STEVE ( AKA GREENBOY ) Big adventure # 3 )

[Machinist]

Two years ago we followed him across Canada and Last year All the way up to Dead Horse in the Arctic Circle , On Saturday he is off to new level of Hard Core Rideing :evilgrin
** DEMPSTER HWY to INUVIC ** :eek
I made him a send off BBQ last night and gave the KLR a good looking over a few others are following him over the Duffy tomorrow in the AM then he heads NORTH on his own for another adventure , STEVE will be checking in from time to time on this thread ,
So stay tuned for more great pictures and stories , Good Luck Steve and i hope all goes Well :tredmill

[mooove_over]

damn steve...im jealous! have a good safe trip and i look forward to your reports.

[silverD]

Good luck Steve, have a safe one!!

[J_Scott]

You are f*@king crazy!

:D

Have a great trip!

Wait a second... according to google maps that's only a three day trip one way. see here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=from:+vancouver+to:Inuvik,+Northwest+Territories ,+Northwest+Territories,+Canada&sll=60.326948,-122.34375&sspn=31.150933,82.265625&ie=UTF8&ll=58.676938,-129.902344&spn=32.631059,82.265625&z=4)

So you're going to be back on Friday? :laughing

[Mutate Now!]

Um. Wow.
I think you're the only person I know of that intentionally tries to find places colder than the climate you normally live in...

Have an awesome experience Steve. :thumbup
I await with anticipation for your updates and pictures!

[Fjr eh]

Have a good and safe trip, Steve.
Looking forward to the trip reports.

[scooter]

All the best Steve.

[RiceRocket]

Steve, have a fun and safe trip. Can't wait to hear your stories.

[Squire]

Steve, did anyone happen to mention to you that there's snow on the ground?? Hopefully it will melt by the time that you get there. :)

And what about only getting 21 hours of sunshine?? I'm getting 24 hours now. LOL

Have a great trip. NWT is a place I still need to visit in my tour of Canada.

[frontside5]

Holy crap! What's the matter, now that it's warming up here you can't take it? :)

I look forward to your travel log along the way to yet another place I will likely never see in person. And I hope your bike continues to do you proud.

[alternateimpact]

Steve....your are quite the adventure rider. safe, travels, and give me a call back after you check your cell phone messages.

[counter_strike]

Have Fun Steve !

[kerunt]

Sounds like an awesome strip. Have fun Steve, and keep us updated!

[bacchus40]

have a safe and fun adventure Steve, you hardcore mofo..

I do believe that is one of the best things to do on a motorbike, get to know your own backyard.!

we'll see you when you get back.. keep the rubber side down..

[Thumper 8]

I just walked in the door and am heading off to a BBQ this evening, but just a quick report that the Green One left Lillooet around 1:30 and is now on his way to Prince George for the evening.

The amazingly understanding Patricia turned around at Big Sky, I turned around at Lightfoot and Tony (Traveller) will escort Steve up to Cache Ck and then head home.

One picture tonight - the rest can wait until tomorrow.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008082-1.jpg

The Little Green Fella ripping through the Duffey :rockon

[jeckyll]

Safe travels Steve, you damn idiot :)

[sushigrl]

another trip!? wow good for you steve. take care and stay in touch. btw is that new KLR? somehow it does not look the same as the last time i saw it last year. i see no zipties either :laughing

[maggotbreath]

Good on ya dude, I'm jelous and envious all at the same time! Thanks in advance, I know this will be a great thread!!!!

[greenboy]

Steve, did anyone happen to mention to you that there's snow on the ground?? Hopefully it will melt by the time that you get there. :)


A lot less than last year Nancy, so far but it's still early in the trip so who knows.

Last year I set out about this time as well, and I was sick as a dog and I remember there being more rain. No rain today until close to Quesnel, when there were few thundershowers, so I am holed up now for the night in beautiful Quesnel. If anything it was too stupid hot today and I was totally over-dressed.

Here's my trusty Killer in front of the Quesnel Sandman Inn. The concierge is awesome. I asked him if I could leave the bike there, near the front door, for security purposes. He said wait a minute, then walked me to a ground floor regular hotel suite and said if I could get the bike through the suite door, I might have to put it there (inside the freakin' suite!) if a tour bus shows up tonight and finds my bike is in the way!!! First class service, heh. Unfortunately there is no way the bike will get in the door unless I put the barkbusters to good use.

[greenboy]

Check out this restaurant in Quesnel ... I didn't. I hear though the house special is quite memorable.

___________


Thanks for comments all, I'm happy to share the experience. I used to fly for vacations but in the past few years (since 09/11/01) I have been pretty much turned off air travel and have discovered this incredible alternative called "Canada".

What I'm doing hasn't really sunk in yet. I figure by the first heavy rainfall, or disappearing asphalt, or frozen fog bank, I'll probably come to my senses but by then there'll be no turning around.

Maybe one day someone will actually do this trip with me :) .

[GSP]

If you see a guy named George with a silver R1150GS in Inuvik, say "hi" for me. That's my old bike he's riding.

Looking forward to the reports.

[greenboy]

Great send off this morning from Big Sky in Pemberton with Patricia, Tony and Tony. I never get bored of the view from the golf club parking lot. They were expecting avalanches today which you can see from the restaurant patio. But none happened.

The last two pics are a couple of friendly KLRs giving free lectures about suspension travel and potholes to a BMWK1200S. Not that its rider needs any lessons from us.

[greenboy]

Pretty ambitious three day journey Scott. I guess in theory you could ride to Smithers in a day, to Whitehorse the second day, and then to Inuvik on the third day but there would have to be something seriously wrong with the grey matter to voluntarily undertake such cruel and unusual punishment.

For instance you'd miss all the great sights like this view from the Safeway parking lot in Williams Lake. I devoured three pieces of fruit and
a bagel there, I was so hungry I was hallucinating.

I'm gving myself 5 to 7 days to get to Inuvik, including a 2 day stopover in Whitehorse for new tires: Conti TKC80's, supposed to be the cat's ass (yes Bjorn you were right, the Kenda 270's suck donkey balls on pavement).


You are f*@king crazy!

:D

Have a great trip!

Wait a second... according to google maps that's only a three day trip one way. see here (http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=from:+vancouver+to:Inuvik,+Northwest+Territories ,+Northwest+Territories,+Canada&sll=60.326948,-122.34375&sspn=31.150933,82.265625&ie=UTF8&ll=58.676938,-129.902344&spn=32.631059,82.265625&z=4)

So you're going to be back on Friday? :laughing

[greenboy]

another trip!? wow good for you steve. take care and stay in touch. btw is that new KLR? somehow it does not look the same as the last time i saw it last year. i see no zipties either :laughing

Zipties are on the left side Anna, I'll take a picture of them for you later.

We saw a few 'tards on the Duffy today, have you taken yours up that way yet?

[greenboy]

Um. Wow.
I think you're the only person I know of that intentionally tries to find places colder than the climate you normally live in...

Have an awesome experience Steve. :thumbup
I await with anticipation for your updates and pictures!

Michael it was actually uncomfortaby hot today and ironically I felt relieved when it started raining. But then shortly after I wanted the rain to stop. I lost that argument so here I am in Quesnel.

[Squire]

Steve, I wish I was there with you - I would have had a gas!! I know Big Sky is the greatest place for views. Best of luck on your journey. I hope you meet up with George. :)

[sushigrl]

Zipties are on the left side Anna, I'll take a picture of them for you later.

