From Wiseman, the Dalton Hwy points-of-interest are;
MP 204 – Sukakpak Mountain
MP 235 – Northern Most Trees
MP 237 – Chandalar Shelf
MP 244 – The Atigun Pass
MP 275 – Galbraith Lake
MP 284 – Toolik Lake
MP 334 – Happy Valley Airport
MP 348 – Sag River Overlook
MP 355 – Last Chance Wayside
MP 322 – Ice Cut
MP 356 – Dean’s 2008 Breakdown
MP 414 – Deadhorse
North side of Sukakpak Mt in early dawn. MP 204
The Chandalar Shelf. The steep climb before the Atigun Pass. MP 237
At the base of the Atigun Pass. MP244
This is halfway up the Atigan Pass. It’s ~13% grade. There was no traffic on the pass while we were crossing.
Jack passing halfway up the Atigun Pass. MP244
- Jack said the mosquito’s are the worst ever! Take a look at this horde.
- The road on the north slope is wet and very slippery!
Cresting a small hill at 40 mph, the bike lost traction. The bike went to the left, then to the right then to the left each successively more aggressive. On the next right I low-sided on the dirt road. Just like that, I was sliding down the center of the road on my butt! I've spent many hours thinkin' how I could have avoided this but a straight road, conservative speed, and just like that the bike was all over the road!
Minimal damage to right hand controls.
The right saddlebag took the major hit. It broke the front mount and the bag separated from the frame. The bag was trapezoidal and Jack pounded back with a large rock.
The other damage was a bent brake peddle. It was bent up and when I tried to bend it back, the tip broke off. At that point we decided to leave it as is. I moved it away from the case.
A quick test ride showed that the bike was completely rideable/functionable and we carried on.
Ice Cut Grade, MP 322
We just passed the place I broke down in 2008 – 58 miles from Deadhorse. The chip-seal ends at 50 miles and the surface is gravel and rocks. We stop and lower our tire pressure to 20 psi front, 24 psi rear to “float” over the gravel. The best way to ride gravel is to maintain a 35-45 mph speed and when required to change tracks, cross the gravel aggressively.
Notice that there are four tracks. Two northbound and two southbound. This is ideal but this changes to 3 tracks and sometimes just 2 tracks. Each track is separated by mounds of gravel. Sometimes minimal and other times up to 3″+ deep. Soft gravel is very hard to ride and some motorcyclist loose control in loose, deep gravel. Most of the Dalton motorcycle mishaps are on this last 50 miles!
This is a gravel berm. Approx. 2″-3″ and 18″ across.
Made it!
Traditional Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay photo #1
Traditional Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay photo #2
Much of today was under overcast sky’s. Rain is predicted for tomorrow.
We have some minor morning repairs to attempt. Nothing serious. We’ll try to depart by 11AM. It will be a comfortable day, only have to get to Wiseman. The Dalton Hwy will look different returning. Jack’s friend offered us free beds at a B&B.
I had sheered off front cam lock fastener on the Jesse Odyssey Panniers. I needed a bolt, washer & nulock nut to secure it to the original mount. Here at the Prudhoe Bay general store is a full service NAPA Auto Parts store.
I took a couple hours to get everything ready for the ride back down the Dalton Hwy. Except for the right brake foot-lever, everything else (right hand brake lever, right hand guard) slipped when the bike took it’s nap.
have a great ride back! Stopping in Wiseman is a great thing and really makes it nice! Soooo jealous!
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WHOOOO-HOOOO!!
OK, so I was trying to be fancy and make that really big – no mercy – can’t edit or delete. Know that I’m smiling ear to ear and doing the happy dance for you. Sooooo….did you swim in the Arctic? I see you changed the banner on your site – that was my FIRST clue that you made it. So happy for you! Safe home – enjoy!!
awsome ride Dean way to go. hope you get nice weather for the ride back could be a nasty rode in the rain it’s bad enough when the water truck spray it all down. Have a safe ride back and were still looking for the swimming and Polar bear pics.
AWESOME Deano. You made it!!
Great pictures Dean! Looks like the weather was good too. Did you see many Caribou herds?
Congrats Dean. The real accomplishment is riding with that old coot on the KLR and keeping your sanity. Looks like you guys are sleeping in this morning…. see you tomorrow.
Kevin
Are you having a problem with your right saddle bag? Looks like you have it strapped on. Have a great ride back down the Dalton.
Dean, Congrats on making that last 58 miles. Have a safe trip back down.
Good observation! Your right Steve, it does look that way…
GO UNK! You win the coolest uncle of the month. (or the year, or the decade??!?)
all right Dean back in fairbanks hope it was a good ride with good weather time to clean the bikes I’m sure they are a mess.