North Carolina to Alaska - please advise.

Hi all,

Advise needed regarding tires, routes, places to stay/camp, etc.
I will be riding 08 KLR solo.I have unlimited time (quitting my job), but of course, limited money . However, I've been saving for this trip for some time now, so I'm well prepared. Here's my flexible plan for Alaska trip this year (subjected to change while on the road :

Leaving North Carolina on June 9th, making my way north-west:
Day 1 - to Clarksville,Tn - campground. Miles: 317
Day 2 - to Finger Lakes State Park, MO 391
Day 3 - to Lake Manawa State Park, Council Bluffs, IA 306
Day 4 - to Bad Lands National Park 463
Day 5 - to Lower Doyle Campground - Buffalo, WY 326
Day 6 - to Yellowstone Natl Park 254
Day 7 - To Missoula MT 315
Day 8 - To Babb, MT 200
Day 9, To Banff, Alberta 261
Day 10 - to Jasper National Park 187
Day 11 - Burns Lake, BC, Canada 382
Day 12 - to Hyder, AK 296
Day 13 - to Upper Liard, YT, Canada 399
Day 14 - to Haines Junction, YT, Canada 360

Question 1: at this point I will have approx 4900 miles on Shinko 705 (putting new set before the trip). Originally I wanted to head to Fairbanks and switch to set of Kendas 270 for Dalton... I'm not sure what to do thought, because I'd like to visit Valdez and Denali National Park... So should I cut to Valdez/Denali first? Also is it worth to head to Homer area?
The reason I'm asking, is because I need to make sure, that I can make the rest of the trip on Kendas 270. I know a fellow who had great mileage on his trip to Alaska, but again I want your opinions as well. I'm considering Heidenau K-60 as an alternative.
Please keep in mind, that I'd like to run the Dalton on those tires (1000miles round trip) and then head to Dawson City, and make my way to Whitehorse (approx 700miles - need route recommendation here). Basically, I want to make sure that I can make back to lower 48 on 270 or any other recommended tires. I'm also considering taking ferry from Haines to Prince Ruppert on my way south...
Question 2: is there anyone in Fairbanks, who could receive my tires?
Question 3: What do you think about my route? Suggestions? Recommendations for places to camp or visit?

Any help is appreciated


forman

See reply in Trip Planning.

Alcan, didn't you just cover this in great length the other day or so?

It was such a perfect article, work of art, treatise, etc.

The below article should be a sticky at the top of the Alaska forum. It covers the whole enchilada, and it is truly words of wisdom.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=788417

Haven't you learned? Forums are where you ask the same question over and over, reworded each time, until you get the answer you really wanted, regardless of its accuracy. That is the one you accept.

Ok, I feel bad about posting my questions... but just a little bit

I am also headed to Alaska in June from AL and I have shipped a set of Heidenau K-60 to Tok, AK to myself general delivery. Called the Postmaster there and he said no problem. I plan to be in Dawson, YT for the D2D June 21 & 22. I also plan to go to Prudhoe Bay, Denali and what ever else I decide to do. Will change to the new tires when needed. My trip is pretty much open ended....allowing 60 days for the round trip but I have no real deadline. Hope to meet you on the road....good luck.

Johnny

Excellent!! I will pm you my cell #. Gotta stay in touch. When are you heading out?

+100000

The great part about forums is the "live" conversation IMO We used to just go to libraries and read books by dead people.

Did you ship them already? There is a Heidenau dealer in Fairbanks. Just FYI.

Forman are you only making it into Hyder or are you coming in "the" State?

TIRES

Anchorage:

Alaska Leather - Minnesota and Spenard
The Motorcycle Shop - on Potter between Arctic and C Street

Fairbanks:

AkTracks - hey, Shawn put some directions up here, will ya!

All you FFs, that's all you need to know.

I'd make sure to see Glacier NP.

I very rarely post here (or for that matter on any other forums). I just read a lot. Sometimes it does feel like online library thought ... pretty good one too...and people are alive

No, didn't ship yet... I want to swing by Hyder on my way north... to check it out and maybe camp in the area.
Do you know if one can buy directly from that dealer?


forman

Glacier NP is included in my route.. been trying to get there for some time now...I'm originally from ol' good europe, so this might be my last chance to visit.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=491323

When in Hyder if the weather is good the glaciers are a must see. Will be in AK about the same time, may see you on the road.

Ron

Alright, I thought that there's another one...I already spoke with Dan. Thanks

Just replied to your PM...would be great to meet there...

I'm planning on traveling thru a few parks... trying to figure if it's cheaper to buy annual pass...perhaps you guys had one in a past? if so was it worth it?