Alaska Motorradventure '07

My brother looks suprisingly calm, is that a good omen or just sad optimistic naivete?

2009-02-10T19:54:46Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
My brother looks suprisingly calm, is that a good omen or just sad optimistic naivete?

Look closely at the bike in the foreground, it's not long for this world ;-) It turns out that the transmission would soon go bad. No time for a repair, let's replace that bad boy!

2009-06-25T13:31:00Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Look closely at the bike in the foreground, it's not long for this world ;-) It turns out that the transmission would soon go bad. No time for a repair, let's replace that bad boy!

The medication seems to be working fine

2009-06-25T13:29:23Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
The medication seems to be working fine

Look closely, that bike in the front is running!!

2009-06-25T13:28:55Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Look closely, that bike in the front is running!!

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:24:06Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Blind optimism...... such a silly thing

2009-02-10T19:52:48Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Blind optimism...... such a silly thing

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:24:09Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

mmmmm..... animal-style fries... with cheese and bacon spread on top. It's nirvana

2009-06-25T13:27:13Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
mmmmm..... animal-style fries... with cheese and bacon spread on top. It's nirvana

C'mon, it's like a Sunday outing to church... let's go pray to our personal God

2009-02-10T19:51:26Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
C'mon, it's like a Sunday outing to church... let's go pray to our personal God

Jim strips recent upgrades of the "crunchy gearbox" GS

2009-06-25T13:32:01Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim strips recent upgrades of the "crunchy gearbox" GS

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-02-10T20:00:06Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

It's so fun to strip your new bike to add the accessories the the newer bike that's replaced it!

2009-02-10T20:03:15Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
It's so fun to strip your *new* bike to add the accessories the the newer bike that's replaced it!

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:34:14Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

The most fun is removing the fuel lines!

2009-02-10T20:00:42Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
The most fun is removing the fuel lines!

Jim gets advise on a new bike

2009-06-25T13:31:13Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim gets advise on a new bike

Jim attaches even MORE wind protection on the already well-protected KLR

2009-02-10T20:01:17Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim attaches even MORE wind protection on the already well-protected KLR

Wax on, wax off... Wax on, wax off...

2009-02-10T20:00:27Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Wax on, wax off... Wax on, wax off...

No, I think the 2x6 I'll be riding on will be waaaaaaayyy comfy

2009-06-25T13:33:47Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
No, I think the 2x6 I'll be riding on will be waaaaaaayyy comfy

Yes, Uncle Jim, I like the color.... but shouldn't it work also?

2009-06-25T13:31:07Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Yes, Uncle Jim, I like the color.... but shouldn't it work also?

I think this rack is big enough for my toiletry kit!

2009-06-25T13:33:06Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
I think this rack is big enough for my toiletry kit!

Negotiating a price and getting directions: "so.... Alaska is North, right?"

2009-06-25T13:29:03Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Negotiating a price and getting directions: "so.... Alaska is North, right?"

The new thoroughbred KLR steed arrives to join a stable of Bavarian workhorses

2009-06-25T13:29:34Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
The new thoroughbred KLR steed arrives to join a stable of Bavarian workhorses

When you're not so bright, confidence comes easily

2009-02-10T19:59:59Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
When you're not so bright, confidence comes easily

"Daaaad... Will is telling his travel stories again!"

2009-06-25T13:33:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
"Daaaad... Will is telling his travel stories again!"

Oh, the kickstand! That's why it won't go!

2009-02-10T20:02:28Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Oh, the kickstand! That's why it won't go!

Dad, you told me if I could reach the handlebars, I could go!

2009-02-10T20:03:49Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Dad, you told me if I could reach the handlebars, I could go!

Jim consults with a touring expert about mounting tips for his new Army/Navy KLR upgrade

2009-02-10T20:00:56Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim consults with a touring expert about mounting tips for his new Army/Navy KLR upgrade

Jim working on the first of many upgrades to get the KLR ready for the trip

2009-02-10T20:02:19Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim working on the first of many upgrades to get the KLR ready for the trip

Is this the kick start?

2009-02-10T20:03:34Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Is this the kick start?

I wonder if I can mount a trailer hitch here?

2009-06-25T13:35:16Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
I wonder if I can mount a trailer hitch here?

