Monday, May 14, 2012

Visitor from Outside!

We get so few visitors from outside. BTW, I had never even thought about the phrase "outside" until Chris mentioned it on one of his blog posts. But it refers to anywhere in the lower 48 states. (n.b. not Hawaii!) This weekend, we were pleased to host moto-blogger,  EverydayRiding, having survived the ride from Minnesota via Idaho. He is two weeks and 3,800 miles into his ride, "Everyday for 7 Weeks". You can read all about his adventure on his blog with almost daily posts and tons of beautiful pictures and videos.

There aren't too many attractions or sites in Fairbanks but I think he ended up seeing most of them. He did run into the horrendous prices we have to pay for living at the end of the highway as he purchased a rear tire from a local shop. Not too many options around here. We did get to visit a bit with local motorcycle legend George Rahn at a local coffee house. George used to own the BMW dealership, Trails End BMW, and is still the local expert when it comes to repairing airheads and the older K bikes. He was very impressed that Chris rode up here without a windshield. These days, George owns the Royal Enfield dealership and still rides almost year around on his bike and side car rig.

We did make it out to the Alaska pipeline turnout along the Steese Highway as I took him along one of my favorite routes home. It turned out to be a great day though my bike seemed to be handling kind of odd. I had sort of blamed it on my lack of riding for the last week but it turned out to be low tire pressure. Really low, like in the teens! I refilled both tires this morning and the familiar handling returned.

My whole family enjoyed having Chris visit and we discovered another amazing connection. Family that he is visiting in Palmer is friends with my brother in Anchorage as they had recognized the last name in one of his social media posts. I'm going to have to pick up a couple more things before my trip south in July such as a Spot tracker and a heated liner.

Ride Safe!

11 comments:

  1. Glad you got the opportunity to meet Chris. I, too, had the chance when he hosted Heather and me last fall. He is good people and good people deserve to meet. Royal Enfield. I hope the quality of these little beast continues to improve. My tech here is a fan.

    Thanks for the share,
    ~Keith

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    1. I too am glad that I had the opportunity to meet Chris.

      Yes, Royal Enfield with Cozy sidecar. I think it is a dealer installed option. The current models are fuel injected. I'm don't know if that was a good or bad step as far as improving reliability.

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  2. Good stuff Richard! Always a pleasure to meet a fellow moto-blogger isn't it? So when's your next layover in Denver?

    dom

    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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    1. I don't have any trips planned at the moment that would run through Denver. It's not a common route for me.

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  3. Richard:

    because you live so far North, it is usually yourself that ends up visiting. I am sure not many come knocking on your door.

    I think it's great when bloggers can get together

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. I think we are at the crossroads of the world or at least that is what the logistics program at the University of Alaska Anchorage was proclaiming. I think you need to venture north since you have a dual sport bike. Don't all dual sport owners eventually end up in Alaska at some point in time? ;-)

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  4. Fairbanks is certainly not around the corner... Last time I have been up there was in 2004.

    Very kind of you to offer Chris food and shelter and show him around. I guess you had good times.

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    1. I don't know, I think it's closer to Vancouver than New Zealand...

      I really enjoyed visiting with Chris. I hope he wasn't bored.

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  5. I think it is great when bloggers can get together and hang out.

    I am inclined to agree with Bobskoot - I bet not many come knocking on your door. We appreciate it when you stop by when in our neck of the woods though.

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    1. I don't know. It seems to be a popular destination for a lot of tourists. Especially since you don't need a passport.

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  6. Great post Richard, and thanks again for having me. I enjoyed my time in Fairbanks, and I wasn't bored. :)

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