Dear Diary
It is starting to feel like a real adventure. We left Fort Nelson British Columbia and we were only set to travel about 320 miles but it took us 10 hours to complete. The roads had some construction but the construction on the Alaska Highway (97) is much different than at home. Here the roads are basically crushed gravel and then sealed. Since this is only a two lane road, when one lane is under construction, sometimes for miles, they shut down the bad lane, and use a "Pilot" truck to guide the traffic. The pilot truck takes one lane down and on the return trip brings the awaiting cars back the other way. This happened several times today.
They also lay down crushed gravel in random areas for smaller repairs, and these areas are a little "hairy" on the bike and sometimes hard to spot. In these random areas they do an initial packing of the area but after that they just let traffic pack it down. This is probably cheaper but extremely dusty.
In the spirit of the adventure it also worth a mention that we crossed into the Yukon Territory today. Now that makes us feel like we are traveling north to Alaska.
With that being said it just took longer for our miles today but boy did we have another great weather day and the road side interviews yielded some interesting stories.
They also lay down crushed gravel in random areas for smaller repairs, and these areas are a little "hairy" on the bike and sometimes hard to spot. In these random areas they do an initial packing of the area but after that they just let traffic pack it down. This is probably cheaper but extremely dusty.
In the spirit of the adventure it also worth a mention that we crossed into the Yukon Territory today. Now that makes us feel like we are traveling north to Alaska.
With that being said it just took longer for our miles today but boy did we have another great weather day and the road side interviews yielded some interesting stories.
The Ron's
Meet the Ron's. Father and son team who have already been out on the road for 13 days and have done seven thousandish miles. Check out Ron Sr's gear on his bike, they have quite the load. Jr. also had a quite the get up, as they were carrying their camping gear as well. Get this, they are going are heading to the Top of the World Highway and then taking the long way to Sturgis....which is not until August 7th. I do not think my dad would sleep in a tent for one night. Ron's, I hope I can do that with my son Alex someday. I have added a link for The Ron's blog as well.
The Spirit is Alive
Our first encounter came as we pulled into Tetsa River looking for some fuel and warm food. The powdered doughnuts and Dr. Pepper did not take us far. That is where we met Lowell White. Lowell is out proclaiming God's Word and could be considered a modern day street corner preacher with a twist. You see Lowell is riding his bicycle from Fairbanks to the Florida Keys in the name of the Lord. He is out witnessing to people as he rides cross county on his bicycle and with the help of his wife and team of contacts throughout the country and the media, Lowell should arrive in Florida in about three to four months. Way to go Lowell. Check out his website at Holy Spirit Rider.
The Turtle
Guess where we met these folks....thats right at the art museum.....located at a gas station. Kidding, there was no museum. This is Lydia Armijo-Torres and her friend George Wright. They are from the coolest name we have heard yet....Truth or Consequences New Mexico. Lydia owns a cafe called Cuchillo Creek Cafe. She said it is like a mexican restaurant but it is a NEW Mexican cafe. They are driving a an old Toyota camper pictured here, and George said they are the slowest thing on the road so he calls their home away from home....The Turtle. He even put the name on the door. These are the people you would be trying to pass if you were on the road, but since we were already standing still we took the opportunity for "Greetings" They too were en -route to Alaska. Most of the people we meet now are heading in that general direction.
Good Times Had By All
Just click on the photos below for a few more blurbs.