Apart from the motorcycling, I love the wildlife references, snow buntings etc!
Absolutely amazing brother. Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful piece of your life. Stay safe and god bless.✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Melvin Jacobs thanks for watching. Ride on! 👊🏾
One of the most enjoyable motorcycle videos I’ve seen. Ride safely
Hey Walter, what an awesome adventure. You are indeed the quintessential man of adventure. I have done 6 road trips to ALASKA from KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI. But of course on my road trips, I drove a JEEP LIBERTY. On 3 of my road trips to ALASKA, I had the opportunity to take on the DALTON HIGHWAY for the drive up to DEADHORSE / PRUDHOE BAY. That was the most exciting part of my 5 week odyssey!! On my way up to ALASKA, I drove north up through ALBERTA, CANADA and then west across the province of BRITISH COLUMBIA to the town of PRINCE RUPERT where I caught the ALASKA FERRY for the 4 day cruise up through the beautiful INSIDE PASSAGE to the town of HOMER, ALASKA. From HOMER, I spent 2 weeks tooling around the beautiful state of ALASKA. The drive from FAIRBANKS to DEADHORSE / PRUDHOE BAY and back was the last leg of my ALASKA adventure before heading back to the lower 48 on the famous ALASKA HIGHWAY. I am so inspired by your video and your tremendous sense of adventure. Not many people would have the courage to do what you did, especially on a motorcycle. My hat's off to you. I'm heading back to ALASKA for my 7th road trip later this month. Take care my adventurous friend!!
isadore adger enjoy your 7th trip. So glad you took the time to ride along with me. You seem a true adventurer at heart and in practice. All the best!
This is amazing. September 2020 my Dad and I drove to the Dalton Highway sign from Fairbanks. AK-2 north of Fairbanks is scary but the scenery was gorgeous. Pictures and videos do not do the landscape justice.
I’m only 16 but I’m gonna try and save for a bike and a travel across the US after college. This video gave me no doubt that it’s what I want to do.
Congratulations on what looked like an awesome adventure Walter and thank you for sharing it with all of us. Hopefully things with your new family are going well and you will soon enough take everyone on a similar trip!
Hey Walter, I’m from the UK and had the pleasure of riding the Dalton in June of 2015 also...in this film you can see my calling card on the middle post of the Dalton Highway sign. Anyhow I just wanted to say thanks! your video is fantastic and really illustrates that particular trip I’ve been showing this to all of my friends as it gives such a good taste of the experience. I tip my cap to you sir!
I'm placing you under citizens arrest, Julian, for defacing public property (wink).
The States have so much to offer. I hope that folk from the UK can experience all of its mountains peaks, Grand Canyons, and everything in between!
Fantastic piece of art- music, adventure , man and machine- inspirational; thanks for sharing it
Very well done production. Your voice over, photos - the sense of adventure and accomplishment. Really a very wonderful story. Thank you for your care and effort in this production.
John Roth thank you for the kind words.
4 years on and here i'm on your channel and so proud of seeing my country's flag Tanzania 🇹🇿🇹🇿🇹🇿 on one of your panniers 🤗🤗🤗🤗.. welcome back again
I bookmarked this a long time back and just "found" it again and viewed, twice. This was fun and so glad you shared it with us all. Don't know if anyone has seen it, but a guy made a trip similar to this on a 900 Kaw Classic.
Congratulations on your epic trip! Thanks so much for sharing with all us dreamers. The angle you shot most of the riding made it seem almost like riding with you.
Bill S. Thanks for riding along!
I’m 77 and that trip is on my bucket list, riding a Indian Chieftain now but have to get an adventure bike.
You can totally do it on anything!!! I love seeing videos and then reading comments about how inspired people get!!! It would be the best decision you've ever made! There is a whole lot to explore out there, from your backyard, home State, country and world wide!!
I’ve never watched a UA-cam video for more than 3 minutes without changing it, but man the storytelling, pictures and watching the camera on the side of the bike really drew me in 26 minutes felt like 5
I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching.
Hello Water - I wrote here 5 years ago, about my dream to go to Deadhorse.
Two months ago I was there (on July 11, to be more precise). By chance, I stayed at the same hotel (Aurora). I am now re-watching your video because I miss those places.
I rode my motorbike from Calgary, Alberta, to Yellowknife and then West to Alaska and Deadhorse and other places. 25 days, 11,500 km / 7,145 miles, by myself.
I raised funds for a Youth Mental Health non-profit during the ride - because I grew up in a country will less possibilities, while I was a teenager; and I changed the name from "On My Way" to "On Our Way", just to make them feel more included.
Your video stayed on my mind, from countless that I've seen before leaving. Thank you for doing it and cheers to such an amazing trip.
AMAZING story, great inspiration. Thanks for sharing and for making my day a little brighter!
