Please follow this page for updates on this year's trip.

12th & 13th weeks' summaries

Let the fun continue (all the way home).

At Bowman Lake (in Glacier National Park near Polebridge, MT), I, with my brother Dave, did some hiking along the trail toward Upper & Lower Quartz Lakes, which brings up the most interesting animal of my trip NOT spotted. We met a woman hiking toward us who told us she had just seen a mountain lion on the trail ahead of her (toward us) which went off the trail into the woods to her right. We kept our eyes open & ears pealed, but heard & saw nothing, however the ground cover was fairly thick.
Other wonderful hikes were also taken including a tour, led by Dave, of his property at Polebridge, a walk to the Polebridge Mercantile & hiking with cousin Katie with her grandson Nathan & brother Dave to Logging Lake (9 miles round trip). On that hike I was very slow, stumbling my way up to the lake. I knew that I would have to be faster to arrive back at Dave's car before dark. So I jogged (more than just my memory) on the way back & found out that I was placing my feet better, stumbling less. Also in Glacier National Park, we took the (free) Shuttle to Logan Pass, where Dave & myself hiked to Hidden Lake. There was still snow covering the trail at places, adding to the challenge as we had no crampons (cramps maybe). We were able to spot ground squirrels & mountain goats up close & big horn rams a little further away.

A real thrill was on Wed., Aug. 24, when Jeanne's & my son, Mikkel, & his friend, Vivian McWilliams, showed up at the Deck's campground to greet me as I brought the Concours 14 motorcycle up to Polebridge from Whitefish, MT. They were on their way moving to Corvallis, Oregon, from Memphis & Baton Rouge respectively. Thus they were able to join the Lawson family reunion Pot Luck at Square Peg Ranch. The next morning the Quams (+ one McWilliams) packed up camp & departed West & East (Vivian & Mikkel to their new life in Corvallis & Joyce, Dave & myself to Minneapolis, MN, for our mom's 99th birthday).

The next challenge for me was to motorcycle from Polebridge, MT (just west of Glacier National Park), to Minneapolis, MN in 2 days, a daunting task. I traveled around the South of the Park, through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, through Havre, MT (where my mom grew up & my Lawson grandparents are buried) to spend the night at Wolf Point, MT (where the Decks lived at one time), - 570 miles. The next day from there to Minneapolis - 763 miles (my longest one day motorcycle mileage of the trip).

Via motorcycle, I picked up my lovely wife, Jeanne, at the Minneapolis airport after having not seen each other for 2 1/2 months. What a wonderful time we were able to spend in Minnesota with the birthday gal (my mom), my sister Eileen (with her offspring Flannery & Evan) & her husband Eddie, sister Patricia (whom I had already enjoyed spending time with in her home city of Seattle), & her sons: Alex (also visited in Seattle), Chris & wife Lisa with daughters Veronica & Iris, Mike & Margo with daughter Grace, Brother Dave & his wife Joyce (who took such good care of me at the Lawson reunion) & their daughter Becki (from Reno, Nevada). Definitely the 99th birthday celebration at sister Eileen's was the highlight. I enjoyed jogging to Minnehaha Falls with Becki (with several others walking there). It had the most water flow I had ever seen there. It was great to spend a little time in the Minneapolis area where I had grown up.

"On the Road Again"
I headed toward Indianapolis, Indiana (where we had lived just prior to our move to SC, 20 years ago), with a stop for the night just North of Madison, Wisconsin. This whole journey was about connecting with people, so it was with great pleasure that I was hosted in Indianapolis by our friends Denise & Cork Hendricks. We had a lovely evening out & then I got some much needed rest. Old friends are precious, I've known Denise & Cork for 37 years. The road beckoned & I was on my way to Xenia, Ohio, to Jeanne's oldest sister, Carol Lynne & Jimmy's. Jeanne drove up from SC & met me there a few hours later.

