Yes we're been persuaded that the time has come for this idea, and "North America needs such an event" (to quote our first entrant).  Full motorcycle regulations and course variations won't be finalized till after our August 2001 course survey, but here are some basics.

1) This is not a Gold Wing or Harley tour.  The 4300 mile route may include up to 500 miles of gravel, including a 150 mile section up the Liard Highway toward Yellowknife (this road has improved a lot since 1987, but the gravel that year ripped the fuel line off a new Audi 5000 Quattro). The expected field will likely be dual-sport bikes like the KLR650 popular for "Adventure Touring".

2) You don't need (and can't bring) a service crew.  We've long considered the Alcan Rally a 'level playing field', where factory teams have to rely on the same resources as private ones.  We will provide a dedicated cycle mechanic and limited parts transport (perhaps even a trailer) for the cycle class, but entrants will primarily rely on their own abilities. We're also considering the possibility of providing transport for a spouse or second team member to allow a cycle to be 'shared', but that would involve additional expense.

3) Yes, we're legitimate.  The Alcan Rally began in 1984 and has now been conducted 14 times (check some of the story links).  If we say there will be an event it's going to happen, and we wouldn't add this class if it couldn't be done right.

4) Do we know cycles?  My personal experience is limited (mostly trail and trials riding) but we have 3 good advisors:

• Skip Falkner, a KLR enthusiast who's lived in Alaska and ridden a Honda XL500 to Yellowknife (Skip is our first cycle entrant).
• John Alkema, a 2000 Alcan Winter Rally entrant who's run cycles in the Incas (South America) and Pharoahs (Egypt) events.
• Jack Fitzgerald, a 1996 & 1998 Alcan entrant who completed rugged a BMW-sponsored cycle event from Panama to Denver in about 1995.

6) Can I rent a cycle rather than ship my own?  Yes!  We spent time during course survey  with Jamie Gleason, who operates Arctic Motorcycle Tours and Rentals in Whitehorse.  Jamie has 6 or 8 Kawasaki KLR 650's available for the event at a rate of $150/day in Canadian dollars (under $100 US at fall 2001 exchange rates).  He will pick up and deliver at no cost if enough bikes are rented, and we've asked him to participate in a full cycle support role.if the class reaches our goal of 20 entries.

Hope you can join us!

Regards,

Jerry Hines
jhines@eskimo.com