We saw a few 'tards on the Duffy today, have you taken yours up that way yet?

haha was just looking at your pictues and noticed them still there :laughing ya've taken the tard there last year but only part way as my butt was still getting used to "longer" rides on the very uncomfortable seat. was going to join you this morning but i've been trying to shake off some virus for over a week now and still not 100%. had i known it was your "send off" ride i would have made it walking :laughing next time make sure to give us some more notice, will ya? anyway stay safe and post lots of pictures so we can take this trip vicariously.

[kerunt]

Maybe one day someone will actually do this trip with me :) .

Don't tempt me ;)

[Machinist]

** STEVE **
I talked to Christopher tonight and a freind of his just came down from WHITE HORSE Via Alaska Hwy / Dawson Creek then the Heart to PG and Road conditions are in Excellent shape , If you need anything in PG , just call and Christopher will give you a Hand .
Chris

[greenboy]

Thanks Chris. I'll be passing through PG later this morning, and then onto Smithers for a short day today maybe 500 km. Slight change in plans, will skip the Alaska Highway for now.

Note to self: odometer reading on departure from Surrey yesterday was 22,029 km.

[silverD]

Have at 'er Steve...... :)

[SpideRider]

Good on ya, Steve! :rockon

[Thumper 8]

btw is that new KLR? somehow it does not look the same as the last time i saw it last year

Same bike - he just washed/detailed it before the ride. I have a feeling it won't stay this clean for very long.


yes Bjorn you were right, the Kenda 270's suck donkey balls on pavement.

Trying to lean hard through the switchbacks was an adventure. You get to a certain point, and then the side/sidewall thread blocks start to flex and shimmy as you are leaned right over... lotsa fun. Kenda's are good offroad - suck when pushed on pavement.

Some more pictures from yesterday:

Tony (Traveller) on his immaculate Bimmer

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008064-1.jpg

Steve doing his thing

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008110-1.jpg

Obligatory Duffey view shot

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008125-1.jpg

The remains of the avalanche

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008210-1.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008222-1.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008224.jpg

[silverD]

Nice shots Thump...

[lilfizzer]

kewl. another nice picture laden ride report thread to follow. I read and looked intently at your last ride report, and will closely monitor this one as well. Godspeed.

[BooBoo11]

YOU GO BOY! And ride safe!

[Commuter Boy]

Good choice, I just did the Cassiar / Alcan loop two weeks ago for work.

The Cassiar was in good shape, lots of frost heaves past Dease Lake, only a couple of gravel sections, none of them very long.

Stop in at Mama Z's restaurant in Dease and say hello to Zora and have some great food.

[bacchus40]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/May17th2008082-1.jpg

The Little Green Fella ripping through the Duffey :rockon

wow, that is a great shot! i vote Mr. Green for BCSB POSTER BOY!

[Machinist]

Steve ,
I hope your ride today was as good as our's Pat and I did the Hope / Princeton / Merritt / Lytton Loop , The road's are in excellent shape, The only glitch was some Single lane alternateing stuff just north of Lytton , one of the creeks washed over the hwy and they were cleaning it up ,
Pat mentioned to me about going back on the Duffy :laughing :laughing
I gave him that deer caught in the Headlights look , and that was the end of that :devillook

[waterman]

Our little jaunt as described by Chris was just over 700 km, and I'm tired. I can't imagine doing those distances day after day. Then again, you're probably not trying to send land speed records.

Most of us dream about doing a ride like this, maybe even talk about, but find an excuse not to actually do it. Good on you for emasculating the rest of us.

Thanks for the heads-up about the Come-Joy Restaurant. You were smart to give it a miss.

[greenboy]

Chris you should know by now, Traveler and Waterman have Duffy Lake sediment running through their veins. I'm jealous of your ride today, would've like to have joined you, but you know how it is ...

________


So Day 2 was from Quesnel to Smithers, via Highway 16 west out of Prince George. Lots of long mind-numbing stretches but I like these because that's when I start to feel the stresses of ordinary life slowly dissipating.

I'm not doing monster mileage days so far, yesterday about 675 km, today about 525 km. Last year and in 2005 I did some really long days and consecutively (800, 950, 1,200?, etc.) but I found it more taxing than fun. So I am taking my time this time around, average crusing speed a mere 110 km/h.

Here are some shots either from out of Quesnel, or along Highway 16 out of Prince George and before Burns Lake (I forgot which was which, sorry). Most of the day looked like this, some rain here and there and a lot cooler temps over-all. If you had a Busa or a ZX-14 and no respect for law enforcement whatsoever these roads could actually be a lot of fun. :devillook

[Sikorsky]

If you are coming through Prince Rupert, give us a heads up first. Have a great journey.

[greenboy]

Good choice, I just did the Cassiar / Alcan loop two weeks ago for work.

The Cassiar was in good shape, lots of frost heaves past Dease Lake, only a couple of gravel sections, none of them very long.

Stop in at Mama Z's restaurant in Dease and say hello to Zora and have some great food.

I appreciate the heads up.

Last year I rode it south from Watson Lake to Smithers. It was a mess, rain, slick, construction, basically disgusting until Bell Lodge II.

I'll be back on the Stewart-Cassiar tomorrow, south to north this time, and the forecast seems to be calling for rain. I am anticipating my first truly miserable day tomorrow and strangely looking forward to it.

_________


Here are some pics of Burns Lake, roughly 200 km (?) west of Prince George. There are lots of other towns along the way too, but when I rolled into this one I got the urge to click a few. All four shots taken from the same perspective, I think this may have been the centre of town.

[greenboy]

Unfortunately the museum was closed today, so I remained my usual uncultured self.

[greenboy]

One last pic just outside of Burns Lake. So ... where do you think you'll end up?

I went to 9:00 a.m. mass today at St. Ann's Parish in Quesnel before setting out. Hopefully I won't find myself in a ditch on this trip.

[Squire]

Nice pics Steve. Without holding you to a schedule, when do you think you'll be rolling into Inuvik??

[silverD]

Lots of long mind-numbing stretches but I like these because that's when I start to feel the stresses of ordinary life slowly dissipating.

I see you're approaching the 7th level of enlightenment.... :laughing

I used to travell a lot up there 20 some years ago, beautiful country for sure...:rockon

[greenboy]

If you are coming through Prince Rupert, give us a heads up first. Have a great journey.


Many thanks. However I'll be making a right at Kitwanga, over the Skeena River, and then heading up towards Watson Lake from there.

Last time I tried to go to Prince Rupert there was flooding, then a huge landslide that buried and killed a couple. The highway was closed.

[greenboy]

Nice pics Steve. Without holding you to a schedule, when do you think you'll be rolling into Inuvik??

Let's see ... hmmm ....

Maybe by Friday May 23 at the earliest, possibly Saturday or Sunday. I might spend two days in Whitehorse while the Killer gets new tires and possibly brake shoes.

Why do you ask? Oh right, I hear you're from Canada, eh. Why don't you meet me in Inuvik. I'll buy you a coffee. :coffee

[sushigrl]

I went to 9:00 a.m. mass today at St. Ann's Parish in Quesnel before setting out. Hopefully I won't find myself in a ditch on this trip.

:laughing any help you can get, huh? good on ya :laughing

[greenboy]

Someone on here has to tell me what kind of rock this red stuff is (not the KLR). Pretty stunning against a bright blue sky.

