I started my ride yesterday, May 13, 2012. My starting point was next to the Chena River downtown Fairbanks.  Our friend Terry from Fox, Alaska met us in Fairbanks and helped choose the launching spot. The night before Jim Jr. and I were up till 3 in the morning trying to figure out how to get the "BOB" bag closed.  We decided to take the tent out of the bag and strap it to the top of the bag.  Enough about that.

On my way out of Fairbanks I rode through the town of North Pole. This is where Santa lives.   I checked out his workshop and said "Hi" before continuing on. Had some construction on the road but it was Sunday and Mother's Day and not a lot of traffic.

For my ride on this first day I had a little head wind. I must also say, that "BOB" is heavy!  There is just nothing else I can figure out to unload though. The scenery was bueatiful and helped to keep my mind off the wieght of the "BOB."

I stopped at Birch Lake Campgrounds at about 6:30.  Pretty lake and a nice spot to camp. It was a long hard day though.  I must say again, the "BOB" is heavy and and I can feel it.