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ENTRIES & START ORDER
What's the entry limit?
We plan 45 to 50 max for 2025, but will accept more to allow for
attrition as event approaches.
How about auto & cycle
balance? Likely around 40% cycles.
How do I reserve a spot?
We might hold a place briefly based on an e-mail or phone call,
but entry won't appear on the web till we have an entry
form and deposit in hand. Even if half the
information says "tba", send a form!
How are starting numbers assigned?
Enter
early for earlier number. As usual, some are reserved for
past winners, long-time entrants, sponsors & press.
Final numbers will be assigned in July.
Who starts first, cars or bikes?
We
realize for desert races it's usually bikes, but we start cars
first per the following logic:
1) A higher percentage
of autos have rally experience. They also have better
odometers plus a co-driver and are less likely to go down a
wrong road, so it's good to let them mark the way on dirt
sections.
2) Serious dust is very
unlikely, and on highway sections everyone spreads out well.
3) Mud is likely
somewhere. Roads where this might happen aren't well
traveled, but we'd hate to see cars behind a dropped bike on
narrow road.
4) In the unlikely event
of a cycle incident this puts officials with Sat phone & Ham radio much closer. If cycles ran first
we'd be farther behind them.
ROUTE BOOKS & GPS
What route book formats are
available? Our printed route instructions include a
mileage at each instruction but no "Alpine" intersection
diagrams (here's a 2022 sample) There
are 2 route formats, everyone receives two copies of #1 and #2
is available:
1) 8 1/2" x 11" paper
version with one staple in the top left corner
2) 6" x 11" paper
version intended for a scrolling holder like the Touratech RB-01.
(We
supply pages, you tape together as needed).
Do cycles need a scrolling
roadbook holder? The entire route book will be about
28 pages, roughly 3 per day. It's your choice, but a Touratech
or Aerostich
Map Case would probably work.
How far in advance do teams get
daily roadbooks? You will receive route books for
the entire event at registration. The first day's route
will be available 1 week in advance.
Where can I find more GPS
info? Try these links from Touratech USA
(Cycloactive) in Seattle:
http://www.touratech-usa.com/instl/instl_GPSroute.html
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/extras_gps/mapsource_instr.html
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/default.htm
VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
How much gear will cycles need to
carry? We'll transport 40# of clothing & parts
for each cycle, plus 2 spare tires. Tires and
spare parts will be carried in a cycle support truck, and
"overnight" bag more readily available. We'll also have
satellite phones, StarLink, and local contact lists.
How about additional lights?
Don't
bother unless you plan long days driving home. Daylight hours
are pretty long up north (about 6am - 9pm) and little night
driving is expected.
What kind of
vehicle do you recommend? Summer choices are wide
open. Look for comfortable seats, good fuel range &
economy, and ease of maintenance. If it isn't
mainstream, bring important minor parts. If tires are an
odd size, bring two spares. For the most reserve
capability and least preparation, choose a larger SUV or
truck.
What kind of
cycle? We no longer do Whitehorse "technical"
sections, so there's no premium on a "small" bike and any good
dual-sport could work. For opinions, join our Facebook group and check
old postings..
GENERAL
I'm new to rallying, what should I
read? An excellent general rally book is "The Road Rally Handbook"
by Clint Goss.
What are the risks?
We've had just one serious injury in 40 years, but even a small
one can spoil fun and a half dozen autos have been badly damaged
or left behind. This event involves 300,000 vehicle miles, and
caution is expected of everyone.
How much help can I expect? Our first concern is personal
safety, equipment is second. In practice this means
radios, planning, a "buddy system", capable teams and
experienced officials make quick response normal, but we may not
have enough resources at any given time & location to spend
hours helping a broken or badly "stuffed" vehicle. At a
minimum, expect a ride or tow to where commercial help is
available.
When is the next Alcan?
Usually every even numbered year. The next summer Alcan will be
August 2026, the next Alcan Winter Rally February
2028.
| Old cycle advice from Skip
Faulkner. Skip is an enthusiast from
Montana. He's lived in Alaska, been dual-sport touring
for 30 years, ran the 2002 Alcan, and done Alcan Highway
five times on bikes. Skip was our first cycle entrant
in 2002 & 2004, and the one who first proposed a cycle
class.
"Here is a small list of recommendations for the cycle entrants. This is not a complete list , nor am I wanting to preach to the choir. This is to help the cycle entrants who've never made a ride like this and /or ridden in the areas we will be in. Most is common sense or derived from several Alcan trips I`ve made". *
Proper engine protection (quality bash plate that will
also protect lower engine sides) "This is by no means a total of what should be carried (electrical, tools, spares,etc.) but just items specific to this route. As you`ve figured out, the large gravel and the roads with dust control chemicals can do a lot of damage so it`s best to be prepared. I`ve come off the Cassiar Highway totally black with wet dust mud and have seen many a bike on these routes with broken headlights, turn signals, cracked fairings, punctured radiators, flats,etc. This can of course be added to if I`ve left off something of vital importance. FWIW." Skip msfaul@digisys.net |