It‘s been now more than 2,5 months since I started this final leg and it’s about time to report…
To my own surprise I have already crossed the border to the Unites States a month ago. I totally overestimated how quickly Canada can be crossed. The reason is that you drive pretty long stretches with nothing but trees, lakes and mountains, hence you chew kilometer after kilometer until the next town. But very beautiful kilometers I assure you! Accordingly I arrived much earlier in Vancouver than expected. But that’s ok, I have a new plan now… J
After having discussed the most reasonable continuation of my route around the U.S. (the lower 48) with most friendly and travel experienced bikers who hosted me in Canada and also a couple of weeks ago in Washington State, my new goal is to arrive in Florida around end of October/beginning of November and store the bike there for winter time. Then fetch my bike again by beginning of March and do the southern states before the blistering summer heat (and summer vacation) starts. I like this plan even better as it gives me more time to explore the various States…
Anyway, Alaska and Canada and now recently Washington, Oregon, Idaho and currently Montana are stunningly beautiful and most joyful to travel around. I am having a splendid time so far! I met wonderful and most friendly people, were hosted here and there, enjoyed a relaxed journey without major problems and I’m lucky not having had one single flat tyre so far.
The outstanding highlight so far was definitely the famous Dempster Highway in northern Canada from Dawson City to Inuvik which is now extended up to Tuktoyaktuk at the shore of the Arctic Ocean – a 1’800 km dirt road (there and back)! Quite an easy ride when it’s dry, but very tricky in the wet. I carefully checked the weather forecast before starting, but the weather changes rapidly at all times in this harsh part of the world and so you also need to be lucky. I was lucky J. The scenery is just breathtaking! Check out the pictures which describe it better than I can…
Dawson City is a fun little former gold rush town which offers a rich history. Life was really harsh in those days and the excellent museum let you dive in those long gone times. Most famous challenge in town is to have a Sourtoe Cocktail with a REAL human toe in it! No joke! That’s the “Sourtoe-Challenge” which takes place in the Sourdough Saloon of the Downtown Hotel. You don’t believe me? Well, check out the pics…
The past three weeks I roamed around the North West corner of the U.S. – certainly one of the most beautiful corner of this country – high mountains, forests, valleys, canyons, creeks and rivers, lakes and… great roads with endless bends, hairpins and passes – a paradise for motorbikers! Loved it! Some areas also provide Wild-West feelings, especially in small, historical country towns which I passed in Oregon (e.g. Shaniko, Spray, Sumpter, Joseph) or northern Washington (e.g. Winthrop, Republic).
I have now arrived at the Yellowstone Park, which is another highlight. Some say it would be the most beautiful National Park of the U.S., but that could probably be argued. I guess it’s a matter of one’s taste. More interesting stretches will come while crossing northern Wyoming and southern South Dakota with more National Park to see (eg. Mount Rushmore NP, Badlands NP, Devils Tower…). And then the mountainous and green country will be over for a while and a rather boring section lays ahead of me as I have to cross the mid-west which is just flat like a pancake. Next more interesting scenery will probably be the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee/North Carolina with the famous “Tail of the Dragon” – it is said that this one of the most exciting 18 km long road in the U.S. with its 318 bends (!). A dream (and challenge) for every motorbike and sports car driver. Can’t wait to race this stretch… J
Next destination after the Great Smokey Mountains will be the East Coast and down to Florida, where I will store the bike over winter time. Got already several invitations from local riders (via ADV-Rider-forum) to visit and/or store the bike. The biker-brotherhood is just amazing – worldwide! I’ll report again when I’ll have arrived in Florida, until then I wish you all a great time, good luck and always safe riding…
01.09.2019