Old and Alone, A Solo Motorcycle Trip to Alaska | Part 3

For my big trip of 2024, I decided to return to Alaska by Motorcycle. I had ridden there in 2017 with a couple of friends, but this time I would make the trip alone. This video covers days 13 - 16 of this 12,000 mile adventure as I rode from Radium Hot Springs, BC to Hazelton, BC.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[@richardkotowski2268]

What a road trip, you have to be their to experience such beauty from the scenery and great vibes of the people you meet. pictures only give you a glimpse into your world so to speak.This gives me memories of my road less traveled trip starting from Key West Florida to Fairbanks Alaska in 2007. The Alcan highway, wood bison, Laird Hot Springs, Sign post village, black bear, big horn sheep. I could go on in on. Everyone should experience an adventure in their life.Thanks for the memories of the experiences one might find when you actually take the time to smell the roses. Take care

[@Glyder1959]

Craig, your videos are so well done all the way around. You give us well seasoned riders the dreams of doing this. Bravo Sir.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Glad the algorithm presented your channel in my feed, very much enjoying your videos

[@edwardbegiebing6036]

All I can say is WOW

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Love the editing with sound track. It's beautifully done.

[@stephenanderson812]

Thank you for videos

[@silverback802]

Beautiful scenery. I'm nearly 77 and this is the first year since 1971 that I haven't taken between 1 and 6 trips per summer. The high cost of motels and food certainly has had a part in my decision. I do however take day trips some of them up to 350 round trip miles; I'm always home before dark and so far I'm satisfied

[@bunhead8]

I am turning 70 in a couple of months and bought a somewhat smaller bike for my trips...but am encouraged by your post that there are many more trips to come!

[@Glyder1959]

I do the same nowadays too. May stay one night if I go too far out as I don’t trust my night riding abilities or anyone else’s for that matter. None the less, it all about the adventure.

[@michaeldevoe9235]

Can appreciate your ice field area comments, no matter how many times I see that area, it majestically and magically takes a hold of you…never gets old to me. Great video!

[@olajonsson8473]

Very nice following you! All the best! Ola from Sweden.

[@gregmannos]

Such an awesome adventure!

[@andrewshore262]

Good to see the big Tiger performing faultlessly, with a truly breathtaking backdrop……..now if only the weather would play ball. Great vid as always 👍💪

[@wboeren1]

Blue skies make it look a lot better. Finally no rain. For a moment.

[@onthehook3243]

I just rode from Calgary to Jasper, stayed in Jasper, and rode back to Calgary last Saturday/Sunday. You said it perfectly, something about this one just touches the soul. The road condition isn't spectacular, and there is not much in the way of twisties, but it's SOOO good.

[@MarkH81954]

AMAZING VIEWS! And for those that don't like your music....I love your choice of music..very relaxing and go with the views so well. Thanks! I would love to see all that myself, but at 70, I doubt I get the opportunity at this point. I have been in all 48, but not much on my cycle. Thanks for all your effort to create these vids.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Even in a car would be great!

[@LTVoyager]

We came back from Alaska on this route and also stayed in Radium Hot Springs. Probably the best riding we’ve done in North America surpassed only by the Alps. You need to ride the Alps while your age and health allow. The best riding in the world.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I do!

[@rollyman3754]

Another great video. When I watch your or any scenery videos and as breathtaking as they are it's nothing compared to being there. No words can describe the depth and beauty of the area. Its more than the view, it's the air, temperature, and a thousand other little details that make it so much more. I feel sad for the folks that will never get out and explore our world as they just sit behind a computer screen and feel like they are there. So far, I have been on one motorcycle trip, I can't express the experience, it has to be the experience. Those who get out there know what I mean. So, everyone I encourage you to get out there.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Very true. I hope these videos encourage others to get out there!

[@tomyoung3087]

Yep, I felt the same when riding it buddy. It really does overwhelm you with the beauty of the area. I had driven the Icefields parkway a dozen times in the car when I lived in Bc. Then I went back out there from The Maritimes with my motorcycle many many years later and being on the bike riding the Parkway was a completely different experience. It touched my soul as you say.

