Is a Motorcycle Trip to Alaska Worth It?

Ok, here is the video everyone wants to see, this is what it cost me to ride my motorcycle from Boston, MA to Alaska and back home again. So go ahead, tell me how crazy I am, tell me how I could have saved money camping, eating Top Romen and searching for the best prices with Gas Buddy...I know it is coming.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[@richardadams6853]

I retired 3 yrs ago, just finished battling cancer, I bought a new Goldwing and want to ride from southern Ontario to Victoria BC next year. I've learned you have to grab life when you can...you never know!

[@wingandhog]

Indeed! Ride safe brother

[@idcraw]

I ride pretty well all year round on the Island originally from Ontario much better for riding mind the rain.

[@timothytapio4252]

Life offers no guarantees....live each day as fully as you can. Good luck and ride like you're invisible...that's how cars see you.

[@bseidem5112]

Eat the same as before? Cancer will be back. Ivermectin kills 25 common cancers.

[@davepowell6055]

Would love to do that too. Live in Ontario as well

[@radamson1]

I have put over one hundred thousand miles motorcycle touring. My favorite way is a combination of hotels and camping. I would camp for three or four days then one day in a motel to get a good bath, a good meal and a good nights sleep.

[@gerhardk98]

Memories are priceless, make memories while you can.

[@deenhubin3766]

The last trips my late wife and I took two and three years ago cost us about $150/day. Breakfast usually at the hotel, lunch at a local cafe or Subway, depending on locale. Decent hotels usually subsidized by reward programs. Nice dinner out whenever possible. I'm headed out soon on my first extended solo trip - two weeks around the Midwest. I hope it goes well.

[@LTVoyager]

The way I look at it is that I can’t take it with me. I saved all of my life and now I spend what I want in retirement and I travel using motels and restaurants. The time saved each day setting up and breaking camp usually allows at least one extra site to visited, museum to be toured, etc. My goal while traveling, whether on bike or in car, is to see and do things, not repetitively set up and break a camp.

[@ricklewis9564]

No need to camp as you can write the hotel costs off as a business expense for your channel-what an idea!!! Love it

[@bradsanders6954]

7000+ in write offs for a you tube channel? The numbers dont crunch.

[@johnaddy6410]

You don’t have to justify anything that you do. You have been making great videos for years. I’m glad you are able to do what you do

[@Jmoes01TJ]

I believe you made the necessary adjustments to enjoy your retirement the way you want. I think your trip was amazing and congratulations man! Enjoy all you can while you can . You just never know what tomorrow brings.

[@dankimgiesler8484]

I am your age, still work, and will for a few more years. My wife and I save up our time off and go on extended road trips on our Indian every 3-4 years, with shorter trips mixed in other years. Last year we hit 14 states, 6200 miles numerous national parks out west. We live in Ohio. Motel costs are by far the biggest expense. We are fortunate in that we sometimes can share motel costs with other couples, but not everyone is comfortable with that. The bigger compromise to me when traveling with others is sleep and eating schedules. It is also amazing to me how many people have beautiful touring bikes and never cross state lines.

[@f86sabjf]

Thank you Craig The wife and I are planning our first 2 week trip . By the sounds of it you like to travel the way we do . My wife is not a camper . Real numbers on the road help the planning

[@bradboustead1682]

Camping while motorcycling can be fun, visiting with fellow campers etc, if the weather is nice. If the weather is cold and rainy, a miserable day riding is capped off with a miserable soggy night.

[@oscartamez5209]

Thanks for making this video and especially for your honesty and transparency. Can’t agree more with your conclusions. I personally think you did pretty well in terms of cost and most importantly you travelled the way you wanted and planned for it. Things are expensive for sure, but the value of “squeezing your lemon” is more that the cost. Well done!

[@milesjohnson8927]

Good for u I say. I'm a few years older than u and my wife and have put on about 250 k kms riding. Then this year we came home from a trip and kidneys decided not to work I went from an inshape old guy who could walk, do yoga and bench my body weight, to just an old man who's riding career might be done. And it happened in the blink of an eye! On our death bed no one is going to wish they had worked more or harder or saved more money. So my friend, stay safe, ride lots, and I wish you many more safe adventures

[@clayfarnet970]

It would be entertaining to hear from your viewers a few of their traveling cost saving ideas are. The good the bad and the craziest ideas.

