Anyone interested in riding to Inuvik, NWT next Summer?

DanKearney · 07-20-2018, 03:15 PM

Howdy All,

I am in the planning stage of a trip from Colorado to Inuvik, NWT Canada next Summer.

None of my current riding partners are interested because they feel they'd have to ride too slow to accompany me on the paved portions of the ride. I don't ride my RX3 faster than 65 mph normally, and for such a long trip, I prefer to err on the side of moderate speed for increased reliability.

Ideally, I'd like to find 1 or 2 other RX3 riders who might be interested in this ride.

I have scheduled 4 weeks for the ride so that I won't have to make every day a marathon day and still have some time for relaxation and/or unexpected delays. Looking at mid-July.

This is not the exact route I intend to take, but gives an idea of the magnitude of distance.

Anyone interested?

Cheers,

Dan K.

RockyDS · 07-20-2018, 05:44 PM

The Dempster Highway has been extended to Tuktoyaktuk. You might want to plan on going the extra miles.

I rode to Inuvik in 2015 and I haven't yet ruled out riding to Tuk some day.

https://dualsportblog.wordpress.com/...dawson-inuvik/

Azhule · 07-20-2018, 08:15 PM

No way I will be able to ride that whole distance, and I wouldn't be on a RX... but if you want someone to ride with through Northern CO and most if not all of WY, I can probably get a few days off with the KLR.

Just have to make sure I torqued that magneto bolt to spec... I'm pretty sure I can do that by July next year

Weldangrind · 07-20-2018, 09:14 PM

Too bad you're not crossing near my place in BC. I'd be inclined to ride with you for awhile. At the very least, I could be a maintenance stop for you.

fjmartin · 08-06-2018, 02:59 PM

I just got home yesterday. I rode my F800GSA and went to Tuktoyaktuk. The Dempster is pretty good when dry all the way to Inuvik but the new extension to Tuk is TERRIBLE. I know they said it was done but not a single foot of it is complete. It's deep loose sand and rock and even jeeps are getting stuck if it rains. Motorcycles are crashing a LOT up on it. Hopefully next year they will have finished it. It's worth the extra 100 miles up and back if the road is done to be at the Arctic Ocean! Here is a thread on Tuk: https://advrider.com/index.php?threa...o-tuk.1199999/

CSCDude · 08-07-2018, 08:35 PM

Dan, I know a guy who writes the ExhaustNotes blog and who rides an RX3 who's wife just said he could go with you...

Emerikol · 08-08-2018, 09:34 AM

Dan, I've had this post up on my computer for a couple of days and just now found the time to write up a reply. I would love to do a ride like this, but it's just not in the cards for me right now. I hope to take a long weekend early next year and get some moto-camping in, but we'll see how that plays out. The move out to Phoenix has really cut down on how much I'm able to get out on two (or in the case of the Ural, three) wheels for anything other than running some errands around town. Having a one year old stomping around the house isn't making my time any easier to come by, either. Who would have seen that one coming?

It takes a special kind of crazy to be a parent, but it's by far the most rewarding insanity there is. Please keep us posted as your ride comes together.

**JerryHawk250** · 08-08-2018, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emerikol

Dan, I've had this post up on my computer for a couple of days and just now found the time to write up a reply. I would love to do a ride like this, but it's just not in the cards for me right now. I hope to take a long weekend early next year and get some moto-camping in, but we'll see how that plays out. The move out to Phoenix has really cut down on how much I'm able to get out on two (or in the case of the Ural, three) wheels for anything other than running some errands around town. Having a one year old stomping around the house isn't making my time any easier to come by, either. Who would have seen that one coming? It takes a special kind of crazy to be a parent, but it's by far the most rewarding insanity there is. Please keep us posted as your ride comes together.

You'll have to figure out how to put that car seat in the side car.

Emerikol · 08-11-2018, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

You'll have to figure out how to put that car seat in the side car.

I've already got a plan for that, Jerry! The smallest kids helmet I can find is for about age three. By that time, the little Bambino will be able to keep himself in the sidecar and have a pretty good idea of how a motorcycle works. He's going to be a hit when I drop him off on his first day of school!

rjmorel · 08-11-2018, 07:37 PM

Dan, for some reason I cant see the preliminary route image???
Middle of June to middle of July is good time to go.
I would be interested to go also, Meet you along the way before crossing the border.
Just depends on work load or if I retire this winter??????
You camping or staying in motels?
Joe Martin just got back from his Alaska trip so his brain is fresh on the subject.

DanKearney · 08-10-2018, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSCDude

Dan, I know a guy who writes the ExhaustNotes blog and who rides an RX3 who's wife just said he could go with you...

ÈrJiὺ hái shì DāJiὺ?

I suppose either would do, although I only know Mr Gresh by reputation.

If you are serious sir, let me know and we will begin serious planning.

