Alaskan Motorcycles

As I’m holed up in Fairbanks, AK for work reasons, not much thought is going out towards motorcycles.  As I’m surfing the ‘net, in my hotel on  a river (no idea which one), a whole bunch of snowmobiles go flying by.  Ah yes, the sweet sounds of motorsports. 

Even though my dad had a cabin up north when I grew up in Michigan, we never got into snowmobiling.  We always had dirt bikes and a huge garage with plenty of space.  I guess my dad was never a cold weather creature…that means that we weren’t cold weather creatures as kids. 

My dad must have impressed upon me his dislike of snowmobiles.  He was always scared about not being able to see what’s beneath the snow that you travel upon.  That, and Michigan winters sucked - there was really only a couple good weekends for proper snow.  My dad also passed down his frugality as he stated that he didn’t want $5k sleds sitting all year except for a small handful of weekends.

Anyway, I thought to myself as they go by that they can’t see what’s beneath them (thanks dad).  I also thought that I would probably freeze my ass off.  Keep in mind that here in Alaska, a snowmobile can be a mode of legitimate transportation.

When I lived in Michigan, I knew many people who snowmobiled.  I also knew that the majority of them accessorized their riding with hard liquor to help keep warm.  I don’t see the wisdom in that.

I imagine that if I lived in Alaska, I would have a blog about snowmobiles.  I would probably write a lot about wanting & buying a different model sled just to change up the stable.  I’d probably write something about what the best undergarment is to avoid buttsicles.  But I don’t live in Alaska, so I watch from the sidelines without envy.  I’m sure its fun, but not for my warm-blooded Arizona body.

4 Comments

I can’t imagine being used to living in Arizona, then having to become acclimated to Alaska’s environment. I am chilled simply thinking about it.

Comment by Rick | March 4th, 2008 10:01 am | Permalink

My problem with snowmobiles is the same as with ATV, too many points of contact with the ground. So they don’t lean into the turns.

Rhino

Comment by Anonymous | March 4th, 2008 11:05 am | Permalink

Wow that must be a real shock to the system..

Ive never seen a snowmobile let alone rode one Looks like fun though

Superbikeforums

Comment by jon | March 6th, 2008 1:18 am | Permalink

Just like you have have never had the opportunity to give snowmobiling a try. I have however traveled to Alaska and looked on enviously as people ride snowmobiles nearly year round in the mountains. I’d be there are lots of people who commute to work on them 3 months out of the year. Definitely something I’d like to try one day.

Motorcycle Blog

Comment by Evan Fell | March 9th, 2008 4:26 am | Permalink

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