[@mike_padgett]

Good stuff, Craig. I’m about to be 62 and am looking forward to enjoying retirement as you do. Thanks for the details of your fabulous trip.

[@f8thntheos]

Great information Mr Ripley! I ride solo and when i'm looking for a motel for the night, I'll research for the 2-3 star motels. I don't get the free breakfast, but I'm usually on the road before then. My average cost is around $100 and i've never had any problems with the divey motels. When I keep the costs down, I get the blessing from my bride to go on week long rides!

[@RickiV]

Good for you. I’m the same age and leaving for California for a 25 day ride from Ontario after Labour day. I think the same way. Worked and saved all my life for a trip like this. Going to take my time and eat and sleep in nice places.

[@robb8773]

PPS. I totally agree that we should enjoy the "youth" of our senior years!

[@generichards6497]

I agree with you totally. I'm almost 66 this week, being comfortable makes the adventure that much more enjoyable. Stay safe out there.

[@clarson2916]

I’m 68 years old. I enjoy camping, but I’ve done it long enough that it’s actually comfortable for me, and I’m comfortable, and enjoy, being alone in the wilderness. I know camping’s not for everyone, but I would argue that if you’re not comfortable camping, you just haven’t figured it out yet. For anyone who is not comfortable spending the night alone in wild places, camping will probably never be enjoyable. PS. My cardiologist told me several years ago that I don’t need to be concerned about running out of money during my retirement years. That’s one less thing to worry about :)

[@bradsanders6954]

You got it. Americans are a soft spoiled breed. Most of the people I know my age (67).....would not camp if you paid them. They wont and thats it. Which dooms you to staying in civilization every night, spending over 200 a night just to sleep. In a white box. Camping is easy. I always meet people when I camp, every time.

[@backandforthupanddow]

Did he really?? That’s kind of funny and morbid at the same time.

[@clarson2916]

@@backandforthupanddow Actually, I ask my Cardiologist for a prognosis. After a little evasive conversation, I told him what I thought the prognosis was. He then told me what he actually thought because it wasn’t quite as bad as what I had just predicted. I made the observation that at least I no longer needed to worry about running out of money during my retirement years. It’s still one of my best comedic moments of all time. :)

[@milolabrett6549]

You planned the trip and worked the plan, that’s what counts. You were very steady at 300-mile limit. You’re on the right track of not beating yourself and the bike down just to get to Alaska once you’ve been. There are way more scenic destinations in BC or Alaskan Pan Handle than what it takes to be invested in Anchorage Alaska as a destination or an Oil Rig Yard in Prudhoe Bay AK. Just say’n

[@mikedempsey1041]

Thanks for giving us a breakdown of your trip cost, I have always been curious what traveling to Alaska would be regarding the money. Although I won't ever ride to Alaska, there are a few destinations of interest, and I like your approach to touring. Great memories on your trip for sure, and quite the adventure!

[@smudgemo]

Seems weird anyone would have a negative opinion of a trip like this, other than to be worried for your safety (I get that all the time.) I wouldn't waste a second with those sorts of people. This country is huge and gorgeous, and seeing it from the saddle out in the elements is something you just can't get from a car.

[@robertclark9]

My 2,500mi to Yellowstone from NH was 27 days with a little less than 2/3 camping and the rest hotels. And I still spent around $3,500 bucks. Fuel was only around $400. I would get a roof every couple days for a shower and a better nights sleep. However, if (and probably when) I do another long distance ride, it’ll be more like 2/3 hotels, and 1/3 camping. At 67, I was feeling it. And it wasn’t a money issue. It’s just the way I planned it. Next time the plan will be a bit different. 😂

[@marktcoleman]

Not sure if you ever read Ghost Rider by Neil Peart. He rode from Quebec to South America and was a big Best Western fan. He's a great writer and I highly recommend the read.

[@chip6954]

Among the great drummers in the music history, top 3 for sure! Find it really cool, that he was another motorcycle traveler...

[@Kevin-ne3tl]

@@chip6954 Yep, being a drummer of over 40 years, I used to try and copy his style. Tough to do with the talent that he had.

