San Francisco to Alaska and back 2012

[Sgt Bilco]

More from Glacier National Park.

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[Sgt Bilco]

After Glacier, we drop into a very small town called Hungry Horse and some great little cabins with BBQ facilities. 2 things to note here, you will never go hungry thanks to one of the best butchers on the planet and these mouth watering and juicy rib eye's steaks definately ain't horse.

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Then of course someone has to go on the beer run. Skygod knows the value of the GS's carrying capacity.

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[Elle]

A few years ago, I had this idea of riding coast to coast across Canada using trails where I could. That was the reason I decided to have a go at off-roading.
But looking at these photo's, I'd be happy riding on tarmac...

[Sgt Bilco]

A few years ago, I had this idea of riding coast to coast across Canada using trails where I could. That was the reason I decided to have a go at off-roading.
But looking at these photo's, I'd be happy riding on tarmac...

There is a trail across Canada but hell, it's a long way and would take 6-8 weeks so I've been told. One day maybe

The tarmac up there is great and so different from here. The lack of traffic is the key and of course the views are pretty tasty.

[Sgt Bilco]

After Hungry Horse, we start heading south into Montana and Idaho. Both stunning States with lots of hidden roads which are just unbelievable to ride. The weather really warms up here and the temp guage hits the high 30's and low 40's so you have to be ready with lots of stops and water.

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At Clarkston WA, we go into a small brewery next to the hotel called the Riverport Brewery with possibly the best pizza's anwhere on the planet.

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Journeyman getting stuck in.

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Didn't know they were filming eastenders over here.....

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After a nights sleep to get over a belly full of pizza and realy great beer we head onto what has to be one of teh best pure riding roads anywhere on the planet. It's called the Rattlesnake pass and is in the middle of nowhere. I have a buddy who lives locally and I rode this first back in 08 and it is just supeb and it twists it's way through the Rattlesnake Canyon. Imagine your favourite Alpine pass but factor in hot weather and no traffic or cops.

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[Sgt Bilco]

This is a typical sign you see in the are and they aren't joking! It's actually hard work chucking a big GS around for 99 miles but hell, it's great fun and knowing you get a milkshake somewhere makes it all worthwhile.

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After riding the Rattlesnake, it's into my very favourite Milk Shake bar in a small place called La Grande. It's properly old fashioned and the shakes and burgers are superb. By now, the guys trust that I will always find a good milkshake and I hate letting people down.

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It's also a great place to get the map out and look at the next section. I do know where I'm going...honest lads.

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[Sgt Bilco]

We run down through Oregon now and it is a beautiful State and stunning riding conditions. You can be iding through the most fantastic twisty sections then suddenly it opens out and you see teh big plains stretching out in front of you.

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After a night in a great little town called John Day and I mend my only puncture in 17,000 miles ( love Heidenau's) and after a great early morning ride, we stop and have breakfast in a small town called martin. This place hasn't changed for years and you can imagine all teh horses tied up outside the bar.

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[PaulG]

Only just found this thread.

Thanks Bilco - what can I say - WOW and AWESOME.

Fantastic photos and appropriate text. Nice to see GS and GSAs in their natural habitat.

A real Bucket List entry for me!

Cheers,

Paul

[Journeyman John]

Well done Sgt
Brings it all flooding back !!

Every turn was fantastic...... Even the long straights ! the scenery at times just jaw dropping.
Dicing with trucks, the trails, and dodging moose!
Spotting all Wildlife ..( inc Skygod in that !) . Christ them grizzlys are big up close ,
the locals at every stop who were genuinely interested in the group
" where you'll from ?" was a repeated question where ever we went . Extremely friendly and the start of many conversations.
Then food .....( those BBQs )... Brewery visits and incredible milkshakes.

Wow what a trip !! Highly recommended all. Who's going now ?

[Sgt Bilco]

Well done Sgt
Brings it all flooding back !!

Every turn was fantastic...... Even the long straights ! the scenery at times just jaw dropping.
Dicing with trucks, the trails, and dodging moose!
Spotting all Wildlife ..( inc Skygod in that !) . Christ them grizzlys are big up close ,
the locals at every stop who were genuinely interested in the group
" where you'll from ?" was a repeated question where ever we went . Extremely friendly and the start of many conversations.
Then food .....( those BBQs )... Brewery visits and incredible milkshakes.

Wow what a trip !! Highly recommended all. Who's going now ?

Ha, it does bring it all back John and I remember every mile. Only doing one trip up there this year and only got one place left. Looks like being a really good one again and fingers crossed for good weather, especially on the Dalton hmy: