June 9th, 2009 | 
Author: Well, at least that what it said when I started this post.
Thanks for all the comment so far too!
A bit of a change in the game plan. After talking with Steve and going over how far we are going and looking at weather conditions, we deceided not to camp on this trip and concentrate on just making some better time getting there so we can explore more of Alaska. Without camping, we can easliy pick up another 100 to 150 more miles a day, and when you add that over 21 days, that adds up! Also, a hell of lot easier to pack. Basically just pack all your foul weather gear in the hard bags and your clothes in a waterproof bag that you just stap on the back. Then whe you arrive at the hotel, just grab the bag and your done.
Tommorrow evening we meet up with the head Stromboli, Dean Tanji, who just finished this trip two weeks ago with Lisa. We can get some feedback on what we may encounter.
Getting jazzed about leaving now……
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Well, I met with the 'northbound two' over pizza and beer Tuesday. A friend and I attempted a similar ride two weeks ago. I rode from SoCal to 57 miles short of Deadhorse, AK (4,040 miles in 7 days) and threw a drive chain. This damaged my transmission so my Alaska adventure was over.
Ten important advice I passed on the JimmyV and Big Steve:
10. Stock VStrom kickstand pad will sink into soft dirt and/or mud and the bike will fall over.
9. Never pass a known gas station for an unverified gas station (i.e. a GPS located gas station).
8. Roads under repair (dirt/gravel/mud) have little warning and often at the end of big fast sweepers.
7. Take care of your chain!!!!
6. Do not feed the bears! Grizzly OR Polar Bears.
5. On the Dalton Hwy, learn to like rain, mud and sludge.
4. Do go swim in the Arctic Ocean.
3. The Midnight Sun really messes with your senses!
4. Most Deadhorse hotels are "all you can eat" food.
1. Deadhorse is a dry town! BYOB
Dean Tanji
I think we will pay attention to number 1!!
Terrific site ! Have a safe & great trip !
Number 6 is also advisable .
Rich
Black Bears are easy, they like peanuts!
Following you along since you left this morning. This SPOT thing is ever so cool!!! Just like we see on TV! I'm posting this just as you've arrived at waypoint 14 and messaged that you're OK, just south of Little Lake. What an adventure!! Have a grand time! And the anal-editor in me says fix your message, "…having the time of their lives."