Last grunts...

October 24, 2015

Brain farts;
    The original concept for this trip came about while I was planning a trip to the Whitehorse Cemetery. My parents took residence there 7 years ago in Section "N".  I'm sure that they were tired of having bears as their only visitors. A human rendezvous was overdue. So I thought, why not turn a visit into a bike tour?...  I didn't have much choice in the timeline because of work but was reassured that early September was a good time to go... "D'OH!!"
    This tour was short on km's and long on days but I wanted a buffer in case of trouble and time to be a tourist. I had a rough itinerary to follow as a guide but I was forced to make adjustments along the way. No surprise there.
   I learned that being prepared is not enough when in the Yukon. You need to assume the unexpected. The locals assured me that the poor weather was abnormal for this time of year. I also learned that the people up here are not like the people in the lower mainland. (or anywhere else) These people are amazing. There was always a person willing to offer assistance, whether it was to portage past a grizzly, escape out of a National Park or offer hydration, food or mechanical repair on an otherwise deserted highway.
   When I look back at this trip, I think; "What a nightmare, What the hell was I thinking?!!. But as I recount the fine details and examine my notes, I see a better outcome.
    This trip had less to do with cycling and more to do with HUMANITY. Cheers to the good people of the Yukon and Alaska (and Wisconsin USA)!!
 

My original sketch. I planned on a clockwise route. My sister's husband suggested that I reverse the direction. I agreed.

First week timeline sample.

Good to be home. Happy Hallowe'en!!