2015 Polar Bear Blat

[Guest Terry]

It’s official and it’s going to happen, in fact we already have 4 people signed up. :drool:

One would have thought that after only just recovering from the 2013 Grizzle Bear Blat (see December’s LF) that I would have learned my lesson? Well, clearly not! The original GBB Team is in place and as keen as ever to do this. This will be an epic event that will travel through some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. The route will take us from Vancouver to Anchorage Alaska, 3700 km, through the BC interior into the Northwest Territories and on to Anchorage Alaska. http://www.mapquest.ca/?version=1.0&hk=9-g9lreb8r A support vehicle will be in place, as will suggested overnight accommodation, route and places to visit.

 

The return trip from Alaska will be a 5 days cruise back to Vancouver.

 

Suggested dates: Aug 2015. Logistics, route, cost & schedule will be out 1st May 2014.

 

So who’s up for the challenge? Watch this space.

[rzempel]

Put me on the list. I'm pretty sure I'll have my car sorted, and calendar clear, by then. Looks like a fantastic drive.

 

Randall

[slomove]

Well, I can not resist an invitation for a quick blat. I'll watch how this develops.

[scannon]

After the GBB how can I resist?

[Taber10]

Terry,

 

Joan told me to say that we are definitely interested. Do the cars come back on the boat?

 

Thanks

 

Taber

[Taber10]

Does anyone know if Polar Bears hit HARDER than Black Bears????

 

Taber

[scannon]

Hey Bearslayer, looking to add another trophy to your shelf? We'll have to get white and brown teddy bear heads, one for each headlight.

 

They are bigger so they hit harder. Maybe you should install a kangaroo bar on the front of your Caterham.

[slomove]

....Maybe you should install a kangaroo bar on the front of your Caterham.

 

I think I will get one of those...might improve the aerodynamics, too.

http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120918171555/fantendo/images/f/fc/Cowcatcher.jpg

[Alaskossie]

Terry,

 

Do sign me up -- but wait, I'm already in Anchorage, Alaska!

 

Maybe my Seven and I could take the Alaska Ferry down to Vancouver, and then motor back up with you.

 

I'm sure the "cruise" from Alaska back to Vancouver will be on the Alaska Ferry System, through the fantastic Inside Passage -- which means that you car will be with you, drive on, drive off.

[Guest Terry]

9 people signed up so far.

[Paul Hill]

scannon

 

If they called what you pictured a "cowcatcher" I hate to think how much bigger Tabers "bearcatcher" will need to be...

Sure hope they make it carbon to keep the weight down!

[Guest Terry]

Updates will be posted on our website:

 

http://7cars.ca/polar-bear-blat.htm

[Guest Terry]

More info here

http://www.milepost.com/features/driving_the_alaska_highwayfaq/

[scannon]

Will there be 91 octane fuel available all along this route? My car has plenty of range for the 100 - 150 mile distance between fuel stations but having to run on lower octane could be a problem.

[Alaskossie]

Skip,

 

Based on my 2010 experience, 91 (or up to 93) octane is available until north of Ft. Nelson, BC, when the highest octane available is usually 89 octane, until you get into Alaska. (This is the R+M/2 octane of octane calculation, not the European straight-R (?) method, which results in higher numbers for the same grade of gas: 97 Euro is equal to 91 North American, I believe).

 

I was worried about the lack of 91 octane (with my 250 hp 2.3 Cosworth Duratec), but the engine management computer took care of everything, and I did not notice any difference in the way the car ran. But of course I avoided any full-throttle, high rpm runs.

 

Perhaps the PBB 2015 support vehicle could carry some higher-octane gas for those who may have problems -- or at least, plenty of octane booster bottles.

[Taber10]

Quote: "But of course I avoided any full-throttle, high rpm runs" End quote.

 

We tried telling Skip that on GBB, but he never listened--maybe PBB will be different.....

[scannon]

Quote: "But of course I avoided any full-throttle, high rpm runs" End quote.

 

We tried telling Skip that on GBB, but he never listened--maybe PBB will be different.....

 

Not bloody likely.

[scannon]

Skip,

 

Based on my 2010 experience, 91 (or up to 93) octane is available until north of Ft. Nelson, BC, when the highest octane available is usually 89 octane, until you get into Alaska. (This is the R+M/2 octane of octane calculation, not the European straight-R (?) method, which results in higher numbers for the same grade of gas: 97 Euro is equal to 91 North American, I believe).

 

I was worried about the lack of 91 octane (with my 250 hp 2.3 Cosworth Duratec), but the engine management computer took care of everything, and I did not notice any difference in the way the car ran. But of course I avoided any full-throttle, high rpm runs.

 

Perhaps the PBB 2015 support vehicle could carry some higher-octane gas for those who may have problems -- or at least, plenty of octane booster bottles.

 

About how far is it from Ft. Nelson to the next place I can get 91 octane? I can squeeze out almost 300 miles on a tank.

[Guest Terry]

The support will carry extra fuel which can be purchased at Chevron 95. We are also talking about fitting a 200 gallon tank in the back of the pick up, that way PBB participants can buy there fuel from us.

[Alaskossie]

Skip,

 

It is 986 highway miles from Ft. Nelson, BC to Tok Junction, Alaska.

 

Tom