Back in the Great White North, but its kinda green this time of year.

I'm Back!

I made it from Watson Lake, YT to the Alaskan border Sunday night around 8:30pm Sunday night. It was approximately 587 or so miles I think. A long day on the bike but when I stopped at the Border Lodge the sun was still high in the sky and I still felt good. I thought about trying to pound out the last 400 miles to Anchorage but decided against it. Mostly because I knew I would get tired down the road and need to find a place to stay.

I had a great trip with great weather and I met a ton of great people and took a lot of pictures. There will be good blog material for a while so check back in a day or so.

Thanks to everyone who didn't think I was crazy and encouraged me on this adventure. Thanks even if you thought I was crazy too!

Oh Canada!

Brian is in Canmore, near Banff, AB. He's headed towards Grande Prairie to take the ALCAN back to Anchorage. He's been meeting cool people along the way-- today a 60-year-old man on his way to Chicken to do some gold mining. The weather's been good so far, hope it holds all the way to Anchorage!

Good night from the Canadian Rockies!

Montana

Brian is in Sidney, Montana tonight.

He's having a hard time finding internet on the road.

Sunday, he almost ran over a beaver in Duluth!

He's having a good trip and is making good time.

(as dictated to Aimee)

The Beginning

Detroit to St. Ignace

Today I made it from Detroit, MI to my home town St. Ignace, MI where we had a little family reunion. My sister and her husband moved back today after Candace graduated with her masters in Social Work this weekend.

I'm very happy with the GS. The previous owner did a great job with it and even installed a new rear tire for my trip. I can cruise @ 80mph with ease and little pain in my rear.

Micheal, my brother-in-law and I went for a little ride around St. Ignace just to see what there was to see. We had a good ride, looked at the bridge, and went down a few of the twistier roads in the area.

Tomorrow I'm leaving early, going to stop by some friends house for breakfast, and head West.

Packing

When is enough enough?

The big trip is quickly approaching. I leave Friday night for Michigan to pick up the GS and ride back to Alaska.

On the table is what I've decided to bring so far, minus clothes and riding gear. My tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag are in the back. You can also see the license plate, several pair of gloves, assorted tools, some toiletries, and other random stuff. I think I could fit most of it in my tank bag which is good. But, and I know I shouldn't start a sentence with "but", I don't want too much stuff.

Mostly because any extra weight will lower fuel millage and shorten tire life. But also because I have to get all of it on an airplane. Extra baggage fees are expensive!!!

Fork Seal

Fork Seals
Who knew?

Thursday AKSpies and I ran down to Girdwood to see who was hanging around. On the way back I noticed that the left fork seal was leaking a little.

Friday I went to The Motorcycle Shop and picked up the seals. Figureing I would mess up at least one I got two of each, just in case.

Today, while the weather is good, I changed the seal out and got er back together for the next adventure. It was a pretty easy job, Someone could probably do it in an hour if they were so inclined. I just kinda farted around getting it done.

It was one of those days where there's no reason to hurry.