Oregon to Alaska by Motorcycle. (Coos Bay: hotels, to buy, construction) - (OR) - City-Data Forum

Steve Pickering · 03-06-2013, 02:14 PM

My wife has a close friend she grew up with in Coos Bay from early childhood, who moved to Alaska about 35 years ago.

We are considering a bike trip this summer to Ninilchik (sp). The bike is not an issue because at 110 cubic inches and a 100 HP V-Twin, we will be able to take enough gear to enjoy the ride.

What I am wonering about is the roads and the best route. I know others who have biked it all the way with Street Bikes, and my Sister lived up there for awhile with a street bike. My wife has been there a few times but she took the ferry.

Any sugestions?

We also have an F-350 Turbo Diesel Crew Cab 4X4 with a fullsize Alaskin Rated Cabover Camper. If you don't think the bike is the way to go, how are diesel prices along the way? I have never been north of Seattle.

Steve Pickering · 03-06-2013, 02:52 PM

After thinking about it I posted this in the Alaska Forum also. I think I may find more Alaskins who have made the trip than Oregonians.

hamellr · 03-06-2013, 03:18 PM

I was researching the roads for a trip up this summer myself because last time I went it was still largely unpaved and very remote in places. You had to take extra tires, extra fuel, and extra food.

From what I've found, the ALCAN is now 100% paved. BUT, the frost kills it in sections so that odds are that you will run across road construction, usually these are small sections, 100 yards or so, but a few miles at a time is not unheard of.

You can find gas about every 50 miles, repairs every 200 miles these days. If you break down on the weekends, or after hours, expect to park where you are until Monday or pay a hefty towing fee. ($5/mile was suggested in two places.) If you're going to need hotels, be sure to book them ahead of time.

Guide to the Alaska Highway by Ron Dalby was consistently said to be "the" book for this trip in multiple places. Apparently it's updated every couple of years, so be sure to get a newish version.

You might think about riding the Ferry too. Since you've got a small vehicle it might not be too bad financially.

Steve Pickering · 03-06-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamellr

I was researching the roads for a trip up this summer myself because last time I went it was still largely unpaved and very remote in places. You had to take extra tires, extra fuel, and extra food.

From what I've found, the ALCAN is now 100% paved. BUT, the frost kills it in sections so that odds are that you will run across road construction, usually these are small sections, 100 yards or so, but a few miles at a time is not unheard of.

You can find gas about every 50 miles, repairs every 200 miles these days. If you break down on the weekends, or after hours, expect to park where you are until Monday or pay a hefty towing fee. ($5/mile was suggested in two places.) If you're going to need hotels, be sure to book them ahead of time.

Guide to the Alaska Highway by Ron Dalby was consistently said to be "the" book for this trip in multiple places. Apparently it's updated every couple of years, so be sure to get a newish version.

You might think about riding the Ferry too. Since you've got a small vehicle it might not be too bad financially.

I looked into it last year. The toll is pretty high, but I was told we can camp on deck. It kind of defeats the purpose though. Think of all the highway you miss. And a missed highway is a missed adventure.

karlsch · 03-06-2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

Any sugestions?

It can be a tiring trip on a motorcycle. It's a long journey getting to Alaska and then you still have to ride many miles to see things.

One of my old motorcycle racing buddies has one of the major motorcycle dealerships in Anchorage. Every summer, motorcycle riders who have ridden up from the lower 48 come in and want him to buy their motorcycles, or want to have them crated up and shipped back down.

Usually they are older guys like yourself. You should think twice before taking the trip.

hamellr · 03-06-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Pickering

I looked into it last year. The toll is pretty high, but I was told we can camp on deck. It kind of defeats the purpose though. Think of all the highway you miss. And a missed highway is a missed adventure.

For me it was drive up, and then ride the ferry back down. I love the Highway, but the Sea runs through my blood too.

Steve Pickering · 03-06-2013, 04:37 PM

I was doing the numbers by ferry for an MC one way and round trip. Not as bad as I thought with the "Licensed Driver Rides Free" deal.

Hawk J · 03-07-2013, 11:14 AM

You can go to www.rv.net . Many members there have made trips to Alaska in their RV...

There are some threads where they told their story about the trip. One lady got married up there on a glacier.

Drive Safely...

Nell Plotts · 03-07-2013, 11:25 AM

We took the Alaskan Ferry from Bellingham last year. LOTS of travelers camp out on the deck, arrive early and pitch a tent under the overhang on the tail and you can be as comfortable as cabin travelers. There are facilities for 'campers', during the day everyone hangs out in the lounges.

Pack duct tape to secure your tent to the deck.

Terryj · 03-09-2013, 10:49 AM

Steve, riding the Al-Can on a motorcycle will be an experience you'll never forget, the condition of the roads are very good compared to years ago, the hiway is completely paved and you find amendities every 50 or so miles. I'm not sure as to the type of bike you'll be riding, just hope it is comfortable. If I were going to do it again, I'd take BC hwy 37 north, that's just do to I have never driven that route.