Alaskan venture
Why you should go Alaska feels like the last wild frontier. Heading north to Prudhoe Bay is some of the most remote riding in the world. The scenery is stunning, the roads are deserted, it’s truly ‘out there’.
What’s it like to ride there? Driving standards are as good as in Europe, though there are differences in speed limits and some other rules: you’re not allowed to filter (or lane-split) but turning right on a red light is accepted, providing you’ve properly checked for oncoming traffic. Once outside of residential areas and on the open road, the general speed limit is 65mph, but check. Alaska State Law is that you must wear a helmet.
Must ride The Dalton Highway, famous from TV’S Ice Road Truckers, is a classic adventure road for overland bikers. It stretches 414 miles north from Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. Originally built as a supply road for the Trans-alaska Pipeline, the majority of it remains a dirt road, so treat it with respect and get out of the way of the huge trucks that use it. Getting your bike to Alaska If you’re going to be there for longer than four weeks, or will be heading down to Canada, use your own bike. The average cost of airfreighting a medium-sized motorcycle into Anchorage airport is around £1500, one way. Alternatively, bike hire is available, but as the season up there is very short, rental prices are high – think around US$200 per day if you want to ride a BMW R1200GS
When to go It is often said Alaska has four seasons; June, July, August and Winter, so it is a very short window of opportunity to ride there. Even in what we consider peak summer, snow is not unheard of and if you are riding past the Arctic Circle, we have experienced snow and freezing temperatures one year and sunburn the next. WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED Passport Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. UK citizens qualify for the Visa Waiver Scheme, provided you can show immigration officials your return flight out of the USA. However, before you go, you will need to complete the ESTA online. Those planning to ride overland to Mexico will need a USA visa.
Driving License and International Driving Permit Take your UK Driving License and make sure you have an International Driving Permit, obtained from the RAC or main Post Offices.
V5C Vehicle Registration Document You must travel with your original V5C vehicle registration document (aka log book), which you will need to clear your bike through customs.
“The scenery is stunning, the roads deserted”
Temporary Vehicle Import To take your own bike to the USA, you must have obtained approval in advance from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Customs will need to see this paperwork to release the bike. Motofreight can provide advice (and ship your bike) www.motofreight.com
Insurance You must have third-party cover to ride in the USA. Don’t ask your UK insurer about this. Despite more UK bikes going beyond Europe, UK insurers run scared. You’ll need a specialist broker. Try www.motorcycleservices.com, based in the USA.