[@ericgudmundson-e1w]

Great drummer...Great writer...Great book!

[@Shawn.Noonan]

I finished that book recently and loved it. I would like to ride the first Canadian leg of Neil’s trip. Some day!

[@seaninness334]

Thanks for the breakdown Craig. Gives me something to aim for. I'm also not really into the motocamping thing. So many ways to approach it. As I doubt I will ever ride to Alaska and/or do a 50+ day adventure. I'm not going to worry too much about it. Damn right to pack in the adventure now. I'm a bit younger and feeling the time too.

[@pipersall6761]

I think it was an epic trip. In 1963 my father and mother loaded us four kids into a Chevy Biscayne station wagon and drove to Alaska. Then the AlCan Highway was gravel and I remember we had like three flats while on that road. We were gone over a month I think. I think its reasonable what you spent, you had fine digs and good food and travel for almost two months. Im 70 now and going through a 2002 Concours 1000 and hoping to ride again next year after a 30 year hiatus. Your trip certainly inspires me and I thank you for sharing it with us. All the best to you.

[@kentweed7507]

It’s your money and you have worked hard for it. Now you get to enjoy it.

[@bobbrown8181]

Awesome video. Good strategy and planning. I've been retired for about 2 years and been on several extended motorcycle trips. Each of which I make sure to go through the planning process including the finances. In less than 30 days I'm going to start my longest adventure by far a Coast to Coast to Coast journey. I've been planning it for 2 years down to every detail. I find that the planning stage of an adventure or trip leaves room during the trip for relaxation, fun, and impromptu adventures and side trips. I'm 65 and plan on doing more motorcycle adventures and trips until I can no longer physically have the ability. One thing I'm trying to learn from your videos and others are how to document The adventures in video and pictures. Thank you for sharing I enjoy watching your adventures. Bob in FL.

[@ron5184]

Ain’t never see a U-Haul behind a hurts. In my book you’re winning at this game! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@markpowell762]

I'll be 60 next month & ride a Tiger 800xc. I think you have the perfect attitude. I have no problems with hoteling every night if your budget allows you to. I tend to need to camp some to stay in budget. Continue living your dream, we are not getting any younger! 😉

[@Westlakemarket]

I agree with your philosophy. Enjoy it while you can! I just turned 60, retired from the fire department several years ago and plan on enjoying the rest of my life. While I do still work a business, my wife and I go out riding whenever we can.

[@chrisholton6309]

Craig, once again you absolutely nail it !! I soooo appreciate the follow up on expense, review of your riding gear, the bike, and most importantly (I think?🤔) is being in your head, as a solo rider. I had two great riding buddies that were true blue riding companions. Unfortunately, those days are behind them, but I have come to enjoy solo riding, although I do miss sharing those great moments that happen, on our adventures. Thank you for being you, and all the effort that you put into sharing your life’s travels with us, the riding public!👍🏼✌🏼👍🏼

[@richardrutel6806]

There’s the old saying”You can’t take it with you when you die”. I agree with your decision making 100%. Sitting on a rocking chair thinking”If only I had…..” when you’re too old to do “it”, doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m a few years older than you and I have become painfully aware of the limited time left to really enjoy what life has yet to offer. My travels consist of a big comfortable motor home that we use as a base camp and ride out from there. You’ve done an exceptional job with your videos. Thank you so much.

[@davidbarth3504]

Your first description described my trip(DE to AK)lol. Top ramen, can chicken and a thin sleeping pad. However I love camping and the challenge that goes with it. Also did my oil change at O’reilys auto parking lot. My goal was to do a very minimalist trip do to my work schedule and family. My total trip I believe was under 2,000. This shows no matter what your budget or your style of accommodation anyone can do this trip. Awesome videos I really enjoy.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great video Craig. One thing to think about / justify some of your costs. I think you said the trip was 51 days. If you would have stayed home you would have incurred food costs for those days and I suspect you would have driven your truck many of those days. So if you subtract those numbers the total cost was much less 🤣. That being said I appreciate you acknowledging the tax deductions you can take due to your KZbin business. Have you ever considered a fly and ride trip to Europe? That’s kind of on my bucket list to take a week ( I’m still working) and do one of the tours where you rent the bike and ride the great roads over there. I think I could do that for under 10K . Keep the content coming

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I would like to get to Europe.

