Day 12, Glacier View, AK to Anchorage, AK, 145 mi

9 July 2015

Thee day started out cool, around 53 deg and slowly warmed up to the mid 60s.  Since it was overcast with low clouds, we weren't able to take any of the superlative inspired photos that you may have become used to.

The Spyder now has just over 7000 miles on it, and the high temps last week and the chip sealed roads in Canada have taken their toll on the rear tire, so it is now time for a replacement.

Hmm...tread wear bars showing in center

 This is not as simple as it sounds.  Unlike an automobile, one cannot go to just any tire shop and get something that will fit, as the tire is specially designed for the Spyder (compound, tread, ply count,etc.).  Therefore, one must present oneself to a Can Am dealer for a replacement.

Our first attempt was at Alaska Mining and Diving Supply in Anchorage.  Yes, they are a Can Am dealer, but the service manager made it very clear that he didn't want to help us and that we should just go away.  He was, however helpful enough to suggest that we contact another dealer in Eagle River, about 20 miles away named Team CC.  Their service manager was kind enough to locate another tire for us from their other store and said that they could have it mounted for us the following morning.  Sweet!

Alaska Mining and Diving Supply is NOT RECOMMENDED!

Next, I asked what I should expect for the cost and heard $514.00, installed.  Not so sweet!  However, two things that I never skimp on are motorcycle tires and helmets. So I am not going to risk another 1,500 miles on a thin skin, so I made an appointment for the next morning to have the tire installed.

With that set up, we made arrangements to staying a dorm room at the University of Alaska at Anchorage (UAA).  We heard from another rider in Laramie, WY that the university in Fairbanks will host visitors for about $40 per night, so we checked with the university in Anchorage and found out that they do too.  For the two of us, we are being charged about $90 per night, including taxes.  This isn't too bad considering that other hotel rooms are being listed north of $200 per night, and even the local hostel is more than $100 per night for two people.

Bring back memories for anyone?

After checking into our dorm suite, we explored Anchorage and found provisions for dinner.  Smoked salmon on flat bread with cole slaw and some cheap (but tasty) red wine to wash it down with.  A nice thing about universities is that they have decent internet, so we were able to have a Netflix experience as well.