The Bucket List
We all have that list, call it bucket or whatever you like, but we all have a list of things we want to try, experience, accomplish, or participate in before the inevitable end. Often times things make it onto this list because they are related to a hobby or activity that we do regularly, but taken to a different level. Mountain climbers desire higher and higher peaks, travelers seek more distance and exotic places, and skiers jump out of helicopters for the "real rush."
For many motorcyclists, a trip to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (also known as Deadhorse) is on or even near the top of their bucket lists. It has been on mine for some time now, but a string of the right events made the summer of 2010 the time to check it off the list.
The journey started some time last spring with the friendly banter between me and my friend, think about it as a verbal game of chicken. Well, neither of us gave in, so the ball started rolling. The plans began to come together, the motorcycles were chosen (we each had 2006 Kawasaki KLR-650s), the bosses were asked for permission, and the dream started to become a reality.
Three parts of this adventure made it an absolute blast. First, the modifications to the motorcycles; front and rear suspensions were completely rebuilt or replaced, chains and sprockets were right sized for our riding, OEM seats were thrown away and replaced with something we could sit on every day for a month, spare cables were routed, electronics (GPS, radios, etc.) were mounted and all maintenance was brought up to date. The route planning was also awesome. Although not planned to micrometer level accuracy, we did want a rough plan that got us there in two weeks and back in two weeks with some spare time in between. Lastly, THE RIDE!! Of course it was the most fun, but the other two parts were great too!
So what did we do? I left Grafton, Wis., at 5:30 on July 17 and returned (in the rain of course) at 7 p.m. on August 13. We rode 10,600 miles, through nine states, four oil changes, one new rear tire, multiple minor repairs and one dead seagull later, and had the ride of our lives.
We chose the KLRs because of that 10,600 miles, somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 were gravel or worse. The ride between Fairbanks, Ala., and Prudhoe Bay (500 miles) is the world famous Dalton Highway. Those of you who watch "Ice Road Truckers" will recognize it. In summer obviously there is no snow, however, there is calcium chloride which, when mixed with rain, (as was the case all four days for us) becomes nearly as slippery as snow. We saw both Glacier National Park as well as Yellowstone. Of course the world famous Sturgis Rally was in process when we went through, so we had to stop and pay a visit there as well. Mind you, it is not the same as being there on a Harley, but fun none-the-less.
When I returned, several people asked me if I was glad to be off my 380 pound, single cylinder, 38 horsepower motorcycle. I was shocked! Of course I wasn't. I could have stayed on another month and another month and another month..... It is really all about the passion for doing something you enjoy. Would I do it again?Prudhoe Bay? No, but a month-long motorcycle ride? YES!!! There is too much more to see to go to the same place twice.
Enjoy your passion! -Joe Noworatzky ’85