Woke up hurting a bit. Stupid evil bartenders. Perhaps we should have not opened our wine at 2:30 in the morning. Really good at making bad decisions at night. Add the heat of the Pakistani dining room to my hangover, and you’ve got one ornery Wagner. Found another dangerous foe this morning – barking spiders. Deadly.
A state so big, it has its own time zone.
But, after surviving the morning, we made it to Alaska!! Pretty awesome feeling sitting at customs pulling into Alaska. But wow, we still have a lot way to go – I think about 800 miles from here. Yikes. Does our destination keep moving away from us?
Started out the day with providing Brad homework. Uh, yea, Brad? I’m gonna need that poem by the end of the day. Yeeeaa, why don’t you focus on that this morning. I’d say he came through, huge.
Whilst riding my moto to Prudhoe,
I pondered the reason one would go
To pass the test?
To be the best?
There is no way one could know
If the sage I should meet
Whether on bike or on feet
I’ll be sure to sit down
And Alaska
— Brad Lunsford, self-proclaimed Poet Laureate of the North
Fortunately, today’s ride was really just about getting to Fairbanks. The veiws were breathtaking at times, but mostly it was thick forest on either side of us and a straight shot to Fairbanks. One thing I forgot to mention yesterday is that we saw our first GRIZZLY bear! I didn’t attempt a middle-of-the-road photo this time, and besides, I was all out of jerky.
Meet Lisa. Yet another incredibly friendly sign girl.
Good form.
Better form.
Had the great fortune to find the Trails End BMW – yes this was the BMW dealership before it was bought out – now it’s Royal Enfield. George may be the most knowledgable, friendly, open-to-talk motorcycle dude I have ever met. Really great to stop by and say hello. I you find yourself in Fairbanks, you may just see him riding with his Airedale in the sidecar.
Trails End BMW. Sort of a Mecca for motorcycle freaks.
So, we’re about to leave our hotel in Fairbanks on our way up to Deadhorse. Weather is looking a bit ornery, but we’re going to give it a try. We might be without wifi for a couple days, so sit tight. 524 miles of dirt today and then coming back through again tomorrow. I must admit, I’m a bit nervous, but we’ve got the bikes stripped down to the essentials, so we’ll be traveling nice and light. Wish us luck! Here’s where we are today:
The Road. Travelled. 
I just found you guys (thanks to Brad’s instruction). Great blog! I’ll spend the day getting caught-up. What-a-trip! Never knew Brad was such a poet. Ride safe men.
Brad, that was more of a limerick, very clever my love.
Great stuff, Eric. I’m thrilled that you didn’t try to shake hands with the grizzly as well as the mountain man. Can’t wait to hear about the jump in the ocean
Those of us that were privileged enough to read the St. Laurent blog last year are really glad we were not treated to an encore of the dusk (or dawn?) carefully staged skinny dip shot. However, you made us see the pee shot? I mean c’mon! How’s a mother supposed to stop her son from wanting to get a motorcycle if he gets to pee into scenery that cool looking? Not fair.
I really like Brad’s poem or limerick. I think you should give him more assignments.
Stay tuned for my interview questions. I will take them from the audience as well.
safe riding, mes amis.
Cousin Eric’s Advice as you head north, probably stuff you already know.
get GOOD brand new tires, NOW! Roads are brutal.
carry plenty fuel, water food and trail mix
wear no cotton, cotton retains water and freezes
don’t run more than 12 hrs per day, it’s easy to do with all daylight.
If possible, firearms.
It’s all way too cool. GO BOY’S GO!
Bill Seater
Cool ride boys. And no, the camera can not come close to capturing what you are seeing! I know, I did the same trip in 1975, 36 short years ago. The Alcan was ALL dirt then, all 1500 pot-holed way!!
If you boys make it to ANC, you MUST visit the Great Alaskan Bush Company!! If you don’t you will be cursed for ever!! ;))
Just joined you also…I say unbelievable… but knowing BJL I believe it. Continue your remarkable journey safely.
Eric, I’m lucky enough to work with your Father who told me about your trip and your website. Doing Alaska on my bike is on my bucket list – it has been a goal of mine for a long time. It is helpful for me to read what you’re encountering to prepare myself for someday making the trip. Thanks for the information and all the great pictures. I have been to Alaska, but traveling anywhere is always better on a motorcycle (even though I don’t ride a Beamer). Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your trip. I look forward to your next update.
Hey John. My dad mentioned that you were reading. Great! Thanks for the post. Let me know if I can ever help with any planning. I keep meaning to do a piece on gear and such, but so much happens each day that I haven’t been able to yet. Soon.