Hell Road - Haines Jct. to Tok AK

Trip Start Jun 28, 2008
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Trip End Jul 19, 2008


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Where I stayed
Thompsons Eagle Claw
(Tok hotels)

Flag of United States  , Alaska,
Friday, July 4, 2008

Miles: 380
Weather: Cooler spots of rain

I was warned, twice, about this road.  The warnings were correct.  Unfortunately we have to make this ride again on our return trip,

First episode was TOTAL road reconstruction about an hour out of Haines Jct. at Klunae Lake.  No pavement, big rocks, pilot car.  We made it and on our way.  Then came the frost heaves.  One after another suspension bottoming out can't get above 55-60mph.  This was going to be a long 300 miles.

Highlight!  We made it to Alaska!  After getting harassed (again) at the border for not having a note from Alex's mom indicating I could take him in and out of the country - please The Thompsons & Alex
The Thompsons & Alex
 !  Anyway, felt good to back in the USA on the 4th of Juuuly - baby.  As soon as we got through the border, I stopped and pulled out a big American flag and mounted it on the box on the back.  It looks good.  It will stay through the end of the trip. 

Happiness short lived.  The road from the US border to Tok was a series of 'pavement breaks' (dirt and gravel).  We couldn't get up past 50!  By the time we got to Tok, we were whipped puppies.  Fortunately Thompson's Eagle Claw was easy to find and we got a cabin.

Thompson's is great place.  Motorcycles only, clean and very reasonable.  There is even a shop to pull maintenance on your ride which I did. 

Tok on the 4th is kinda cool.  Kids everywhere riding quads.  There are quad roads that parallel the main roads.  There where literally quads zip pig everywhere. 

We were hungry and there were two choices: Grumpy Grizzes or Fast Eddies.  Fast Eddies was it and it wasn't too bad.  Back to Thompson's, relax then sleep.
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