Day 16 – Sunday July 15th (495 miles, Haines, Junction, YT, CA to Fairbanks, AK):
Finally made it to Alaska today!
This morning I got breakfast at my motel and watched the World Cup final game between France and Croatia. I ended up leaving the motel and Haines Junction around 10am, a little later than anticipated. The weather was nice and the road followed the border of the Kluane National Park for much of the ride. I didnt stop at many places today since I got started later in the morning and had a long way to drive to make it to Fairbanks.
About 30 miles from the Canadian/Alaskan border, I ran into heavy rain that lasted for the next several hours of my ride. Making it through the border easily, I continued riding through the rain towards Fairbanks. Not only did the rain make the ride more difficult, but the subpar road conditions in Alaska added to the struggles. I was surprised at how bad the roads were once I got into Alaska; many potholes and rough spots, and a few areas of gravel.
After a long day on the road, I finally made it into Fairbanks at about 8:30pm, still soaked from the rain, but glad to be done riding for the day. I checked into a hotel and went straight to bed. Tomorrow the plan is to take it easy, wash clothes, change oil, and do a few other things before continuing on the road.
Just north of Haines Junction, the Alaskan Highway follows the border of the Kluane National Park for many miles
Crossing into Alaska!
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