ALASKA AT EIGHTY - DAY 11 Haines to Fairbanks

The ride from Haines to Haines Junctions is an easy 146 miles, up over Chitkat Pass at 3510 ft elevation with gentle slopes, cross wide meadows then easy descents to Haines Junction. Relaxed border crossing into B.C. Canada. Then into Yukon Territory.



Refueled in Haines Junction, then decided to go for Beaver Creek, Yukon on the Alaska border. That was a mistake.

The last 100 miles of the Alcan in Canada is poorly maintained, long stretches of gravel and dust. Oncoming trucks, RV's and trailer railers do not slow down, having no consideration of the cloud of dust they are coating the other vehicles with, or. motorcyclist breathing. Worse, their dust cloud reduces visibility to feet, totally blinding the other drivers. If you stop and wait for the wind to blow the dust away, you run the risk of being hit by the vehicle behind you as it s not slowing down.
Add in the frost heaves, splits, holes and pavement breaks makes for a very trying driving situation.

The Hotels.com said Dot's Cafe and motel in Beaver Creek had no rooms. Yet when I arrived they had plenty. I assume the new owners do not wish to pay the fee to Hotels.com. Eight to ten motorcyclist stayed there that night.



Early the next morning, on to Fairbanks. But first the border crossing.



On the US side there was plenty of road construction, but the best looking flaggers. Friendly too.

After several misleads with the GPS, finally found the Honda motorcycle dealer after the third try. Made an appointment to get an oil change and general bike inspection on Tuesday, the 22, after I return from Prudhow Bay and the Haul Road (Dalton Highway) roads.

With that set up, left early, 5:30 the next morning for Coldfoot. The mid-point of the ride to Deadhorse. I would have taken more photos but this was the worst road I have ridden on this trip. Was more concerned about being thrown off the rig on a frost heave, or breaking a wheel in one of those bottom-less pot holes. Potholes and pavement cracks where you cannot see the bottom. Scary...



Talking with one of the Haul Road truckers, they even said that section from the start of the Dalton to Coldfoot is the worst. Now In Coldfoot for the night, tomorrow on to Prudhoe Bay.





Sorry no photos today. The internet connection here in Deadhorse is very slow or everyone got off work and is now online. Will add photos when I get a stronger signal.

WIFI issue corrected finally two days later. Welcome to the North.