[greenboy]

:laughing any help you can get, huh? good on ya :laughing

Always one in every crowd, isn't there? :flashy

[greenboy]

I see you're approaching the 7th level of enlightenment.... :laughing

I used to travell a lot up there 20 some years ago, beautiful country for sure...:rockon

Don, you should keep the V-String if you ever plan on returning up here. I think it would be an ideal northern travel bike, just lose the Anakees or Trailwings by the time you reach the Arctic Circle.

[greenboy]

I liked riding in this place. The bottom pic is cool well-maintained little park as you roll into town.

[greenboy]

I flew into here just over a year ago, there was a big stuffed grizzly bear in the airport that I had to return to see and take pictures of today. Don't know why, just had to. Anyway, the airport is less than 10 minutes out of town, and not too big. The entire waiting/check-in/arrivals area is about as big as a large laundromat.

[greenboy]

So here's the grizzly.

According to the small write-up on the showcase, this 1,012 lb. male grizzly was responsible for killing about 30 cattle over a three year period until he was trapped and killed in October, 2001. Apparently he had been trapped before but always broke free. He even broke the trap when the two officers finally came and killed him. One mean MoFo.

[slowzuki]

sweet mang have a safe trip...BTW nice pics!

[RiceRocket]

Nice pics and update. With a wife and kid it's hard for me to get out on these adventures but at least I can live vicariously through your write-ups. :laughing

[Machinist]

** STEVE **
I should of reminded you to take a picture at the GRIZZLY MAIN fsr road turnoff , remember the Amber flashing light 5 km befor Burns Lake :horse

[greenboy]

At least that's what they tell us tourists.

But the truth is, according to reliable local sources here, is that the grizzly was minding his own business, wandering around picking berries and eating stuff in the forest one day when he came cross Mr. Hyde on his KLR650 riding in the wrong direction on a single track. The two got into a heated argument about what were the best tires / bear claws, and after Hyde sternly lectured the grizzly about how wrong he was, the grizzly went into a catatonic state as you see him now.

:evilgrin

[rscudiver]

.......Safe journey Steve. Thanks for the pics.

[r1100s]

I wanna do what Steve does! If its not too late Steve, if you're going North from Smithers tomorrow, hang a right in New Hazelton towards Old Hazelton, just to go over the old suspension bridge - a beautiful spot just a minute or two off Hwy 16.

[flowrider]

Wow great write ups Steve!! Ride safe!

[waterman]

So what was the reaction of the locals to a leather-clad motorcycle-riding hooligan wandering into the airport departure lounge and taking pictures of a deceased bear in a glass case?

[KaiBosh]

Haha, I saw Steve go through downtown Houston, I was chilling in the park with a buddy after coming back from a day trip. You can't mistake that bright red KLR with the rounded rear case.

[CBum650]

Hey Steve, what is that blue bumper you have in front of the skid plate? Inflatable raft or some such touring gadget?

[J_Scott]

This thread doesn't deserve to be on page 3! Someone should move it to Ride Reports so it doesn't get bumped back right away!

Great updates Steve!

[Machinist]

Stop stirring the Pot :knife , I cleared it with on of the Administrators for this section before i posted it , Go back to Rideing your DUCK and be nice




This thread doesn't deserve to be on page 3! Someone should move it to Ride Reports so it doesn't get bumped back right away!

Great updates Steve!

[greenboy]

Haha, I saw Steve go through downtown Houston, I was chilling in the park with a buddy after coming back from a day trip. You can't mistake that bright red KLR with the rounded rear case.

Were you two eating lunch at a picnic table? One of you have a red naked sportbike maybe? I think I saw you guys look up. Just in or after the park I shot a pic of?

Hope you had a good lunch, was probably better than what I ate for dinner yesterday (as in nothing after lunch - Watson Lake everything was closed).

[greenboy]

Just got into Whitehorse. I have to change computers and will post up from the last two days in a moment, yesterday Smithers to Watson Lake, then today Watson Lake to Whitehorse.

A little excitement this afternoon, I 'll get into it later.

[jeckyll]

Just got into Whitehorse. I have to change computers and will post up from the last two days in a moment, yesterday Smithers to Watson Lake, then today Watson Lake to Whitehorse.

A little excitement this afternoon, I 'll get into it later.

Steve's version of a cliff hanger ;)

[J_Scott]

Stop stirring the Pot :knife , I cleared it with on of the Administrators for this section before i posted it , Go back to Rideing your DUCK and be nice

I was trying to be positive! I didn't like seeing this back on page 3... it deserves page 1! ;)

[greenboy]

So much for no long ride days. I was on the road for 12+ hours including stops yesterday, and covered 850 km from Smithers to Watson Lake. The Stewart Cassiar Highway was a lot better than last year, some gravel and broken pavement spots but dry the whole day. The nasty weather I was expecting never showed up. But I'm sure it will find me soon enough.

It just occurred to me I have not eaten any solid food since a late lunch at Bell Lodge II yesterday, a pretty good clubhouse sandwich and fries. Since then, for the last 28 hours or so I have subsisted on coffee and Diet Coke, and not much of either. Funny I still don't feel hungry (?). Very uncharacteristic of me.

Anyway, here's a few shots out of Smithers just before the Kitwanga Junction. Including the suspension bridge between New Hazelton and Old Hazelton (good call Chris, thanks for the tip).

[greenboy]

Here's where you turn right to go north onto the Stewart-Cassiar Highway towards the Yukon. You don't actually reach the Yukon until about 725 km later.

Lots of black bears yesterday, but most of them just ran away when they detected my low-decible stealth muffler. This one didn't care (probably rides a Harley).

Oh yeah, it was getting cold at times.

[greenboy]

My last meal ... before tonight. But I'll go eat again after I'm done here.

Looks dreary as hell, but a welcome relief after about 250 km from the junction and few/no services around.

[J_Scott]

Awesome report Steve! So why again aren't you doing it in 3 days? lol

BTW, I was joking when I said that, I was reading it right off the Google map times. ;)

[Squire]

Good to see the pictures of the snow Steve - I haven't seen enough of that!!! :roflmao

So... what happened?? I don't think you've said yet. Waiting....

[greenboy]

North from Bell Lodge II.

[greenboy]

Yesterday I satrted getting that Woo Hoo feeling, I am far away from home and getting into the mood. Mile after mile after mile of scenic roads will do this to you.

[greenboy]

No I asked first, what are you looking at foo?

These horses were running alongside me. Well not exactly. They were running away from me, and had nowhere else to go.

[kerunt]

What, no pic on a horse? :D

[greenboy]

I killed a few of this body of water's namesakes in the past couple of days.

I also saw a dead bird today on the side of the road, fresh kill, in a gravel pull-out. I figured a semi-truck driver pulled it out of his grill and dumped it.

[greenboy]

Turns out a hungry BMW1200GS rider was roasting a quail for lunch today. Bit over done though, and not enough salt. :laughing

The black stuff on the right pipe is burnt flesh or tissue or something.

[mooove_over]

geesh the claws on that grizzly look like the size of dinner knives

[kerunt]

Awesome pics, Steve!

Snow and mountains looks fantastic. How are the temperatures over there?

Oh, and here's one pic you missed:

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7862/stevejk1.jpg

[Thumper 8]

Awesome pics, Steve!

Snow and mountains looks fantastic. How are the temperatures over there?

Oh, and here's one pic you missed:

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7862/stevejk1.jpg

Very nice - I like the horse in the background.

