In December 2014, I noticed the Motorcycle Tourers Forum was hosting a Flower Sniffing Tour to Hyder, AK in May. It only took a few minutes of contemplation to leap on the idea and take the plunge.
The concept was very simple - riders from all over the US and Canada would gather in Great Falls, MT before starting the journey north. The MTF organizers had planned routes, selected stops for each day, and generally done a lot of the basic coordination. Each rider was free to travel however they wanted, simply meeting at the end point each day for the opportunity to share stories, tell lies, enjoy a good meal, and get ready for the next day of adventure. Kudos go to anyone who had a plan in setting the trip up - it worked flawlessly.
I quickly made reservations at each of the planned stops. However, getting to Great Falls and then back home from Hyder was each riders own responsibility so the planning began in earnest. We did not want to simply ride the interstate system (oh so boring) so for the next couple of months, I studied maps, Googled more stuff than I can remember, and plotted scenarios.
Everyone was to gather in Great Falls on Monday, May 18th 2015 to start the trek north. The most direct route looked something like this:
Knowing that would be a pure interstate ride which we definitely were not going to do, we opted for this route:
Departure was planned for Friday May, 15th which would give us 4 days to travel the 2178 miles to Great Falls.
Bike prep was completed with new tires, fresh oil, and a general checkover to make sure everything was just right. GPS's were loaded with routes, points to see, hotels, etc.
Checklists were made to prevent us from forgetting something critical like passports. Figuring out where to put all the stuff we would need was a bit more of a challenge. Cameras, laptops, medications, clothes, etc., etc., etc. We got it all packed in somehow but there was little room left over.
Good riding gear is an essential part of any motorcycle adventure. We both were outfitted in Klim Gore-tex jackets and pants, waterproof boots, waterproof gloves, Shoei helmets, and of course our heated jacket liners and heated gloves. Hey, we are going to Alaska - everybody knows it is cold and rainy up there.
Everything was checked and double checked until the decision was final - we were ready to go and if we forgot anything, there is a Wal-Mart around every corner.
A restless night was spent on Thursday May 14th in anticipation but finally the day to roll was upon us.
I'll try and chronicle each day in a separate report so stay tuned to this channel for updates as I get them written. In the meantime, I've posted some of our favorite pictures online at:
http://rikkitik.smugmug.com/Travel/Alaska-2015/North-to-Alaska/
More to follow!!!
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