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TL; DR: Stupid wind…and sea crossings!
Ryan’s ride (all times in AKST): *Departed Shaktoolik (747.6) @ 1am *Arrived @ Little Mountain Cabin (761.6) @ 6:20a *Departed for Koyuk (791.7), crossing 30 miles of frozen sea with little/no markings, at 10:37a
When the WWW crew reached out to see if there was insight into Ryan, Julie, and Karl’s decision to leave Shaktoolik around 1am, the following was my response:
From Emily (dot watcher & InReach interpreter): I had some hypotheses... 1) they finally shook the pizza hangover, 2) the forecast called for increasing wind, and Ryan has PTSD from being holed up for an extended period of time in Little Mtn. Cabin with Asbjorn and Gavan during some insane wind last year...get while the getting is better, 3) they heard the rumor that they might still be able to beat the dogs to Nome.
From (actual racer) Ryan: Plan was always to leave around midnight. Rest while trail firmed up.
Emily again: Sounds like the longer stop at Little Mtn. wasn’t planned, but the wind picked up & they decided to cross in the daylight. The desire to be able to see was a moot point (not really) as the limited markings across the bay were drifted in. Never a dull moment! I've heard from him a couple of times as he makes his way across the sea ice..."only pushing" "it terrible". I messaged back he that he's made of tough stuff and to take it one big, heavy bike boot at a time...the decision to buy the new roomier (clunkier) & warmer (heavier) boots keeps on disappointing. At least the decision to go with the -45 vs. -60 sleeping bag has paid off....
*Pictures from last year’s sea crossing & confinement in Little Mtn. Cabin, today’s Trackleaders
What Say You Ryan?
Day 16: One thing I should be better about…
Pre-mailing bday cards (never going to happen, in or out of AK)
***Getting up n going (y’all know him so well)
Remembering to eat (he said about a week ago: “I’d probably be faster, but sometimes I just like to make a meal on the trail”)
Doing laundry (what laundry? I think there’s only one shirt)
Day 17: When I say Bering Sea crossing, you say…
“You know what would be really cool to see? A polar bear!”
“I’m getting closer to the finish line, so it’s well looked forward to”
“Headwinds. Better have that gear tied down good”
“Makes for the best photos!”
Comment with your guess and I’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!!
Mark W: The headwinds!
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