Grandpas Can 2015 Arvid Loewen attempted to ride from Deadhorse, AK to Key West, FL. After an incredibly difficult start (the Dalton Highway), Arvid suffered a crash that broke several ribs and ended the ride.
Blog Archives
I must be feeling better
Ruth and I spent two days in Kenora, 200 km east of Winnipeg. When our discussion topics included the cycling component of our future ministry on behalf of orphaned or abandoned children, I got all excited again. I must be…
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When Disappointment is Huge
Physically, I was better prepared than in recent years. I had trained hard. I had ridden over 8000km outdoors since the snow disappeared, plus countless hours on the trainer indoors. Logistically, we were ready, with a fantastic support crew in…
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Arvid’s health update
It has now been 10 days since I did my flip off the bike on the Alaska Highway. I am thankful for the support and prayers. We came home on Saturday evening and recovery is going well. The first 48…
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Update from Grande Prairie, AB
At his follow-up appointment at the Watson Lake Hospital on Thursday morning, the doctor diagnosed a partially collapsed right lung. He gave Arvid the go-ahead to begin driving home provided he would stop at the ER in Fort St. John…
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Video: Signpost Forest
Signpost Forest In 1942, a homesick soldier working on the construction of the Alaska Highway added a sign from his hometown to the directional post in Watson Lake, Yukon. Many others soon followed suit. Today, 78,000 signs make up the…
Good news and bad news
Arvid was given a thorough examination by the hospital doctors and nurses at the Watson Lake Hospital. X-rays have shown that he has suffered two fractured ribs in addition to the likelihood of two more with a possibility of a…
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Hospital visit
After waking up this morning in pain, Arvid has decided to drive ahead to Watson Lake, Yukon, to get checked out at the local hospital. We are awaiting results.
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Video: July 13, 2015 // Back of the Van
July 13, 2015 // Back of the Van From the back of the van somewhere in the Yukon Territory, a few hours after the accident, Arvid began to feel more pain in his chest making it difficult to take deep…
Video: July 13, 2015 // Roadside maintenance
July 13, 2015 // Roadside maintenance Some roadside maintenance on the wheels, the seat and the Arvid (after his fall). A moment in the life of the support crew.
Video: July 13, 2015 // Fall
July 13, 2015 // Fall This looks bad and it was. But thankfully and miraculously Arvid was walking around in minutes. He’s stiff and sore but otherwise it would appear there is nothing more serious than a crack in his…
Henry hard at work
With all the rain we have been experiencing and the less than ideal road conditions, the bikes need constant attention. So grateful for Henry’s expertise in always ensuring they are working at optimum level. Thank you Henry!
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Morning Tea
It’s 7am local time. Arvid takes a short break to warm up in the van with some English Breakfast tea beside Marsh Lake. It’s warmed to 9 degrees Celsius outside.
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Farewell, Whitehorse
It’s 6 degrees Celsius, the sun is slowly rising. Arvid has his balaclava and his cheese curds. His legs feel better and has left Whitehorse behind.
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Good night
Arvid staked his claim to a well deserved good night’s rest in the Klondike City. Hopefully this will clear up the early signs of fluid retention that he has encountered on past rides. As he’s still in the early stages…
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