The next day we drove together (leaving the Concours 14 for blissful rest in OH) to my nephew, Matt (Dave & Joyce's son) & wife Ashley, daughter Kasia & son John's beautiful home in Dearborn, Michigan. This was for our next great adventure: Jeanne's nephew Jeff's wedding to the newest Jeanie of the family. We were blessed to attend both the Korean & English wedding ceremonies. Driving our car for the first time in 3 months, I learned it had an interesting handling quirk that it shared with my Kawasaki motorcycle: when my right hand was on the steering wheel or handlebar, they each displayed a shimmy, but when I took my right hand off, the shimmy disappeared. Very odd? Again it was a great time of family reunion as all of Jeanne's 4 sisters were there as well as countless other friends, in-laws & out-laws.

After this weekend of festivities, we headed back to Xenia & my old friend "Connie" (Kawasaki Concours 14 motorcycle).

Back in the saddle again, it was time to head home, but not before hurricane Lee had his say. The drenching rain & gale force winds commanded a halt just East of Knoxville, TN.

Weather being much better the next day, I completed my epic adventure, arriving home on Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 at 12 noon, after 3 months 1 1/2 days & 16,140 miles. Your support of me & the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's has been overwhelming. Together we are proving that one can live well with Parkinson's.

Next year the quest to improve the lives of People with Parkinson's continues as "I am back in the (bicycle) saddle again" as I bicycle from Edisto Island, SC to Anacortes, WA, 4,000 miles. Stay tuned here to get the "skinny" on Steve's (mis) adventures on the road.

Thank You All,
Steve Quam 

11th week summary-ending August 23, 2011

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven"
It was time for me to ride back to Montana for my Lawson family reunion. I headed to Rock Springs, WY, & then North to Boulder, WY, at twilight, coming into there in pitch dark. "No Vacancy" & no hope of finding any rooms further North closer to Yellowstone during Sturgis season. Also, no gas was available. With only enough fuel left to get back to Rock Springs, WY, I turned around & headed back & found a room at about midnight, 176 miles & 4 hours with no progress to show for it. On Tuesday, a new day dawned. The Grand Tetons & Yellowstone were beautiful, naturally. I camped at Lewis Lake in Yellowstone National Park. I then hot footed it to my cousin Sharon & Dick Dill's in Missoula, MT. During my time in the Rockies, I kept looking at mountains that I thought I could hike up, but didn't  think I had the time to try. Well, thanks to Sharon & her friend, Ruth Ann, we hiked up to the top of the lookout tower on Blue Mountain, above Missoula. Oh what view! It was great to meet the Lookout, Gene Miller. Last year his wife hosted me, however I missed meeting him because he was up Blue Mountain, looking out. On to Polebridge, just outside of Glacier National Park for the Lawson family reunion at Square Peg Ranch (previously owned by my uncle & aunt Hazen & Ruth, parents of my cousins Sharon & Katie). Before I reached there, the Concours 14  (motorcycle) was parked in Whitefish, MT (thanks Dianne Grove) with memories of the tough Northfork gravel road enroute to Square Peg. My brother, Dave, & sister-in-law, Joyce, provided the lift, wonderful food & company during the week's reunion. Thanks to cousins, Dennis, Doug & Danette for a wonderful place to camp. Joyce, Dave & I enjoyed a wonderful brisk swim in Lake Bowman (Glacier National Park). I set a personal record by swimming 45 min. in the glacial fed waters (as a kid, 10 min. was tops). Tune in next week for more fun in Glacier National Park.
Steve

10th week summary-August 18, 2011 Post

"On the Road Again, Just Can't Wait to Get On the Road Again"

The day after the grueling Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle, my host/friend Paul suggested "let's bicycle out to dinner". How could I refuse? 20 miles later I limped back to his home, being barely able to turn the pedals on the flat.  After bidding farewell to Paul & Barbara Brekus who hosted me for 8 days (oh what troopers!), I dropped off my "bike in a box" at UPS (it is now safely at home in SC), returned the rental truck and continued my motorcycle trek for Parkinson's awareness.

Being hard to top my special time with Paul B. & his 60 inch (wheel) penny farthing, I contacted my friend Ron in Kit Carson, CO, who converted a church building to become his home. I enjoyed 3 days sleeping in the choir loft, oh how heavenly. A special treat was my day spent with Ron and the seniors group. I was privileged to be asked to speak at their luncheon about my Parkinson's mission.

