Where are you riding to and from? I have only experience the dalton. .. Nice road, but can get nasty when wet. Most these guys might tell you to search the forum.
When saddled having to make the same decision I chose the Dempster. Weather was great and I had a blast. Very scenic plus I got to go back to Dawson.
I mean comming from Chicago, your so close. Go with order of importance / proxcimity. D2D - 2013 Dempster Dalton Last year I went to Sedalia. and what the heck Key West was close.. Just GO FOR IT!
If you have the time, do the Dalton. It's as far as you can go in that direction. Do the Dempster when you have less time.
You may never get back up there again so take enough time to do them both! I thought Atigun pass on the Dalton was very scenic and the tundra after was awe inspiring. The Dempster was just totally awe inspiring and 2 ferry crossings add to the adventure.
I with I had infinite time for this ride. It's looking like a three week trip minimum if I ride out of Chicago....a big chunk of time for a working man like me, but a life time of memories.
Tough decision. Bragging rights (not THAT big of a deal, but...) would be the Dalton. Overall beauty for me was Dempster. Dempster seemed more of a challenge. Either one will kick your hiney if they are significantly wet. Dempster had so many changing views....almost like a different part of the world with each turn. Yes, the ferry crossings are each a gem. Inuvik is certainly a better place to overnight. Ain't nothing to see on the "Slope" really. Even though you are at the northern-most point, you really aren't as you can't go poke your toes in the Arctic anymore. Either way it's an adventure you won't forget. Seems like I did both in a huge hurry. If I had to do it all again, I'd likely go slower and take a better camera.....but then I wouldn't get to haul ass and that has a joy all it's own. Saw LOTS more animals on the Dempster. Good luck!
I did the Dalton last year and was a bit of a challenge for a newbie in the rain. Like others have said, Prudhoe Bay is not worth much more than "I did it" rights... The Pass was nice and saw a fair amount of wildlife. I ended up running from Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks in one shot on the way back - rained the whole way... Think I'll try the Dempster next time... A bit more of a destination if you ask me... Either way - you'll have a blast.
Sounds like a good caravan after D2D. I am planning on the Dempster after myself. I have three or four more bikes possilble coming with me, SoloKLR and maybe Likeitloud from Idaho and Scottinmissouri and Brian from MO. Likeitloud is riding a VX800 he adventurized. Has a thread in some assembly required on it.
I was thinking the same exact thing, to go after the D2D. I first wanted to go as far as the Circle then a friend told me why stop there... I didn't really have an answer. I might just still go as far as the circle and then explore the gold fields..
Riding the Dalton this June. We don't have time to consider much else. Two week vacation, max.. We've thought about flying both ways and renting, flying one way and shipping, best for us was just to ride our butt's off.. We can't go that far and not ride the Dalton..
If time is an issue, your could ride the Dempster in less time than you could get to the Dalton. Plus it is a prettier ride.