[@shakey2634]

I personally don’t include food expense on my trips. As you said, I have to eat anyway. I’ll acknowledge that eating out is more expensive but that is offset by the fact I eat less when I’m on the road, really only dinner, I just snack lightly during the day. I always take the camping gear. I have been stuck where I couldn’t find a room. Besides, all my camp gear fits into one dry bag that sits behind me and it’s kinda nice to lean back on😊. Ride safe everyone!

[@Winter_Sportster]

TOTALLY with You! We got to crank out the good times and memories while the cranking is good! We traded our time on earth to create whatever "fortune" we may now possess, let others do the same, or not. I'm not "rich', but I've had an extremely rich life, and want my show to go on 'till the end. Great Video, and Great Adventure!

[@backstagemusicfromthemotor5828]

Thanks for sharing this trip information. I too have a new you tube station and plan on utilizing this during my travels. Comfort should be a big part of any trip and it certainly makes the 400+ mile days somewhat easier on the tail end. Looking forward to more of your insight.

[@albie567]

Blows my mind that you basically slept through your single largest expense category. Thanks for the breakdown. I’m hoping to do a similar trip but with camping.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

True...

[@clarson2916]

@@albie567 I rode to Alaska in mid June to mid July 2023. I camped probably 3 of every 4 nights. Some really beautiful places to camp, many that are free or very inexpensive, all the way across northern British Columbia and the Yukon. For many people being comfortable while alone at night in the wilderness is the bigger obstacle. I really noticed that many tourists, if not most, travel fast through the wilderness and linger in the small communities. Nothing wrong with that, it just shows that we are all different. I’ve camped for so many years, and so many nights, my little tent, 3.5 inch thick Therm-A- Rest, and my down quilt, are like a second home to me. I don’t have campfires, cook, make coffee, or anything else when I camp. My camping is very comfortable, but pretty minimalistic. I can be in and out of camp in 15-20 minutes. It’s actually quicker and easier than when I unpack the motorcycle at a motel. And, I love spending the nights in the wild places. Alone with my thoughts and my God. Nothing between me and the experience. That’s also what so very is special about travelling alone.

[@dcongdon2294]

How about Hey Man I got stoned and I MISSED IT.ERR cough cough.

[@dcongdon2294]

I`ve been a camp rider all my life.I don`t mind some motels.Back in the 60s I was a thumb rider with my duffel bag gear and my thumb.Had a lot of great times.Enjoy what ya like.@@clarson2916

[@donnyjackson1908]

I actually think your costs are very reasonable. I expected it to be more expensive than $12k. When I motor travel I usually Hotel highly as well. I will camp a couple of nights, however never multiple in a row as I value warm showers after a full day on the bike. I also refuse to eat Burger King and McDonald’s daily. I like to spend a little more and sit down for a meal. Thanks for your time and effort!

[@ericschmidt52]

I actually thought you pulled it off rather conservatively. 51 days? My first thoughts would have been 14-15k. I'm like you though. I'm 65, and I doubt camping during a motorcycle road trip would be my choice either. Maybe if I were driving my van, I might be alright sleeping occasionally in the van, but after a day on the bike, I'm seeking certain amenities. Keep up the good work.

[@jeffnelson1661]

You are freaking crazy!! To have fun and enjoy life, good for you do it while you can. My guess was pretty close at $11,300. I was off 400 on maintenance, 100 on fuel, 300 food (big tipper) hotel 250 more. You have to eat at home too, so the cost for those 50 days at home would probably be 500-700 anyway. The killer was hotels, but to each his own. It's nice to have a comfortable bed a nice shower and a clean place to poop LOL rather than and outhouse. Keep making memories.

[@jslawsby_W5GI]

Another great video. I’m 100% the same outlook on everything you covered. Sucks that some people talk trash to the point you feel you need to explain yourself.

[@allanb52]

When you started I thought that $12,000 included the cost of buying the bike. I see now that it was those cigars!!🤩🤩 Interesting comparison, we did a campervan trip to Greece and Turkey, setting off from Portugal and we spent under,€3,000 for two people, including two car ferries,. Used to be that motorcycle travel was the cheapest way to go.

