Additional comments from the present (Oct. 23, 2019): This could be confusing, but we’re sort of back on track. I didn’t really write anything on July 6, so I’m here to fill in the details of what happened after the insane airbnb situation.
Actually, this entry will completely be comprised of my journal, plus a few photos. The next few days didn’t have much going as far as FB goes. Spent a lot of time out of cell coverage. So…
July 6, 2019 (personal journal)
Spent today in Fairbanks getting some things done. Things like maintenance, and errands. Oh, and another rear tire (and front).
Part of the reason I chose not to go up the full length of The Dempster was how far over (~1k miles) I was on maintenance. Another part of the decision to turn back was my rear tire. It was being sacrificed to the ‘wrong’ highway.
Last night (this morning) I contacted Adventure Cycleworks, who are apparently open 24/7 in the summer to help adventure moto guys. Dan, the owner (the whole company, honestly), texted me while I was asleep.
He is a bit strange, and his texts remind me of some 8bit Nintendo character, straight out of the original Zelda. Behold:
So yeah, I’ve taken to calling him “The Wizard”. Just as odd in person, honestly. He was eventually just talking about poachers. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a super cool guy, and I’m glad he does what he does. He’s just different, and it’s honestly pretty rad.
As odd as the guy is, he had the tires, so I was on my way. I should have expected his ‘shop’ was in his garage, but for some reason I did not. Cool setup at least.
Dan is an older guy, probably in his 60s. Long white hair and beard that totally contribute to the wizard vibe. No robes, though.
There was nobody else there when I arrived, so he started straight away. Two tires, an oil change, oddly stunted conversation, and I was all set.
While I was there a guy from North Carolina (I think…) showed up, as did Drew (one of the guys I’m riding with). The guy from NC calls himself ‘Acorn’. You can’t make this stuff up. Everyone is a character. Unreal.
After breaking free of the awkward conversation Drew, Matthew, and I had lunch at The Cookie Jar, a place that was on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Decent food, but somewhat (ok, very) whacky service.
My bike’s air filter had to be hurting after all the dust so Drew & I stopped at the BMW dealer (after heading to Kawi first) for a replacement, discovering yet another interesting Fairbanks spot.
The dealer is Polaris, BMW, STIHL, and… Harley. Never been to a BMW store filled with mostly Hell’s Angels. It was quite the contrast. And I really mean patched HAs. Most carrying guns. Total contrast.
Headed back to the hotel for parking lot maintenance time. Changed the air filter, which was, as suspected , filthy. Discovered that the steering lock isn’t functioning, nor is the locking gas cap. I suspect the moving parts are frozen, but future me can deal with it.
Did laundry at the hotel. Also had dinner there.
Tomorrow we head up The Dalton!
Odo Start: 19,394
Odo End: 19,400
Daily Miles: 6
Cum. Miles: 4,837
Ryan Cavalier 