There's Nothing but Girls and Their Work Outs!

July 16th Monday 2008

I embarked today. Once I was all packed up and there was nothing left to prepare, I rolled the bike to the lobby of the Holiday Inn. I went through the double doors and donned my helmet. A couple of guys smoking barely looked at me, some tourists were taking photos by their SUV and an old man was reading a newspaper. This was it, and I shoved off with grey skies yet my heart was bursting- alive! in alaska! hope I dont die!

I rode along the coastline up to the downtown area. There were lots of runner, all of them women, and an old man with his dog. I stopped to take a picture, and he yelled, "There's nothing but girls and their work outs!" I chuckled to myself and yelled back, "You had better catch up!" So that was that- you can be scared of what might happen, or just go for it. I have often felt women get cheated out of solo experiences because we fear attacks, rape, etc...I am not one to do everything in groups and a little independence is good for you. I like making my own decisions, when to stop, when to take a picture, when to set up camp and when to break down. By myself I dont have to explain or justify or negotiate ANYTHING. I just do it and that is very liberating.

The ride was awesome. The first day is always the best. You could be slogging through a pile of dog crap and it just because its new, it will be awesome. At least that is how it is for me. So yeah, I rode through miles of construction, soft shoulders, hills, rain and clouds. The people at the campsite were complaining they couldnt see Mt Mckinley but I didnt care. I asked the Java Station drive up girl to tell me what I should see in the Palmer area. I pointed to the map with the squiggly line going off the main road. She said, "Hatcher Pass is a must." "Is it steep?" "Well, there is a hill."

I should have know a "hill" in Alaska would mean a mountain anywhere else, but I ditched my stuff at the campground and proceeded to the top. 1 hour turned in to 3, and cool weather turned freezing and I still wasnt at the mine. Then, just went I thought it was stupid to be killing myself on a 10% uphill grade, some SKATEBOARDERS went passed me downhill. It was testament to the fact that somebody will always outdo you, so thats why I don't typically brag or boast about anything. I was proud of getting up there and it was beautiful. A chipmunk nipped at my shoe and I took some more pictures and got some water. It was a perfect day and a perfect campground. Like I said, the beginning is always the best!