I've already got the go ahead to take a full month off from work, but I told my boss that I'm not certain of the dates yet. So far it looks like mid-June through mid-July is a good window with warm-ish temperatures and not too much rain yet. The road to Tuk might also be an option too.

Cheers,

Dan K.

CSCDude · 08-10-2018, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanKearney

ÈrJiὺ hái shì DāJiὺ?

I suppose either would do, although I only know Mr Gresh by reputation.

If you are serious sir, let me know and we will begin serious planning.

I've already got the go ahead to take a full month off from work, but I told my boss that I'm not certain of the dates yet. So far it looks like mid-June through mid-July is a good window with warm-ish temperatures and not too much rain yet. The road to Tuk might also be an option too.

Cheers,

Dan K.

Yep, I'm serious, Dan. I'll float this by Joe 2, although he may be already planning a trip on his RT 360 to the same area. You know how to reach me.

Sounds like fun.

DanKearney · 08-12-2018, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSCDude

Yep, I'm serious, Dan. I'll float this by Joe 2, although he may be already planning a trip on his RT 360 to the same area. You know how to reach me.

Sounds like fun.

I'll shoot you an email Joe.

Dan K.

fjmartin · 08-08-2018, 10:03 PM

Dan, hit me up if you have any questions as you do your planning since I was just up there.

fjmartin · 08-13-2018, 02:01 PM

Things for you to research:

Cassiar and Stewart highways (37 and 37A) in BC are awesome and you'll see lots of bears and other wildlife

Salmon Glacier in Hyder, AK is beautiful
The Bus in Hyder has the best Halibut in the world
Telegraph Creek is a cool ride out with an awesome view of the gorge. 80 miles dirt each way but in great condition if dry
Dawson is a cool town
Ride out to Eagle, AK is a great dirt road. We ended up in large herds of Caribou.

40 mile town site in the Yukon is awesome but a more primitive dirt road and you have to walk a mile after riding in so not molested like easy to access sites are. Was a gold mining town. Worth the walk though!

Don't ride the Dempster unless its been dry for a few days and the forecast says it will stay that way! Make sure the ferries at Peel and McKenzie Rivers are running!
If you decide to go to Tuktoyaktuk, ask to leave your luggage at the hotel in Inuvik so it's an easier ride up and back.

Alcan is an OK highway but not great. Might see Bison though!

Watson Lake is a good stop to see the signpost forest
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta is worth riding through. Gorgous! Stay outside of Jasper or Banff or the hotels will be stupid expensive.
Revelstoke to Nakusp to New Denver to Kaslo to Balfour to Kootenay Bay to Creston is some of the best motorcycling roads I've ever been on. Tight, Twisty, Views, free small ferries to cross the lakes...awesome
The more north you get the less capable they are of forecasting the weather! Best bet is about 48 hours of semi-accuracy. If there is above a 10% chance of rain...it will rain.
After riding any of the dirt roads with Calcium Carbonate (Telegraph Creek, Dempster), get to a car wash and clean up the bikes. That stuff is like concrete AND it will eat your bike (oxidation and corrosion).
Before going on your trip, coat your entire bike (Except grips and seat) with ACF-50. Watch YouTube videos on how people do it. It will help keep your bike from coming back looking "vintage"!

07-20-2018, 03:15 PM	#1
DanKearney Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 216	Anyone interested in riding to Inuvik, NWT next Summer? Howdy All, I am in the planning stage of a trip from Colorado to Inuvik, NWT Canada next Summer. None of my current riding partners are interested because they feel they'd have to ride too slow to accompany me on the paved portions of the ride. I don't ride my RX3 faster than 65 mph normally, and for such a long trip, I prefer to err on the side of moderate speed for increased reliability. Ideally, I'd like to find 1 or 2 other RX3 riders who might be interested in this ride. I have scheduled 4 weeks for the ride so that I won't have to make every day a marathon day and still have some time for relaxation and/or unexpected delays. Looking at mid-July. This is not the exact route I intend to take, but gives an idea of the magnitude of distance. Anyone interested? Cheers, Dan K. __________________ Dan Kearney - Black Hawk, Colorado, USA Dan's Motorcycle Blog - "Lost? I'm not lost. I'm just exploring. . ."
	2

07-20-2018, 05:44 PM	#2
RockyDS Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Rocky Mtns. Alberta Posts: 39	The Dempster Highway has been extended to Tuktoyaktuk. You might want to plan on going the extra miles. I rode to Inuvik in 2015 and I haven't yet ruled out riding to Tuk some day. https://dualsportblog.wordpress.com/...dawson-inuvik/ Last edited by RockyDS; 07-26-2018 at 06:57 PM.
	1

07-20-2018, 08:15 PM	#3
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	No way I will be able to ride that whole distance, and I wouldn't be on a RX... but if you want someone to ride with through Northern CO and most if not all of WY, I can probably get a few days off with the KLR. Just have to make sure I torqued that magneto bolt to spec... I'm pretty sure I can do that by July next year __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	1

