We were waiting for a call and Matthew found a pay phone to relay the good news that both bikers are doing well and were ready to take a dip in the Yukon river to cool down and get refreshed after some very tough bike riding. The temps have been near 70. The road is often gravel and the slopes on the road are sometimes pitched at a 16% grade. That is twice what we normally see on any mountain roads. Matthew called them the "toughest hills ever" and there was even a headwind. It is not safe to get up the normal speed going down the steep grade because of the gravel so they take it easy.
The mosquito repellent is working pretty well against the "voracious mosquitoes. There has been some good wind to keep
them away but there are trillions of the pests.
Yesterday the guys spotted a herd of muskox. They have been with in sight of the Alaska pipeline all during their ride as the road follows it 
directly south. In the "Land of the Midnight Sun" it is difficult to find the best time to sleep. One night they got to bed at about 1:30 am and then slept in until 10:30. They are certainly tired enough to sleep after biking the steep climbs. Closer to Fairbanks there will be at least two hours of darkness from 3-5 am.
them away but there are trillions of the pests.
Yesterday the guys spotted a herd of muskox. They have been with in sight of the Alaska pipeline all during their ride as the road follows it 
directly south. In the "Land of the Midnight Sun" it is difficult to find the best time to sleep. One night they got to bed at about 1:30 am and then slept in until 10:30. They are certainly tired enough to sleep after biking the steep climbs. Closer to Fairbanks there will be at least two hours of darkness from 3-5 am. Surprisingly they have passed five bikers. Matthew said normal people take about 12 days to get to Fairbanks. I told him"you guys are not normal people." Also there are tourists in big buses who get out to take pictures and they have asked the guys to pose with their bikes a number of times. So far the animals seen are caribou, muskox and beaver. No bears yet and Mary Kay is glad of that. Matthew caught a small fish with his mosquito net and then put it on a hook in an attempt to catch a bigger fish. No luck yet. Groceries are slim but they found an $18.00 buffet in Coldfoot and loaded up. Ice cream was another treat. So far only one flat tire each. That is pretty good when riding on gravel. The 18 wheelers throw off a splash of water but they have been "very considerate."
We will expect a call from Fairbanks soon when there is cell service.
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