Day 7: Fairbanks to mile 134.4 on Highway 3

August 6/2010: To date we've travelled just over 4,000 kms. The bikes needed an oil change so we turned to the men at Thunder Road in Fairbanks for help. (907-479-7433).

Randy working on the VStrom (aka "Bitchy Linda")

Randy and Jerry

Maria, Hailey, Jerry

 Not only did they provide us with fantastic service, Randy loaned us his car so we could go for breakfast! Never have we felt so well taken care of. Thanks guys!

The Thunder Road boys suggested that we visit "The Bakery" for breakfast. Hailey ate reindeer sausage--which tastes like pepperoni. We had a laugh at the local ads printed on the tables. The menu provided some giggles too. Mashed potatoes and gravy as an appetizer! That's messed up!

Sounds like a one night stand to me.

After leaving Fairbanks, we encountered lots of rain and mud. In fact, ever since we left Tok it has been raining. And cold! Have I whined about the cold already? No? Well, let's just say I have been having electric vest fantasies--and coveting Hailey's electric jacket--for about 1200 kms now. Good thing she is so much smaller than me or I'd arm wrestle her for it. Anyway, I digress. Today's ride was muddy.

We rode through the Denali National Park which was so beautiful. But rainy.

After about 300 kms of rain and mud we stopped at the Mary Carey McKinley View Lodge at mile 134.4 on Highway 3. Or, as we like to call it "The Shrine to Pine."

 

The shrine is famous for its view of Mt. McKinley, the biggest mountain in North America. See it? No, we didn't either.

Hailey and Haley (no "I"--it's faster that way).

 The highlight of our night at the shrine was Haley, shrine employee and a recent transplant from the lower 48.

Hailey also enjoyed the Snow Goose beer, brewed in Anchorage. And while she drank, I called up Sarah Palin to invite her to go riding with us in Wasilla the next day. Unfortunately, no one answered the phone. I tried not to take it personally.

Oh yeah, we saw two things on day 7 that don't really fit into the story here, but they were cool nonetheless.This red truck is covered in packing tape. Seems the owner couldn't find a bra for the truck and decided this was the best way to protect it from rocks. Hmmm...

This is a tool kit made from ABS pipe. Hint to Clint: I think Bitchy Linda needs one of these.