As I was awaiting word about Ray Heley's memorial service, I heard the "call of the wild" to spend some time in the mountains. I motorcycled up to the Snowy Range in WY to camp at Spruce Campground for 2 days and then back to Fort Collins to spend time with host, bicyclist & friend Steve (what a great name) & attend Christ United Methodist Church for the 2nd time this year (& neither time was Christmas or Easter). Steve, sensing that I might be having bicycle withdrawal symptoms, invited me to use his carbon fiber Cannondale road bike while he rode his mountain bike on the bike paths around Fort Collins, CO. Again I barely dragged myself back to his home after 25 miles. The next day, we gathered for Ray Heley's memorial service. Rev. Nancy Boswell (of Christ United Methodist Church) gave a moving tribute to Ray & the Naval Honor guard paid tribute & recognized his time in service. I appreciated the opportunity to meet Ray's children & relate to them about the special support I received from Ray both last year (as I bicycled across the country) & this year as I'm motorcycling for Parkinson's. In Ray, I have lost a true friend & those of us with Parkinson's have lost a great supporter.
"On the Road Again"
Steve

 9th Week addition:

Last week was the final build up to the Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle, 8/6/11. This has been by far the biggest challenge of my humble bicycling life, 78 miles with 2 climbs to passes over 10,000 feet, a 3rd climb above 11,000 feet & another pesky peak jaunt uphill.

I arrived at my friends & hosts, Paul & Barbara Brekus's home to a warm "welcome" & a large box in their living room. My boxed bicycle was front & center. Soon the bicycle was back in one piece & ready for a ride with Paul, but at a much lower altitude. You see, Paul rides a 60 inch (wheel) Penny Farthing with his head more than 8 feet above ground. Fellas note: this is the ultimate chick magnet, if you are willing to go through the learning curve to ride one. Paul can tell you about his learning experiences & you will probably change your mind. I was privileged to ride with Paul every day except Friday when I drove up to Copper Mountain.

Wednesday, I attended the Larimer Parkinson's Support Group picnic in Fort Collins, CO, with my dear (now) departed friend, Ray Heley just a few days before his death, & was honored with a "T" shirt & a chance to speak about my Parkinson's mission. On Thursday, I bicycled to Lookout Mountain, site of the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum & grave, a formidable 2,000 foot climb in itself. Oh what a beautiful view of Golden & Denver. If that was all I accomplished that week, I would have been much satisfied. On Friday, I rented a truck (Ford F150 with 4 wheel drive) to carry me & my bicycle up to Copper Mountain.

Then Saturday, 8/6/11, arrived. I started the ride at 5:46 AM, just as dawn was, well, dawning. I successfully completed the ride in the dark at 8:27 PM, 14 hours & 41 minutes later. The ride certainly lived up to its billing as a Challenge. This is not my victory alone, but our victory. Thank you for all your support, prayers & thoughts. We have demonstrated that by working together we can expand the possibilities for People with Parkinson's. The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's has taught us to celebrate our life victories, big or small. You need to celebrate your part in this large victory as a member of my team. I am a small part of a large team.

THANK YOU,
Steve Quam

 9th Week ending August 8, 2011

This should be a week of celebration, but my dear friend & host, Ray Heley, died yesterday.

I met Ray last year as I bicycled through Fort Collins, CO, on my 4,000 mile ride for the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. Like Andrew in the Bible, Ray Heley introduced me to many of the movers & shakers (know pun in 10 did) involved with Parkinson's in the Fort Collins area, including setting up an interview with a media mogul, Health Facility Administrator, Physical Therapist who set up the run for Parkinson's fund raiser & arranging a dinner with people that would be taking over his responsibilities with the Parkinson's support group. He put me up (for several days while my bike was in the shop), he put up with me. He introduced me to the Music Therapists at Colorado State University (THE place for Neurologic Music Therapy) & got me connected as a subject for a research study there. He got a donated massage for me. He got a grocery gift certificate donated for me. He got a bicycle shop (see photo of Ray & Steve~2010) to donate maintenance on my bicycle & bicycle trailer for me. He garnered support & generous donations from his church & Parkinson's support group to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's in honor of my ride. He drove me wherever I needed to go & provided me with ample delicious food both at home (see photo of Ray~2010) & in restaurants. He got me a "T" shirt from a Parkinson's support run  (twice). This year he put up with me again as he put me up, fed me, invited me to join him at the Parkinson's support group picnic & introduced me to their president, gaining me an opportunity to talk to the group about my Parkinson's mission.

