Wiseman, AK to Fairbanks, AK – 282 miles
We stop at Coldfoot for gas, then Grayling Lake, Prospect Creek Airport, Arctic Circle, Beaver Slide, Finger Mt., the Roller Coaster, Hot Spot Cafe and stop at the Yukon Crossing.
I wanted a photo of the Yukon Bridge to show how steep the angle was.
We last see Paulie and Mary at the Yukon Crossing where they stop to have lunch.
Jack and I continue south through Chuckie’s Corner, 25 Mile Corner, Old Highway, to Mile Post 0. My Haul Road/Dalton Hwy adventure is over!
Our ride from Wiseman to Fairbanks was beautiful until Mile Post 0, the beginning of the Dalton Hwy (81 miles from Fairbanks). The skies ahead are dark and it begins to sprinkle.
Jack and I separate a couple miles before Hilltop. I need to go to Adventure Cycleworks to change tires and minor service, I want to get there ASAP because there is always a line of bikes waiting for tire changes. Jack rides straight through to Glennallen to catch up on work. I’ll spend tonight at the UAF dorms and head down to Glennallen tomorrow.
I arrived at Adventure Cycleworks at 3PM and there is one bike on the rack and 2 in line ahead of me. Sean pressure cleans my bike. It’s 7PM before I’m done. Both tire changed back to street tires, chain checked and lubed, check oil. In addition to the Scott Oiler, I’ve been manually oiling the chain twice a day. The Haul Road/Dalton Hwy was too rough on the oiler and it stopped/broke! So manual oiling from here on out.
Dan Armstrong changing my tire.
As I check into the UAF dorms a huge thunder & lighting storm begins! It’s raining cats and dogs! Kevin and Annie Huddy had offered to take me out for dinner to celebrate my return from Deadhorse. Up in my room, I get a call from the front desk. Mary left me a message saying Paulie hit a moose near Pump Station 5. They are at the Fairbanks Hospital. Instead of dinner, Kevin, Annie and I go directly to the hospital.
Mary comes out to tell us Paulie’s injuries are serious. They are flying him to a Seattle trauma hospital. Kevin & Annie will take care of all his gear and we return their rental SUV. Our prayers go out for Paulie’s safe and quick recovery.
My day ended aroun 12:30 AM. (Happy 4th everyone)
Thank you Kevin and Annie for such wonderful Alaska hospitality!
Tomorrow I’ll probably sleep in, organize, then ride to Glennallen to return Brian Roberts’ tires and pick up stuff I stored.
thats to bad about Paulie hiting a moose can never be good thats one big animal hope he’s going to be ok. I am glad you had an uneventful ride back and happy the weather was good except for the fog. that first 50 miles is were Jimmy and I saw herds of caribo with a thick fog could be bad glad you made it safely & we’ll pray for Paulie.
I know you are a big boy but I am very relieved that you are done with this part of your trip. I certainly hope Paulie recovers fully from his injuries. Just surprised because the terrain is quite wide open up there – except south of Coldfoot – there is quite a bit of brush cover and that of course is where pump station #5 is. Guess I better get that renewal for Medjet service in.
Bea careful the rest of the trip home. Watch for those construction zones, the critters and enjoy the scenery. You have now almost caught back up with your riding partner.
Yeah, I second what Brian said: stay on your guard and be careful on the way home. It’s easy to get complacent but you have a lot of terrain to cover. Which way are you headed back?
I’m enjoying your reports but I have lots of questions, will give you a call. Would like to see some pics of the places you are staying (UAF, etc).
You should do some burn-outs on BR’s tires before you change them….I won’t tell!!! ;>)
Sorry to hear that, Hope all turns out well. Be careful on the way back (I know you will) See ya when you get home
I hope Paulie’s okay. Dean, stay safe and ride home safe.
Are you going to stop in Seattle or are you going to by pass us on your way south?
St1085 – He can “Burn Out” all he wants on those tires. He left the new set he was carrying in my garage (when we made him take off about 70 lbs of crap). If I hurry I can wear out the set currently on my bike and get those mounted by the time Dean gets back here.
…… Tires??? …. What tires are we talking about Dean?????