Bike Dust

Wow!   What a fine last 48 hours or so this has been.  First, Sat evening some wine, cheese and crackers on the yacht of  Fred and Jeannie Ickes (from Talkeetna) coincidentally in Prince Rupert from on way from Seattle to Seward.   Then Moby Dick for some sleep, then back to Yacht club for coffee and bagels, then Smiles for lunch, where we met Jim and Holly semi from Whitefish. Jim driving back to Montana, Holly going on our ferry to Wrangel.

On to ferry where International Incident barely avoided (well, not avoided, but no arrests or detentions.  Sweet talking!).  Upgraded to four bunk “stateroom”.  Invited Bruce and Holly.  She said yes.  Some Jack and Coke.  Beers in bar, some fine deck standing and picture taking. Cafeteria for dinner, shots during stop in Ketchikan, nightcap in bar, then retired by 10 to cabin.

Woke up and de-ferried in Petersburg.  Breakfast at Tina’s Kitchen (awesome).  Coffee at Java Hus.  While hanging out, Don Holmes comes in. School teacher and charter boat captain.  Interested in Bruce’s bike (he has one, too.) Offered to rescue us from our half baked plans (bike 20 miles to USFS campground in rain).  Gave us a map to his house where we can bunk out on carpeted den and told us to be ready to roll by noon for trip up LaConte  fjord to see Alaska’s lowest latitude tidewater glacier.  Just back now after 6 hour cruise.  Saw billions of harbor seals (not in harbor), sea lions (n harbor), and icebergs.

5 millions picture and movies to follow.

Best Birthday EVER!!!!

Hi, This is Sue.  Today has been the best.  No biking but lots of floating icebergs, sea lions, open water, wonderful people, waterfalls, and tidal glacier,  We just finished dinner and it wasn’t freeze dried and in a home!  Our boat ride was 5ish plus hours!  Love, Sue

I remember at Jasper thinking about how I would ever be able to bike to Rupert…(locals leave off Prince)…well, we did it! Arrived after biking in a drizzle so checked into a hotel and it is poring outside. Good news..dry and clean clothes. We followed the Skeena River. The first twenty miles were wonderful. The road, my bike, the mountains, the river and Houston behind me. Picture perfect. I was were I wanted to be. Tomorrow we get on the ferry for Alaska. I have been biking for 12 days. I don’t feel 60! Miss Mark and my friends. Love Sue

Sue and I Arrived Prince Rupert around 2:15 local time.  Just under 6 hours and 60 miles.  Sprinkles turned to drizzle and then to cold, wet rain as we approached coast.  Checked into Moby Dick (reco picked up along the way).  My room is trashed with bike and exploded bags.  Laundry is in, but need some booze.  Seafood tonight.  Ferry tomorrow afternoon to Petersburg.

I have us at just under 1350 miles since leaving Missoula. I think that may be about 1% low, but you get the idea.  Will re-evaluate, but last time I looked, it was about 800 miles from Haines to Talkeetna.  Damn!  This is going to be a long ride.

Exec summary so far:  a tougher ride than cross country, or at least I hope so.  Garrett and I tore it up doing 3500 miles in about 6 weeks of riding.  There is much more climbing on this ride, and we are carrying much more weight (at least I am).  Plus, the weather has been both wetter and colder which means wearing more clothes while biking (which I hate), and having to stop and adjust clothing to respond to the ups, downs, hail, and sun.  No crashes. No injuries.  No sickness.  No serious mechanical issues.  Finally, we are exactly on schedule thanks to my Iron Fist.

Left Kleanza and rolled into Terrace (Walmart).

Went about 50 miles and was prepared for 5-10 more, but spotted the Kasiks Wilderness Resort near the mouth of the Exchup River into the Skeena.  Hot showers and internet.  Bruce stopped at cafe for food and then kept on going.

Close to seventy miles.  BEAUTIFUL campground with Kleanza Creek emerging from grotto/canyon.  Freindly folks.  Should have rested here!  Pictures later…

Hi, this is Sue.  We are rolling with the wind  in our face, sometimes rain, and rasrely sun.  But does that slow us down…no way!  It amazes me how quickly timw goes by when you ride for long distasnces.  The break sfter two hours come quickly.  I try to have kind dthougts.  When you swim in tris one has to become one with the water;  when riding into the wind one has to become one with the wind.  dsWe climb and then go down with new and beasutiful views everywhere.  Salmon fishing hass stasrted aslong the river.  Fish tomorrow night for sure.  Better go.  sI think of my friends and all who made this trip possible and am greatful.  sOh yas, sHouston hasn’t kicked me out yet!  Love, Sue