August 6, 2001

Journal Entry/Day 2

They say in Prudhoe Bay that the highway you travel to get there, “The Dalton Highway,” is not for the faint of heart.  I wonder what they will say about the idea of cycling it?  The road is terrible, the weather is worse that the road and the wind as always is from the east.  I had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. in order to beat the construction crews to the highway.  I started cycling at 6:00 a.m.  It was raining and very cold.  Because of the mud and large boulders I had to use my mountain bike. 

Last night we had a break in the heater line under the van but a Good Samaritan from the road crew helped Joof and Brian fix it.  Very light traffic today.  I did not get tired but I did get frustrated from the slow going.  I developed a slight tenderness in my right forearm from changing gears so often.  George, our photographer, is getting wittier as he becomes more familiar with us.  I had a bad day at the office, as I was only able to cover 102.5 km.  However, this early stop could be a good thing as I must face the pass at Atigun tomorrow, some 4,700 feet, very steep, and full of avalanche hazard.  I cleaned the bikes; we had a barbeque, and went to bed early.  I am ready for tomorrow.