My solo journey from Utah to Alaska

[tuckerdt]

I did this trip more than two months ago, but just got around to writing a trip report this week. I thought I would post the link to the report here in case anyone might find it of interest.

Beware: it is very long and detailed. Feel free to skip over the verbiage and look at the pictures.

Any questions or comments are welcome. I'll be gone from 9/1 - 18, and will respond after that date.


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261633

[double moo]

I may just have to change my screen name to "Jealous".

[Udink]

That is awesome! I spent a good hour reading most of it, and the plethora of pictures go along great. Makes me jealous too.

[accadacca]

Sha-wheat!

[tuckerdt]

I've had several questions about the items I found most/least valuable on this trip.

Most Valuable:

Airhawk seat cushion - expensive but worth every cent in my opinion. It never lost air over 8000 miles.

Garmin GPS - not a necessity but it sure increased my confidence

Primus miniature stove and multi-fuel gas - boiled a liter of water so fast you have to stay close by

Freeze-dried meals in a pouch - pour in boiling water, stir, seal the zip lock closure, and in 8-10 minutes you have a hot, tasty meal. I ate the majority of my meals this way.

Under Armour - top and bottom - with these I only used my heated vest one time crossing the Brooks Range at 38 degrees.

Water proof bags - I used the rubberized cloth types with roll up closures. I experienced more rain than not and these kept my stuff 100% dry. I used large ones for my clothes, and small ones for camera, important papers, etc.

Aluminum roll up table - many places I stopped didn't have a surface for my stove and this item ($20) was very useful, and packed up in a small bag.


Least Valuable:

T-Bag with waterproof(?) cover - anything in this bag during rain got wet.

-----------------------------------------------

There were many things I took that I didn't use (air pump and plug kit, tools) but would always have with me. Most of the items I took were obvious, or suggested by people in post ride reports. I read many AK reports in advrider and picked up many good ideas for packing, places to stay, eat, and areas of interest. This information can save you a lot of hardship.

I rode Avon Distanzia (F & R) on the way up. Traction on the Dalton Hwy in the rain was acceptable. I had my rear tire replaced on my way home in Fairbanks and George at Trail's End only had Metzler Tourances available.

If anyone has additional questions, let me know.

Tucker

[jfeiro]

one word.......awesome!!...........ah second word....jealous

Jim