Alaska

Welcome
Lots of great information in here in great detail

Yes, Alaska! The planning phase of a motorcycle trip to Alaska has begun. I have been toying with the idea of going to Alaska by motorcycle for quite some time. Although the ideal motorcycle to take to Alaska would be the bike I have in South America, the BMW R1200GS, I will probably make the trip on the BMW K1200LT that I have here in the States. One thing that I have to find out before I go is, where are the paved roads, because the K1200LT is not the bike you want to take down a wet, muddy gravel road, as it weighs in at nearly 900 pounds before you load it up. I just ordered and received the latest copy of the "Mile Post" for 2009. An inch thick publication, the Mile Post touts itself as "The Bible For North Country Travel" and is packed full of all kinds of information about traveling to Canada and Alaska. Now....to plan the trip.

Re-thinking Next Years Motorcycle Adventure To South America

Geysers in the Atacama Desert of Chile. Photo by Eric Cleaveland
Well, I had thoughts of heading back south to the Carretera Austral in January, but now, after talking with my friend Eric Cleaveland, who last year rode his motorcycle from Ushuaia, Argentina to Alaska, I am now contemplating going north in Chile to the Atacama Desert. Eric tells me "It's worth the trip". Others have also mentioned that the desert in northern Chile is quite spectacular. It is the dryest place on Earth, and it is said that there are parts of it where it has never rained. The good thing about going north is that I can pretty much count on good weather. One thing is for sure.....I'll know when I get there!

**UPDATE**
I have made the decision....I will be going to the Atacama Desert of Chile for sure. I am also going to go into Bolivia, since I will be so close to the border when I reach San Pedro de Atacama, adding yet another new country to the list.