Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Travelling, Friends, and Trips

The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 04-17-2008, 7:59 AM
Just thought I would remind folks that Don & I will be leaving for Alaska in approximately 50 days! Much remains to be done, new tires, new mirrors and a new turn signal/4 way flasher for the ST. Some camping gear still to buy, including a ham radio that promises to provide intercom for Don & I. On the home front a kitchen remodeling to finish, cabinets will be delivered in about 3 weeks! The other members of the Alaska group may wish to add to this post.
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

drneo 04-17-2008, 1:45 PM
I've got roughly 59 days left.... whew!!! But only a month and three days til I leave for the East Coast.

Gear:
I just bought a new tent last night - a Big Agnes Seedhouse, and a "zen popcan stove." I need to get a gas can/container for extra fuel. Other than that, I'm good on camping gear. I stopped at AAA and got roughly $125 worth of maps, guidebooks, and campbooks for both trips.

For the bike:
-A newish cbr900rr master cylinder for the front brake (from an ebayer that left the brake fluid in it as he shipped it- suprise!). I'm planning on changing the brake lines to stainless.
-I'm going to attempt to fabricate some rear crashbars, as I hear Alaska is tough on bikes.
-I have a cb radio that needs to be hooked up (Can a CB radio and a Ham radio communicate with each other?)
-I'm planning on adding some LED driving lights
-I need some covering for under the tank to combat the heat problem
-I'll add some more reflective tape
-Finally adding the voltage meter to watch the new stator's performance

1982 GL500I - "Couchy" 52,000 miles down... 48,000 to go.

www.trainwiththom.com

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 04-17-2008, 9:40 PM

drneo wrote:
I've got roughly 59 days left.... whew!!! But only a month and three days til I leave for the East Coast.

Gear:
I just bought a new tent last night - a Big Agnes Seedhouse, and a "zen popcan stove." I need to get a gas can/container for extra fuel. Other than that, I'm good on camping gear. I stopped at AAA and got roughly $125 worth of maps, guidebooks, and campbooks for both trips.

For the bike:
-A newish cbr900rr master cylinder for the front brake (from an ebayer that left the brake fluid in it as he shipped it- suprise!). I'm planning on changing the brake lines to stainless.
-I'm going to attempt to fabricate some rear crashbars, as I hear Alaska is tough on bikes.
-I have a cb radio that needs to be hooked up (Can a CB radio and a Ham radio communicate with each other?)
-I'm planning on adding some LED driving lights
-I need some covering for under the tank to combat the heat problem
-I'll add some more reflective tape
-Finally adding the voltage meter to watch the new stator's performance

Sound like you are just about ready for both trips! On maps I bought an atlas that gave me pretty good maps of Canada and I contacted (by email) each state I am going through and I now have state maps for all the states I needed. The Milepost publication has a good Alaska map with it and of course gives you a mile by mile description of the roads.

I changed the brake lines on my SW to stainless and also ran a seperate line to each side and got rid of the splitter. The brakes were great! The rear bars will protect your bags and I understand the gravel roads can get pretty slick. Unfortunately, the cb radio will not communicate with ham radios. It was a ham frequency and was called the 11 meter band. There is a 10 meter ham band but still a different frequency. Using led for driving lights is a good idea, that will ease the load on your electrical system. Even though the 2000 ST has a pretty good electrical system I am still cautious about what I add (I think I have almost reach the limit!). I have seen some type of insulation that is designed to go on the inside of side panels to cut down on heat transfer, maybe something like that would help you. I understand you cut it to fit with sissors. The reflective tape works great, it really shows up at night! Thanks to Ron in Pa. a direct reading volt meter was added but then I had to use the space for the tire pressure monitor. I replaced the volt meter with a 5 function meter and velcroed it to the top of the dash. It seems to work well but is probably not as accurate as the direct reading meter. Hope to see you at Dawson City, YT on D2D, June 20th.
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

JB in SC 04-18-2008, 6:08 AM
43 days, give or take a day. Departure is May31st or June 1st. First night will be at Gene's cabinet shop and is the only planned stop before the 10th of June in Prince Rupert, BC. The rest will be done on a whim. I'll wake up and decide which way to go, north, west, or northwest. I don't know which states I'll go through OTW up or back.

I want to do Beartooth, the Highway to the Sun, Denali and Bannf, either going or coming. I only plan to spend maybe a week in AK out of the 30 days I have available. That's the extent of my planning.