Will, testing out the his washer-woman skills on the laundry line

2009-06-25T13:35:31Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Will, testing out the his washer-woman skills on the laundry line

A last-minute attempted theft by the notorious dwarf gang was thwarted only by the diligence of our on-site crack security team!

2009-06-25T13:28:58Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
A last-minute attempted theft by the notorious dwarf gang was thwarted only by the diligence of our on-site crack security team!

So... I have a bike, a jacket and a helmet. Now, where did my common sense go? I'm going to Alaska??!! Why?

2009-02-10T20:01:07Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
So... I have a bike, a jacket and a helmet. Now, where did my common sense go? I'm going to Alaska??!! Why?

Dad this bike has my name ALL OVER IT!

2009-06-25T13:28:12Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Dad this bike has my name ALL OVER IT!

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:42:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Jim, trying to convince Jamie why his bike is better than the GS. Jamie, not buying it so-much....

2009-06-25T13:46:48Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim, trying to convince Jamie why his bike is better than the GS. Jamie, not buying it so-much....

At least the little boy like my bike.....

2009-06-25T13:31:32Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
At least the little boy like my bike.....

Mil-spec Night Vision goggles case from 1st Ave Army/Navy store makes a great top case. Thanks for the last-minute hardware, Ace!

2009-02-10T20:01:41Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Mil-spec Night Vision goggles case from 1st Ave Army/Navy store makes a great top case. Thanks for the last-minute hardware, Ace!

When you first invited me on this trip, it seemed like such a good idea..... but now....

2009-06-25T13:40:56Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
When you first invited me on this trip, it seemed like such a good idea..... but now....

And it gets late, and loading/mounting and manufacturing continues

2009-06-25T13:28:27Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
And it gets late, and loading/mounting and manufacturing continues

Will demonstrates how compression bags can do amazing things to small woodland animals

2009-02-10T20:02:24Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Will demonstrates how compression bags can do amazing things to small woodland animals

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:30:38Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:33:50Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Just before closing "the shop" for the night...

2009-06-25T13:43:15Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Just before closing "the shop" for the night...

The next morning didn't start out so well....

2009-02-10T19:52:40Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
The next morning didn't start out so well....

I promised myself I'd never be in the back of one of these again!

2009-06-25T13:47:38Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
I promised myself I'd never be in the back of one of these again!

She doesn't know my name, so far I'm safe....

2009-06-25T13:24:54Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
She doesn't know my name, so far I'm safe....

A moment of relative quiet and tranquility is shattered as past "transgressions" come to light. Time to pay the piper, fellas! Bailed out in time, the trip shall go on.

2009-02-10T19:54:48Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
A moment of relative quiet and tranquility is shattered as past "transgressions" come to light. Time to pay the piper, fellas! Bailed out in time, the trip shall go on.

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T12:50:37Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Jim showing how he'll hitchhike if the KLR breaks down in Alaska

2009-02-10T18:49:22Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim showing how he'll hitchhike if the KLR breaks down in Alaska

Siegfried & Roy just before the tragic show in Las Vegas

2009-06-25T12:35:52Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Siegfried & Roy just before the tragic show in Las Vegas

No, I'm not with them... really....

2009-06-25T12:35:51Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
No, I'm not with them... really....

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T13:05:37Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T12:48:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-02-10T18:49:04Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T12:37:02Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-02-10T18:50:32Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Sumas crossing was a piece of cake. Early in the morning,

2009-06-25T12:50:40Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Sumas crossing was a piece of cake. Early in the morning,

I'm sorry? What do you mean my sutffed rodent collection isn't allowed in Canada?

2009-02-10T18:51:08Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
I'm sorry? What do you mean my sutffed rodent collection isn't allowed in Canada?

Breakfast in Abbotsford. We're not so pretty early in the morning ;-)

2009-06-25T12:53:51Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Breakfast in Abbotsford. We're not so pretty early in the morning ;-)

Hey Mike, are those cornrows? Nice look, Vanilla Ice...

2009-06-25T12:38:04Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Hey Mike, are those cornrows? Nice look, Vanilla Ice...

