So I had a thought..."Wouldn't it be cool to host a SW forum ride for SW'rs who live "Outside" (AK term for the rest of Earth) And yeah, it would be cool, but how? Getting here is an expensive proposition. So I did a little research which I am about to share.
I've read enough posts about guys from the midwest or even the northeast who make an annual trip out west and thought what about the guys out west coming north for a week of lodge based big backcountry riding?
Up front it's not cheap but not nearly as crazy expensive as I thought.
Assuming guys paired up to defray costs you have three options: Drive, Ship sleds and fly up, or take the ferry. Each has pros and cons as follows~
1) Drive.
Assuming 4 riders sharing round trip costs for 1 vehicle
From Sweetgrass MT or Sumas WA to Anchorage is 2330 miles and 2150 miles respectively. I used round numbers~YMMV
-4,500 miles not counting driving to the border
-Average fuel range of 400 miles per tank = 12 tanks of fuel.
-Average cost per tank of $120 (US) = $3,000
-Then there's food, motels, beer over 7-8 days--figure $250 per day = $2,000
Costs in Alaska are another $1,500 each for vehicle/sled fuel, lodging and incidentals.
Estimated average cost = $2,750 a piece. (Plus travel to US/Can border)
Pros--It's a cool trip if you've never done it. Total autonomy. Ride where you want.
Cons--More travel/vacation time, possibility of vehicle/trailer issues, and of course, this option includes the very real probability you'll end up in Revy and not make the trip.
2) Shipping sleds and flying up.
Assumes a local host with trailer space willing to haul you around.
I called Lynden freight for a quote yesterday. Their prices fluctuate with fuel costs but this is in the ball park.
-Two 10ft long mountain sleds crated together front to back fit in a 7'x11'x4' crate. Shipping from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage is $1,425 vs $815 shipped separately. The back haul is a bit cheaper at $1,050. 4 days guaranteed delivery each way.
-Crating for these dimensions in Tacoma runs around $150
-Average ticket from SeaTac to Anchorage is $400 in Feb & Mar
-$1,200 each for fuel, lodging and incidentals
Estimated average cost = $2,900 a piece.
Pros--Saved travel time. You have a local "guide"
Cons--Putting your baby on truck. Being dependant on your host to get around.
3) Taking the Ferry (Alaska Marine Highway System)
Except for Seattle & BC's coastal communities, not to many people outside of Alaska know there's a ferry that runs from Bellingham, WA to several port destinations in AK...including the road accessible towns of Haines, Valdez and Whittier.
Weight is not an issue but length of vehicle/trailer, including any protruding stuff (like the rear of a sled) is.
This assumes 6 riders in a suburban towing a 4 place trailer with 6 machines loaded sideways and alternated front to back to maximize trailer space.
Current fares from Bellingham to Whittier~Trip takes 5 days
-$547 per person OW or $1,094 RT
-$105/ft per vehicles over 21 feet (suburban (18.5') + 4 place trailer (26.5') = 45 feet or $4,725 OW or $9,450 (ouch) RT
So $1,100 + 1/6 of $9,450 ($1,575) + $1,200 for fuel/lodging and incidentals
Estimated average cost = $3,800 a piece. Haines and Valdez are cheaper but the incidentals go up
Pros--You're on a BOAT MFah's!! Prince William Sound is amazingly beautiful. You have total autonomy and can explore / side trips if you want.
Cons--The most expensive option and you're traveling 10 days. If the seas are rough it could be a miserable 5 days.
Bottom line: For 4 grand or less you and some buds could Ride AK
This is a serious offer for anyone who can swing it. I have a weird job schedule and don't work January through early April (awwww, poor wittle me)So, I will be happy to help you with the logistics and show you some snow. And, I'm sure we could scratch up a crew of locals to ensure you have a good time. Think mid February through early April.
Think about it.