Camping gear is ready and will be lashed on the pillion. All clothing, etc. will be in the Burgman's rather large trunk. Electronics, ear plugs, sunglasses, etc will be in one of three(!) glove boxes. A few MRE's will be stored in a case on my luggage rack. I'll carry a 2.5 gal spare fuel tank to supplement the 4 gal Burg capacity. Estimating 45 mpg for planning purposes although the bike consistently gets 55mpg on the road.

The Burgman's rear tire is now a 165/65x14 car tire. Aside from occasional vague steering inputs and a self imposed moratorium on aggresive cornering I think it was a good decision. Gas mileage is up, speedometer error is now minimal and the tire runs much cooler. The tread is much more substantial and the tire gives a softer ride. It will be great for long days in the saddle and on roads under maintenance. I've ridden it through some heavy downpours and even in standing water. It shows no tendency to hydroplane at the speeds I ride.

Jerry

2007 Burgman 650
1983 CX650C

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

mcreviver 04-19-2008, 1:59 PM
Jerry is still a test pilot.

Ron in PA

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Anonymous 04-21-2008, 5:22 AM
Its not too late to load up your ST and come along Ron. You know you want to...

Here's the initial trial lash-up of my Burg. Tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pad, cot :) , rain gear, three legged stool tied to the seat. The sleeping bag doubles as a back rest. Trunk on back holds some MRE's, stove, water purifier, etc. All clothing, tools and such are in the large under-seat trunk. Three compartments up front hold sunglasses, ear plugs, tire repair, maps, etc.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Anonymous 04-21-2008, 8:32 PM
C'mon Jerry, anyone can stack that much on a Vespa. For inspiration, I think you need to see some photos from asia showing what can be stacked on a machine

J.T.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Graywolfs02 04-21-2008, 9:57 PM

drneo wrote:

-Finally adding the voltage meter to watch the new stator's performance

Thom,

What voltage meter are you using?

One of the last things I did after getting my bike back together after you all had left was to add the voltage monitor that Dave-Near-Atlanta recommends:

Signal Dynamics Model 1050 Heads Up Voltage Monitor

It works nicely and with just a glance you can see whether your system is charging or not.
It went in very easily too.

Greg

1978 CX 500
Minnesota

Ride Safe, Ride Fast, Ride Far

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Anonymous 04-22-2008, 3:29 AM
And someone on this board had the nerve to say my truck looked like Granny Clampett should be sitting on top of the load.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

PWG in Lowgap NC 04-22-2008, 3:36 AM
That last was from me. OOPS

http://httassociation.com/

ANY WARM DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD ONE
(unknown senior citizen)

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

JB in SC 04-22-2008, 2:57 PM
I tried to lash on a rocking chair but had to settle for a folding stool.

2007 Burgman 650
1983 CX650C

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 04-22-2008, 8:26 PM
Jerry, take a leaf out of my book, put the rocker on wheels and tow it! That way if your Mother-In-Law wanted to go you would have a place to carry her, sort of a Chevy Chase thing!
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Torgo 04-22-2008, 8:47 PM
Where are you planning to go in Alaska.

I am at Pump Station 4 right now.

If you plan on driving the Dalton Hwy. get a CB and use channel 19. That way you can hear the truckers.

Good luck

ET QUID EST MATER ADGO
(Whats a mother to do)

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

JB in SC 04-23-2008, 9:06 AM
I'm not going to attack the Dalton Hwy. Maybe Gene/Don will take the three legged pony up there. Pump station 4 is about 2/3 of the way up, right?

Jerry

2007 Burgman 650
1983 CX650C

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Torgo 04-23-2008, 12:27 PM
Yeah, about 300 miles from Deadhorse. We drive to Deadhorse to get on the plane when we leave for R&R.

Weather is starting to get pretty nice and we just saw our first brown bear this week.

Highs in the 40's. Daylight at 4:00am and dark at about 11:30pm.

Have fun on your ride.

ET QUID EST MATER ADGO
(Whats a mother to do)

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

drneo 04-23-2008, 8:26 PM
Hey Greg,

I'm planning on installing a kuryken (sp) volt meter. It has 7 leds that show me my "exact" voltage, cheap insurance that's for sure!

~Thom

1982 GL500I - "Couchy" 52,000 miles down... 48,000 to go.

www.trainwiththom.com

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

drneo 05-02-2008, 2:58 PM
Finally got the bike out yesterday for a... 12 minute ride. 5 solid miles and she's back in the garage til some good weather comes around. The carbs are a little hesitent, but I think seafoam should help them out.

~Thom

1982 GL500I - "Couchy" 52,000 miles down... 48,000 to go.

www.trainwiththom.com

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Cobram 05-10-2008, 12:32 AM
Gene, I like the first caption on the HTTA pic: "Looks like something from the 21st Century!"

Psst, last time I checked it was the 21st Century!

1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

TonyG 05-20-2008, 10:33 PM
Is any of the Alaska riders taking a laptop? I know Gene said that he wanted to, but finances discouraged that.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

JB in SC 05-21-2008, 4:00 AM
I'll have a PDA but I'm leaving my laptop behind.

Jerry

2007 Burgman 650
1983 CX650C

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

drneo 05-22-2008, 5:48 PM
I'll be bringing along my EEE pc with Wi-Fi - I don't know how prevalent it is in Alaska, but I'm sure I'll be able to find some here or there.

~Thom

1982 GL500I - "Couchy" 52,000 miles down... 48,000 to go.

www.trainwiththom.com

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

TonyG 05-23-2008, 5:20 PM
It wouild be nice to keep the forum updated from time to time. Perhaps you can shoot a vid up to youtube from time to time.
I hope Gene has a good vid camera and ample memory and takes lots of pictures for his g-kids. Since I am considering a laptop myself, I was thinking of making him an offer that he couldnt' refuse. But if others have communication abilities, he should be alright. Do either the pda or your EEE have CDR or dvd writing ability so that he can download photos and videos to a DVD.

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

bfknova 05-23-2008, 5:56 PM

According to my calendar - "The Hack Leaves in 14 days" - so hope your ready - as time does go quickly ???

Looking forward to seeing you in Halifax, n' will take pics to relay back to the forum ....

Cheers, n' Happy Trails Ahead,

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Abes_CW 06-04-2008, 3:45 PM

I dunno if you guys are passing through the land of living skies, but Saskatoon is on the yellowhead National hwy 16, (which terminates at Prince Rupert) so feel free to stop by for a warm meal or a piece of my basement!

Darren

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

MidTNJasonF 06-04-2008, 7:10 PM
I got to meet Jerry and do a touch of redneck engineering on the Burg Saturday. I was glad to help and Gene told me today that the repair held up well to another little hit.

The ST and Hack look almost ready to go, well other than the side panels being off and all those wires hanging out. :)

I tell you I am green with envy and wish I could join you guys on this trip. One of these days I tell you, one of these days.

1973 Honda GP350 WERA Vintage ride
1982 Honda CX500 Custom
1996 Suzuki Bandit GSF 600
A couple cars
A couple trucks

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

mcreviver 06-04-2008, 8:00 PM
Pssst. Hey Gene, Did you tell Don we drive on the right side of the road up here?

Ron in PA

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 06-05-2008, 4:52 AM

Abes_CW wrote:
I dunno if you guys are passing through the land of living skies, but Saskatoon is on the yellowhead National hwy 16, (which terminates at Prince Rupert) so feel free to stop by for a warm meal or a piece of my basement!

Darren

Darren, we may just take you up on that, depends on which the wind blows us. After D2D we don't have any "have to reach by a certain time" destination, other than the Amish Rally. If you could email me contact info at geneboro@bellsouth.net I will print it out and take it with us.
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 06-05-2008, 4:57 AM

MidTNJasonF wrote:
I got to meet Jerry and do a touch of redneck engineering on the Burg Saturday. I was glad to help and Gene told me today that the repair held up well to another little hit.

The ST and Hack look almost ready to go, well other than the side panels being off and all those wires hanging out. :)

I tell you I am green with envy and wish I could join you guys on this trip. One of these days I tell you, one of these days.

Jason, as I mentioned to you you are now Jerry, s hero as well as mine. The mod you did on his Burg has already saved his radiator, probably better than the original plastic could have. Unfortunately, his weather has been bad. It appears that our delay has been good for us, weather wise!
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Gene McCall 06-05-2008, 4:58 AM

mcreviver wrote:
Pssst. Hey Gene, Did you tell Don we drive on the right side of the road up here?

Ron, having the hack or "chair" on the right side is helping Don remember to "Keep Right"!
Gene

I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid!

Re: The Hack Leaves for Alaska in 50 days!

Anonymous 06-06-2008, 6:27 AM
Don did fine at TWO. The real question is that, after two months of driving on the right side of the road and having become fully indoctrinated, what is going to happen when he returns home?

J.T.