Motorcycle Trip to Alaska | Going Back in 2024!
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Ever since Peter, Steven and I returned from Alaska in 2017, we have talked about going back one day and for the last couple of years, it has been at the forefront of my mind. Next year I turn 65 and it is time to do another big adventure. I am going to jump on my motorcycle and ride back to Alaska!
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley
I love riding in a group - a group of one! I’ve tried riding in groups before and ended up more frustrated and/or mad. From those who can’t pass a rest area without stopping, a gas station without stopping, etc.. I enjoy doing what I want to do and when I want to do it.
Amen Brother!
Gas station in Alaska YOU STOP !
I don't camp anymore either when I am on the road. It adds time and work to the trip setting up, cooking etc. on top of the added space it takes. Frankly at our age most of us don't have the best backs etc and having a nice bed to sleep in after a long day on the road is nice.
I'm the kind of guy that doesn't even like to ride with my best friend. He wants to ride 10-20 mph over the limit, while passing and taking a chance on speeding tickets. I have cruise control, stay dead on the speed limit, hardly ever pass anyone, and haven't had a speeding ticket since 1987. I have a real hard time with people believing that it's ok to cut in on your time and plans. Have a great trip and I'll be watching for the videos.
Sir
What a timely video! I turned 65 this year and I just went to the SSA and retired myself Last week! I'll be available to tag along on the next Alaska trip because I now have nothing better to do. 🤣
I'm sure we can set a record for two 2023 Triumph Tiger GT Explorers entering Alaska at the same time!
Ride Safe and BE safe Sir! 👍👍
Congrats on turning 65. Many more to come 😊
It’s just getting nice here in Phoenix: mid 70s. Perfect weather.
Also a solo rider. No drama, get to go as fast or slow as I want. Get to go when and where I want. Riding to food is always goo, especially on great roads.
That’s exciting news! After your last Alaska trip, you inspired me to buy
a Super Tenere ES which I still own and ride through present day. I couldn’t agree with you more about using camping as a “base of operations” as opposed to constantly setting up and breaking down all over the place. Also that can save some packing weight on your trip as well. I’m excited to see how “Returning to the Pilgrimage” unfolds. You learned so much from the first Pilgrimage that’s already paying dividends towards this second go around with the initial planning process. So thrilled for you. Go get em’ Craig!
Good luck on your next trip.
The explanation about Itchy Boots certainly put an end to camping. Sounds truly great and I get the slower pace. 300-mile segments are wise and fyi, on the Dempster it is about 300 miles to Eagle Plains which has a gas station and motel. The next day would be 300 miles to Inuvik and the Bearing Sea. Know you'd love that ride. No more from me on comparing the Dalton to the Dempster though. The Cassier Highway in BC is phenomenal. I'll likely never ride to Alaska again, but I'd sure love to do the Cassier. Stunning place. Cathie deserves many compliments for being a woman of patience and understanding!
WOW I will be looking forward to following your trip next year
I went to Alaska alone in 2001 on a 2001 Goldwing. It was a fantastic adventure. I was averaging about 650 miles per day. If I did it now I would do about 300-400 miles a day too. I did not camp during my trip. I traveled light. Have fun buddy.
I have a 2002 Goldwing. I'm curious, how far north were you able to go on that bike?
Looking forward to following your trip next year and taking some notes for a future trip of my own. I respect the fact that you’re upfront about the tagalong idea. I like socializing also but prefer to travel on my own schedule and agenda.
Awesome. I will also be leaving in July from Delaware to Deadhorse on solo trip. Maybe we will cross paths.
That would be cool. Say hello if you see me.
Hi I agree with your philosophy on travelling by motorcycle it's nice to do your own thing and yes I definitely don't camp it's hotel's all the way for me.As a British rider I have had the good fortune to ride quite extensively throughout Europe, but in 2025 I plan to visit Alaska, northwest Canada and the USA so I will be following your plans for your ride to Alaska quite keenly good luck.
