Screw Bill and Ted! Kim and Mike's Most Excellent 2008 Alaskan Adventure

2touringtheworld · 04-28-2008, 09:24 AM

Being a bit older than Bill and Ted, we still both like a "Most Excellent Adventure" every once in a while. Last year we did Atlantic Canada (NH, VT, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and ME) via the Trans Labrador Highway and had a blast! Rain, mud, gravel, some sun, awesome people, icebergs, whales, moose, just a great time. Go to http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240316 if you are interested.

This year, it's Alaska and the Canadian Yukon Territories with a stop at D2D to meet up with fellow ADVers at Dawson City. We've got 3 weeks of travel time for our journey while in AK/Canada. With the limited time, we're flying to AK and shipping a bike (more on that later).

So I thought I would post as we go along this time, including some of the prep and all the fun from start to finish. Hopefully, I can gin up a good ride report and share the fun.

So to start, here's the route:

More soon!

2touringtheworld · 04-28-2008, 09:48 AM

Kim will be riding a DR650. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any travel gear on it so I have to add some.

So, viola'... UPS delivers....

Some Happy Trails Teton 9" panniers and a Happy Trails top box.

Time to start the assembly project. First off with the side panels, seat, turn signals and rack...

Then sort out the frame and miscellaneous bits and get to work...

Although I love the panniers and top box, there is a small hitch in the assembly. The instructions say that you MAY have to lengthen the turn signal wires. It should say that you HAVE TO lengthen the turn signal wires. Anyway, not that big a deal but another step added...

and then...

About this time, there's a bit of an interruption. My three "helpers" need to be fed and are banging on the door of the garage. So it's time to feed (and I'll use their best pics

),

DESMO - What me? I didn't do anything.

His sister: PRILLER - Who you looking at?

and as if you couldn't tell our unrelated cat, ZIPPER (head); not the brightest cat we've ever had. You can't tell from this pic, but he is 23 lbs. That's why he's wearing black. He thinks it's very slimming.

Mission completed, it was time to go back into the garage and get back to work.

cbxtc6 · 04-28-2008, 10:26 AM

Have fun! Looks like my route for June/July! Maybe see you along the way!

2touringtheworld · 04-28-2008, 05:01 PM

I have a little room off the back of my garage where I do some of the work on the bikes. It's lovingly called the "Shrine".

Because it's a Shrine, there are signs of reverence. Like this one after entering....

When one enters hallowed halls, one must tread lightly.

Having obtained the proper tools, it was time to make a template of the DR's luggage rack so appropriate cuts could be made to the top box plate.

I'm no Michelangelo as you can see.

And ultimately, mounted it looks like this...

I'm too embarassed to show you the plate. It was pretty butchered by the time I was done, but the top box was on and it was on good.

Oh yeah, so was the windshield.

Ultimately, Kim's DR looked like this with a few more tidbits to go...

The big test will be when Kim gets on it and passes preliminary judgement. Stay tuned.

GB · 04-28-2008, 06:12 PM

You're ready to roll! Be sure to give us a full ride report!

Safe journey

curty · 04-28-2008, 06:23 PM

Myself and six others will be up there as well. See ya up there.

www.curtisgoestoalaska.com

2touringtheworld · 04-28-2008, 06:27 PM

Great! The more the merrier! Look forward to meeting you all. We'll be arriving in Anchorage on the 13th of June.

Mike and Kim

Gizzard · 04-28-2008, 07:04 PM

I strongly recommend going to Haines, Skagway and Homer. You have plenty of time to do it.

*Gravy* · 04-29-2008, 07:15 AM

Incredulous · 04-29-2008, 08:57 AM

This looks good...

edit: What luggage system is that? Need some for our DR650.

Thanks

2touringtheworld · 04-29-2008, 10:14 AM

The luggage is all Happy Trails. 9" Teton Pannier and their big flat top box. The panniers come in different widths and sizes.
I will say one thing. The top box I chose for the DR is BIG. It remains to be seen if Kim will ride with it or we use something smaller.