Check out the Alaska Marine Highway System for more detailed info on the ferry. Two guys in a sled-deck equipped pickup going to Haines isn't a bad option but you still have another 750 miles to drive.
I've read enough posts about guys from the midwest or even the northeast who make an annual trip out west and thought what about the guys out west coming north for a week of lodge based big backcountry riding?
Up front it's not cheap but not nearly as crazy expensive as I thought.
Assuming guys paired up to defray costs you have three options: Drive, Ship sleds and fly up, or take the ferry. Each has pros and cons as follows~
1) Drive.
Assuming 4 riders sharing round trip costs for 1 vehicle
From Sweetgrass MT or Sumas WA to Anchorage is 2330 miles and 2150 miles respectively. I used round numbers~YMMV
-4,500 miles not counting driving to the border
-Average fuel range of 400 miles per tank = 12 tanks of fuel.
-Average cost per tank of $120 (US) = $3,000
-Then there's food, motels, beer over 7-8 days--figure $250 per day = $2,000
Costs in Alaska are another $1,500 each for vehicle/sled fuel, lodging and incidentals.
Estimated average cost = $2,750 a piece. (Plus travel to US/Can border)
Pros--It's a cool trip if you've never done it. Total autonomy. Ride where you want.
Cons--More travel/vacation time, possibility of vehicle/trailer issues, and of course, this option includes the very real probability you'll end up in Revy and not make the trip.
2) Shipping sleds and flying up.
Assumes a local host with trailer space willing to haul you around.
I called Lynden freight for a quote yesterday. Their prices fluctuate with fuel costs but this is in the ball park.
-Two 10ft long mountain sleds crated together front to back fit in a 7'x11'x4' crate. Shipping from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage is $1,425 vs $815 shipped separately. The back haul is a bit cheaper at $1,050. 4 days guaranteed delivery each way.
-Crating for these dimensions in Tacoma runs around $150
-Average ticket from SeaTac to Anchorage is $400 in Feb & Mar
-$1,200 each for fuel, lodging and incidentals
Estimated average cost = $2,900 a piece.
Pros--Saved travel time. You have a local "guide"
Cons--Putting your baby on truck. Being dependant on your host to get around.
3) Taking the Ferry (Alaska Marine Highway System)
Except for Seattle & BC's coastal communities, not to many people outside of Alaska know there's a ferry that runs from Bellingham, WA to several port destinations in AK...including the road accessible towns of Haines, Valdez and Whittier.
Weight is not an issue but length of vehicle/trailer, including any protruding stuff (like the rear of a sled) is.
This assumes 6 riders in a suburban towing a 4 place trailer with 6 machines loaded sideways and alternated front to back to maximize trailer space.
Current fares from Bellingham to Whittier~Trip takes 5 days
-$547 per person OW or $1,094 RT
-$105/ft per vehicles over 21 feet (suburban (18.5') + 4 place trailer (26.5') = 45 feet or $4,725 OW or $9,450 (ouch) RT
So $1,100 + 1/6 of $9,450 ($1,575) + $1,200 for fuel/lodging and incidentals
Estimated average cost = $3,800 a piece. Haines and Valdez are cheaper but the incidentals go up
Pros--You're on a BOAT MFah's!! Prince William Sound is amazingly beautiful. You have total autonomy and can explore / side trips if you want.
Cons--The most expensive option and you're traveling 10 days. If the seas are rough it could be a miserable 5 days.
Bottom line: For 4 grand or less you and some buds could Ride AK
This is a serious offer for anyone who can swing it. I have a weird job schedule and don't work January through early April (awwww, poor wittle me)So, I will be happy to help you with the logistics and show you some snow. And, I'm sure we could scratch up a crew of locals to ensure you have a good time. Think mid February through early April.
Think about it.
Check out the Alaska Marine Highway System for more detailed info on the ferry. Two guys in a sled-deck equipped pickup going to Haines isn't a bad option but you still have another 750 miles to drive.
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