Arvid’s son, Paul, here, chiming in since the crew doesn’t have cell phone reception up North. Using the Spot tracking data, it looks like Arvid completed 374km on day 1 (Friday), including 3,220m of climbing and 2,634m of descending. Quite a lot of elevation gain!

Rancheria to Watson Lake is 120 km. It was raining and cold. They had snow a couple of days ago. The ride went well. We will start in Watson Lake at 5AM tomorrow. The next 800 km have lot of climbing, very rough road surface, basically seal coated gravel. We would certainly appreciate prayers for safety and for me not to get too discouraged with my progress.

We were fortunate to a big brown friend watch us as we went by. Makes you heart beat a bit faster.

In 2015, my Deadhorse Alaska to Key West Florida was cut short when my back wheel came of and I was flipped forward, breaking 5 ribs.

Today I was able to go back to motel Rancheria, where we abandoned the ride in 2015. It was emotional for me to see the motel and look into the room where all 6 of us spent the night before being taking to the hospital. Pastor Lorne slept on the shag carpet right in front of the bath room. Actually I think he lay there and prayed for me as I moaned and groaned all night. Thank you Pastor Lorne. I feel much better today.

Maybe next time?

After leaving Fort St John, cell reception is virtually non existent till Watson Lake. We have arrived and will start our preparations soon. Just spending some time in the ‘sign village.’ We found our 2015 signs. There are about 600-700 km of a LOT of elevation change between Watson Lake and for St. John. The Northern Rockies are for real. Unfortunately that same stretch of road is mostly seal coated gravel. It will be a challenge and then some.

Things are going well and as planned. We have seen 12 black bears, 2 bisons, 5 elk, 4 Mountain sheep/goats so far.

A better picture

with the 2015 signs

At the top of the pole you can see our 2015 posters in the sign park in Watson Lake. It is great to have an opportunity to hopefully finish what we started 3 years ago

We found some water. Air in the motor home will take on a fresh scent after some much needed showers tonight

We are driving into some serious headwinds. I hope I get better gas mileage on my bike then this RV. Rick is taking it all in stride. Edmonton will be our day one destination.

I picked these guys up from the side of the road near Portage la Prairie. Welcome on board Paul and Rick

4 hours on the job, and already asleep

Family barbecue for Arvid’s farewell party and two birthdays in the group.