I went to bed late last night (3AM) packing up so I had that dazed and confused feeling when the alarm shook my brain at 6AM. Fortunately, I loaded the Xterra up (at 3AM) cause I knew it would be a bad idea to wait 3 hours when the alarm would go off. Good call!
All packed up Swati, Kona and headed to O’Hare. It is always tough saying goodbye and I know I’m going to miss them terribly. You have a ton of time to think and miss the ones you love when all you’re doing is pedaling. This isn’t my first rodeo but it still doesn’t get easier… In fact it might get more difficult…
My first flight was a 6 hour jaunt to Anchorage. There only really memorable thing was the Mediterranean snack meal I purchased for $6 and the free 1 hour wifi for T-Mobile customers. I was a bit disappointed at Anchorage airport as they had practically nothing for a vegan to eat. So, I was sick with a plain toasted cinnamon raisin bagel and an iced coffee…
The connecting flight to fairbanks was delayed but once in the air I was smart in selecting the left side as the view of Denali was spectacular!
We reached fairbanks in time actually which was great! I secured the rental and was relieved to see all my stuff also made the journey.
I was concerned that the rental may be too small to handle the bike box but it worked out well
Once at the airport I made quick work reassembling the bike.
It was after 7pm and finding dining establishments open was a challenge to say the least. I saw the El Dorado offered a vegetarian burrito so I figured they could make it vegan and all would be swell.
I say at the bar and was greeted by the not so thrilled to see me bar tender. I asked for an Alaskan beer of which they have 3 styles on tap. They were completely out on a Saturday night! So I got a Dos XX.
I placed my order and was given some very lack luster chips and salsa. Stale cold chips and store bought salsa. I still ate them because I cannot control myself around even bad chips and salsa. They burrito arrived and looked really good. Unfortunately, there was nothing memorable about it… Ah well. I should know better coming from Chicago where some of the countries best Mexican is served… Lesson learned.
While walking home I was amazed how light it was still outside so I decided to snap a quick photo of the bank clock showing the time. It didn’t get dark until well after 10PM
I’ve got many errands to run tomorrow while I have the car. I need to get it back to the airport by 4PM. Good night all!
2019 Alaska / Denali Bike Tour 
I LOLed at your photo of El Dorado’s menu that listed their “Spanish Beer”. Um, I think that’s all beer from Mexico, not Spain… So it’s not shocking their food wasn’t quite up to snuff either! But in these days where American cities have become really homogenous, it’s actually sort of nice to know that there are still cities where you can’t get good Mexican food. So what a great cultural discovery, too bad you had to eat it to experience it!
When I saw your photo of the bank sign, I was like “you dummy, you were supposed to snap the shutter two seconds later when it was showing the temperature!” But now I realize showing the time was relaying an important message as well.
It’s good to see you making this “bikes on planes” thing look easy, that’s something we’ll need to learn at some point (though 2 boxed bikes might not fit in the Subaru!)
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It was tough to see you off, but Kona and I are happy to have sent you off. ❤ [We've now become those that parents that include the child in every conversation! :D] Glad your concerns for your luggage weren't true – it all got there, including your bike. 😀
What a view of Denali! Gorgeous!
Lol @ no good burrito. Snap peas (while I love 'em) aren't supposed to be in burritos!!
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