I live in South Florida. We are now just coming into our season 😁
I’m with you. When the wife and I travel, we stay at hotels. We have a camper and take several camping trips during the summer around our home, but for long distance travel on motorcycle, hotels and motels it is. I like to travel as light as possible and that just isn’t possible when camping. And the extra 1-2 hours it takes to set up and break camp each day is 1-2 hours less riding and sightseeing. Just not a good value proposition for me. Enjoy the planning! We went to Alaska in 2019, thankfully before the covid nonsense set in, and had a great trip. I was retired, but we still took only 33 days as the wife starts to miss the grandkids too much after about a month. 😁
I rode to Alaska last year and will have to go back again.
I agree with traveling lighter. Particularly if you are going to ride the Dalton. I did the Dempster and rode my bike light. Staying in expensive motels. It worked for me. I like camping. Camping wasn't the purpose of my trip.
The HWY 16 from the Casiar turn of to Rupert is every bit as spectacular as the Ice field's.
An option exists to ride up Vancouver Island and take the ferry to Prince Rupert.
The North Island HWY is also very nice.
Unfortunatly I missed the stop in Stewart or Hyder. Definetly have to stop next time.
A day trip to Sgagway from Whitehorse. Spectacular road. Don't miss it.
Haines I didn't have time. On my to do list.
I saw Wrangle with the midnight sun shinning on it. Didn't have time. I will make time to visit Wrangle, Valdez. Seward.
I got some really nice picture of the Matanuska Glacier, There is a road up to it.
I didn't ride out to the penisula. So I didnt get as far west as the roads go.
There is a really nice route to Denali which miss Anchorage.
I skipped the Dalton and Deadhorse. I chose the Dempster because I am Canadian.
An American might choose the Dalton.
I've done the Dempster, so next time Dalton or both.
There is an Alaska State ferry from Belingham it eventualy gets to Anchorage. I dont I can afford it. They also have a ferry which leaves Prince Rupert. to Sgagway I think.
So many roads and places to see, you just cant see them all.
Not sure when I will go back Alaska. I haven't been to Boston yet. Might have to go stick my tow in the Atlantic before I go back to the Arctic.
Enjoy your ride.
I am fortunate that on nice winter days I can get my Spyder out and enjoy the day.
I saw a Spyder in Eagle Plains don't know how it got there but I'm sure it was a fun ride.
Man, you got to camp at the Lower Laird Hot Springs. Spend an extra day there and just relax.
Been there, it is awesome.
I am from Newfoundland Canada, and I have travelled on both sides of the Great Lakes.
I would stay south of Lake Superior
Living your best life! Way to go!
Sounds great, this will help me in the future to make the most of going to Alaska.
My 901 Expedition is in the shop for the winter, and I'm going into withdrawals already. Alaska is on my to-ride list but not for another couple of years. If your return trip brings you near the North Okanogan Highlands, WA, you've got a place to stay if needed. Or I can show you my favorite local ride (about 25 miles) past beaver ponds, meadows, lakes and one of the funnest mountain twisties I've ridden on. It ends at a small mountain lodge perched on a lake, deep in the forest with fantastic food.
Not sure of the route yet, but send me an email and I will let you know if I am going to be in the area.
Fantastic! I love the seasons as well to allow me to plan the next one which is always a huge part of the fun. I’m sure you are going to get a ridiculous amount of input from your viewership….so here is mine! If you are going anywhere near Quesnel British Columbia on Highway 97 (1.25 hours South of Prince George BC) you really need to visit Barkerville, BC. This historic ghost town does not get the love it deserves because it is a one hour ride off the main highway.z. But if you love Goldrush Ghost Towns, I am telling you this is the most authentic and best preserved I have ever seen and I’ve visited a ton! If it was on highway 97 and not an hour off the main route, it would be truly world famous in the leagues of Tombstone AZ (and more authentic). Look forward to seeing how your trip unfolds.
So who are you going with? You may want to bring a small tent and pad as a just in case. Sure you can book stuff but you never know, especially with the fires. A couple of years ago we had a hotel booked and the night before we were to arrived it burned down, had to settle for a $500 per night AirBnB.
I am excited for you! Hope you go to Whittier and Salmon Glacier.
Camping every night on a long MC trip sucks. Been there done that several times. I’m good..
Glad you're getting to go back 👍 With your own routes and schedule this this time, plus the experience factor should make this run even better. Also, the Tiger 1200 is a better ride and will be much easier on you over such a distance than the Super Tenere' was.
I've been dreaming about doing a ride up to Alaska for the last five years. I took the wife up in 2019 and again this year truck camping and loved every minute of both trips. Doing it two wheels would be the icing on the cake. I might do a solo trip up to Hyder next summer just for an appetizer and to see a few of the smaller parks like Waterton.
Followed your last trip and looking forward to following this one. Gonna be a few more years before I can do that trip as I don’t want any time restraints. Might be riding to your area next summer for the NEBDR. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
That's a hell of a trip, good luck. General consensus is at 65 we have (hopefully) ten good years before slowing down so make the most of it ... something I need to tell myself too!
Another good one! Thanks for the Candor. Love to ride to food as well, Cafes and coffee shops are like an Oasis to me. Riding solo all day and sleeping alone in the sticks made me concerned about going feral. Being a little introverted, I find short visits with different people along the way can make the fabric of a great trip. Enjoy the planning!
Craig, 65 is not so bad. At least I keep telling myself that! LOL. I passed it a few yrs ago. Medicare does cause a reality check on life in general though! LOL. I lived and rode in Alaska for over 20 yrs. Retired back to the lower 48 last yr. Loved your last trip to Alaska. I think you already realize to take more time!!! I'm going to drop you an email later today. Be safe!
I also just turned 65 two weeks ago. I also will be returning back to Alaska. I am doing an iron butt in July 2024 from Key West to Prudhoe Bay. You didn't say the time frame you are going but as a follower for many years it would be great to cross paths... maybe have a stick & drink. My route will be up 95ish from Key West to Montreal, hang a left and take the Trans Canadian to Edmonton, hang a right and straight north... lol. Good luck with your trip, hope to see a lot of updates... also what's this stuff about putting the bike away ??? I live in Daytona Beach Florida !!!
If timing works out that would be great. Email me and I can let you know more details as I know them.
You have to do Key West to Prudhoe! Also, book Aurora Hotel in Deadhorse it's the best camp. See ya in 24! 3' of snow in Anchorage today!
I do? That would riding through Florida twice...no thanks.
I hope you have a great trip and video the best parts. You might look into Tuk while up there. Don't blame you for not camping.
As someone else commented you may need to bring camping gear. I did the trip in 2019 and all hotels were full with fire fighters and if you could find one $$$. rooms in Cold foot have no a/c and it was over 85 when I stayed and I chose the free grass tent area it was much cooler than the trailer rooms. Food and beer were very good at Cold foot. Rivers edge campground in Fairbanks is nice and has a coin opp. pressure washer to clean your bike after the trip up the haul road. Safe travels.
Oh and you want to stay at the Aurora Hotel in Deadhorse
I get your reasons for not camping - they match up with mine for the most part. BUT - don't you think you still need to bring some minimal camping gear - just in case? Looking forward to your planning videos!
I am one of the few who RVs and Motorcyles. Been doing for over 2 decadea.As my wife got her license and riding . Along with kids becoming teens. We are thinking or getting a small class C and a trailer to take the bikes on RV trips .
Congrats on return to Alaska. Been watching itchy boots and with umingala pass the highest motor able road open for foreign nationals I been mulling with making it in 24 or 25.
Been on too many trips and even with people I have know and ridden for years to run into personality issues.
Anyway enjoy the 50s might head to the bean at pomfret ct for a lunch. Ride safe.
If you are doing the Stewart Cassier take the time to go to Hyder AK and see Bear and Salmon glaciers. Be aware there really is not much at Deadhorse but it is worth the ride up. I did it with a brother of the road in 2023. Plan in flexibility for your Dalton run if you can. That will allow you to make your run when the weather is as good as possible. Last I checked the only option to get to the Arctic Ocean the shuttle from Deadhorse Camp. If you can work in Top of the World Highway it is also worth the ride if you didn’t do it last time.