Very nicely done video. What a trip! Thanks for sharing. I've been to Alaska years ago on an outdoor adventure and now yearn to go on my BMW 1200. Thanks for the inspiration!
just bought my first motorcycle and I am inspired to take a long trip one day. I enjoyed watching this. Thanks for sharing
You can totally do it!!! I love seeing videos and then reading comments about how inspired people get!!! It would be the best decision you've ever made! There is a whole lot to explore out there, from your backyard, home State, country and world wide!!
Don’t know how many time i have watched your video. Every time you inspired me.
Love n respect for u from my depth of heart 💓...
Advantur with gr150 thank you for the kind words. All the best!
Fabulous video. Loved the music and narrative was spot on. Makes me wonder...”why not?”
What an experience. I read an article in a Motorcycle mag years ago, where the author travelled cross country on unpaved back roads, and like that article, your video has inspired me once again to take a coast to coast (and maybe beyond, lol) journey.
They warn of the dangers ahead, in these obscure places, but a friend of mine who was less than an hour into a trip from Los Angeles to Mexico City, was killed at an intersection by a drunk driver running a red light. He died at 1 pm on his 60th birthday.
Ride safe, and enjoy the new journey of being a father.
Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you are able to ride out into the world in his memory.
Wow Walter. That is a great video. I didn't skip ahead one time. Just wonderfully done. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure.
Bob R thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. I've been blown away by the positive responses and it makes me want to make a proper film when I ride the length of Africa in a few years time.
Great job Walter. Not too many videos with this much detail and commentary of the Dalton on a bike. I've yet to make it myself, so it was very helpful.
john.advrider thank you for the feedback. When I was planning the trip I remember wanting basic information on the scope of the trip and footage that clearly showed the riding conditions. I'm glad this will be useful. I highly recommend the ride if you get the opportunity!
What an awesome adventure and great little documentary. I worked up in Deadhorse in the early 80's when I was a young buck. It was oilfield work in the middle of the winter. No sun, lots of snow, ice, artic foxed and long nights of hard work. On a clear night the Northern Lights are amazing and when the wind kicked up it could easily get 40 below zero and you always had this feeling on being in a different planet. It would be awesome to take a solo adventure up there in the summer.
Thanks for posting, if you've ever done thousands of miles solo on a bike in remote places, and do not speak the local languages there is a mental freedom on it.
You value all interaction with your fellow humans and the pure generosity of people becomes apparent.
There is only the now. 😁.
Thanks again, time to get the kit out again next year.
Good job. You are a lucky man. Thank you for the great video.
Possibly on the coolest videos I've seen on UA-cam! Very inspiring enjoyed every second 🙏🏼
Ivan Abarca thank you so much. Really glad you enjoyed it!
What a great documentary and well filmed, really had me engaged. Im glad you did this trip and hope you do many more and always take that chance as you may never get it again and would always regret it. Thank you....D
I've watched this a number of times over the years since you posted it. I still enjoy it. I bought a motorcycle camper this month, and I can't wait to get on the road with it and give this ride a go.
In the summer of 1989, I rode my 1975 Kawasaki H2 750 2 stroke from Fayetteville, NC to Republic, WA for a job opportunity in construction; I was on a tight timeline. I did 3100 miles in 7 days, through June bugs, downpours, hot summer days, and frigid nights going through Montana. I had carburetor issues in Wyoming; some helpful guys on Harleys loaned me some tools so i could disassemble and clean them, all 3. I had to stop at rest areas along the way at night in Montana to use the hand dryers to stave off hypothermia. Just outside of Spokane, a cylinder seized; I pulled the spark plug and rode the rest of the way blowing fuel out of the dead cylinder. A scary moment happened just before the Columbia River crossing, when i almost rear ended a pickup truck about 60 miles from my destination. I made it safely however through my adventure! Loved your video!
Your vid has come up on my recommended videos for a while...decided to finally watch it. Very well done. Your destination, music, cinematography...well made and a great video. The stone swap was a nice touch. Videos like this I find inspiring. Good job, thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
Shane
Shane F thanks for your comment. All the best.
Your trip reminded me of MINE in 2010...at age 64 on my R1200GS.
You STAYED at my EXACT campsite at the Marion Creek Campground...lots of 'skeeters...huh.
The only place that I think you might have missed was about 5 miles North of the Yukon River Bridge on the left hand side heading north.
A famous 'road house' for truckers....with 1/2 pound burgers for a mere $13.00 and worth every penny.
A trucker there asked me which way I was headed..."North", I said.
"Watch out... for the magnesium chloride they (Dept of Transp.) are spraying on the road.
Slipperier than snot...really.
For others watching this video...
CONSIDER staying at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus (rooms are really cheap when students are gone during the summer months.) Also valid in Anchorage if you're head that way. Room was about $60.
