So I was at the HD service department sharp at 0800 for a new tire. I also asked them to check the rear suspension pressure as it seemed to have gotten soft. Two hours and a whole lot of bucks later I was on my way to Dawson Creek. I did get the bike washed as a consolation prize. My suspension pressure was low, so they upped it to the recommended reading, and the bike felt a lot better over bumps. The people in the dealership were really friendly, and it was interesting to find out when asking questions about the Alaskan Highway, non had actually ridden it. Anyway, once th bike was ready I hit the road.
It was a nice sunny morning, and the road to Dawson Creek was not really busy. The landscape was mainly rural, and the road straight and undulating. It was like that most of the day.
Dawson Creek is the start of the Alaskan Highway, ‘Mile 0’ as they say. So it is imperative to have one’s picture taken at the spot. When I arrived there, 5 Harley riders from Iowa were already there, so I took 5 photos with 5 cameras, then they took mine. They were heading for Fairbanks, then Prudoe. Good luck to that if it is raining on the road there. We said our good lucks, and all headed north.
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I gassed up again after about 50 miles in Fort St. John, and there were 4 Harley riders from South Dakota headed north as well. They must have been escaping the Sturgis mob, as that is next month. They were headed for Fort Nelson that day, same as I. I also uncovered the 1 gallon portable gas tank and filled it. It has been carted around the whole US and Canada, and now is its big moment. A safety blanket.
So it was off on Highway 97, the Alaskan Highway. The road was in good shape for the first 70 miles or so, I was surprised, then as it climbed road repairs were evident, gravel in places and work crews. It became a 2 lane highway undulating through evergreens, not a lot to see. Actually a bit like some areas of Washington. I crossed the Peace River near Taylor, and continued north. The bridge over the river is grated, and would be a real pain if wet as it is quite long.
Peace River Bridge
I gassed up a couple of times to keep the tank topped, then found the next gas stop out of gas. Ah well, I am OK for now. The road is quite empty, mainly bikes heading south. As I rode I could see dark clouds forming and the sun disappearing. The clouds seemed to be to the west over mountains, then to the east. Rain could be seen falling, but for now I was headed between them. Another gas stop, no gas, but across the road is gas I am told. So I cross over, and found only regular. I have gas conditioner in case, so I gas up. Lucky me. When I go to pay, the guy says he should be closed, but did me a favor. It is 4:05PM would you believe. A sign there says ‘Be aware of your gas, next gas is 100KMS away”. Some good that will do if one finds the gas station closed. It is 85 miles to Fort Nelson. I think I could have made it using my safety blanket, but I could do without any added factors as nature is about to change the weather.
The road now heads straight for really black clouds and rain so I stop to prepare the bike and I. A trucker stops and asks if I am OK. Yup I reply, getting ready. He says it is really hammering down ahead, and is he right. It does just that for about 40 minutes or so. It slowly eases as I start downhill, then the last 30 miles are into part sunshine. It is welcome to see it and feel warmth. So into Fort Nelson, and first thing is to get a room.
The prices here are out of this world, both for gas, rooms and certainly Harley parts. Gas is now up to $1.30 a liter for premium, so that is over $5 a gallon.
In Fort Nelson
Highway 97 – Alaskan Highway through Fort Nelson
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