Prelude, Part 1

Welcome to the Alaska on Two Wheels blog. This blog has been set up to track the preparation and trip from Pennsylvania to Alaska and back by our two intrepid travelers, Blackie (Jeff) and P-Rock (Pete). Jeff and Pete will both be contributing to the blog from time to time before the trip, and daily during the trip. This segment is being produced by P-Rock, and we will always identify the author when adding to the blog.

This trip was first discussed back in the early 1990's when Jeff, Pete, Bob and Wayne-O were on an 8 day canoe trip through Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. Through an incredibly clever combination of exhaustion (due to canoeing and portaging all day long for several days), wicked alcoholic concoctions (Captain Morgan and grape kool-aid comes to mind as one), and dehydrated food, we determined that we would someday embark on a motorcycle adventure from the lower 48 to Alaska and back. Here we are many years later, and Jeff and Pete are now preparing for this adventure. Our plan is to leave in early July from outside of Chicago, IL (at my mom's house). We will trailer our bikes to that location, eat one last good home-cooked meal and head out on the open road.

Jeff made the ultimate sacrifice and sold his beloved Victory Jackpot motorcycle in order to purchase a new 2009 BMW K1200LT touring motorcycle for this trip (and beyond). Jeff and I had decided a few months ago that this was the perfect platform for this trip, as the motorcycle includes excellent wind protection, heated grips and seats, a very comfortable riding position, great entertainment options and plenty of storage space.

Here's a picture of Blackie, on the new Beemer, fresh home from the showroom.
As you can see she's a beauty, and she's Black.

I also needed to do something about a motorcycle as well, considering my only option was a V-Rod. not a great long distance tourer. I happened upon a nice used 2001 BMW K1200LT in New Jersey, which I ultimately bought, brought home and am spending copious cabbage on to get ready for the trip. The picture on the right is of my bike, which at first glance looks a LOT like Jeff's. Well I can tell you that BMW made a number of very nice improvements between 2001 and 2009! I do have to say that this is one of the finest riding motorcycles I have ever been on. It can be a little top-heavy at low speed, but once it's moving it's a dream to ride. Right now the bike is all torn apart in my garage for final upgrades. I will post some pictures of that in a few days. Since purchasing the bike, I have: replaced the rear brake and rotor, replaced the front brakes, replaced the battery, replaced the throttle cables, replaced the rear drive pinion bearings, added floorboards, added a shift peg and performed all of the major services. I now have to install new shocks, a new trunk latch, remove the 6 CD changer and replace it with an XM reciever tied to a new GPS unit, and add some new Polk speakers. Who says I have expensive hobbies?

Here's a picture of me replacing the fuel filter as a part of some maintenance performed last weekend.

At any rate, this is enough for the initial post. There will be more to come in the coming weeks as we prepare to head out on the open road. Jeff will also be contributing as time permits, and we'll document our planned route, activities we intend to pursue along the way, discussions on gear, spare parts, tools and such along with a wide array of pre-trip planning ideas (usually generated over a cold beer or wine session!).

Ride safe! P-Rock.