Keep posting the updates Steve - so far, so good :rockon

[greenboy]

OK that was a good one. :laughing

Except I ride a Kawi.

__________


Here's a few more shots from yesterday, in random spots I forgot where but generally along the Stewart Cassiar Highway.

You can get these views closer to home, but the difference is stringing them together for thousands of km's in total. Really puts things in perspective.

[greenboy]

Hey Steve, what is that blue bumper you have in front of the skid plate? Inflatable raft or some such touring gadget?


Ha, I always get asked this question. Great conversation-maker.

It's a welding rod tube. I use it to hold odds and ends like zipties, electrical tape, small forest animals, that kind of thing. It's about 95% waterproof but with a strip of duct tape 100%. :thumbup See pic of bike in snow above.

[greenboy]

You can pass through this town in 5 minutes flat, but make sure you stop for the signpost forest. I can't believe I forgot to bring a signpost with me to join the tens of thousands (?) of others from all over the world. And it's my second time here!

If you travel up to the Yukon or through to Alaska you pretty much have to stay in Watson Lake.

[Thumper 8]

It's about 95% waterproof but with a strip of duct tape 100%. :thumbup

Always perfecting the perfect set up, eh? Last year's black electrical tape (lengthwise) replaced with grey duct tape (around the blue thingy). I smell some late night engineering here - over many beers :laughing

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg304/thumphoto/Greenboy008.jpg

[greenboy]

The plan today was to ride from Watson Lake to Whitehorse. Mission accomplished, an easy 430 km day. Here are a few views during the day.

I'm still waiting for the Total Sh*t Weather Day, I know it's coming and I'm just being teased for the time being. Little bit of rain today in short showers only. Didn't even put my rainsuit on for them.

[greenboy]

[QUOTE=Thumper 8;1131424]Always perfecting the perfect set up, eh? Last year's black electrical tape (lengthwise) replaced with grey duct tape (around the blue thingy). I smell some late night engineering here - over many beers :laughing

You have no idea the thousands of hours and millions of $$$ invested in R&D in this item. This is no ordinary welding rod tube. :rockon

[greenboy]

Speaking of high tech, today I ran into and rode with Bob from San Francisco, an admitted Gadget Freak. Our bikes and riding attitudes could not be more different. Whereas Bob had a beautiful GS1200 with GPS, sat phone, front & rear vidcams, radar detector, a headlight set that would make a porn starlet blush, and luggage worth more than my whole bike, there I was with my conspicuously down-market KLR with no heated grips, one folded map and a jacket full of yesterday's newspapers for warmth.

Bob's plan was to ride to Prudhoe Bay, and then on the way back turn up towards the Dempster Highway and on to Inuvik. Some mighty long trip there, friend.

Anyway, Bob would have made a fantastic riding partner. He understands the value of riding this route early before the traffic jams and high season chaos. It was Deja Vu and High Fives all around when he revealed to me he couldn't find anyone to do this route with him either at this time of the year, they all just say "I'll go with you if you do it later, in June or July". . :laughing

[J_Scott]

He understands the value of riding this route early before the traffic jams and high season chaos.

The North Pole has a high season? :laughing

[greenboy]

OK, now it's starting to feel like I'm on holidays.

[greenboy]

So what was the reaction of the locals to a leather-clad motorcycle-riding hooligan wandering into the airport departure lounge and taking pictures of a deceased bear in a glass case?

This bear will end up in a glass case too if he doesn't stop hanging around rest area garbage cans. Sad really, it's just a matter of time for him.

To answer your question I was clad in menacing black textiles, and the airport was full of tourists who didn't seem to notice. :evilgrin

[jeckyll]

Looking good Steve, glad you are enjoying your ride!

You're still nutty for riding up there so early in the season, but I guess it cuts down on the mosquitoes.

:D

[greenboy]

Bob had a low speed tipover, that's all. The BMW wouldn't start after that but it should be good to go.

I had to help pick the fully-loaded GS1200 up and I swear it weighed more than my Suzuki Swift. My KLR650 felt like a bicycle in comparison.

[greenboy]

Looking good Steve, glad you are enjoying your ride!

You're still nutty for riding up there so early in the season, but I guess it cuts down on the mosquitoes.

:D

Thanks Bjorn. One of these days I will take a trip through the US. One thing I am finding though, is that I prefer cold weather riding. Not freezing-ass-can't-feel-your-eyeballs cold, but crisp cold that keeps your senses heightened and alert. I find that when it's too hot out I doze off, zone out and drift all over the road - wait a miinute that's just my normal riding. :eek

[jeckyll]

Thanks Bjorn. One of these days I will take a trip through the US. One thing I am finding though, is that I prefer cold weather riding. Not freezing-ass-can't-feel-your-eyeballs cold, but crisp cold that keeps your senses heightened and alert. I find that when it's too hot out I doze off, zone out and drift all over the road - wait a miinute that's just my normal riding. :eek

I'm glad you stuck that part on at the end. Don't blame the heat for your ... *ahem* "riding style"

:surrender

:evilgrin

[kerule]

I did this trip up to Dawson City in '91 and these picts make me want to do it all over again. It is truly the last frontier. Have a blast. It gets hot as hell up there in another month. Keep the photos coming. Cheers and watch on for those deers...........................sorry.

[RiceRocket]

Steve, glad you're having a blast. I just noticed those "hand warmers" on your KLR. When I was in Seoul in Feb. all the bikers had them on their bikes. Where'd you get them?

[Triplepete]

Sweet adventure! I need to get a KLR too. Ride safe!

[greenboy]

Steve, glad you're having a blast. I just noticed those "hand warmers" on your KLR. When I was in Seoul in Feb. all the bikers had them on their bikes. Where'd you get them?

They're by Oxford Sports. I found them at Burnaby Kawasaki. Material is good and stiff but the velcro sewing was weak and I had them re-stiched at a shoe/leather repair shop. I am waiting to see how they perform in the rain and cold cold. They actually work well on any long rides when temps are below 10 Celsius, as the wind chill catches up on you without them. I'm not sure if I'd use them on anything but a dualsport with handguards though, otherwise they might be flapping around all over the place.

[greenboy]

I went to Yukon Honda today to get shod with new Conti TKC80's when the tire guy there told me he'd been thinking about my trip since I spoke to him yesterday.

The long story short version is that we found out today the Dempster Highway is closed at two ferry crossings at least, north of Eagle Plains. The ice jams have yet to break and that won't be happening for the next week or two.

Not sure what to do next. I'm not going back to Alaska because I was there last year, and I didn't expect to cross the border so I didn't bring my passport.

Maybe I'll just go to Starbucks and pose (there's one here in Whitehorse).

Hmmm ... what to do.

[TheDudette ZX9]

Sip on it for now!!

[Commuter Boy]

Been to Yellowknife yet?

[Squire]

Navigate the ice Steve... or, why don't you just head up there & maybe the ice will have broken by the time you get there.

Funny, where I'm at right now the ice makes it easier for the people to get to their destinations. When the ice breaks it means that they have to go across the land - takes longer with all of the bays and land masses, and glaciers (not to mention the stranded snowmobiles). :)

You have a DS Steve - just take it across the ice.

Steve, you will be happy to know that it's snowing here (again? still?).

[heisenberg9]

Steve I think Squire is onto something. Suggesting you just go up there, as far as you can go and see what you can negotiate. You never know what could be presented as options.

[Fjr eh]

Tough....:blindside

Hurry and get back down here, Steve.
We're headed to the North End of Vancouver Island on a 3 day dualsport trip on Friday morning. Gold River to Malcolm Island.