07-20-2018, 09:14 PM	#4
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Too bad you're not crossing near my place in BC. I'd be inclined to ride with you for awhile. At the very least, I could be a maintenance stop for you. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	1

08-06-2018, 02:59 PM	#5
fjmartin Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond, WA. Posts: 534	I just got home yesterday. I rode my F800GSA and went to Tuktoyaktuk. The Dempster is pretty good when dry all the way to Inuvik but the new extension to Tuk is TERRIBLE. I know they said it was done but not a single foot of it is complete. It's deep loose sand and rock and even jeeps are getting stuck if it rains. Motorcycles are crashing a LOT up on it. Hopefully next year they will have finished it. It's worth the extra 100 miles up and back if the road is done to be at the Arctic Ocean! Here is a thread on Tuk: https://advrider.com/index.php?threa...o-tuk.1199999/ __________________ 2017 BMW F800GS Adventure
	2

08-07-2018, 08:35 PM	#6
CSCDude Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 247	Dan, I know a guy who writes the ExhaustNotes blog and who rides an RX3 who's wife just said he could go with you... __________________ Joe www.ExhaustNotes.us
	4

08-08-2018, 09:34 AM	#7
Emerikol Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Carrollton, GA Posts: 1,465	Dan, I've had this post up on my computer for a couple of days and just now found the time to write up a reply. I would love to do a ride like this, but it's just not in the cards for me right now. I hope to take a long weekend early next year and get some moto-camping in, but we'll see how that plays out. The move out to Phoenix has really cut down on how much I'm able to get out on two (or in the case of the Ural, three) wheels for anything other than running some errands around town. Having a one year old stomping around the house isn't making my time any easier to come by, either. Who would have seen that one coming? It takes a special kind of crazy to be a parent, but it's by far the most rewarding insanity there is. Please keep us posted as your ride comes together. __________________ First Rule of Aviation: -Never Pass Up The Opportunity to Pee I was struggling to get my wife's attention; I sat down on the couch and looked comfortable. That did the trick! My wife says I only have two faults. I don't listen and something else... If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way I told you to... The Stable: 2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 - SOLD 2015 Suzuki DR 650 2015 RPS Hawk 250 - SOLD 2016 Ural Gear Up
	1

08-11-2018, 07:37 PM	#10
rjmorel Join Date: May 2007 Location: Warshington Posts: 928	Dan, for some reason I cant see the preliminary route image??? Middle of June to middle of July is good time to go. I would be interested to go also, Meet you along the way before crossing the border. Just depends on work load or if I retire this winter?????? You camping or staying in motels? Joe Martin just got back from his Alaska trip so his brain is fresh on the subject. __________________ Live Zong, and Prosper
	1

08-08-2018, 10:03 PM	#14
fjmartin Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond, WA. Posts: 534	Dan, hit me up if you have any questions as you do your planning since I was just up there. __________________ 2017 BMW F800GS Adventure
	1

08-13-2018, 02:01 PM	#15
fjmartin Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond, WA. Posts: 534	Things for you to research: Cassiar and Stewart highways (37 and 37A) in BC are awesome and you'll see lots of bears and other wildlife Salmon Glacier in Hyder, AK is beautiful The Bus in Hyder has the best Halibut in the world Telegraph Creek is a cool ride out with an awesome view of the gorge. 80 miles dirt each way but in great condition if dry Dawson is a cool town Ride out to Eagle, AK is a great dirt road. We ended up in large herds of Caribou. 40 mile town site in the Yukon is awesome but a more primitive dirt road and you have to walk a mile after riding in so not molested like easy to access sites are. Was a gold mining town. Worth the walk though! Don't ride the Dempster unless its been dry for a few days and the forecast says it will stay that way! Make sure the ferries at Peel and McKenzie Rivers are running! If you decide to go to Tuktoyaktuk, ask to leave your luggage at the hotel in Inuvik so it's an easier ride up and back. Alcan is an OK highway but not great. Might see Bison though! Watson Lake is a good stop to see the signpost forest The Icefields Parkway in Alberta is worth riding through. Gorgous! Stay outside of Jasper or Banff or the hotels will be stupid expensive. Revelstoke to Nakusp to New Denver to Kaslo to Balfour to Kootenay Bay to Creston is some of the best motorcycling roads I've ever been on. Tight, Twisty, Views, free small ferries to cross the lakes...awesome The more north you get the less capable they are of forecasting the weather! Best bet is about 48 hours of semi-accuracy. If there is above a 10% chance of rain...it will rain. After riding any of the dirt roads with Calcium Carbonate (Telegraph Creek, Dempster), get to a car wash and clean up the bikes. That stuff is like concrete AND it will eat your bike (oxidation and corrosion). Before going on your trip, coat your entire bike (Except grips and seat) with ACF-50. Watch YouTube videos on how people do it. It will help keep your bike from coming back looking "vintage"! __________________ 2017 BMW F800GS Adventure
	0