Motorcycling in Alaska (home, snow, work)

[warptman]

Originally Posted by pinkjacket

We are making a big circle through the state - Anchorage to Fairbanks to Paxson then onto Valdez and back to Anchorage. I'm assuming that the weather will get colder as we go north towards Fairbanks.

Interior Alaska is a lot warmer than most think, they have the coldest winters and the hottest summers. Lower 90's is not uncommon. The closer you get to the coast is where you get the cooler weather/rain.

[prairiechicken]

Those months are very good for a motorcycle trip and the route your going to take is awesome. I usually wear heingricke gear which is waterproof so can ride in heavy rains. I do however pack bluejeans for warmer weather. there is usually some construction between paxson and glenallen. Other then that it's pavement. What will you be riding?

[pinkjacket]

I will be riding a BMW F650. I chose this bike because it is most similar to the bike I ride at home. I'm trying to find gear that will be good for both the cooler temps as well as the warmer temps to avoid having to bring two sets of everything. Also looking for gear I can wear in the rain without having to bring a rain suit...I hate those things.

Right now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that enough people will sign up for the tour...need a minimum of 6. With the economy the way it is I fear folks won't want to shell out a lot of money.

[warptman]

Get a Moose Racing jacket...

Moose Racing 2009 (http://www.mooseracing.com/catalog.jsp?level1=1750&level2=1767&product_group_ id=7163 - broken link)

http://www.mooseracing.com/catalog.jsp?level1=1750&level2=1768&product_group_ id=7166 (broken link)

[Glitch]

As others have pointed out, other than an occasional break in the road where there is construction, your entire route is paved. What nobody has mentioned yet, and should, are the frost heaves. When the soil under the road freezes and thaws it can create cracks and bumps in the road. The cracks are no big deal, usually an inch or smaller across and typically forming perpendicular to the road. The real concern for motorcyclists are the "bumps" or raised asphalt created by frost heaves. Some of them are marked, but every winter a new crop of frost heaves appear in the road that have yet to be fixed or marked. Without warning you could find yourself flying through the air.

Alaska's highways are not as well maintained as the highways in the lower-48. The asphalt they use in Alaska is not as durable as the asphalt used in the lower-48. Ruts are common, and you will find gravel on the highway in a variety of locations, particularly where a gravel road crosses the highway. The good news is that pot holes are relatively uncommon outside of the cities.

Eight days to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, to Delta Junction, to Valdez, to Anchorage is a nice way to see the state. It is a nice leisurely pace, giving you the opportunity to get off your bike and stretch your legs every couple hours to prevent Iron Butt.

[warptman]

I think I'd use some sort of bicycle style compression shorts, the ones with butt pads sewn into them. I use them on longer snowmachine rides, well when I rode. They prevent chaffing.

[prairiechicken]

Pinkjacket, I also ride a f650 and it is perfect for Ak. roads. What Glitch said about the heaves is very true. Being able to swerve will help with that. As I said before the heingerick gear is great for all types of weather. No need for additional rain gear. I too hope that enough people will sign up so you can make your trip to beautiful Ak.

[Bob Blockus]

juneau to skagway highway should be built. maybe bob the builder can build it with shell oil company. take many months with man, woman power. yes indeed.

[shellbell21883]

Actually, it should get warmer as you head to Fairbanks and cooler as you head to Valdez. It's the opposite in the winter.

[vollhum]

I plan on traveling to Alaska on my motorcycle the first of July and I ordered the Milepost travel planner, it will answer alot of your questions, about road condition, weather, sight seeing and many other items.
[url=http://www.themilepost.com]The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner[/url]
Good luck on your adventure