Day 6: Beaver Creek to Fairbanks

August 5/2010: Laundry day. If only Hailey had brought more clothes with her, she wouldn't have to wear her bathing suit in the laundry mat.

We've been meeting some very cool people on the trip, including Sue and Robyn who rode up here from California.

After leaving Beaver Creek at the crack of 2 pm, and fueled by lots of coffee, we made it to the border.

 

But now that we're here officer, just how closely do we have to follow the speed regulations?

Then we stopped for a little something to eat at Fast Eddie's in Tok.

Maria having to sit down in order to put on her rain suit. Eventually, Hailey had to help.

After a grease-filled but super yummy meal at Fast Eddie's we drove in the rain. Man, does it ever rain here. This is me struggling to put on my rain suit over my boots. I seem to have a similar problem with my new mesh riding pants. Who are these people who design motorcycle gear? Do they have any idea how awkward it is to have to take off your boots each time you want to gear up, or remove your gear? Plus, by the time you've put on all the gear you gotta piddle. Can I hear an amen?

We stayed overnight at the University of Alaska dorms that has a special $43/night rate for motorcyclists. Spread the good word. (907-474-7247; housing@uaf.edu)

Tired. Not drunk. Tired

Our dorm room--clean, cozy and cheap. However, the glow-in-the-dark writing on the ceiling kind of freaked us out. The inscription above Hailey's bed read "I'm watching" while I stared at a demonic face all night. What the heck?

Day 5 (part 2); Teslin to Beaver Creek

August 4/2010: After spending the night in Teslin (home of that massive grated bridge) we rode to Whitehorse and spent the day doing chores.

Preparing to clean and lube our chains.
People in Whitehorse are very friendly - we got at least three men offering to help us.

Had a great Mexican meal at Sanchez Catina.

We didn't do any non-motorcycle related shopping in Whitehorse. But this sign did give Maria some ideas on how to get rid of her crap, um, "collectibles."

Lake Kluane: We rode through strong crosswinds from Whitehorse to Destruction Bay. But the scenery was worth it.

Hailey and I like to ride at night, taking advantage of the 11:30 pm sunsets.The road from Destruction Bay to Beaver Creek was lunar; huge craters and patches of everything--gravel, earth, fresh pavement, old pavement, sealed crush. It was a big mess and all of the danger spots were unmarked. But we LOVED it!! Sure it took us 3.5 hours to go 190kms, in the dark but it felt like a real adventure. Or was that a roller coaster. Oh yeah, and we saw a porcupine. Total wildlife count so far: numerous deer, 4 bears, 1 moose and a porcupine. And guess what, not one single bunny! 

Arrived in Beaver Creek at 2 am. Stayed in a shitty hotel full of drama between the staff and and the owner, but not in a good sort of Fawlty Towers way.