Glad I watched your entire video...my round trip was to/from Castle Rock, CO.
Did you stop at FAST EDDIE's in TOK, AK for a meal?
For others heading that way...find FE's...you won't be disappointed.
Romeo Whiskey great comment and some good advice. I knew I was missing the burgers but sometimes you have to pick your spots. Next time I’ll be sure to get one. Thanks for watching and sharing some of your story.
I'm 61 and planning to buy and do a motorcycle adventure thanks romeo whiskey now I know it can be done also excellent video and story by that rider
@@schristiansen3151 As mentioned, "Fast Eddies"
Fast Eddie's was great!
Small world indeed!
Awesome video. You lived one of my dreams...
Excellent video and trip! My buddy and I made that exact trip in a rented Jeep Cherokee in May of 1993 - apparently just weeks after a court ruled the Dalton Highway had to allow public access since it was maintained with tax dollars. There was a guard/gate house at the start - but nobody was there so we headed past.
Your video brings back so many great memories - including stunning scenery and sleeping in the jeep along the way up because there were grizzlies in the area! At Prudhoe Bay the service station owner couldn't believe we were naive enough to make the drive without a couple full size spare tires onboard and proceeded to look in his stock of used wheels/tires - intending to loan them to us (he told us to give them to a trucker at Yukon River station to return them to him). Unfortunately, he didn't have our size wheel.
On the return trip we camped but in mid May - even with near constant sunlight - the cold required us to sleep in our coats/hats/gloves. Nevertheless, I woke up to find my buddy had gotten in the jeep and periodically started it to stay warm - but he assured me he was paying attention to fuel and that we had enough to get back. We just barely did.
As we neared Fairbanks the Jeep started handling sloppily and I assumed my buddy was tired - but learned when we stopped in Fairbanks that a rock had punctured our tire and it was going flat. We lucked out that a tire shop was right there and fixed it immediately! We were also lucky that we had full insurance in the rental car because flying rocks from the passing trucks had shattered a headlight and cracked the windshield.
I hope to do the trip again with my son but expect rental cars are not allowed - and that GPS tracking would make that restriction enforceable. So I have some research to do! :)
Thanks for posting the video!
Thanks Walt for sharing your amazing journey with us! I felt like I was along for the ride! Be safe out there!
I really enjoyed this vicarious trip, you have a nice narration and good presentation, I wish you the very best for you and your larger family! Cheers!
Ogsonofgroo thank you for your warm and gracious comment! All the best to you!
Thanks for this inspirational video I plan to go to Alaska with my wife from Mexico on my F800GS in July 2017
jorge perez I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm sure you will have an amazing trip.
42 days with a wife on the back dont bring your Sena com.
Great journey!!! My dreams Go to Brazil from Alaska!!
Hugs from Brazil!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ride!!! All the best 🍀
Been on some long rides in my day, some solo, some with company, but all were amazing adventures. Doing that ride solo was a bold move my brother. Much respect. Stay safe, stay upright, and keep living with passion.
Cool ride cowboy. Wish I could take off 6 weeks and take an adventure ride like that. Very, very cool.
I hope you get the chance to explore the States in detail! There is so much to see, 6 weeks is just enough time to see a good fraction of the US!
Over the years, I've watched this a number of times, particularly in the colder months when I am planning rides instead of enjoying them. You do fine work in that regard sir.
way to go, it likely changed you forever, for the better.
100,000 plus miles for this guy on a Harley.
Rick Evans why point out your bike ? You make it sound like you are surprised ! Rode 2 up on our Ducati from Pennsylvania to California in 2016 ! Stopped on the side of the road in Colorado to take a photo of the odometer at 190.000 . sold it with 205.000 😎😎😎😎😎🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺
Wow man. I am also a later bloomer MC guy. Motorcycle saved my life. Gave me passion in my life when I had no more and was rock bottom. My love for the two wheel machines run so deep. I like your movie. Your a good speaker and photographer. One time I feel asleep on my BMW r1150RTP ex police trainer. I heard a boat horn coming. From the distance and came out of my micro nap just in time to swerve out of the way from an 18 wheeler headed STRAIGHT AT ME. That was a close call that I KNOW of. Just imagine all of them that I never even noticed. Mind boggling. That was in Death Valley Cali. I have been off the saddle for about 3 years and I FINALLY got back on a bike last week. I can not explain how good it feels. Just getting my groove right and learning my new bike. I like your style man. Ride safe and true. 🙏💚🍃👍🏾
I've watched this video countless times over the years. It's what gave me inspiration and confidence to ride solo to Prudhoe. I leave in 54 days. My trip will take me 8,800 miles and I will also ride the Denali and Richardson Hwys. I look forward to posting back here my success.