2009 Alaska Motorcycle Trip

I am sad to report there are no new member’s in the Arctic Ocean Blue Ball’s Association.  JV & BS took the excursion out to the Arctic Ocean but with 35 degree F in rain and snow AND gusting winds, they chose not to even dip their toes into the Arctic.  I think this decision was made because there is no alcohol in Deadhorse.  If alcohol was permitted, those two would have been very white floating blubber for the Killer Whales!!!!  Without the influence of Johnny Walker, it was common sense over a manly dare!

There are 4 other riders at the Arctic Caribou and a couple riders staying at other locations.  Last night JV & BS had dinner with a few of them and exchanged road warrior stories.

8:39 AM:  Our “Northbound Two” are now southbound.  Both had fixes to do before they left.  It was very difficult to work on the bikes in front of the Arctic Caribou Inn in 35 degree F in rain and snow AND 35 mph winds.

Learned a little more about Big Steve’s “bottoming out” problem.  At first I thought that BIG Steve was getting too B-I-G.  But I learned that the previous owner had lowered the bike and Big Steve left it that way.  So it was a combination of Big Steve, lowered bike, taller knobby tires and dirt/gravel/frost heaved roads that resulted in a hole wearing through the plastic rear fender.  Steve worked finding a patch for the hole.  He found help and was able to cut an old mud flap to pattern and then layered a towel to keep it in place.

JimmyV reported a loss of power to his accessories (heated grips and phone charging station).  They could not find a reason but the alternative is going straight to the battery bypassing the relay.  He does not need this power to return down the Dalton Hwy.

If the bikes stay running, the return trip will be quicker.  They are on a familiar road and are in a road warrior state-of-mind.

The road south is a slow climb from the tundra to the Atigun Pass, 169 miles.  The snow and rain stacks up against the north side of the Brooks Mountain range.  There is a good chance it will be snowing or at least raining on the approach to the pass.  The weather should be warmer on the southern side.

Their goal is Coldfoot, 239 miles, but if the weather is good and they feel strong, they might power through to Fairbanks.  Remember, there is no night here.  The entire ride would be made in daylight!!  The decision will be made at Coldfoot.

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