Today we make the final push to reach Prudhoe Bay before the rains move in. Leaving Coldfoot we head straight north to cross the Brooks Mountain range, then out onto the tundra to Prudhoe Bay.
A now familiar friend accompanies us., With a different foothill in the rearview mirror.
A slow climb up the valley to Atigun Pass ahead.
Meet our first vehicle of the day. Wonder where they spent the night as we are a good six hours south of Prudhoe Bay?
Climbing up Atigun Pass, stopped to look back, at from where we came. The water from this side will flow to the Yukon river and out to the Bering Sea which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
From the top of the pass, looking at the northern downward side. Rain from this side of the Brooks Range will flow northward to the Arctic Ocean.
Then look to the left to see where the road courses the narrow valley going north.
Once away from the Brooks Range, we are out on the featureless tundra for the next 150 miles.
Arriving in Prudhoe Bay, looked for the two signs that prove I was here.
First found the North Slope Borough administration building sign. Who are they? Though it appears the oil companies run the show here, there are representatives from the area native population who have a say in drilling, building and operations in Deadhorse, though they don't actually live in the village.
For those not aware, all of the people actually in Prudhow Bay/Deadhorse are workers who live somewhere else. There are no permanent residents. It's an industrial oil field work camp.
The 'infamous' Deadhorse sign is so rusted, faded and covered with motorcycle rider stickers, it no longer holds the appeal it once had.
The photo should be titled, "My rig, Red Dog and litter that won't blow away".
Now to find my hotel. One cannot just ride into Deadhorse and expect to find a room. You have to make reservation at least 24 hours in advance for security reasons. There are also certain rules that will get you thrown out asap.
Like: No alcohol, no firearms, no drugs, no fighting, no violence, etc. These apply to workers and visitors.
Hmmm, doesn't look like a hotel, more like a manufacturing plant...
But the sign out front says it all. And the parking lot across the street.
Also the sign tells me the time...
And the temperature.. the only sign like this here in Deadhorse.
Am covered for the night, ready for a good rest. By the way, rooms are expensive here, BUT it does include all three meals, free laundry rooms exercise facilities, libraries, TV lounges, and room service. Many workers here are two - weeks here, then back home for some days.
Finally in Prudhoe Bay, it's time to organize the paperwork to document my Iron Butt ride south to Key West, Florida, which is only 90 miles from Cuba.
In case you were not aware, I am attempting to complete the Ultimate Coast to Coast Iron Butt challenge, riding from Prudhoe Bay to Key West in less than 30 days, for the third time. I have made three previous attempts, with two complitions. First rode it on two wheels, a BMW 1150 GSA in 2010; then on three wheels, a Russian URAL sidecar in 2013, and now to celebrate my turning 80 in May of this year, on my Honda Goldwing with a Hannigan sidecar.
If completed, I will be the oldest person to meet the challenge and submit the necessary paperwork for IBA certification.
Tonight we rest.
p.s., whenever I say "we", I am referring the the rig and myself. I am riding this challenge solo as were all of my IBA rides.