He accomplished all these things with the enthusiasm & energy of a 20 year old (not an 89 then 90 year old on oxygen, which he was). Ray, whose wife had Parkinson's, put passion into action in his fight against the ravages of Parkinson's even long after she had passed away. My life, as a person with Parkinson's, has been greatly enhanced because of the efforts of Ray. I will miss you my dear friend.

Yes, I successfully completed the Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle (bicycle ride) & will discuss it more at a later time.
With prayers & thoughts for Ray Heley's family,
Steve Quam

PS~Be sure to read the 8th week summary below, too, as it has just recently been posted.

8th week ending July 31, 2011 summary "Oh What a Wonderful Life"

I met a motorcyclist, near Yellowstone National Park (free admission for us old fogies with a Senior Pass ) at a beautiful camera site/rest break, riding a BMW. I mentioned that I had already gone nearly 10,000 miles from SC to Fairbanks, Alaska, & was back enjoying the lower 48 (states). He replied "Oh, you're doing 'the Dream' ". And so it is true that most motorcyclists dream of riding to AK. So far, I've traveled 11,231 miles & will have gone around 15,000 miles by the time I arrive home in Anderson, SC, 9/5/11. The scenery has been fabulous in the mountain states of MT, WY & CO with animal sightings of hawks, prairie dogs, chipmunk, coyote, pronghorn family (delivered at home by my hosts), bison (more than 150 in one day - that's almost a bisontenial), more pronghorns, a bull moose, a buck, elk & countless homosapiens of the vacationing variety.

It has been a joy & a thrill to reconnect with many friends & relatives, & to meet new hosts (now friends) including: Alice, Tim, Brent & Vickie, Pat & Virgil, Dannette & Ray, Steve, what a fine name:-), & Marilyn, David & Victoria, John & Retha, Ray, and Paul & Barbara. Yes, I've been blessed with visiting & viewing some of the most beautiful places & wildlife on earth, but what stands out is the people/friends I have visited, been hosted by & shared with. We each have interesting rich lives and it is such an honor to learn about yours.
Thank you for your prayers & support. I can feel it every day.
Steve                    

 ...and now a word from Jeanne, Steve's wife:

Steve’s been riding in support of the Davis Phinney Foundation, because as critical as finding a cure is, he feels just as strongly about the Foundation’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. More than eighty percent of funds raised go directly to research, education and awareness programs.  Please visit their web site at http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org  for more information.

He has journeyed to Fairbanks, Alaska, on a motorcycle this summer (a major feat in itself), but is less than a week away from the absolutely biggest, hardest, most challenging one day BICYCLE RIDE of his life. While he rode his bicycle 4,224 miles solo over the course of 4 months & 2 days last year, his longest mileage in ONE day in that journey equates the COPPER TRIANGLE RIDE’s 79 miles. On Saturday, August 6, 2011, Steve will also bicycle 79 miles in ONE day with this Major difference: Wyoming’s relatively flat course (2010) rather than Colorado ski resort areas with 3 Peaks above 10,000’ (August 6, 2011). Since Steve has spent the past 8 weeks on a motorcycle, his fitness factor is considerably different than it was this time last year. HOWEVER, his enthusiasm and commitment to living well with Parkinson’s will help him overcome these obstacles.

