Yep, this guy on his Yamaha R1: http://www.sjaaklucassen.nl/index.php?lang=en His traveling mate, Doris, was unable to make it but a few of us local adv'ers got together and escorted him on his first trip down the Seward Hwy south of Anchorage. Sjaak and Doris just got into town a few days ago after completing their NY-Key West-Prudhoe Bay winter ride. The weather was less than ideal for photos on their ride down from Fairbanks so we were hoping to get some good shots on this ride. And I think we did. Sjaak, myself, and Beezer, met up at CruisingRam's place and headed over to our local Harley shop to meet up with Subybaja. We timed it pretty good as the shop was having a chili cook-off. The cruiser crowd seemed pretty impressed and interested in Sjaak, his bike, and his travels. Sjaak even ran into a trucker there who remembered him and who was also holed-up in Wiseman for 2 days as they waited out a big Phase 3 storm on their way to Prudhoe a couple weeks ago. The trucker, who's a rider himself, commented on how he thought someone HAD to be mistaken when he heard over the radio that there were a couple bikers in the area up north during the huge storm. :huh That's one of CriusingRam's Frankenbikes on the left and Beezer's KLR w/side hack on the right. Makin our way outta town. Headin out the highway on a beautiful day. Glorious day out on one of our Designated Scenic Biways, the Seward Hwy. Sjaak was pretty amused by the sea ice as he was ever craning his neck to take it all in. The tides in Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet range over 35 feet so we get a lot of pretty amazing ice formations. Good stuff. Our destination, Girdwood 40mi south of Anchorage. From L to R yours truly, Subybaja, CruisingRam, Sjaak, and adv n00b excessivemachine who very excitedly just happened upon us. Coming up, the return trip..... Mark H.
Cool! I rode along the Turnagain Arm in '07, but there wasn't all that white stuff on the ground. Looking forward to Part II...
I wonder if we were the first bunch of riders to hang out in Girdwood this year? We really didn't need our studded tires on this ride except in town in the parkinglots and such as it was mostly dry and just a little wet and messy in spots out on the highway. Comin into the Bird area. Suicide Peak on the far right. The small waterfalls along the road freeze up pretty nice in the winter. Interesting geology and the cliffs also radiate a bit o heat back onto us chilly riders. Yep, a nice little trip. Mt McKinley was even out. You can barely see it off in the distance right next to the light pole to the left of Sjaak's helmet. So here's were I "EXIT" this report. Till next time, Mark H.
Dang! On an R1 at that. My old shoulders, neck and hands already ache and I'm just sitting here reading about it. ;-). Rock on!
Too funny. You know what? I just realized I never even thought to ask!! I'll ask at the get-together we're having at The Motorcycle Shop Tues eve. That's our local Beemer shop. You rememer, the one Ewen McGreggor called "the best m/c shop he's ever been to!" :huh The R1 Sjaak rode around the world was a 2000 and this one's an '07. I did ask him about having to reconfigure for the newer machine tho. I remember when he came through Anchorage a few years ago on his round the world trip how stuffed full his fairing and boxes were with almost ANYTHING he'd need to repair or replace anything on the bike! He just happened to hit town on a bike night and a few of us local sportbike riders took turns sitting on his bike and even bought some of his post cards to help him on his way. I'd offered him a place to stay back then but he'd already set up camp just outta town and was wanting an early start. I also have a very vivid memory of how tattered and torn his poor ol glove were on that trip, wishing I'd made the trip home to give him a pair of mine. As you might imagine, his gloves on this trip are in much better condition. Mark H.
Turns out adv'er Serp. asked Sjaak this question in Daytona a few years ago and Sjaak's reply was "I like the bike." I've been waiting to ask Sjaak for myself and just got off the phone with him. His reply was pretty cool. He said because he "feels it in his heart." He told of how people have commented on how uncomfortable it must be and he's told them of his "comfort with it in his heart." And that "if you feel it in your heart you can succeed at anything." Being a sportbike rider myself I find great merit in those words. Far North Ducatisti Mark H.
I asked him basically that down in Gwood. He said that he comes from a sportbike background, and hasn't really experienced anything more upright. He also pointed to his gigantic tankbag, and said it takes all of the pressure off of his arms and back. Pure speculation, but Yamaha sponsorship may figure in there somewhere...
rock on Mark you guys up in Alaska have all the fun. I will make the run up that way at some point its on the list of things to do . After hearing about some of the summer riding that goes on up that way from a certin Ducati mechanic I will have to do it soon ! I think you may know of whom I speak !
Hi Mark, Thanks for putting up the photos. It looks like a great ride (though I will stick to El Salvador for the moment). I hope Sjaak has heated grips fitted. I was riding in the Alaskan summer and I wish that I had them. Finally fitted them in Mexico and used them quite a bit since. Also please keep the photos/videos of me as I am going to try and make a Sjaak type video when I get back. Ciao for now, Annette
Great pics mark, planned on posting some here as well, but photobucket is down for maintenance tonight- but it was great talking with them at the little meeting!
Doris and Sjaak had a good turn out for their show at The Motorcycle Shop last night. Afterwards a few of us took them out to the Moose's Tooth Pizza Pub for some great food and libations. Next they'll be at our "big" annual Spring Motorcycle Show this weekend with their bikes wowing the crowds. Doris and Sjaak stayed the night with me and Comet. We woke up to beautiful weather and they headed back down the highway to Girdwood to shoot some video and so Doris could experience the spectacular scenery for herself. Here they are with my friend and brand new next door neighbor who's a 'busa ridin State Trooper. My new best ridin buddy.
Hey Mark.... Great thread dood....and, anyone can ALWAYS count on your ***** (that means 5 stars) hospitality.
Ha! I think you guys were spotted the other day. Someone on the radio was talking about the motorcycles they saw going down the highway, thought they were travelers, and one guy on a crotch rocket! Brian
Doris and Sjaak spent the weekend telling the locals of their grand adventures at our big Spring motorcycle show. I'll bet Doris and Sjaak are ready for a break from all the talking they had to do as they and their bikes drew great interest. And I'm sure I speak for many of us locals when I say how much I appreciate it when travelers like these two hang out for a while and share a bit more of "The Last Frontier" with those of us who have chosen to reside here. Now who's comin up next? Thank you and happy trails, Mark H.
