Blog: Dermot Cole
Winter motorcyclists aim to ride to Prudhoe Bay
Published Monday, February 23, 2009
A 47-year-old Dutchman who lists his occupation as “world traveler,” and a 42-year-old German who has also traveled the world, arrived in Fairbanks on motorcycles this weekend.
Sjaak Lucassen and Doris Wiedemann plan to head north to Prudhoe Bay on their motorcycles Tuesday or Wednesday.
He is riding a Yamaha R1, while she is riding a BMW F800 GS.
Both motorcycles have studded tires and both riders have a wide array of heated equipment and clothing.
They left Key West in mid-January and hope to be back in Fairbanks in about a week.
Kevin Huddy, a Fairbanks motorcyclist, is hosting the two riders while they are in Fairbanks.
There is more information at www.sjaaklucassen.nl/eng.html.
If they make it,so what? And if they don't? So what?
The State of Alaska should shut this down, so what happens if they get hurt.. other people lives get put on the line to help them... what about if they get run over by a haul truck driver who is trying to make a living and now has to watch out for some fools trying to make a name for themselves..
I am not for the State telling any of us what we can and cannot do, but these fools should have to sign a waiver of liability against any person that might injure them in the process. I could easily see how they could end up being a hood ornament on some semi. No trucker should have to be over watchful looking out for them. They have enough on their hands without having to look for a motorcycle. Good luck to them and hope one of those big rocks that will hit them along the trail does not split your heads wide open.
"What happens if they get hurt?" The state of Alaska will put them up in the finest hotel the taxpayers can offer, the "world travelers" will complain about the accommodations, the state will capitulate and apologize profusely. We will pay the world travelers tab.
Gordon and Yukon,
Why do you have a problem with truck drivers looking out for other motorists on a PUBLIC highway?
Are you both suggesting that all users of PUBLIC highways should sign waivers of liability against any person who might injure them?
The Dalton was until a few years ago, a private road. Then it was a road that required "civillians" to register and get a permit. It is a road that was built by and for the pipeline and hauling supplies to and from the north slope. It is used primarily by truckers, probably 90% of who are very experienced in driving in the harshest environment on earth that trucks go. It is bad enough that folks in motorhomes travel up there in the summer, but insane that a couple of motorcycles go up there in winter. Let them go. Let them also deal with the boulders that truck tires throw at them and the complete trashing of their bikes. Its their posteriors not mine!!
Yukonjohn: Ditto. And you said the magic words, "The Dalton was until a few years ago, a private road."
Not only this, I believe AK state law states drivers must be in control of their vehicles. More to the point, the driving instruction book states this.
In other words, if you do not have control of your vehicle (on ice), you're likely driving at a speed rate excessive for your braking distance.
Not only this, but it makes no difference if you are on a public or private road.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here.
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