Dan Sullivan, the city’s Mayor, was out of town. Not back before I’d be riding out of Anchorage. So Darrell Hess, his representative and something of a cyclist himself, had been dispatched to welcome me. I explained I was delighted to be in Alaska, eager to crack my fourth continent, and quite astounded at the generosity and hospitality of those I’d met. Careful to really emphasize this last point, for it couldn’t possibly be overstated.
There was a thoughtful gift from the city, a small metal broach attached to the Mayor’s business card. A practical, considerate present, something I could carry with me. I thanked Darrell, added once more how much I’d been taken aback by the welcome, before we headed out into the rain. A nearby lock-up to introduce him to my trusty steed.
