Sunday, June 27, 2010

Riding up the Al-Can (A Motorcycle Trek to Alaska) Chapter 6

Decisions, Decisions - Still no idea which way, and George is not helping!

An early Wednesday morning departure (2:30 AM flight) is still looking very likely. I ran around today getting things ready for the trip and doing the usual weekend chores like laundry, cleaning, etc. (Actually making good use of the constant rain for the last 2 days outside.)
One of biggest challenges has been picking a specific route. I've been fairly thorough with my research and it actually looks like there are plenty of gas stations along either route with when stretch of the western route (Cassiar Highway) having ONE stretch spanning 140 miles between gas stations and another 98 to the next gas stop.
The biggest advantage to choosing between the two routes is, I'll have 450 miles to travel until I make that final decision. That should be more than enough time to determine the average gas mileage (MPG) for the bike. If I carry a 3 gallon can with me, that should extend my range another 45 to 60 miles depending on the MPGs I get even if it is worse than I think it is.
Believe it or not, for or the traveling I do for work, I typically pack at the last minute. This is not one of those times. I've got to put all of this into to one or two bags for the flight, then repack for the trip North. Anything I cannot carry on the bike, must be mailed home.
1. Chaps, Vest, Gloves
2. Extra Glasses
3. Helmet (and possibly a spare)
4. Rain Gear (pants and top)
5. Tool Bag (That's another 20 pounds of stuff)
6. Sleeping Bag
7. Tent
8. Clothes for 3 or 4 days
9. Straps for securing everything to the bike
These items, and possibly more, must be packed into two bags at 50 pounds each or less. One of the bags is s Sea Bag from the military and will stuff into the other when empty. I plan to put all the items that I will wear or can be mounted on the bike in that one.
An advantage to this plan (me not committing myself on anything solid) is I have some flexibility in Washington State. Also, since I have not gotten a solid confirmation of the bike's arrival date yet, all this may not happen until later in the week.
Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE waiting? NOT!

Until next post my anonymous Grizzly-nauts!!!


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