Mark

[Machinist]

Had a phone call this evening from Steve , He is in DAWSON CITY , There is not much for Computer / Internet up there so he will not be checking in for several day's , He say's the roads in town are dirt and the sidewaks are made of wood, just like a Clint Eastwood Movie :devillook Tomorrow ( FRIDAY ) He is going to attempt the DEMPSTER HWY, His biggest challange will be getting over two river crossing's , He has recieved mixed reports , Some say that there is TOO much ice on the river for the ferry's to operate others say the ferry's are operateing despite the ice, It's approx 850 Km's from Dawson to Inuvic , with one stop in between a town called EAGLE PLAIN'S , they say they have a stable population of ** 8 People ** Gas station / motel / bar / resturant :eek the rest is pure wilderness with very little traffic , He picked up a gallon jug today to carry exrta gas just in case , If he does not make it to Inuvic he will double back and then probably head to Yellow Knife, If i hear anything more i will post it up .:tredmill

[TheDudette ZX9]

Thanks for the update Chris......Hope he makes it to Inuvic!

[jeckyll]

He's a character, that's for sure... Thanks for the update Chris. :)

[pinball]

Hey Steve! Lookin good buddy! Was gonna pm you to go for a ride this wkend but I see u you traded in the Zx6r for a...dirtbike. LOL! Be safe and hope to hook up for a ride when you get back! PS- Please tell me you weren't inspired by the story "Into the Wild!!!' LOL! Take care, ride safe rubber side down!

[Squire]

Thanks for the updates Chris. Keep them coming & let us know where Steve has made it to next.

[bacchus40]

g'ad to hear he's doing alright.. damn cowboy towns and their lack of internet access. geezz..

[dog44]

Maybe one day someone will actually do this trip with me :) .
Hey, I would have gone ... where was my invitation?
:rolleyes

Steve, you crazy bastard! I hope everything works out, here's wishing you happy kms with minimal "incidents". Anxiously awaiting the next news (thanks, Chris!). Ride safe, my friend.
:cheers

[silverD]

Thanks for the update Chris ....

Have at 'er Steve...

[alternateimpact]

great read so far Steve. I am lookin forward to your safe return, and hear all about this trip.....maybe over some eggs and benny at the Gillnetter. Youn make me want to get a KLR to, and join you on a least part of your 3 weeks of pure madness ride. :)

[sushigrl]

steve, where are you??

[Squire]

steve, where are you??

Yeah Steve.... where are you?? Post up - let us know. Waiting patiently.

[greenboy]

PS- Please tell me you weren't inspired by the story "Into the Wild!!!' LOL! Take care, ride safe rubber side down!


Nope. I went to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska last year, before I ever heard of that movie which coincidentally I saw. I am sticking to the highways, as divesting myself of all wordly possessions only to die of starvation alone in the woods just isn't my thing.

For the record, I have also never seen Around the World or whatever it's called with those two BMW moviestars, although everytime I mention an Arctic trip that always comes up. I also tried reading the Zen of Motorcycling but never got past the first 75 pages.

I basically make up my own stuff as I go along, and rarely do I listen to good advice no matter how well-intentioned. Like taking this trip for instance :laughing

_____


Anyhow, per Machinist's update above (thanks, Chris), my plans have been sullied by two frozen river crossings just south of Inuvik. There are ferries that take you across but the river flows are still jammed with ice and so No Go, brothers and sisters.

Yesterday I rode the Dempster Highway in excellent fair weather from Kilometre 0 to about 410 km north which is the Arctic Circle junction. The highway is, uhhh, long and unpredictable to say the least: lots of broken pavement, gravel, calcium chloride, dirt, crap, you name it, wet to dry and back to wet again and then repeat cycle. The shale actually ate small chunks of my brand new Conti TKC80's and there was a large wood splinter in one of the knobs. Almost zero other vehicular traffic.

So I made it to about 200 km south of my intended destination. Inuvik will have to wait for another trip. I can't wait another (up to) 2 weeks for the ice jams to break.

In comparing the Dempster Highway (Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik) to the Dalton Highway (Fairbanks, Alaska to Prudhoe Bay), I have to say that the weather makes all the difference. The Dempster was daunting yes, but I did not have to face the rain, snow, sleet, fog, frozen fog, endless stretches of wet calcium chloride and other assorted goodies as when I passed along the Dalton.

I would not say the Dempster is easier, only that weather conditions for me were more favourable.

There being no contest I cannot declare a winner. I may have fewer stories to tell this time around, but sometimes no event is a good event. Earlier in the trip I was with a fellow who fell off his bike and fractured an ankle - it's incredible how that affected me by basically ridding me of any remaining bravado I may have had left in me by then. Respect all roads no matter where you are is all I can say.

[greenboy]

Two nights ago I stayed in Dawson City, the last relic of civilization before Inuvik. The next town is Eagle Plains, 370 km to the north, population 8.

Dawson City is part heritage site with lots of old buildings with placards explaining what they are, part tourist mecca, and part bad Spaghetti western movie set. There are virtually no paved streets, and most sidewalks are made out of wood. The few locals I spoke to were friendly, people would say Hi to me in the street, and I got the feeling that more than a few of them (young-ish population) have escaped here from something or somewhere ... ?

Cool place :thumbup

[greenboy]

Pardon the chronological lack of Ordnung, but there it is.

These scenes were from a couple of days ago. Twisties, Yukon style.

First pic is getting new tires in Whitehorse. Two thumbs up for Jon at Yukon Honda. Whoa is stuff expensive up here but great service.

[elevation]

Do you ever take your helmet off Steve? :evilgrin

[greenboy]

Do you ever take your helmet off Steve? :evilgrin

Only when I sleep. Except I made this one exception at Five Fingers Rapids outside Carmacks :)
.

[greenboy]

Speaking of Carmacks.

Any of you thinking of setting up shop dealing drugs there, you may want to reconsider and hang on to that day job.

Don't let the two enforcers at the bottom fool you. They may look like a couple of leg humpers, but the interrogation/sniffing sessions are known to be pretty intense. They let me pass however without incident after I gave them a piece of my pepperoni stick to share.

[greenboy]

OK, I have no idea what that animal is in the first frame. He looked like a moose or elk with a huge head but no antlers (?). Really big animal.

The further north I went the more porcupines I encountered. Many had yellow quills and stood by the side of the road cheering travellers on.

Last animal in the bottom frame I recognize from the Dalton Highway, known as Dustus Kickupis Brown Outien Fucdown Igo. Very few of them on the highway this time luckily.

[greenboy]

I don't know what I liked about this place, but I just did.

I imagine in the summer when it gets really busy it must have a different side to it, but right now it's quiet and laid back. Good seafood chowder and sourdough toast at Sourdough Joe's Restaurant. The river runs parallel to one of the city's main streets, but you have to walk up to the dyke to see it.

[Squire]

Good to see the pictures Steve. I'm glad you made it at least to the Arctic Circle. I'm disappointed in the lack of snow where you considering that I'm stuck in it right now. :) The only things that are moving here are 4x4's, old beaten up trucks, ATV's and snowmobiles... oh, and the form in the picture!!

Good to see Dawson City hasn't changed since I was there in 1996.

Where are you headed now??

