So far, the area we ride is mostly flat. We run anywhere from 10-50mph. It's about a 50-55 mile round trip to the glaicer and back to the trucks.

 

Are you talking about Matanuska glacier?

 

We do most of our riding on the side of a mountain. Theres a lot of low range riding. Some of the time yer WOT and climbing straight up but not very fast. I hit reserve at 35.5 miles today.

Jap, where ya been?? Did ya get er going?? What was the problem??

If ya cant fix it I'd be happy to take it off yer hands. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

aksafari, it's out at Jim Creek/Knik Glaicer...I think that's what they call it.

Doug

 

Ok, Jim Creek. You start there and ride up the valley. You ever ride with AlaskaBoy? Or maybe it's someone else around there that posts here... Can't remember, but he's got a Cat. Anyway, good riding area! I used to wheel my Jeep there. *sigh*

Like I tell everyone, you should ride WILLOW SIDE OF HATCHER'S PASS!! That was the bomb trail in the winter on our snowmachines. OR, try a trip on the ice-road out to Beluga in the winter. The road starts all the way out at the end of Pt.Mckenzie rd, and goes about 70 miles to, where else, Beluga! There's the power plant out there, and my family's good friend Joe Caraway, who I believe still has a trap line he runs in the winter! You end up riding around the 'head' of Sleeping Lady and you get to see her from her backside (woohoo!)
But, it's not passable in the summer due to the Big Sue, Chewit, Lewis rivers being in the way. And a bunch of wicked swamp. Maybe you could build some pontoons for your quad and get sand paddles for river crossings!

Good riding!

 

Hey Alaska ATVers I'm new to Anchorage and need to get an ATV soon. Since you guys know the terrain around here what ATV do you suggest? I'm currently looking at the Kodiak 450 and the Vinson 500. I'm leaning toward the Suzuki but am worried about not having the front lock. I'm looking for something a little sportier and I'm sure that favors the Vinson but I want something that can climb too without spinning all over the place. So what ya guys think? I'm looking to buy soon and hopefully I'll soon be riding with you all.

 

Yea I have ridden with Alaskaboy. We had a great time.

Outrage, there is a lot of great riding here. I have 2 Vinson 500 autos, and Alaskaboy has the Kodiak 450. They are both very nice machines.
My dad always had Suzukis, so I continued the tradition I guess....plus I got a good deal on them.(I think)
I have been through mud, water, hills, and I don't think the diff lock would have taken me any more places than I have already traveled.
Do you have access to Elmendorf? There are 4 or 5 quads for sale there. I looked at a 04 Polaris 400 4x4 with a winch for 5k tonight, they also has an 02 or 03 Rancher 4x4 for around $4,500.
I would get a 4x4 for sure though. You will need it to get around most places this time of year.
Send me a pm if you have any questions.

Welcome to Alaska.
Doug

 

i just got back from riding a kodiak 450 on my trip to arizona here is my input. the bike seems that it is very twitch, and not that fast hit the limiter at 53, or so no gps to judge. the locker is "ok" compared to my dgl, and makes alot of noise engageing and disengageing. the thing rocks back and forth easy i belive due to the 1 shock rear set up. it does not have the off the line torque of the vinson, for 300$ get a dgl locker and never look back, pros of the kodiak are it is cheaper, and has the locker, but to me the vinson feels much more planted and stable, i could take my stocker, when the stock 450 would always have a wheel in the air, and that botherd me due to the lack of travel. just my .02 cents.

v581

 

Yes I looked at the rides on base but I think I'm going to buy new. May get a used one for my wife though when I have some more money.