Anyway, you can check out the DR specific Happy Trail Panniers here:

http://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.a...ANKIT-DR650-TE

Tim Bernard is the owner and a super guy. I can't say enough about the luggage. When we went on the Atlantic Canada loop last year, Kim had Jesse panniers and I had the Happy Trails. Lots of rain and mud etc. Guess whose panniers leaked like crazy? Also, the Happy Trails are lighter than the Jesses. That's why Kim now has Happy Trails.

Mike

Irish John · 04-29-2008, 10:22 AM

Where did you get that windshield for the DR?

2touringtheworld · 04-29-2008, 10:31 AM

The windshield came from Turbocity. It seems pretty sturdy, went on easily and can come off with 4 nylon screws in a couple of minutes (although the frame would still be on).

Details of their DR stuff at:

http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=69_78

Mike

Incredulous · 04-29-2008, 10:45 AM

Mike

Thanks for the good DR info. just got the bike for my girlfriend so we can ride togather and all my knowledge is klr related.

Looking forward to the report.

Hijack over.

Tyler

SS in Vzla. · 04-29-2008, 11:42 AM

Oh yeah...ALASKA!
I love AK RRs...

04-28-2008, 09:24 AM	#1
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	Screw Bill and Ted! Kim and Mike's Most Excellent 2008 Alaskan Adventure Being a bit older than Bill and Ted, we still both like a "Most Excellent Adventure" every once in a while. Last year we did Atlantic Canada (NH, VT, Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and ME) via the Trans Labrador Highway and had a blast! Rain, mud, gravel, some sun, awesome people, icebergs, whales, moose, just a great time. Go to http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240316 if you are interested. This year, it's Alaska and the Canadian Yukon Territories with a stop at D2D to meet up with fellow ADVers at Dawson City. We've got 3 weeks of travel time for our journey while in AK/Canada. With the limited time, we're flying to AK and shipping a bike (more on that later). So I thought I would post as we go along this time, including some of the prep and all the fun from start to finish. Hopefully, I can gin up a good ride report and share the fun. So to start, here's the route: More soon! __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv 2touringtheworld screwed with this post 05-15-2008 at 08:20 AM

04-28-2008, 09:48 AM	#2
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	The prep begins Kim will be riding a DR650. Unfortunately, it doesn't have any travel gear on it so I have to add some. So, viola'... UPS delivers.... Some Happy Trails Teton 9" panniers and a Happy Trails top box. Time to start the assembly project. First off with the side panels, seat, turn signals and rack... Then sort out the frame and miscellaneous bits and get to work... Although I love the panniers and top box, there is a small hitch in the assembly. The instructions say that you MAY have to lengthen the turn signal wires. It should say that you HAVE TO lengthen the turn signal wires. Anyway, not that big a deal but another step added... and then... About this time, there's a bit of an interruption. My three "helpers" need to be fed and are banging on the door of the garage. So it's time to feed (and I'll use their best pics ), DESMO - What me? I didn't do anything. His sister: PRILLER - Who you looking at? and as if you couldn't tell our unrelated cat, ZIPPER (head); not the brightest cat we've ever had. You can't tell from this pic, but he is 23 lbs. That's why he's wearing black. He thinks it's very slimming. Mission completed, it was time to go back into the garage and get back to work. __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv 2touringtheworld screwed with this post 05-01-2008 at 11:32 AM

04-28-2008, 10:26 AM	#3
cbxtc6 On my Way... Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Tomahawk Bluff, IL Oddometer: 849	Have fun! Looks like my route for June/July! Maybe see you along the way! __________________ "What would Modok do?"