[@stevecarr323]

I'm done saving money by traveling like a Spartan on a march. I'm 73 and recovering from brain surgery. When I can ride again, we'll be looking for mor great stays at mom and pop motels and family owned eateries. We quit camping about ten years ago...we'd rather take a shorter trip and live better than take a longer one and skimp. rRide long and happy!

[@CycleGeezer]

Doing some traveling is something I would like to try someday. I am 69 and retired 2 years ago and I am ready for an adventure. I saw a lot of motorcycles in Canada last year while we were on vacation, and it made me want to go rent a bike and ride. So many beautiful roads and good scenery. I enjoyed following along on your trip. Keep riding and making videos.

[@chrispilgrim6906]

HI Craig, I have to agree. I am 65 also, well and truly over small tents you can't stand up in, need a CPAP to sleep, so a good bed is essential. On 6 weeks leave right now, part of that will be 2-3 weeks riding from home (Deception Bay) to Tasmania for our CMA National Run. I estimate a 5000- 6000km round trip. It will be affordable motels, cabins etc. Once that is done, 3 weeks more work then I am retired :) Keep up the good work mate!

[@andrewpeter6128]

Alaskan resident here. When traveling by moto, I PREFER to camp, as not only does it save money, but I usually prefer the peace and quiet. To each their own.

[@seancarey5931]

Are you the eye guy from Homer?

[@timothytapio4252]

Insane? That's only a state of mind. I'm hoping to do 49 states (maybe 50) before I'm 80...pushing 71 way too hard right now and just getting started. Original intent was on an R1250 GS Adventure...but I just picked up a KLR650...and due to the reliability reputation, it may well be the bike of choice. Signed up for your MRA course, will start tackling that tomorrow...it beats sitting around waiting to die.

[@SteveDanay]

Very good information and I enjoyed following your journey. I am with you on accommodations. At 69 I will ride or hike all day and I want a nice motel/hotel and dinner in the evening. I was surprised at the cost,I was thinking closer to $20,000. Great job keeping the expenses down.

[@timbaubense]

Thanks for sharing your experience Craig! I live in Massachusetts and I plan on visiting Alaska on my motorcycle one day! Just never had the opportunity yet!

[@frank9649]

While in Canada you can enjoy Cuban cigars ! Meals are a little expensive for you.....I travel a lot across Canada and my average per day is around $38. If you use ATM's for acquiring local money, it is much cheaper for cost if you have a debit card ! RBC, BMO and TD have branches in the US, what I'm saying is if you have an account at any of them banks in the US, it cost almost nothing if anything to withdraw funds in Canada in canadian currency. Anyway, thanks for the vid! Be well!

[@CrazyCora-t8v]

Spend your money and enjoy life. Time is short so keep on keeping on and ride safe. Shalom 🐾🐾😎

[@GotToThink4yourself]

On my trips I enjoy a combination of camping and hotels. At some point a hotel is worth its cost even just for a night a week. Key to camping is to have a setup that works for you, and everyone is different. Keeping it simple doesn’t mean ramens all week long! Learn to cook at home on your grill and you can have a fantastic trip with camping.

[@impoppa9647]

The total number "seems" big, but when it is divided up as a daily rate for everything combined, it sounds like a pretty reasonable amount to spend. Yes each of us will travel a bit different and spend slightly more or less... But we each need to travel on how we travel best! Save & Budget and enjoy the trip!

[@jeffpalmer5502]

Yeah Craig, camping along the Alcan… Ive driven it 5 times, 3 times in the winter,2 times in the summer. well last time I was at Liard hot springs, the next day a grizz pulled some guy out of the water and partially ate him. Then I spent a year in Alaska. Lots of bears roaming around everywhere in the summer… Im a Best Western rewards member myself. Heading to Whistler then Calgary on the ol Vic next week. Just turned 105 k on Vic! Me, Im only 68…😂 Agree with everything you just said. Ride well and Ride on my freind!🍻

[@davidprej]

I'm with you. I tried camping once on a trip and did not get a good nights sleep. Not good if you are riding the next day. I have several friends who have a lot more in the bank than I do, but they sit at home saving up more. For what? I'm going to travel the way I feel comfortable - hotels in the middle of town, nice meals, etc., and when I run out of money, I'll sit in my rocking chair, smoke my pipe and enjoy the memories. Some can't afford to stay in hotels and they are better men than me for camping. More power to them.

