The last long one ... in Alaska ... for 2015

When the leaves start to change, or have changed and it’s already started getting cooler, or colder, you know you need to make plans for that last long ride of the season.  It’s the same thing every year although I had wondered if there would be one as the weather had turned pretty cold and there’d been reports of snow up toward Fairbanks and Paxson.  But then, a reprieve as the weather got a bit warmer again, and it was trip-planning time.

Four of us made plans at the last minute to ride to Fairbanks for the Labor Day weekend.  We would ride up, then spend a day at Chena Hot Springs, and on the third day, ride home. 

Birdie, Jaz, Rockin’ Rita and I headed up that Saturday morning, September 5.  It was cool, but we were all geared up, so it was pretty comfortable.  We stopped here and there, including a lunch break at Mary Carey’s McKinley View, but pretty much made tracks to Fairbanks. 

We’d made a reservation at the River’s Edge.  It was our first time to stay there but it was quite nice, and there was a restaurant there.  Diana of the Fairbanks HOG chapter came and had dinner with us.  We told her we planned to run out to Chena Hot Springs and get in the pond the next day if she wanted to join us.

People use a lot of different things for drying racks.

Chena worked out well for us although originally we’d been hoping to stay over.  That did not happen.  I’d never been in the hot springs before although I’d been to Chena.  What a treat.  I felt like a little prune after and quite relaxed with my legs feeling like noodles.  And then we had to ride back in.  Ugh. 

Rockin' Rita ... with a new ride.

Everything is a planter in Alaska.

Good thing we took a bit of a walk as there’s a nice trail.  It was enjoyable and helped us to get ready for the ride back into town.  But first, lunch.  Diana rode out to join us and then we all headed back into Fairbanks.

The colors were magnificent.

After returning to our room, I texted Thomas, of the Fairbanks chapter.  He’s been the rally coordinator for a number of years, and is a big part of the Fairbanks group for me.  He’d had a stroke so I wondered if he’d like a visit.  Of course, so we all headed in that direction. 

Thomas and his lady, Star, made us welcome and we sat out on the deck for a great visit.  They were in the process of starting their Halloween decorating.  It’s an understatement to say they love Halloween.  They had tons of decorations out and had only just started.  I sure wish I could see it when they’re finished.  Then it was time to get back into town and prepare for the ride back the next day.

The girls.

Monday was another nice ride home, coming back via the Richardson and completing the loop.  It’s always a great ride … and with great friends?  It doesn’t get any better.  It’s been a long time since there’d been a girl’s weekend.