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

I'm a New subscriber. Love the videos. I started watching adventure motorcycle videos a year ago with Itchy Boots. Noraly is a tough lady. I'm glad to find your channel

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Indeed she is. Thanks!

[@24juan68]

I hope there’s more videos of the trip coming

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

There are! I am working on #6 now.

[@24juan68]

@@LivingOffTheSlabi have watched every minute of it with enjoyment. Thanks for the response and I’m looking forward to watching them

[@kenpoissant9521]

Great Video, always enjoy watching with my Sunday morning coffee, keep up the good work, your an inspiration to me to keep riding , Im also 63 years old, need to keep squeezing my lemon!! Thanks Again

[@samuroadventure1227]

It looks like your trip was spectacular!

[@jimmytad]

I'm really enjoying your trip! Thanks for taking us along.

[@benb.4217]

Magnificent video thank you 🙏

[@craigsturman6661]

I totally understand the tip toe thing. Inseam challenged here. Even with the lowering kit on my T7 I tip toe a lot!

[@waltermoney4106]

Love watching your videos. Great scenery.

[@JT-gw5vz]

I just found your Channel love the vibe I'm 73 been riding almost 50 years thank you for sharing your experiences

[@mikemichaels4315]

You might look into installing lowering links on your rear suspension and adjusting the height of the front tubes. You might be surprised how much three-eighths or a half inch makes a difference- both at parking and handling at speed. Good video. Glad to see the chill attitude. We are privileged to take long motorcycle trips. We should be grateful and absorb the difficulties without complaint.

[@ScottHollis-p4n]

Spectacular scenery......reminds me of my train ride thru there over 40 years ago.

[@seaninness334]

Very nice scenery on this particular stretch.

[@robertclark9]

The bugs add a layer of authenticity to the real experience. Sometimes I literally leave a silhouette at stop signs in some areas of the country. 😂

[@bunhead8]

I have done this trip several years ago but your video makes me miss it so much I must, as you did, plan a return trip!

[@joeharley87]

Nice trip we are going on with you.

[@SophisticatedBob]

Love this channel. Really like your dialogue, and the views are amazing. My ADV bike is tall too...I'm on tiptoes, but I've adapted fairly well.

[@jimweagant8920]

Great video thanks

[@declary]

I have driven and ridden to and from Alaska 14 or 15 times and never been through the Ice Field Parkway, always in a hurry and never took the time to venture over to that beautiful area. But in 2019 I had a three week motorcycle trip to the lower 48 from Alaska and I had planned to ride the Ice Field parkway on the 4th of July. I was over the top excited to ride the area of the country i had always seen in videos and picture's. I left early on the 4th juy from a campground just a few miles east of Prince George and it was spitting rain, i hoped the weather would improve but as I got closer and closer to Ice Field Parkway it got worse and worse. It was by far the worse day of my 7k three week motorcycle trip. I don't remember seeing anything of the ice field parkway except rain, sleet and fog that day. I rode 750 miles that day just to get to warmer weather and ended it in Missoula MT. The weather greatly improved around flathead lake Montana, it was wonderful to see the fireworks over the lake....Still haven't seen the Ice Field Parkway.

[@henryhawk978]

You had what looked to be a close call when passing a semi at the 9:45 mark. Beautiful scenery, and enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!.

[@NedRochford]

Perfect way to say "hello" to Autumn with gorgeous scenery of snowy, icy mountains! Loved the Esso gas station in McBride ... sort of a blast from the past. Your motel stops with mountains all around reminds me of Red Lodge, MT. Enjoying the videos, Craig! It nicely fleshes out the 'shorts' we all saw as we followed you in real time. Ned in SC

[@DavidDrake-mh4ys]

Great content, I’m really enjoying watching this! I solo’d from Mass. to Alaska (r/t) on my old ‘59 BMW R60 last year, including going from Prince Rupert and up the Cassiar. What a spectacular landscape that is, there certainly a lot to see! Don’t forget to stop for some good coffee at the only town I know of that has both letters and a number in its name: Bell2!

