Taking a second go at “Top of the World Highway”, I found the road to live up to my expectations – except it was is much better condition than I expected. I had to ride first to Glenellen for gas (I had planned on filling up at the Gakona junction, but the former gas station had “closed” and “for sale” signs Previously, I was scuttled by relentless rain. I am so glad I waited – the views here are spectacular. … Read More

The Denali Highway is one of my favorite rides. I stayed in Paxon Lake campground – which was ok. There is a water pump and decent outhouses. The walk in tent sites are right down in the water – some a bit swampy. I pulled out my mosquito head net for the first time. So far, I have been fine with a little repellent and a campfire.

I headed back to mile 135 on the Parks Highway and stayed at K’esugi Ken campground. This is a new campground and a nice spot to stay. Most of the sites are secluded – the trees block your view of Denali from your site (except tent site 4), but there are some short trails to enjoy the view. The night was a bit overcast with some rain. Waking up early, I took a hike to the top of the mountain … Read More

I spent the night with my cousin in Wasilla. The deep fried halibut with homemade tarter sauce was even better than I had in Seward. We came up with a game plan for the rest of the trip. I started off from Wasilla taking the Hatcher Pass – a dirt road from the top was a great ride.

Circle was established in 1893 as gold was discovered in the Yukon.  It sits on the banks of the Yukon river and was an important site for offloading goods shipped up the Yukon and then transported to a number of mining camps. The miners named ther settlement “Circle” ad they believed it was on the Arctic Circle.  The actual Arctic Circle is still about 50 miles north. On my was to Circle, I stopped at a pullout with a view … Read More

Only a few hours north of Fairbanks is Cheena Hot Springs.  I headed there with a reservation for one of their Yurts.  I have thought of Yurts as “glamping”, but have never stayed in one. I found the Yurt to be cold.  The cot provided was fine, but I have my own cot in my camping gear. While it was nice to enjoy the springs and ice house, it would have been nicer to camp on the Cheena River and … Read More

I stayed in Fairbanks at a hostel – a first for me. On an overcast day I took the opportunity to get an oil change and a new pair of tires.  Now I am all set for the rest of the trip. And while my bike was getting some TLC, I enjoyed a breakfast of reindeer sausage, hashbrowns, and scrambled eggs. I took in a couple of cool museums – each of these deserve a photo album of their own… … Read More

While it rained all night, I rested well on the cot provided in the wall tent and slept in late.  I enjoyed chatting with the few other bikers who had stayed there. A V-Strom 650, GS 1200, and DR 650 got us there.  While I debated about the best bike to make it to Alaska, I think that almost any motorcycle can get you here.  You just need a range of ~200 miles on a tank of gas and expect … Read More

While I enjoyed the blue skies, in order to reach Fairbanks or Anchorage. I will need to pass through Tok – and that means riding through rain. I fell asleep last night with the sleeping bag and a Kentucky bourbon in the hammock.  It was a nice evening with a good campfire to keep any bugs away. I’ve found the perfect size pine that sways in the breeze to gently rock the hammock. It was still light outside after midnight … Read More