Jim & the KLR toward the end of a very long Day 1. Note the "Deadliest Catch" crabbing gloves. I'm glad he's not my proctologist.... (there's a joke in there somewhere)

2009-06-25T12:33:39Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim & the KLR toward the end of a very long Day 1. Note the "Deadliest Catch" crabbing gloves. I'm glad he's not my proctologist.... (there's a joke in there somewhere)

8:30pm. On and off rain all day.

2009-06-25T12:35:42Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
8:30pm. On and off rain all day.

Day 2 starts with an intermittent starter on the KLR. It mysteriously begins working again after examination. The pit crew claims victory and moves on!

2009-06-25T12:36:07Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Day 2 starts with an intermittent starter on the KLR. It mysteriously begins working again after examination. The pit crew claims victory and moves on!

Jim expresses his love and affection for his Japanese steed.

2009-06-25T12:42:27Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Jim expresses his love and affection for his Japanese steed.

Charlie with too much caffeine and Mike without enough. That's all for now! Keep looking for updates! CHarlie

2009-06-25T12:52:03Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Charlie with too much caffeine and Mike without enough. That's all for now! Keep looking for updates! CHarlie

On our way to Stewart/Hyder, the road wasn't nearly as interesting to ride, but the views became amazing! Mountains with snow in late July. Rain spit down on us on and off all day.

2009-06-25T12:11:29Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
On our way to Stewart/Hyder, the road wasn't nearly as interesting to ride, but the views became amazing! Mountains with snow in late July. Rain spit down on us on and off all day.

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T11:59:43Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Were were treated to rain pounding down on the mountains around us, while only get a moderate amount of precip in the lowlands (where we were)

2009-06-25T12:01:41Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Were were treated to rain pounding down on the mountains around us, while only get a moderate amount of precip in the lowlands (where we were)

More pretty mountains with snow. Too many to photograph. Just stunning

2009-02-10T18:00:10Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
More pretty mountains with snow. Too many to photograph. Just stunning

These guys and gals (sorry for the poor pic) were riding as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Ready forthis? They started riding in AUSTIN TEXAS and were going to end up in Anch ...

2009-02-10T18:00:50Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
These guys and gals (sorry for the poor pic) were riding as a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Ready forthis? They started riding in AUSTIN TEXAS and were going to end up in Anch ...

At the Stewart/Hyder turn-off. We had just passed a number of black bears before getting here. We saw deer in more souther Canada (everywhere!), but so far only bears. A lot of cubs, few mom ...

2009-02-10T17:59:40Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
At the Stewart/Hyder turn-off. We had just passed a number of black bears before getting here. We saw deer in more souther Canada (everywhere!), but so far only bears. A lot of cubs, few mom ...

At the turn off towards Stewart Hyder. This is where the adventure really begins. Oh yes, gasoline is around $1.20/liter..... hmmm that makes just undser $4.80/US/gallon. Owwwwey... luckily ...

2009-06-25T12:00:18Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
At the turn off towards Stewart Hyder. This is where the adventure really begins. Oh yes, gasoline is around $1.20/liter..... hmmm that makes just undser $4.80/US/gallon. Owwwwey... luckily ...

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-02-10T17:58:22Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Between the two guys on the left you can seethe "glacial milk" run out of the glacier. Huge volumes of water pouring into the mountain lake and running downhill.

2009-06-25T11:54:45Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Between the two guys on the left you can seethe "glacial milk" run out of the glacier. Huge volumes of water pouring into the mountain lake and running downhill.

These photos taken while mosquitoes the size of eagles swarm around. Lots of mosquitoes around here, and they're big....

2009-02-10T18:00:22Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
These photos taken while mosquitoes the size of eagles swarm around. Lots of mosquitoes around here, and they're big....

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-02-10T18:01:52Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T12:07:59Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T12:00:27Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Glacial milk!

2009-06-25T10:33:18Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Glacial milk!

See the arch in the mountain's wall? I wonder if Alaskan gnomes live there... and can we feed Will to them ;-)

2009-06-25T10:33:46Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
See the arch in the mountain's wall? I wonder if Alaskan gnomes live there... and can we feed Will to them ;-)

This gives you an idea of how steep the mountains are around Stewart.

2009-06-25T10:29:05Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
This gives you an idea of how steep the mountains are around Stewart.