[@xentat4711]

Thanks for sharing. I was planning on doing the Alaska trip next year, now I know I may have to wait for another year. Also, great advice at the end!

[@rodneyjohnston2467]

I have friends that just love to camp when riding adventure bikes, some because they are not financially able to do hotels which I totally get. Some guys refuse to camp especially in my age group ( I am 64) I used to split in the middle but after purchasing all sorts of trick camping equipment etc there is a component of camping I despise. Weight. I find no matter how much I abbreviate my camping set up it makes my bikes handle like pigs. I can adapt to it but it takes the fun out especially off road or on gravel or forest roads. I have multiple bikes my favorite for long trips is my 2024 Triumph Rally Pro I just love this motorcycle. It can handle the weight when I put the removable givi racks and trekker panniers on it but it kills my off road performance to me. On the other end of spectrum I ride my crf300L rally That is a remarkable little machine. It requires some suspension upgrades and other minor things like fat bars, bark busters, a pipe, better tires, rear rack, skid plate etc. I live in the Deep South and have actually done the eastern part of tat, sm500, the MABDR from Damascus Va 1/2 way ( I caught covid had to go home) I use a mosko rackless set up for luggage and camping gear. I bought a bunch of GoPros I only use one or two and usually I just post some video to go along with a bunch of pictures on either Instagram or Facebook. This is a great post I wish I had seen when I got back into riding after quitting for many years when raising children etc I bought a KLR a few years back and that started it all. I’m gonna ride as long as my body allows. I like simple fun. I watch dork in the road, sterling Noreen’s stuff as well as almost all the adventure guys from purists like A Reiman that rides the wheels of a bike to normal guys filming for first time. Your channel is very very good in my opinion. Thank you for great solid information And thank you for sharing Alaska trip I’ve only seen one so far looking forward to the rest. I liked this candid discussion. Good stuff👌us geezers have to stick together😂😂

[@redberrine]

New subscriber thanks for breaking down what it costs wish more KZbin would do this keep up the great video

[@LongFlowAdventures]

Awesome trip! And I really appreciate you sharing the details in this video series to help the rest of us plan.

[@osimnod]

Helpful breakdown of your trip expenses. First, you don't need to apologize for what you decide to spend on your trips. You don't live an extravagant lifestyle and you don't exhibit a "look at me" attitude. You and your wife have planned well for your retirement and you both deserve to enjoy these years after working 30-40 years. Second, at 65 you're in great physical and mental shape while others have burned their candles much earlier in life - and are suffering the chronic consequences of that. So, take the adventures or trips that you want, share your excellent experiences and write-off what you are allowed. It's no one else's business.

[@pfoster7467]

Awesome..thanks for sharing those details. It was so nice to watch the 50+ day journey 👍

[@alainmichaud6747]

Great Trip, good video on cost, yep it expensive but like you say Squeeze the lemon and you enjoyed the adventure the way you like to do it . ...... money is something we use to enjoy life and for me is not an issue and agree with you . We are the same age and we need to enjoyed life especially on the road... I find it fantastic that you did this trip and i am a bit jealous since for me a long trip is 1200 km in 3 days, but we all have different capacity and goals. Cant wait to see your video during the winter. ok need to get to bed I am riding this morning. Since its already late Alain & Yellow

[@terrypaige2901]

I thought I was the only freak that did this kind of cost break-down. Any cost recorded here should be assumed "roughly", and may be dated. My conservative estimate is $175 per day to travel - hotel, fuel, food, and the odd museum fee. Sixty percent of my travel cost is lodging - I don't camp. I say "roughing it" when I stay at Econo-Lodge. I like air conditioning, clean sheets, a hot shower, and a private place to check my e-mail. I eat on the cheap except for the occasional deep fried shrimp basket. I ride a BMW -RT. I pay seven cents per mile for fuel and six cents per mile for tires.

