With just hours to go before we leave, Hailey is getting more and more excited and I'm beginning to freak out about the length of the ride, that legendary one km long grated bridge and, of course, bears. I've heard enough bear stories to last a lifetime. Plus--you'll love this one--for the past few days there's been a bear lurking outside our house. It's adding a certain danger/anxiety factor to gearing up in the morning or riding home late at night.
And speaking of anxiety, I'm meeting my nemesis tonight. That's right, it's my first lesson on how to ride on gravel. Shiny side up...I hope!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Preparation: Apparently, makeup is essential
July 29/2010: Two days to go before the trip and somehow the stuff Maria plans to take to Alaska has grown by at least a third. And yet it all seems essential. Mascara and lipstick are essential right?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Preparation: Seal Line Baja Bag 55L
July 28/2010: I really like these Seal Line bags. Once I saw Maria's, I had to get two of my own. 55 liters - so much space!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saanich News Interview
July 27/2010: Today, the Saanich News interviewed us about our Alaska trip.
Having a giggle with Saanich News reporter Vivian Moreau.
Posing for photographer Sharon Tiffin.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Preparation: Yukon Magnum
July 26/2010: Yukon Magnum is the brand name of our bear spray. I feel like Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Shakedown Trip: Ucluelet
July 15/2010: The bikes get packed up with everything we'd be taking to Alaska. We leave for Ucluelet, and the Soundwave 2010 electronic music festival (http://soundwavemusicfestival.ca/). The 300 km trip should give us an idea of what works and what needs changing!
Okay, I'll admit it. The very thought of riding on gravel makes me (Maria) nervous. The road to Soundwave could be an excellent practice opportunity except that I am wussing out and leaving the VStrom in town. There are a sports bike riders braving the route so it can be done. Don't know how I'm going to do the trip through Alaska without encountering gravel but I'm willing to try. Or maybe not. Hailey will probably have to bribe me with king-size peanut butter cups.
Setting up camp on Mussel Beach.
July 16/2010: We set up the tent! It's quite cozy (read "too small"), especially with all of our food in there. And the air mattresses aren't airy enough. So there's more shopping to be done: bigger and better air mattresses, a pup tent to serve as a closet for our gear, warmer clothes and fewer toiletries!
July 16/2010: Chef Hailey makes the coffee. This is her third try at boiling water. Yeah, I don't think we'll be doing a lot of cooking on this trip.
Clothing is somewhat optional at Soundwave but the costumes are great!
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Apparently, RCMP officers are not big fans of guerillas. This one is receiving a ticket for what I'm not sure.
We met some very cool people at Soundwave. From left to right Jess, Eliah, Hailey and Lee-Anne. (Missing: Nils)
The extremely cool Nils, beach pal and talented fire-maker.
No, surprisingly, this guy isn't in costume.
A hot dog and his two mustards.
Gumby gets his groove on.
It's all about the costumes at Soundwave.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Preparation: Learning from the Pros
July 5/2010: Hailey and Tom plan the route. We've met a lot of cool people while preparing for this trip. Tom Fitterer (pictured here with Hailey and me) is an amazing rider who has been everywhere! Plus, he used to be a tour guide in Alaska. Great connection. Thanks Craigslist!
Hailey's notes on where to go and what to see. Okay, there were more bear stories and other cautionary tales but oh boy--glaciers here we come!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Preparation: The Gear
July 3/2010: Apparently, there are bugs in Alaska. Big bugs that go splat and sting when you hit them at 120kms/hr. But hey, we've got balaclavas as protection!
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