Steve’s goal is to raise another $5,000 for the Davis Phinney Foundation. We would be honored if you would consider supporting Steve in this journey. We know that with the help of people like you, he’ll be able to achieve this goal. You may notice other Copper Triangle riders have their own donation page connected to the Copper Triangle Ride. Since the Copper Triangle BICYCLE ride is interwoven with the Peddling Parkinsons MOTORCYCLE ride to Fairbanks, all of Steve fundraising is combined on his own separate Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's web site. Contributing is easy. You can donate by credit card via Steve's page on the DPF site: sqpd.us
or US mail: 4676 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
or call toll free: 866-358-0285

As always, we are most appreciative of all your support with thoughts and prayers for both of us.
~Blessings! Jeanne

7th week summary-July 24, 201

RELATIVES, FRIENDS & HOSTS.
With cousin Katie Lawson & her husband Larry on their Gold Wing and me on the Concours 14, we enjoyed traveling some beautiful back roads including Chuckanut Dr. & visited the tourist town/trap of La Conner (so much fun, I later visited it again with my sister Patricia McHugh, friend/host Rich Rodgers & nephew Alex). Oh yes! the "all you can eat" crab legs (you'd crab too if someone broke your bones/shells & ate your insides) at the Casino. It was nice to celebrate Larry's birthday with his Folks. Then on to rain (naturally) & sister Patricia, her son Alex & my friend & host Rich's: Bellingham, WA, to Seattle. Highlights include: the Sculpture Garden, the Locks, Aquarium, the Wooden Boats Marina & great food. Finally it was time to leave/ride, which means: time to rain. And it sure rained, until I reached the East side of the Cascades. I spent the night in Newport, WA/ID, had a delightful Greek lunch with friend/2010 host Alice Vroman & on to friend/2010 host Tim Swilley's North of Bonner's Ferry, ID, for the night. We saw 4 elk, the most Tim has seen from his ranch since my bicycle visit last year. The spaghetti was terrific. Tim claims it is different each time he cooks it. I will check it out next year with my return bicycle visit. Next I found my way to Libby, MT. Do you know how? Last year as I bicycled through Libby, the children (during children's church) gave me a "T" shirt showing me where Libby was in the whole universe. Friend & last year's host Rev. Brent Wepprecht (don't ask me to say that 10 times in a row) invited me to join a Christian motorcycle rally. I enjoyed good camaraderie, God's beautiful landscape & wonderful food. Brent also hosted me at the parsonage. All & all a most wonderful week.
Thanks for all your prayers & support,
Steve

PS The picture of the covered motorcycle at the campsite was my HOME AWAY FROM HOME during Week 5 in Fort Nelson, BC

 6th week summary (July 18, 2011)