[greenboy]

OK, the road isn't terribly sexy. If you think the Duffy has pavement "issues" ... at least it has pavement. This is not sportbike territory at all, as is probably obvious by now. The straights are long and the curves are huge sweepers with frequently changing road surfaces beneath your tires. There are no hairpins or tight technical stuff at all.

It's a road though everyone should try, given it's sheer length and changeability. When normal pavement does appear again, ie. none on the Dempster itself after the first few km's, you think you've been jettisoned onto a polished, smooth race track.

[greenboy]

Good to see the pictures Steve. I'm glad you made it at least to the Arctic Circle. I'm disappointed in the lack of snow where you considering that I'm stuck in it right now. :) The only things that are moving here are 4x4's, old beaten up trucks, ATV's and snowmobiles... oh, and the form in the picture!!

Good to see Dawson City hasn't changed since I was there in 1996.

Where are you headed now??

So Nancy, would that be the local limousine service?

Nope, no snow this time around. I'm a bit disappointed myself, no wait ... relieved? Getting stuck in the snow is great to talk about after the fact, but it sucks when it's actually happening. Like I said, no event is sometimes a good event.

[Squire]

Ha ha Steve, actually there IS a taxi here, believe it or not. I guess that's because they get a lot of base jumpers, hunters and expeditions here - the airport is about 2 km's down a dirt road. BTW, that was me in the back of the sled.

Next year we're planning a trip as a group... Steve, you can lead the pack!

[bacchus40]

lol... thanks for the pickies Steve.. g'ad to hear you're having a great time, too bad about inuvik..!

just make sure to steer clear of abandoned school buses... n' make sure you know where the river crossing is b4 you go off on any wild adventures... you'll be fine! :)

[Thumper 8]

Dustus Kickupis Brown Outien Fucdown Igo.

Very nice.

Keep on rollin'

[Machinist]

Steve
That sure looks like real good Moose Country :horse

[J_Scott]

Great update Steve. Are you going to do a debrief with all your buddies when you get back? ;)

[greenboy]

Great update Steve. Are you going to do a debrief with all your buddies when you get back? ;)

Do you mean ... try to ride a sportbike again? :evilgrin Probably pretty quickly.

Here's two more views. I think these were at Pelly Crossing on the Klondike Highway (?). Maybe someone can read the two boards and confirm.

[greenboy]

First one is the best of the three. The landscape is a lot like Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway in Alaska (few or no trees, everything brown).

The second is another one of the cuddly quilly little fellow, would make a nice housepet for someone you want to kill or at least make suffer horribly.

The third is another obligatory money shot of "I Went to the Arctic Circle and All I Got was the F*n T-Shirt" :laughing . Seriusly though, an experience worth the trip, I'm just ticked because I couldn't have gone farther.

[frontside5]

I don't know what I liked about this place, but I just did.

I was thinking the same; desolate now but probably a fun little place when more people are milling about.
Very cool note about the population's age - I imagine that's quite the anomaly up north.

[jeckyll]

Some great shots Steve. Don't be ticked that you can't go further.

"The adventure begins when things stop going as planned".

Well, that and you shouldn't have gone so damn early in the riding season. If only someone had told you ... :laughing

Seriously, looks like you're having fun.

Bjorn

[jeckyll]

Steve
That sure looks like real good Moose Country :horse

Put the 338 away Chris, it ain't huntin season!

[RiceRocket]

So who's taking the shots with you in the picture? Timer on the camera or you were lucky enough to find someone?

Steve, give me a shout when you're back for a debrief. I think I might be out on day parole around then.

And just where the heck is Nancy? Surrey that bad you guys gotta head up North. :laughing

[adam112]

Steve, great trip report!

I used to spend my summers up in Whitehorse and have very fond memories of the North. Everyone was friendly and things are still simple enough to be enjoyable.

Dawson City actually has quite a popular music festival every year.

[Scorpion71]

Steve, great trip report!

I used to spend my summers up in Whitehorse and have very fond memories of the North. Everyone was friendly and things are still simple enough to be enjoyable.

Dawson City actually has quite a popular music festival every year.

Well..now that explains everything! :laughing

[adam112]

Well..now that explains everything! :laughing

You must be speaking of my friendly demeanor?

[Scorpion71]

You must be speaking of my friendly demeanor?

What else would I be speaking of?

[greenboy]

I did another 850 km day today, from Watson Lake, Yukon. If you ever go there stay at the Air Force Lodge, if you don't mind shared bathroom and shower facilities. It's a renovated airforce pilots' barracks, and is cheap, well-run and super-clean. There are four other motels in Watson Lake and I've stayed at two of them. Wish I had tried the Air Force Lodge before, the other two motels I stayed at ranged from gross to mediocre, and were consistently over-priced for what they were.

Here in Smithers, BC now. Will be back in good old Surrey in a couple of days.

Fark, I lost my camera in Whitehorse. Good thing I loaded a few of my favourite pics on here. I'm not too upset about it, because last time if anything I snapped too many pics and it took me 4 months to finally put it altogether into an album.

This trip has been good for mellowing out, but in a sick twisted kind of way I miss the crazy-ass weather patterns of last year's excursion to Alaska. It was also a bit of a downer that I never made it to Inuvik this time around, but what the heck I've been riding solid now for 1.5 weeks or so.

I really miss being home, the important people in my life, and the familiar things I take for granted every day. I always get this same feeling everytime I travel, no matter where I go, that one of the best parts of a trip is returning home.

I am also just itching to go for a good canyon run on the ZX6R including Spences Bridge to Merritt. I want to drive my car. I want to eat preserved egg and salted pork congee at that place on Main & Broadway. I want to mow my lawn, and throw a ball down the street for my neighbour's dog.

Damn, I can't wait to get back home.

[greenboy]

Steve
That sure looks like real good Moose Country :horse


Chris, so many animals along the Casssiar Highway today it was like being in a nature park. Mostly black bears by the side of the road. The older (larger) they were, the less they seemed to be bothered by my approaching them. A few of them I just stopped my bike within 10 feet of them and we just sat there and stared at each other. Pretty intellligent inquisitive animals. The young black bears would just take off into the bush.

A few moose today too. Without antlers they look like huge rats with long legs.

Also at the top of the Cassiar today a caribou stepped out onto the road beside me and ran for about 200 metres on the pavement while I "swept" him from about 20 feet behind. Pretty funny experience, I don't know why he didn't run off into the bush earlier than he did. Full grown one too, he kept crossing the highway from side to side right in front of me as I paced him at about 20 km/h or so. If I was beside him he would have knocked me over, damned Squid Caribou. :laughing

[TheDudette ZX9]

Hey Steve.....good to hear that a few little set backs won't break your spirit. I'm also itching for a canyon ride but while you're on your way back....I'm on my way down to Utah. SUPERBIKES!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!
I'll be back and ready on the weekend of June the 6th.

See you then and have a safe return home.....

[alternateimpact]

I am also just itching to go for a good canyon run on the ZX6R including Spences Bridge to Merritt. I want to drive my car. .

done and done....when ypu get back well go for that ride. Also the ride I left you a message about when you were scramblin to leave on your trip.

...oh yeah...I wanna drive your car to! :rockon

have a safe trip home, and give me a ring when your settled in to lower mainland life again:coffee

[Squire]

I did another 850 km day today, from Watson Lake, Yukon. If you ever go there stay at the Air Force Lodge, if you don't mind shared bathroom and shower facilities. It's a renovated airforce pilots' barracks, and is cheap, well-run and super-clean. There are four other motels in Watson Lake and I've stayed at two of them. Wish I had tried the Air Force Lodge before, the other two motels I stayed at ranged from gross to mediocre, and were consistently over-priced for what they were.

