2008 Haines Junction to Haines

My 15 year old son and I did a self supported tour from Anchorage through Fairbanks on a loaded Santana tandem in

2008. We knew nothing abut the Haines Junction to Haines event, yet we managed to arrive in Haines Junction on the

evening before the start of the event. We lined up to start with the last wave of riders and many thought we were

competing. We rode with many of the less competitive teams for most of the day despite carrying 80 pounds of gear.

We spent the night at a highway maintenance facility, since Million Dollar Falls was closed due to bears, and arrived in

Haines the following afternoon. I think we may have won the fully loaded tandem, father/son division and possibly

set a course record in doing so.

We also got a lot of friendly horn toots from those driving back to Haines Junction the following day while we were still

riding.The little Green Shack located near the pass came in handy as the temp was near freezing with wind and sleet when

we arrived there chilled to the bone.

We hope to return to Haines to do the ride again someday.