Oh my goodness.... what a road this was. 60 miles of gravel over clay and washboard. Then it got wet. Construction was a beauty too...... Saw a black bear cub (our 7th black bear, none photo ...

2009-06-25T10:38:15Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Oh my goodness.... what a road this was. 60 miles of gravel over clay and washboard. Then it got wet. Construction was a beauty too...... Saw a black bear cub (our 7th black bear, none photo ...

AND it was impossible to keep your eyes on the road, or you'd miss these fabulous mountains around you!

2009-02-10T15:55:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
AND it was impossible to keep your eyes on the road, or you'd miss these fabulous mountains around you!

Getting dusty and dirty. We clean our headlights at every stop.....

2009-02-10T15:53:16Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Getting dusty and dirty. We clean our headlights at every stop.....

This is taken just outside Teslin. Beautiful wide open expanse. It's 8:30pm. We are to ride on until 10:45pm and arrive in Whitehorse. Charlie & Will still had enough leftover energy (or not ...

2009-06-25T10:31:41Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
This is taken just outside Teslin. Beautiful wide open expanse. It's 8:30pm. We are to ride on until 10:45pm and arrive in Whitehorse. Charlie & Will still had enough leftover energy (or not ...

Everyone's gettin' a little goofy under the helmet. It's be a 16 hour day after all is said and done

2009-06-25T10:38:41Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Everyone's gettin' a little goofy under the helmet. It's be a 16 hour day after all is said and done

Whitehorse the next morning. This is the Yukon river. It is large and moving quickly. You can feel the movement as you stand on the shore.

2009-06-25T10:59:40Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Whitehorse the next morning. This is the Yukon river. It is large and moving quickly. You can feel the movement as you stand on the shore.

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-06-25T10:38:42Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

A trolly car on the Whitehorse line that ran down to Skagaway. Train tours here look AMAZING

2009-06-25T10:27:23Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
A trolly car on the Whitehorse line that ran down to Skagaway. Train tours here look AMAZING

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-08-10T15:16:02Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-08-10T17:05:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-07-15T06:21:58Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

Whitehorse to Dawson. Wow, beautiful wide open gentle curves, long lakes and rolling hills. And very understanding RCMP officers...... Then we ran into what was likely the most challenging r ...

2009-07-15T06:48:55Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Whitehorse to Dawson. Wow, beautiful wide open gentle curves, long lakes and rolling hills. And very understanding RCMP officers...... Then we ran into what was likely the most challenging r ...

Mike wondering why his headlights are staying on after the key is off AND OUT OF THE BIKE! Oops, blown relay. After switching out the relay with the horn relay, all was better. Now no horn, ...

2009-07-15T06:52:01Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Mike wondering why his headlights are staying on after the key is off AND OUT OF THE BIKE! Oops, blown relay. After switching out the relay with the horn relay, all was better. Now no horn, ...

Welcome to Dawson! Home of the 1896 Klondike gold rush. What a great history (too much to tell) A town with all dirt roads, fun folks, fun places for food and an adult beverage. Well worth a ...

2009-08-10T15:03:29Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Welcome to Dawson! Home of the 1896 Klondike gold rush. What a great history (too much to tell) A town with all dirt roads, fun folks, fun places for food and an adult beverage. Well worth a ...

Who's bringin' me that sandwich I asked for??

2009-08-10T14:35:33Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Who's bringin' me that sandwich I asked for??

Ol' sour tow at teh downtown hotel. Yes, the tradition is that you drink a cocktail with a floating (wait for it...) human toe in it until the toe touches your lips? Gross? Yes. Did we do it ...

2009-08-10T14:59:55Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
Ol' sour tow at teh downtown hotel. Yes, the tradition is that you drink a cocktail with a floating (wait for it...) human toe in it until the toe touches your lips? Gross? Yes. Did we do it ...

Charlie King (charlieking)'s photo

2009-08-10T15:49:43Z

Charlie King (charlieking)

The Keno. A smaller version of the rear paddlewheel boats that used to navigate the Yukon here. They'd more gold, silver, supplies and people to and from this area

2009-08-04T13:57:26Z

Charlie King (charlieking)
The Keno. A smaller version of the rear paddlewheel boats that used to navigate the Yukon here. They'd more gold, silver, supplies and people to and from this area