Here in Smithers, BC now. Will be back in good old Surrey in a couple of days.

Fark, I lost my camera in Whitehorse. Good thing I loaded a few of my favourite pics on here. I'm not too upset about it, because last time if anything I snapped too many pics and it took me 4 months to finally put it altogether into an album.

This trip has been good for mellowing out, but in a sick twisted kind of way I miss the crazy-ass weather patterns of last year's excursion to Alaska. It was also a bit of a downer that I never made it to Inuvik this time around, but what the heck I've been riding solid now for 1.5 weeks or so.

I really miss being home, the important people in my life, and the familiar things I take for granted every day. I always get this same feeling everytime I travel, no matter where I go, that one of the best parts of a trip is returning home.

I am also just itching to go for a good canyon run on the ZX6R including Spences Bridge to Merritt. I want to drive my car. I want to eat preserved egg and salted pork congee at that place on Main & Broadway. I want to mow my lawn, and throw a ball down the street for my neighbour's dog.

Damn, I can't wait to get back home.

Steve, I know how you feel. Well, except for the preserved egg & salted pork congee thing. :roflmao It will be great to be back, sitting in my beautiful garden with my "kids". I also want to drive my car and hop on my CBR & my new DS. I am dying to eat out at a restaurant - I am sick & tired of cooking my own food (30 days of it!! although I've figured out how to cook tuna & chicken into some amazing dishes!)

Stan, do you know where Baffin Island is?? ...and the weird thing is that I can hardly wait to get back to Surrey (weird huh?) I've been trying to keep myself busy no doubt driving my work partner crazy!! :)

Great updates Steve, and another great adventure. Sorry you didn't make it to Inuvik but at least you got to the Arctic Circle.

[adam112]

I did another 850 km day today, from Watson Lake, Yukon. If you ever go there stay at the Air Force Lodge, if you don't mind shared bathroom and shower facilities. It's a renovated airforce pilots' barracks, and is cheap, well-run and super-clean. There are four other motels in Watson Lake and I've stayed at two of them. Wish I had tried the Air Force Lodge before, the other two motels I stayed at ranged from gross to mediocre, and were consistently over-priced for what they were.

Here in Smithers, BC now. Will be back in good old Surrey in a couple of days.

Fark, I lost my camera in Whitehorse. Good thing I loaded a few of my favourite pics on here. I'm not too upset about it, because last time if anything I snapped too many pics and it took me 4 months to finally put it altogether into an album.

This trip has been good for mellowing out, but in a sick twisted kind of way I miss the crazy-ass weather patterns of last year's excursion to Alaska. It was also a bit of a downer that I never made it to Inuvik this time around, but what the heck I've been riding solid now for 1.5 weeks or so.

I really miss being home, the important people in my life, and the familiar things I take for granted every day. I always get this same feeling everytime I travel, no matter where I go, that one of the best parts of a trip is returning home.

I am also just itching to go for a good canyon run on the ZX6R including Spences Bridge to Merritt. I want to drive my car. I want to eat preserved egg and salted pork congee at that place on Main & Broadway. I want to mow my lawn, and throw a ball down the street for my neighbour's dog.

Damn, I can't wait to get back home.

Well Steve, I finally found a post worthy enough of this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINxfouNQFw

[flowrider]

I want to eat preserved egg and salted pork congee at that place on Main & Broadway. I want to mow my lawn, and throw a ball down the street for my neighbour's dog.

Damn, I can't wait to get back home.


Congee Noodle house calls!!!:laughing

[sushigrl]

what? no more pictures? :( have a safe ride back steve! and yes no place better than home.

[BLADERUNNER 954]

Stan, do you know where Baffin Island is?? ...and the weird thing is that I can hardly wait to get back to Surrey (weird huh?) I've been trying to keep myself busy no doubt driving my work partner crazy!! :)



you can take the girl out of Surrey, but you can never take Surrey out of the girl:p

as always Steve, i enjoy reading and seeing your rides. thank you for sharing once again. have a safe trip home. :)

[mooove_over]

Well Steve, I finally found a post worthy enough of this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINxfouNQFw

christ they have everything on youtube....littlest hobo??? damn lol

[greenboy]

done and done....when ypu get back well go for that ride. Also the ride I left you a message about when you were scramblin to leave on your trip.

...oh yeah...I wanna drive your car to! :rockon

have a safe trip home, and give me a ring when your settled in to lower mainland life again:coffee

Thanks Corey, I'll give you a shout when I'm back. You're right I was scrambling around madly when I got your message just before I left.

[greenboy]

what? no more pictures? :( have a safe ride back steve! and yes no place better than home.

Well there are a few hundred more pictures. The problem is that someone in Whitehorse has probably found my camera and has them all now. I left a message at the library downtown on 4th Avenue where I think I dropped it, maybe I'll get a call. No point getting upset about it.

____________


My KLR now needs a ton of work including: new rear tire, valve adjust, coolant flush, spark plug replace, air filter clean, oil/filter replace, chain/sprocket replace, front & rear brake pads replace, front brake fluid flush, battery top up. The patch in my Wolfman bag didn't hold, so that needs to be re-glued too, and the latch spring in my top box broke too.

Since leaving I have thrown away/abandoned: fleece jacket, long-sleeved shirt, towel, assorted toiletries, books, anything that ceased to be of necessity or immediate utility. I'm returning with significantly less than what I originally departed with. If I learn anything on these trips, it's that everything material in this world is replaceable, and we carry around far too much unnecessary crap. The only difference on the KLR is that it's more than just philosophical, you actually feel each pound.

[jeckyll]

Sounds like you're getting your getting some more perspective on things Steve, which I think is always the best thing about the long trips.

Travel safe and try not to accidentally leave the KLR behind somewhere :laughing

Seriously, bummer about the camera.

Bjorn

[Machinist]

Looks like i will be doing a few KLR repair's in the next few weeks , I will make some room in my garage :tredmill




Well there are a few hundred more pictures. The problem is that someone in Whitehorse has probably found my camera and has them all now. I left a message at the library downtown on 4th Avenue where I think I dropped it, maybe I'll get a call. No point getting upset about it.

____________


My KLR now needs a ton of work including: new rear tire, valve adjust, coolant flush, spark plug replace, air filter clean, oil/filter replace, chain/sprocket replace, front & rear brake pads replace, front brake fluid flush, battery top up. The patch in my Wolfman bag didn't hold, so that needs to be re-glued too, and the latch spring in my top box broke too.

Since leaving I have thrown away/abandoned: fleece jacket, long-sleeved shirt, towel, assorted toiletries, books, anything that ceased to be of necessity or immediate utility. I'm returning with significantly less than what I originally departed with. If I learn anything on these trips, it's that everything material in this world is replaceable, and we carry around far too much unnecessary crap. The only difference on the KLR is that it's more than just philosophical, you actually feel each pound.

[J_Scott]

Sorry to hear about the camera.

I always take a picture of how to contact me and protect it on my flash card so people know where to send the memory card even if they keep the camera. :)

[silverD]

Travel safe and try not to accidentally leave the KLR behind somewhere :laughing

Meh, just hitchike back, brand new ones are only $5,999.00...:laughing

[Thumper 8]

Looks like i will be doing a few KLR repair's in the next few weeks , I will make some room in my garage :tredmill

Hmmmmmm, it looks like Chris' KLR Repair Shop & Bar and Grill will soon be opening for the summer riding season. I hope we can weasle him down to get 3 valve adjustments done for the price of one!
.
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.
.
.
.
.
.
KLR owners are notoriously cheap f$ckers, eh? :devillook

[TheDudette ZX9]

Yeah......bbq Time!!!!