I ride with a select group of Guys on long trips. We have done 3 so far and it has worked out very well. We seem to have similar endurance limits so it works out very well. The camaraderie is great and I am not sure I would want to do a long trip by myself. Everybody is different looking forward to your videos chronicling your upcoming trip.
Riding with friends is great, but not knowing if you are comfortable before leaving is not. There are things you just can't know until you have ridden and roomed together.
Man, that sounds like it's going to be a funtastic trip. Our schedule is already on the calendar but...We would change direction in a heartbeat to ride with you on part of your route. (depending on where we are at the time). We both retired in 2014, so work is not a problem lol. No worries, not a tag-along.
I would love that! Let's see if we can work that out.
Highly recommend Sven's Base Camp Hostel in Fairbanks, stayed there in 2023, very biker friendly with a lot of rider's heading up the Dalton. I believe you can get your own private cabin, although I shared a semi-permanent tent with a couple others.
Motorcycle road trips with friends is fun but it’s even better solo. U get to ride at your own pase and stop whenever. I usually keep between 500 to 800 miles a day and occasionally 1000 mile plus day. Once I retire and have more time I would love to cut it back to 200 to 400 a day. But I still have at least another 22 years for that lol.
Sounds like a great adventure. The big question is, what are you going to ride?
My Triumph Tiger 1200
Jeeze, I live in Bc and haven’t been to Alaska. I should go!
Leave the camping to the young ones , its nice to take your time and visiting locals ... will follow you planning im am interested in your process ,i will sign up Alain & Yellow
Sounds like a great plan for you and friends!!! I prefer solo riding, 'camping' at Motel 6 and Super 8, and have Utah and it's Nat Parks as part of the tour. I no longer cross California or Nevada because they do not honor my CC permit, and I'm always armed. The aggressive bums got to me in Cali too. They see this old man on a BMW and were harassing me for $ quite often.
Why not Ride North through Lower MI then West through Upper MI to Duluth ..?
Looking into it.
Now thats some adventure need a wing man😂...looking at shipping companies to ship my bike to the US when does it start😊
Time to ride Snowmobiles. I wanted to ride my Motorycle to AK and visit my Uncle, but he died last summer..
Very sorry for your loss.
Sounds like a great trip. I'm guessing you're not going to take the BMW 1600GT?
That is a no!
Not in Australia mate “ not even in our Winter 🥶 “ we still ride “ snow ❄️ what’s that 😂😂😂
Do you have heated gear?
I do.
what motorcycle will you be riding?
Tiger 1200
I have always been interested in doing the Canada version of this to Tuktoyaktuk. IMHO a more interesting and more challenging ride than Alaska.
maps.app.goo.gl/goxyYqqmHWJAG9fc9
Looks like a great ride. Others have suggested this as well. We shall see...
A few videos out there on the trip, but I like different and this allows you to go through some nice areas around Glacier and Yellowstone on the way. Hopefully I can do this in 2024 as well.
@@LivingOffTheSlab
Jeez craig, not interested in doing an iron butt saddle sore everyday heading up and everyday towards home? ;-)
RV lifestyle? Yuk!
(Wives be darned....)
I'm planing on going to Alaska This year (2024), but I'm coming from a little bit far south, I'm in México, just a mere 10,000 mile trip which Will Take about a month and a half according to my calculations, I'm planing on doing some camping and some hoteles (but mostly camping, about 60-70%),
I plan on doing it June, July months. Also riding with 2-3 more fellows, (or that's the idea, hope they don't step down).
By the way, I turned 60 years young last november, This is my present For me.
Planing on doing 300 Miles or about each day, planing on going on the 101 or Also #1 on some streches, ...by the way not riding a GS or nothing like that, Planing on taking the Big whale Yamaha Road star 1700, Maybe an R18.