Day 21, cont.: Elim (853.9) - Golovin (881.6)

 

Whilst you were sleeping, Ryan was motoring.  He arrived at Elim (853.9) with 43 miles on his legs, but his speeds leading up to arrival indicated he was feeling good and the trail was set up quite nicely.  We chatted only a minute... 

I can't stop laughing at this...I think this is the military building from last year that the Throuple of Walkers could see smoke coming out, indicating it was in use and warm...only to be completely ignored when they knocked on the door...probably too busy looking for balloons...

I had texted with some beta from veteran biker Troy (thanks again for all the "pro-tips"...it's almost like you've done this a time or two), a weather update, mileage between Elim & Golovin and the two shelter cabins in between (863 & and 875, respectively), and the time it took other bikers to make the trek (mind you, without a day's worth of miles on the legs already)..."What are you thinking you're going to do?" "I think I'm going to go to Golovin." YES!  (hindsight and all that) It was the right call, as risking having to move from Elim to Golovin after the storm didn't sound...ideal (overland trail with very little foot traffic, hilly, etc.)

He made great time, messaging me from the inReach to see if I could reach the point of contact in Golovin and let him know Ryan would be arriving late and whether he should go to the school (checkpoint and accommodations) or somewhere else given the hour. Frank is the POC and he is a true gem....I believe he was the one that took Ryan, Chris, and Daniel in last year when the village was closed for a COVID flare-up.  He gave them shelter and caribou stir fry and it was for sure one of Ryan's favorite places to stop. Back to present day, I sent Frank a text and he immediately responded with the most wonderful exchange I think I've ever had at 3am in the morning.

He arrived to Frank and Friend at 2:30am.  This means he put in almost 17 hours and 72 miles in the saddle yesterday, with only about an hour of stoppage (20 minutes at Kwik River Cabin and 40 minutes at Elim).  

The...understated Kwik River Cabin.  I can see why he wasn't lulled into staying longer ;-)

I know he's thrilled to have the ability to finally pedal and I'm naively hoping he'll be able to continue riding past Golovin...however, this storm might have something to say about that.  Snow accumulations are going to be minimal, but with wind gusts of over 50 mph (but "wind right on his ass to the waypoint" as my father pointed out 😂), the trail might be blown in.  I haven't heard from him since his arrival, so I hope that means he is taking a much deserved rest...I'll update again when there's a plan relayed!