[jeckyll]

Hmmmmmm, it looks like Chris' KLR Repair Shop & Bar and Grill will soon be opening for the summer riding season. I hope we can weasle him down to get 3 valve adjustments done for the price of one!
.
.
.
.
.
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KLR owners are notoriously cheap f$ckers, eh? :devillook

I need mine done, so Chris, can we make this a bit of an event?

More than willing to help pull tanks off bikes, man the BBQ and supply beer... Is beer a good payment?! (I'm not even joking, I'm 1500km beyond the 2nd valve check :D ).

[silverD]

I'm very skilled at opening beer and supervising......... the drinking thereof.

[Thumper 8]

I need mine done, so Chris, can we make this a bit of an event?

More than willing to help pull tanks off bikes, man the BBQ and supply beer... Is beer a good payment?! (I'm not even joking, I'm 1500km beyond the 2nd valve check :D ).

You were the 3rd bike I was thinking about.

We should be able to get up to 5 or 6 cheap bastards without too much effort (j/k)... but it may take lotsa beer :drinkbeer :cheers :drinkbeer :cheers

[J_Scott]

I need someone to Rube my Chane.

I'm so there. ;)

[RiceRocket]

Stan, do you know where Baffin Island is?? ...and the weird thing is that I can hardly wait to get back to Surrey (weird huh?) I've been trying to keep myself busy no doubt driving my work partner crazy!! :)

Damn, you're way up there. Can you see Greenland from where you are? :laughing

[bacchus40]

sorry to hear about the camera Steve, that sucks big time..

we'll see you when you get back, we'll definately have to take the four wheelers out for a meritt run as planned.. !! woohhooo! :)

[flowrider]

Shoot if you guys are going to check valves give me a call too. I'm due in about 1000km.

[mooove_over]

Well there are a few hundred more pictures. The problem is that someone in Whitehorse has probably found my camera and has them all now. I left a message at the library downtown on 4th Avenue where I think I dropped it, maybe I'll get a call. No point getting upset about it.

____________


My KLR now needs a ton of work including: new rear tire, valve adjust, coolant flush, spark plug replace, air filter clean, oil/filter replace, chain/sprocket replace, front & rear brake pads replace, front brake fluid flush, battery top up. The patch in my Wolfman bag didn't hold, so that needs to be re-glued too, and the latch spring in my top box broke too.

Since leaving I have thrown away/abandoned: fleece jacket, long-sleeved shirt, towel, assorted toiletries, books, anything that ceased to be of necessity or immediate utility. I'm returning with significantly less than what I originally departed with. If I learn anything on these trips, it's that everything material in this world is replaceable, and we carry around far too much unnecessary crap. The only difference on the KLR is that it's more than just philosophical, you actually feel each pound.

I have definitely learned the value of packing light! the light backpack you curl with one hand in your living room thinking to yourself "this is light....i got it" somehow seems to gain weight with every passing mile.

all a guy needs is toothbrush a pair of boxers and an eraser to take care of the skidmarks :laughing

[dog44]

Also at the top of the Cassiar today a caribou stepped out onto the road beside me and ran for about 200 metres on the pavement while I "swept" him from about 20 feet behind. Pretty funny experience, I don't know why he didn't run off into the bush earlier than he did. Full grown one too, he kept crossing the highway from side to side right in front of me as I paced him at about 20 km/h or so. If I was beside him he would have knocked me over, damned Squid Caribou. :laughingSteve, same thing happened to me with a deer in what was my favourite moment on a bike, my moment of Zen (http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showpost.php?p=623340&postcount=14). I remember thinking the same thing, I don't know why she didn't run off into the bush earlier than she did. Thanks for reminding me, Green Fella! So ... what's next, ya crazy bastard?
:rockon



Hmmmmmm, it looks like Chris' KLR Repair Shop & Bar and Grill will soon be opening for the summer riding season.
Hoist one for me, Tony!
:drinkbeer

[dog44]

Steve, you said you would be back home in a couple of days. That was on the 26th. Where are ya buddy?

Any news Chris? Anybody?
:confused

[greenboy]

Yep, I'm here now safe and sound in Surrey, the centre of civilization :laughing.

How's life been treating you recently? All is well I hope.

[Thumper 8]

Yep, I'm here now safe and sound in Surrey, the centre of civilization :laughing.

Welcome home Nanook!

See ya soon.

[J_Scott]

Yep, I'm here now safe and sound in Surrey, the centre of civilization :laughing.

Glad to hear you're back safe... now you can lend me your KLR for a weekend. :D

[Mutate Now!]

Welcome back, Steve.
We have to organize a ride together. Haven't ridden with you in ages...

[dog44]

How's life been treating you recently?
I've had enough drama in the last month to last a lifetime, I'll give ya the details in September over a couple of cold ones. :cheers

Glad your back alive and well. I'm still waiting for your answer, curious minds want to know ... What's next up on The Great Greenboy Lunatic Tour? :bowdown

[Pylon]

Glad you're back safe and sound! How many clicks did you rack up in total?

[bacchus40]

Yep, I'm here now safe and sound in Surrey, the centre of civilization :laughing.

How's life been treating you recently? All is well I hope.

glad to hear you're back in one piece.. i'm sure you've got quite the tale to share w/ us all... i wont mention the lack of pictures.. :laughing

[brasters]

Hi Steve, glad you made it home safely. This from the guy with the broken ankle...grin. I have been riding with you from my armchair and the pictures make me wish that much more I could complete my trip, but that won't happen this year. I still have three months of crutches to look forward to.

I want to tell you again, how much the help you gave me after I went down meant to me and my wife. Can't wait till the next time I am in Vancouver to meet you again. Will need to discuss future rides...grin.

Just Bob.(Bubba Gimp)

[greenboy]

Hi Steve, glad you made it home safely. This from the guy with the broken ankle...grin. I have been riding with you from my armchair and the pictures make me wish that much more I could complete my trip, but that won't happen this year. I still have three months of crutches to look forward to.

I want to tell you again, how much the help you gave me after I went down meant to me and my wife. Can't wait till the next time I am in Vancouver to meet you again. Will need to discuss future rides...grin.

Just Bob.(Bubba Gimp)

Hey Bob:

Looks like neither you nor me were destined to complete our trips as planned this year.

Last season, I tried to do what you set out to do last month - Prudhoe Bay then Inuvik, but I passed on Inuvik. Actually Inuvik was not the focus last year. Check out the Ride Reports section of this site for "Greenboy Northern Adventure" or something like that, for pics and all.

I hope you get your GS back to Cali soon, it looked in pretty good shape except the left pannier is history (not waterproof anymore, for damn sure).

It was a pleasure to meet you, wish we could have ridden together for a greater distance. My KLR is now in the shop getting: rear tire, valves, fork oil, spark, battery top up, oil/filter, chain/sprockets, you name it. I clocked about 7,000 km on this journey in 95% fair weather. But I sort of missed the adverse weather I saw last year, which makes for better bragging rights. :rockon

Heal up fast and if you ever find yourself in or passing through the Vancouver, B.C. area let me know.

Cheers,

Steve