The 20th
Anniversary of the
Miata MX-5 is sponsored by ONDAGO
DJ and the Moose Den B&B.
1989
AKMC
2009
|
The 20th
Anniversary of the
Miata MX-5 is sponsored by ONDAGO
DJ and the Moose Den B&B. |
|
ABOUT US The Alaska Miata Club website is owned by the AKMC.
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Tour Alaska in a Miata? Updated 9/20/08 Ever since we started the Alaska Miata Club started one topic always came up. Why don't we have dues? A quick poll told us that members were willing to pay $15-$20 a season. So it was okay with the majority of members. But Mike and John didn't like the fact that this would open a Pandora's Box. Dues do not make a club better and it loses the FREE part of freedom. It will change the club, bring a treasurer and other officer's, liability and insurance, meetings and by laws. Growth can be a good thing but is not everything and doesn't define us. So, we always survived from donations from our members and we are happy with the way things go since our driving season is so short. Also, it was just practice to earn money from another source and spend it on the Miata. Well, now I think there might be a way to do both. We tour Alaska far and wide and we know where all the best spots are. From Denali National Park, to Chena Hot Springs, to a local autocross, drag race, and most of the awe inspiring sights of Alaska. We always have a spare navi-seat, so why not sell it. Or allow someone to take one of our Miatas for a price. Tour in 24 hour sunlight with the top down, go into the Arctic Circle and see 100 mph curves where only semis roam. This will be your adventure of a lifetime with wonderful people of the AKMC. We will be beta testing this program this summer. If my Japanese friends, Mr. Makoto and Mr. Hirai do decide to join us this June we shall see if this works out. North to the Future!
So, you have driven coast to coast. Well, here is another road trip becoming a classic. Motorcycle clubs have been known to do it and people who have had to relocate to Alaska. Truckers still do it as a part of business and daily life. If you are thinking about driving this grueling trip in a Miata we recommend the following advice. AKMC members who have driven the AlCan in a Miata. Ed from Alabama to Denali in KIMBA. 1. Driving through Canada is exciting because it is dangerous. Speed is one of the main differences. Fastest posted speed limit is 80 KPH which is approximately 50 MPH. This is a good thing and for good reason. Most of the AlCan is one lane, two way traffic with alternating passing zones and is probably based on the wildlife which may pop up and jump in front of you at anytime. 2. Before even making the trip you should plot your course and decide where you will enter and exit Canada. No guns allowed into the country, as with, drugs, etc. A passport or birth certificate will help through immigration. Make sure your vehicle is registered, insured (full coverage is a great idea just for the windshield), and maintained. A tune up, good tires (and pressures to include the spare), and basic fluids is a good idea. 3. Driving in the dark is dangerous as the roads have worn out lines and there are no lights or guardrails and the curves are banked. Try to drive during the day as there are many wonderful views to sight see and take pictures of. Save some money for lodging to get well needed rest at night. Perhaps a spare headlight or bulbs is a good idea.
4. Cell phone, drinking water, credit card, cash, serviced spare tire or
full sized spare tire, gas can with gas, flashlight, and anything else you can
think of that would be useful. It is all good until it isn't. And
that will suck. AKMC Miata Winter Driving Tips 1. If you can help it, don't drive your Miata in snow or ice. I am not saying it isn't okay in the winter. What I am saying is that even if you do everything right, that SUV can still hit you. 2. Hopefully you have a garage but depending where you are in Alaska you may require a block heater. 3. All season tires are nice but studded tires on all four corners are better. 4. Put some added weight in the trunk but no more than 50 lbs. 5. When the light turns green, wait for that car running or sliding the red signal. 6. Give yourself ample time to get to places and know your destination. 7. Reduce your normal summer speed to winter speed. 8. Increase your following distance in front of you and choose space to be in your own "pack". 9. As you are stopping, double tap the brake while slowing down. 10. When you do stop, look behind you to make sure that SUV doesn't slam into you anyways. |