"On the Road Again" imagine the nasal warbling of Willie Nelson (Willie Nelson? Fort Nelson? is it a coincidence?, I think not).
Friday, 7/8/11, after 8 days in Fort Nelson, BC, Canada, my new front tire arrived, YEAH! Ladsco took my wheel off the motorcycle & drove me, the wheel & the new tire to Kal Tire to have it mounted on the rim (Canada has the solution to unemployment, have two businesses do the job of one), then back to Ladsco to reinstall the wheel on the motorcycle & give me two different promotional key chain rings for, my wife, Jeanne's key chain collection. I then filled up the gas tank & the auxiliary gas cans with high test (not always available in many of the remote areas where I had traveled), struck camp - whoops! - front tire pressure was too low. I went back to Ladsco & filled up with (hot?) air. Then I was truly "On the Road Again" to Dawson Creek, BC, saw a black bear along the road. 100 miles down the road, I stopped for gas & lunch, sharing a table with the across Canada bicyclist, "Steven", who greeted me with "hi Steve". I had met him two days before at the Visitor Centre in Fort Nelson. He is riding as a fundraiser for cancer. He got my I-Phone connected with the WiFi at the restaurant. It's nice to have helpers for us who are technologically challenged. His company was well appreciated but I had to get "On the Road Again" to Dawson Creek facing the worst rain & gale force winds of my trip. Hello Murphy, your law rules (beautiful days in Fort Nelson when off the motorcycle & lousy weather when riding). I limped into Dawson Creek to the Days Inn. As I walked (waded) to dinner leaning into the gusty wind, torrents of water flowed in the gutters & on the streets.
The next day the wind & rain were lighter for my ride to Snaring River Campground in Jasper National Park, just East of Jasper, Alberta. Coming into the campground, I saw a buck elk with a huge rack. I got gas & breakfast in Jasper in the morning - on to Kamloops, BC. It was a beautiful day & the world was right. Have you heard of Murphy's Law?, traffic stopped & the scuttlebutt was that a tanker truck had overturned at a bridge closing the hwy. I followed a group of cars that seemed to know where they were going on back roads. This was great until   ............... the surface turned to gravel & dirt. Have I mentioned that I don't do gravel & dirt? As soon as that happened the group of cars disappeared as I could only go at a much slower pace on the tenuous surface. Soon I was lost on Forest Service roads on a steep mountain FOR 50 MILES. Did I mention that I don't do gravel & dirt? When I reached pavement I was ready to kiss it except it would turn over the motorcycle. Still lost, I finally got to hwy 5 past the closure, which I later learned lasted for 14 hours. I camped at Paul Lake Provincial Park.
On to Vancouver, BC, I loved their rush hour so much I went through it twice, having missed the exit to the Peace Arch Crossing into the US lower 48 states. Once on US soil again, I met with hosts Stacey & Sean, having a wonderful time going to a Jazz Festival, enjoying the beautiful coastline & getting some problems fixed on the Kawasaki Concours 14. On to my cousin Katie & Larry for several days celebrating their birthdays. Wonderful hosts all. Now I'm safely at my sister Patricia's in Seattle, having a great time taking in the sites & visiting REI.

Thanks for your thoughts & prayers!
Steve

 5th week summary July 7, 2011:
From Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Did I mention Fort Nelson?
We rode into Fort Nelson, BC, on Thurs. June 30, '11, heading South. Upon inspection of my front tire, it was determined that it was down to the cord & unsafe for me to continue riding on it. I found a tire shop that would put a tire on the rim if I had the wheel off the bike & I had the tire for them (not). I was referred to another place that would do the same service. I visited a 3rd place that could order the tire & take the wheel off the bike but not put it on the rim (ahhhh, a plan). I ordered the tire that would not arrive until Tues. due to Canada Day state holiday, July 1 & places also being closed on Monday July 4 (out of sympathy for the US?). My buddies Doyle & Eddie wisely decided to continue riding as there was no reason for them to wait all that time for no reason (after all, their tires were fine). We were planning on parting company in a few days anyway as we entered the US in WA state.
Well Tues. arrived - no tire (Highway washed out near Prince George, BC)
Wed. arrived - no tire (?)
Thurs. morning arrived - no tire
Thurs. afternoon - Steve asks for Canadian citizenship, gets a job at a Fort Nelson tire shop...

Fort Nelson has a wonderful Museum next to the the campground with a barn full of antique cars & trucks, one over 100 years old, all in running condition. Several of these vehicles participated in the Canada Day Parade, July 1st.
And across the Highway (from the Museum) is the Visitor Centre, with free Internet & the computer I am using now. It is now my permanent address.
On Sunday, I attended services at the United Church of Canada & St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church (which met in the same building). I talked at both services bringing awareness of Parkinson's & was well received. At the UCC, I met the wife & the son of the old long bearded gentleman that restored & maintained the vehicles at the Museum.

I've been mostly walking & walking & walking as it is unsafe to ride my motorcycle, so I've come to learn a lot about the town.

Until next post...
Steve

4th (end June 30, 2011) week summary:

Animal, Vegetable or Mineral?