04-28-2008, 05:01 PM	#4
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	Back to the "Shrine" I have a little room off the back of my garage where I do some of the work on the bikes. It's lovingly called the "Shrine". Because it's a Shrine, there are signs of reverence. Like this one after entering.... When one enters hallowed halls, one must tread lightly. Having obtained the proper tools, it was time to make a template of the DR's luggage rack so appropriate cuts could be made to the top box plate. I'm no Michelangelo as you can see. And ultimately, mounted it looks like this... I'm too embarassed to show you the plate. It was pretty butchered by the time I was done, but the top box was on and it was on good. Oh yeah, so was the windshield. Ultimately, Kim's DR looked like this with a few more tidbits to go... The big test will be when Kim gets on it and passes preliminary judgement. Stay tuned. __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv

04-28-2008, 06:12 PM	#5
GB Mod Squad Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Toronto, ON Oddometer: 53,454	You're ready to roll! Be sure to give us a full ride report! Safe journey __________________ ADV decals, patches & flag? Here

04-28-2008, 06:23 PM	#6
curty Sum'a bitch Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta GA Oddometer: 442	Myself and six others will be up there as well. See ya up there. www.curtisgoestoalaska.com __________________ Curtis Bonds Baker 2006 BMW GS-Adventure _________________________________________ My 2008 Alaska Trip Blog www.curtisgoestoalaska.com _________________________________________ http://curtisbondsbaker.blogspot.com/ http://curtisbaker.shutterfly.com/ac...ZsmLl4&notag=1

04-28-2008, 06:27 PM	#7
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	Great! The more the merrier! Look forward to meeting you all. We'll be arriving in Anchorage on the 13th of June. Mike and Kim __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv

04-28-2008, 07:04 PM	#8
Gizzard n00b Joined: Feb 2008 Oddometer: 5	I strongly recommend going to Haines, Skagway and Homer. You have plenty of time to do it.

04-29-2008, 07:15 AM	#9
Gravy Jedi Loser Joined: Jun 2006 Location: MN Oddometer: 3,169

04-29-2008, 08:57 AM	#10
Incredulous Peanut Gallery Joined: Dec 2006 Location: The O.V. Oddometer: 535	This looks good... edit: What luggage system is that? Need some for our DR650. Thanks

04-29-2008, 10:14 AM	#11
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	Luggage The luggage is all Happy Trails. 9" Teton Pannier and their big flat top box. The panniers come in different widths and sizes. I will say one thing. The top box I chose for the DR is BIG. It remains to be seen if Kim will ride with it or we use something smaller. Anyway, you can check out the DR specific Happy Trail Panniers here: http://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.a...ANKIT-DR650-TE Tim Bernard is the owner and a super guy. I can't say enough about the luggage. When we went on the Atlantic Canada loop last year, Kim had Jesse panniers and I had the Happy Trails. Lots of rain and mud etc. Guess whose panniers leaked like crazy? Also, the Happy Trails are lighter than the Jesses. That's why Kim now has Happy Trails. Mike __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv

04-29-2008, 10:22 AM	#12
Irish John Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Lawrence, KS Oddometer: 153	windshield Where did you get that windshield for the DR?

04-29-2008, 10:31 AM	#13
2touringtheworld ^OP World shrinkers Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Old Man of the Mountain State, before he fell down Oddometer: 1,198	Windshield The windshield came from Turbocity. It seems pretty sturdy, went on easily and can come off with 4 nylon screws in a couple of minutes (although the frame would still be on). Details of their DR stuff at: http://www.turbocity.com/default.php?cPath=69_78 Mike __________________ Ride2Adventure.com Kim & Mike's Most Excellent Ride Reports: 2011 TAT Tour; 2010 Adv to Fin del Mundo; 2010 Ride to Lava & Ice; 2009 Icelandic Adv; 2008 Alaskan Adv 2007 Trans Labrador Hi-way Adv

04-29-2008, 10:45 AM	#14
Incredulous Peanut Gallery Joined: Dec 2006 Location: The O.V. Oddometer: 535	Mike Thanks for the good DR info. just got the bike for my girlfriend so we can ride togather and all my knowledge is klr related. Looking forward to the report. Hijack over. Tyler

04-29-2008, 11:42 AM	#15
SS in Vzla. Totally Normal? I'm not! Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Banana Republic of Black Gold Oddometer: 1,027	Oh yeah...ALASKA! I love AK RRs... __________________ SS. '98 BMW F650 / '05 KTM 450EXC / '03 KTM 950 Adv Caracas, Venezuela

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