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TL; DR: Sea crossing - “it terrible”; Koyuk school - “it nice”
Ryan’s ride (all times in AKST): *Arrived in Koyuk (791.7) @ 12:42am, crossing 30 miles of frozen sea with a relentless, “stiff” headwind in 14 hrs. *Next up is Elim (836), with the Kwik River Cabin (21-24 miles from Koyuk, unsure what route he will take)
Welcome home Ryan, you are again amongst the feet people!! Yesterday, Ryan did a 50k on foot, pushing his bike for the entirety of the sea ice…I was excited to tell him this was his first ultra on foot since he did the 1000 in 2022, but he ruined my fun by reminding me that he pushed his bike for 70ish miles from White Mtn. to the finish last year. Whatever.
No, it sounded like yesterday’s sea crossing wasn’t the most fun he’s ever had on the trail (or crossing the Norton Sound for that matter), the wind joining forces with the barrenness to make for a torturous 10 miles of village lights not seeming to get any closer. His hard work was rewarded, though, with one of the most hospitable school stays of the trek. Food, WiFi, mattresses, SHOWER, friendly & caring faces, PIZZA ROLLS. We chatted while he ate oatmeal and drank coffee, reporting nary a thing wrong with body or bike (there was a slight concern his boots might have caused blisters, having only one pair of socks on and that much walking, but nope!).
Lead dog teams arrive in Koyuk while Ryan re-sorted the bike, but our racers are kept out of the dog race melee. Sounds like if he gets back on the bike in the next little bit, he may get to encounter the dogs on the trail. But first, must reup on the Libby (we/me finally figured his pin!)!
Pictures from sea crossing & Koyuk
What Say You Ryan?
Day 17: When I say Bering Sea crossing, you say…
“You know what would be really cool to see? A polar bear!” (if I gave him this multiple choice, he might have changed his mind)
***“I’m getting closer to the finish line, so it’s well looked forward to” (it’s also nice to get out of the way because if it’s not safe to cross, race ends in Shaktoolik)
“Headwinds. Better have that gear tied down good” (he did lose a sleep pad once, but that was on the Yukon)
“Makes for the best photos!” (true, but so do a lot of other places)
Day 18: One thing you can’t live on the trail without….
Butter (ok to freeze, add to anything for extra yum & calories)
Vaniply ointment (IYKYK, but battles everything from chafing to chapped lips)
Black Diamond headlamp (I like to see the critters eyes at night, especially the Australian rabbits)
Coffee (it’s never not needed, nor welcomed)
Comment with your guess and I’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!!
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