[@grandpadude4104]

Big thx for sharing expenses for your trip! I have a friend who spent bout 20k going all around the USA for 10 weeks! We are planning a big ride in a few years! Thx for sharing your adventures!

[@ctjanney]

if you enjoyed your trip, had a great ride, good food, and a good night's sleep at the end of the day, money well spent.

[@tredd_dude]

Thanks Boss...Well the BMW 1250 is sold so I will be visiting you in the NE in my Miata or a rental car...Had to let the bike go just due to dang brain issues from long ago that are burping up as I age and honestly the excitement and joy seems to have faded from my long rides...After 200K miles I have done on my 3 GS' i think I am just tired of the tour...we will see. If next rounds of tests come up negative I may be back in the game, biut not on a BMW...the Maint with no service joint near us is not worth it (even though I do alot of my own service). Glad you did Alaska and had such a great time.....cheers to all and truck on.. TRedd

[@mikemills5144]

Good for you Craig, if you enjoy camping then do it, for me it would probably be too much work since I prefer to sleep in. Good to know the costs so I can decide if I do a fly and ride, do an organized tour or just go on my own.

[@surlyfan]

This was perfect, riding to Tuktoyaktuk next summer and planning for costs now. Like you, I want hotels and comfort. I’ve camped all over the world and it no longer appeals to me.

[@rogue5643]

Travel in the way you can AFFORD. I can't justify the cost of a motel or hotel to have a toilet & shower. A hammock and tent are fine. I'm 74 years young and still enjoy camping.

[@bigmike4962]

Travel every year on the bike and like you I have no interest in camping. I'm 68 and I want an air conditioned room cuz it's usually pretty hot, a shower and a cold beer at the end of the day. But if folks like to camp good for them! My riding buddy and I stayed at the Destination Inn in Radium in mid-July as well!

[@49ProRatStreet]

I know many Alaskan bound riders pass thru our home town of Jamestown ND and if you ever do, we'd love to buy you a meal. Perhaps you have, but I'd enjoy a video on your travel atire. From your helmet down to your boots. Love life....

[@1Rooster338]

Do whatever makes you happy. Greetings from central Texas. Ride south after September to Texas. Hill Country north of San Antonio is a great ride. Twisted Sisters roads

[@leonbeck6254]

You do what feels good. Ride till you want to stop then rest. It is getting harder to do this on Soc sec. But if you go look for the bargains. But enjoy the ride. 🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸

[@painsrides]

You're living the life you want..... Its worth every cent.

[@thenarrowpathoftruth9443]

Mr. Slab, this is great info. You can cut your fuel costs in half riding a Honda NC700x like mine but they’re not as comfortable as a Tiger I imagine. Mine gets 65 to 82 mpg. No I am not kidding and yes it is a 670cc not a 250cc. Designed to be the best fuel mileage bike on Earth. And the power is still very good. Not that I could know this from personal experience of course but you can do triple digits on a bike like that and still turn in a 70 mpg mileage figure.

[@rayjensen4480]

Hi Craig! We all seem to learn fairly quickly on the road.....that "the romance" of camping, and carrying all of that gear on a motorcycle, plus all of the other joyous parts like rain , bugs and noise that you mention.....wear off really quickly! And there sure is A LOT to be said for a clean room, a powerful, hot shower, and a nice clean bed! You don't owe anyone an explanation of why you do your rides....or how you afford them. It's called work, save, enjoy. Why else do we work? Good for you! Looks like you had good weather and had a great trip! Congratulations!

[@chip6954]

Preach it! I love motorcycling and I love camping but after a few trips, discovered I don't like them together; comfortable camping for me requires too much gear for what I can put on a bike 😄

[@pnoman316]

That's an amazing trip! I just started riding so I think touring will be done in my RV.

[@tomamos5771]

It’s like the sign on the cemetery fence , Get a lot while you’re young-keep riding

[@LTVoyager]

We tend to stay at Best Westerns quite often as they are generally very motorcycle friendly and it is faster to build up points for free nights. And most are pretty clean and comfortable, some have restaurants and their prices are moderate.