Well, I've seen a lot of minerals this week - meaning mountains. The crowning glory was our trip to Denali National Park in ALASKA (the highest mountain in North America). It was our longest day (time wise). We got up at 3 AM, left Fairbanks, AK, on our motorcycles at 3:15 AM for the Park (arriving at 5:45 AM) to find out that the ticket counter for people without reservations (that would be us) didn't open until 7 AM, even though bus tours were already leaving. When the counter opened (at 7:10 AM) we bought tickets for the 9 AM 11 hour tour to Wonder Lake as the 7:30 AM tour was full. We waited at the end of the line for the 7:30 AM tour in hopes that there would be "no shows" & as luck would have it, we were let on that ride. It was a cloudy rainy day, so we were extremely fortunate to join the "30% club". What's that? you might ask. Due to cloud cover, only 30% of the people on these tours actually view Denali. We were able, at various times & locations, able to get several views of the Mountain.

Animal: No, I'm not talking about my cohorts Eddie & Doyle. On the way to the Park, a moose tried to do the 2-step with Doyle (riding his Goldwing motorcycle). Fortunately, it was only a "close" encounter. We also saw more moose in the Park. We had 9 grizzly bear sightings (of 6 bears, as we think we saw the same 3 bears at 2 different locations & times), caribou, mountain goats, elk & eagles. After the tour we rode our motorcycles back to our cabin in Fairbanks arriving at 9:30 PM - 18 1/2 hours after getting up. Riding our motorcycles out of Alaska through the Yukon Territory to Fort Nelson, BC, we saw an eagle diving for food (fast food?), moose - including one bull with a full rack, 11 black bears (a mother & 2 cubs held us up on the Hwy, but not at "gun point"), 45 mountain sheep & 35 bison.

Vegetable: That would be me (Steve), for not replacing my front tire when one was readily available, for riding past when my muscles were too shot to balance the motorcycle during slow speed maneuvers resulting in 3 tip overs in 2 days & for not educating my riding partners about the dynamics of Parkinson's. Parkinson's shoots muscle control & puts life in slow motion as every simple task needs to be consciously thought through. Things such as putting on gloves (with fine motor skills that are no longer "fine") & filling the gas tank take so much longer than the average person. Murphy's Law is in effect: "Everything takes longer than it does".

Steve

 

 3rd week (ending June 25, 2011) summary:
Please repeat the mantra: RAIN IS MY FRIEND, RAIN IS MY FRIEND, RAIN IS MY FRIEND.
I'm in Fairbanks, ALASKA and it is hot and sunny. Yes, we have the air conditioner in our cabin on, can you believe it ?, just a 130 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
 
Let's discuss June 21st, the first day of summer, 621 miles. If Yu-kon, I can too.
621 miles of rain ("Rain is my friend"), road construction ("Destruction"), slick mud, deep mud, gravel, deep gravel, sand, which I wrestled over 1,000 lbs. of man and 2-wheeled machine. That day we traveled from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. On June 24th, we arrived on USA soil again, ALASKA, and the roads were better, and our fried nerves were soothed. This is really a beautiful state. This past week we saw a herd of bison on both sides of the road, baby foxes, and many (black) bear. This week, a seagull tried to intercept Doyle.

For NOW, enjoying the sunshine and the BEAUTY!
Steve

x

2nd wk's (end 2011.06.19) summary:
"Great Expectations"
Imagine riding through some of the most beautiful areas of the world in an open air vehicle (whether a motorcycle, bicycle, convertible or open top "Jammer" - 1930's tour bus in Glacier National Park) and not being able to see or enjoy much due to rain & snow. That was this past week - even "Going to the Sun" Rd. in Glacier was closed (one of the greatest roads to drive in the world).But there were still highlights, seeing family - the Howards in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, seeing Athabasca Falls with such tremendous water flow (near Jasper, Alberta), seeing many Elk (one with a huge rack), Bison (and it isn't even the Bisontenial), a hawk trying to wing it with Doyle on his Goldwing, a Raccoon that lost out to Doyle's front wheel & a Deer that beat that same wheel while quickly crossing a 4 - lane, the beautiful gardens in Banff, the gorgeous mountains all around on the Icefield Parkway, the Columbia Icefield itself, Sunrift Gorge in Glacier National Park & the Lodge at East Glacier, MT. I guess now that I think about it, there has been much to be thankful for. I'm also thankful for my buddies Eddie & Doyle who keep going, keep me going, regardless of the weather. I couldn't do it without their support.
Steve