Finally floating into Bellingham. Kinda sad...
Kendall and Conner I got a feeling we'll be crossing paths in Alaska again!
What a great gang of bastages.
At Bellingham, WA, we exited the ferry and went straight to a coffeehouse for coffee and food. From there it was homeward bound slog for everyone.
This is the last picture (of over 1,000 that I posted) that I took of the trip. After 3 weeks in Alaska and 3 days on a ferry, the smell of the lower 48 was noticable. It was like when I used to live in Los Angeles and I'd be gone for a few days and come back, how you could smell the stink. Like that. And you have to consider that I was still an hour or so north of Seattle. I was not glad to be back.
The little KTM 640 did the whole trip without a hiccup and proved to be more than a capable bike for the trip.
The Renazco seat most certainly contributed to being able to do the 18-hour rides with minimum monkey-butt.
The 1-piece Aerostich was like my little cocoon; it protected me from rain, cold and mosquito's. It is my favorite piece of gear.
There was plenty of storage in the Zega panniers. The only problem was the wear between the panniers and the rack. I suspect the calcium cloride ate away a bit at the panniers. If you go up the Haul Road, wash that crap off of any uncoated aluminum parts that you have, as soon as you can, even if you have to get a cup of water from the restaurant.
Folks, thanks for sticking with me this long. It was a helluva trip and the trip report was a labor of love. I think I went so slow because subconciously I just didn't want it to end. Well, I'll just have to do it again next year.
And even though I wrote this trip report for me and my own memories, I'm glad to have taken you along with me, and I hope that you thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to all that left positive feedback, as it really helped in times of low motivation.
Thank you all, and to all a good night!
P.S. I forgot all about exposing the identity of the source of my new favorite phrase "ass mainenence". You have probably guessed by now that it was Rodeo Clown, aka, tufelhunden, aka, Matt, who came up with that. That guy would say the funniest stuff with a complete deadpan face. He was an absolute hoot to hang with. I hope our paths cross again. 
It was 2 600 mile days to Hyder, Alaska, then 5 more leisurly days (~500 miles/day or so) to Prudhoe Bay. I reckon from LA, tack on two more days, unless you have an IBA number, then it's less 
If you want to see everything, give yourself 9 days up and 11 days back at a minimum IMHO.
We left the 4th of July and got back at the end of July and I thought this weather window was perfect. Not too cold and not too much rain.
The whole ferry ride was $815. I don't remember how much was for the bike, and how much was for the person though. If you're bringing a passenger, count on another ~$350. Your first stopping point should be:
http://www.alaskaferry.com/
Cool, I'm glad you found the trip report useful Thanks!
Originally Posted by Hotmamaandme Thank you very much for taking the time to post this report. I have followed it all the way. I will be and have been using it for research on my own Alaska ride with my WIFE! Alaska 2008 AugustQuestion please, How long in days from L.A. I believe to Alaska and back? (I think you said three weeks in Alaska and 3 days on the Ferry but how about getting there and back.) How about some Ferry Info? Tickets etc.? What time of year did you go? Once again I Thank you for this great report and all time you put into it. |
