[qayaq_alaska]

Bjorn Olson and I spent ~ 5 days of biking on the Upper Kuskokwim River. Stoney River Village to Aniak.

The River dealt it out in typical Kusko fashion with temps varying from -25dF to 50dF (yes, ~75 degree range) and trail conditions ranging from perfect hardpack and truck trail to glare-ice, soft-snow post-hole'in, overflow and even open-water.

Visited in all villages along the way, talking with students regarding UA programs in Science and Engineering, displaying the fatbikes, and meeting with community members.

Was a good shakedown for just about any conditions a winter fatbike will encounter...all in all a good trip.

Link to photoset:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinleonard/sets/72157600053762139/

Link to slideshow:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinleonard/sets/72157600053762139/show/

ML

.

 

[patirwin]

cool

Martin and Bjorn,
glad you guys were able to do it. Sounds like a pretty cool ride.
I wanted to come join you but the stars just didn't line up, and wound up riding to Tyonek and back for my big winter ride. Yahoo!!!
So glad you guys had a great trip and thanks for sharing our passion with the villages. Anything we can do to promote something new, and healthy lifestyles, is always a good thing.
Send more pics,
Pat

 

[Mesotony]

tyonek and back?

on the beach? Pat?

 

[R.T.R.]

There was, and I mean was, an iceroad. I know a guy who drove his Toyota P.U. over there earlier this winter.

 

[patirwin]

Drivable

Yes, Tony, I rode almost to Tyonek and would have if I hadn't lost the road for a few hours at the Big Su, and it is/was in fact, a road ride. I took Pugs but would have been better off with good 2.1 studs. My shoulder is still reminding me that studs would have been better...
Pretty brainless ride: Pt Mac, stay on the gasline(note: don't follow the iceroad down the Su) until you hit a gravel road near Beluga, ride to Tyonek, turn around and go back. About 100 miles. Better than nuthin' I suppose....
But I don't want to take away from what Martin and Bjorn did on the Kusko. I'll post some Tyonek ride pics soon and we can talk about it then, but for now I want to emphasize what a great and good thing those boys did by sharing our passion to the villages on the lower Kusko. They're having some rough times in our villages throughout the state, with suicide being the latest thing to make the news, and anything that can excite and give hope to those that are at their end, especially the 17-25 ages, can be nothing but a good thing.
Martin has been working with young villagers for many years in his outdoor program, and I commend him and Bjorn for continuing this mission. And the best part is they got in a cool ride while doing it.
So I urge anyone who is planning a winter ride in the state next year, or a summer one, to think about the locals you'll be meeting and talk to them and share your excitment. If nothing else, give them something new to think about. Share your passion...it's contagious

Pat

 

[qayaq_alaska]

Pat, Re: villages, point well taken...and...

it is very exciting to pedal or paddle into a community...you're treated much differently, I think with more respect immediately, coming in 'off the trail' and under ur own power than 'off the plane'.

Pat...I have been traveling to Northern villages for sometime, yes...lost count at 150 villages...from SE Alaska to the Atlantic Ocean (there's a geography lesson for ya' *winks*), even the Russian far east...mostly via kayak - some by bicycle!

None of this would have been possible without the use of local knowledge for both route-finding and general survival. One of the most rewarding aspects for me personally is sharing trail info and antecdotal stuff with local folks...always a good story to be had. If you're a good listener ur going to learn alot more.



Point: Smart travelers will take advantage of the access they are granted to that traditional base of knowledge...

Also...for tourists and even Alaskan's...folks often times forget that 'People Live Here'. We may be on our own little 'zen wilderness foray' but the trail ur riding or the camp or village ur passing probably has existed for eons. It was put-in by someone who actually 'lives there'. I've heard tourists and other travelers complaining their 'once in a lifetime wilderness experience' was RUINED when they saw local folks traveling or on or using the land. WELL HELL...that guide book forgot to mention that people actually live there! TFB!



Point: Respect local traditions and nuances...ur traveling thru someones backyard!

Quyana for the topic discussion.

Yes, Tony, I rode almost to Tyonek and would have if I hadn't lost the road for a few hours at the Big Su, and it is/was in fact, a road ride. I took Pugs but would have been better off with good 2.1 studs. My shoulder is still reminding me that studs would have been better...
Pretty brainless ride: Pt Mac, stay on the gasline(note: don't follow the iceroad down the Su) until you hit a gravel road near Beluga, ride to Tyonek, turn around and go back. About 100 miles. Better than nuthin' I suppose....
But I don't want to take away from what Martin and Bjorn did on the Kusko. I'll post some Tyonek ride pics soon and we can talk about it then, but for now I want to emphasize what a great and good thing those boys did by sharing our passion to the villages on the lower Kusko. They're having some rough times in our villages throughout the state, with suicide being the latest thing to make the news, and anything that can excite and give hope to those that are at their end, especially the 17-25 ages, can be nothing but a good thing.
Martin has been working with young villagers for many years in his outdoor program, and I commend him and Bjorn for continuing this mission. And the best part is they got in a cool ride while doing it.
So I urge anyone who is planning a winter ride in the state next year, or a summer one, to think about the locals you'll be meeting and talk to them and share your excitment. If nothing else, give them something new to think about. Share your passion...it's contagious

Pat

 

[qayaq_alaska]

Pat, link to:

the Flickr photos set posted in the original posting. some more photos there!

You can also view them in slideshow form!

Videos to come!

ML

So glad...
Send more pics,
Pat

 

[qayaq_alaska]

View the VIDEO here:

oooops...youtube gave me grief...had to split the video...now you've got a two part'er!

about 10mins combined length but some good shots...ENJOY!

-----------------------------

Makes you long for winter again...

Martin

_________________

Kuskokwim River Fatbiking Part 1
Direct weblink:

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[CrystalBay]

Nice job ....M