[@scottschwen7558]

Your videos are always so wonderful and very informative ! The humanistic good karma is the priceless extra bonus ! Thank you ! RIDE & BE FREE !!! Scott & Janelle Boise, Idaho, USA, Earth Janelle > Can-Am Spyder F3-S Scott > Yamaha Super Tenere ES / Suzuki GSX-S1000F 🎉🎉🎉 71 year old retired funhogs .

[@bigmike4962]

Also rode this last summer, mid-July '24, same direction you did. Unfortunately a week after my buddy and I rode it, a wildfire burned half the town of Jasper to the ground and the Icefields Pkwy was shut down the rest of the summer. Guessing you were the in late June or early July? Icefields is tied with Highway 1 in California as my 2 favorite rides ever. That road between Radium and Banff/beginning of the Pkwy is stunning too as you showed us. We had blue skies all day. like you, we also stopped at Mt. Robson. Thanks for sharing!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I was there in Late June. I did not realize about the Jasper fire.

[@StanleyShell]

Craig, I took your advice. Just left Areostich with my riding for Alaska.

[@StanleyShell]

Darien gear is nice gear! Thank you for all your videos on Areostich products. Worth the visit from Idaho

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Cool!

[@throttletherapy9998]

Those are honor graduates from the "Helen Keller school of parking "

[@milolabrett6549]

Craig #93 Ice fields Parkway is one of my favorite rides and I implement the parkway from Jasper and go Lake Louise to Revelstoke BC, south into Western Kootneys, Nakusp BC down to Nelson BC or visa versa epic ride. But I must say, you’ve upped your game in videography and commentary. I worked from Jasper to Rupert surveying railroad bridges in the 80’s for two years so I always stayed at Sandman Inn’s. As for staying at Norman Bates Motel New Hazelton; as Dorothy once said. “Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.”

[@chrisholton6309]

Great stuff!! Your editing and music I think are nicely done. Silly question time; we have the same “barber” do you wear a head silk or beanie under your helmet? Silly question I know. Keep up the fantastic work!! Watching it all in envy !

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Usually no, but on this trip I had a balaclava that help on the cold days.

[@marclawrence2009]

Enjoying your videos as we just did this trip as well. As I shoot with a 360 to what software have you found is useful for reframing and putting all the clips together. Not all are good when adding music or any effects. Thanks for the info!!!!!!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I use the Insta 360 Studio for reframing. I go through and find the segments I want to use and create a forward view and then using the same in and out points, create a rear facing view. I put these together in Premium Pro where I can then alternate between those in the time line depending on what I want to achieve. It requires more time, but so far I am happy with the results.

[@LarryMullins111]

WOW, just an amazing trip. I know you've mentioned it in the past, but where do you get your colored glasses?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Zenni Optical

[@painsrides3616]

Well... You still got it with the woman Craig 🤣

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I am old and harmless now...

[@davidwilliams1383]

Stop and smell the roses. Stop and take the photos. I may not pass this way again.... (And I surely won't remember all of it).

[@davewimpenny7188]

great video unbelievable scenery..what is that device on your left shoulder of your jacket..a tracking device...great trip

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, an inReach.

[@charliealbertson1582]

I’m curious what do you think of the Bushtec trailer after a couple of years

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I no longer have the trailer. I really liked it, but got rid of the bike that towed it. Unfortunately Bushtecbis no longer making new trailers, but used ones are worth buying.

[@BlakeStrange-ug8ul]

What’s up with the hat ? I want one !