[@NedRochford]

Excellent video, Craig! Your financial breakdown was quite interesting ... and informative. I am sure most everyone had come up with a trip cost for you. I had figured about $300/day, but never included points and rewards from the motel chains. So, according to my math, you came in under budget by about $3000.00 Ya, not into camping, either. My wife prefers we 'camp' at night where there is a pool to help relax the miles. Ned in SC

[@LTVoyager]

My wife and I stayed at the Bell 2 also and it was fantastic. The only downside were the mosquitos that were intense. We got eaten alive just walking to and from the restaurant and cleaning the windshield. Great place and they had gasoline! We also stayed in Radium Hot Springs, but in a different hotel.

[@brucem8129]

Great video series. Thank you for the information.

[@robb8773]

GREAT video! I was going to ask you how much it cost. I totally agree about NOT camping. When I was 29 y.o. I went cross country from NY to CA, covered 12,500 miles in 4 1/2 weeks but camped almost every night. Now that I'll be 61 y.o. when I go from NY to AL, there is NO WAY I'm camping with these old bones, lol

[@119topdawg]

Great philosophy, one we use as well. At this point in my life (68) I just want to enjoy life and all this country offers - and while I live the outdoors, I’m done camping - I’ve been camping my whole life, whether in scouts, hunting/fishing/backpacking trips, or at the invitation of Uncle Sam’s finest - in the Infantry we “camped” a lot😅. Nice review of your trip, looking forward to your full length videos.

[@garagemoneypit]

I'm with you on the "I don't want to camp". My wife likes to quip that primitive camping for me equals to a two star hotel...

[@craigscott2268]

It sounds like a great trip 😎

[@leonbeck6254]

The trip is worth it. Money goes. Enjoy your life.🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸

[@stomp1Krr]

Great info - thanks for sharing. As well as the insights re how to plan and make key decisions well in advance of retiring.

[@TonyKing-z2d]

Keep doing what you are doing!!!!🏍

[@degan6]

Thank you for making this video! I was at the bell ii lodge as well! I think not long after you. I agree that your costs per day are pretty good - its just the length where it adds up.

[@jamiecalvert5906]

Thanks for the info! You do you enjoy Brother ! I enjoy your videos

[@johnsini4579]

Great video and trip. I saw that you had a Corona, I hope you tried a Sleeman while in Canada? Never mind the haters, they're just envious, you do you as you said. Thanks for bringing us along 👍

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

A Sleeman? Have not tried that.

[@edwardmiller6353]

Good info & video! I affirm your choices of travel.

[@michaelpayne1737]

Love hearing about every aspect of your world tour. Lol On my 9 day trip from L.A.to Chicago I did 7 Airbnb and two motels (only because I had to. I had an excellent experience with the Airbnb's and found that they are like 1/2 the price of a motel/hotel. Love yer Channel.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have used a few Air BNB, but they have to been in the locations I want to be.

[@davidruggles996]

Great video Craig! Glad you had a good adventure 😎💪

[@Hawaiishelldiver]

I love camping, hiking, backpacking and saving $$$, but I'm only 55 years old. Maybe when I get too old I'll stay in hotels.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Spot on, at my age as yours comfort and rest are key... it's safer getting a good nights rest... Hey I used to ride a rigid Shovel head cross country like it was nothing, camping in rest ares in the rain....ect. guess what? Now I can afford a good nights rest before the next day.

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

Right on, brother. Like they say, ride _your_ ride. That said, I’m newly retired in my mid 60’s and got back into motorcycle road riding/touring. Things have changed. Waaaaay more bikes on the road now and motels have more or less doubled in price. Adding to the accommodation challenge is the take over of so many previously inexpensive motels by people using them as residences. Don’t get me started on the complex reasons for this. Because I’m a bit mor budget conscious than the presenter of this video, I’ve started bringing a very basic camping kit with me to use whenever possible. I reject the presenters opening binary depiction of touring as either comfy and a bit pricey vs miserable and a bit cheaper. No. My approach is to camp when it’s decent and convenient, purchase food at grocery stores when possible and convenient, and pick my hotel rooms carefully. Also agree with the presenter about structuring the financial outflows in your non motorcycle life to balance things out. And that’s the key, find balance.

[@royfrye2871]

I travel alone so on extended trips, I mostly camped and stayed in motels like once a week for a few days to freshen up. And I also stay at nice places. No seedy bad neighborhood motels