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have had it since 2012. Got it in Nova Scotia. Tell Barbara I sent you...she should be used to it by now. sewinclined.ca/

[@brianflynn2883]

Really enjoy your videos and stories! I think I’ve heard you mention that you don’t drink alcohol. Is that right? I’ve found it hard (impossible) to avoid it when I’m on a trip. Just to help relieve the stress and help relax. But sometimes I over do it! Any suggestions to help with avoiding booze?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I have it up about to three years ago. For me this was not an addiction issue it was about health. Even three or four drinks a week was causing heart palpitations, so it was not hard for me to stop. I have also discovered that there are a lot of great non alcoholic craft brews out there. Now if you have an addiction problem, the only thing I have seen to work is AA. I have several friends who have been through the program and who are still involved. Good luck!

[@brianflynn2883]

@@LivingOffTheSlab thank you for your reply and thoughts! To me your videos teach how create or grow inner peace. You are patient with people you meet who want to tell their story. Chalk-up misfortune as part of the adventure. Enjoy the beauty that is around us all. You seem remove things that disrupt your inner peace. For sure I will try those NA craft beers! Thanks again for your support and advice both implied and direct!

[@shawnfloyd6542]

Enter Sandman Sleep with one open Gripping your pillow tight !

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Exit light, enter night, take my hand, it's off to never never land.

[@twmclean1]

I think I went the wrong way at Copper Harbor 😂

[@MikeGilroyAK]

I have the same set of tires, Can you show me the wearbar? I think I know but would like ot be sure!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I will create a short showing the wear bars. Look for that in the next few days.

[@gwalker8257]

Do you listen to music or podcast or anything when you’re riding?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Occasionally, but most often no. I just like to hear the road and think.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Did you say that there was an mini ICE AGE in 1850?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, the "little ice age" last from the early 1500's to about 1850.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Now juxtapose that theory with the existence of such grand, palatial palaces, castles and mansions that were said in the history books to have been built in the 1860s era..... _in the days of horses and buggies._ Architecture that defies so called "modern man's" abilities to this day. This dovetails into a great body of work that I have been seeing which suggests that these great buildings _( typically called "armories", "insane assylums", State capitals etc etc etc )_ may have been built hundreds and hundreds of years ago by an advanced civilization, who _punched out_ .... and were definitely NOT "hunting & gathering" cave men. _( And the university geniuses would have us believe that the earth is heating up because our tailpipes, and cows farting. )_ Just a little "light" bed time pondering here. Lol.

[@docchris4004]

For all the germans: what is a doobie break?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Sorry, America slang for Marijuana cigarette. It is legal, but while working? He also drove his car from near the front of the hotel to the back of the lot. Just kind of funny.

[@docchris4004]

Thank you for your explanation. Luckily, we don't have such problems with drugs in my hometown, even though they have just legalized cannabis here in Germany. Thank you for your great videos.

[@gerrydempsey4443]

Dumb Aussie Question. Having never experienced anything Iike your doing as we have nothing like that where I am in the Nth of Australia. Is it cold riding through those ice fields and mountain ranges.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

It was in the 50F range according to the bike's gauge, so I had my layers on.

[@mountainlife1165]

I understand your frustration with the Canadian drivers on the ice field highway gas stop. Did 1k mile trip through NE Quebec back in June. I was nearly run off the road numerous times by ride, impatient Canadian drivers. Wth! Zero respect! You Canadians need to find Jesus!

[@jestofreestone1]

29:51 here in BC we have Govt liquor stores but there are also “off sales” at pubs and private liquor stores that are open late to 23:00 usually. Pay a bit more for them at those stores but they are open longer hours so you’re paying for the convenience. Usually they can be a bit more seedy at times too.

[@DavidDrake-mh4ys]

Great content, I’m really enjoying watching this! I solo’d from Mass. to Alaska (r/t) on my old ‘59 BMW R60 last year, including going from Prince Rupert and up the Cassiar. What a spectacular landscape that is, there certainly a lot to see! Don’t forget to stop for some good coffee at the only town I know of that has both letters and a number in its name: Bell2!

[@gwalker8257]

Do you listen to music or podcast or anything when you’re riding?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

On occasion, but usually just listen to the road.