Lost with Mike
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      • Merchant's Millpond State Park, NC
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      • South Carolina and Back on my GS (2011)
      • Jaw-ja Trip #1 - Visiting my Nephew
      • Jaw-ja Trip #2 - Cousin's Wedding
      • "You rode 1300 miles for BBQ?!?" (2010)
    • Canada (eh) >
      • 2012 - Beards to Canada >
        • Day 1: Arlington, VA > Arlington, VT
        • Day 1-2 (Continued) Back to VA!!!
        • Day 3: Newburyport, NH > Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 4: Loafing around "The Neck"
        • Day 5: Sandy Cove, NS to Antigonish, NS
        • Day 6: Antigonish, NS to Meat Cove, NS
        • Day 7: Meat Cove, NS to Port Aux Basques, NFL
        • Day 8: Port Aux Basques to Port Saunders
        • Day 9: Port Saunders to Big Brook
        • Day 10: Big Brook, NL to Trans Lab Hwy
        • Day 11: Trans Lab Hwy to Pinware River
        • Day 12: Pinware River, LAB to Norris Point, NL
        • Day 13: Norris Point to Blue Beach
        • Day 14: Blue Beach, NL to Port Aux Basques Ferry
        • Day 15: Sydney, NS to Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 16: Chillin on the Digby Neck
        • Day 17: Sandy Cove, NS to No. Sandwich, NH
        • Day 18: Sandiwch, NH to Arlington, VA (Home)
      • Algonquin Park 2013 >
        • Day 1: Home to New York
        • Day 2: Chataugay State Forest to Brent, ON
        • Day 3: Brent, ON to Nipissing River Portage at Nadine Lake
        • Day 4: Nipissing River @ Nadine Lake Portage to first island in Red Pine Bay
        • Day 5: Red Pine Bay to Hogan’s Lake
        • Day 6: Hogan’s Lake to Catfish Lake
        • Day 7: Catfish Lake to Cedar Lake to Fredonia, NY
        • Day 8: Fredonia, NY to Brookville, PA
        • Day 9: Brookville, PA to Alexandria, VA
      • Think I'll ride to Montreal this weekend...
      • Ontario on a Whim
    • Maryland >
      • How to Hit a Tree, By ME!
      • Ruckus Stealth Camping in MD
      • Ruck'n around Southern MD
      • White's Ferry and some Maryland Backroads
      • 1000mi right near da' beach (2010)
    • New York >
      • Cornell, Niagara Falls and PA Coal Country (2012)
      • Finger Lakes trip to NY (2011)
      • New York City Trip (2011)
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      • Michaux Camping
      • From a Wedding to "Where-da-fugawi?"
      • Pennsylvania Leaf Peeping (2012)
      • First Big Trip to PA (2010)
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      • From the Mountains to the Sea in Ol' Virginny'
      • What the Fog? (Northern Neck, VA - 2013)
      • Uncle Bucks Ride to Eat and Snowy SNP
      • Charlottesville Area Ride
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      • Ruck'n Across Virginia (2010)
      • Impromptu Camping with 'DC Rider' (2010)
    • West Virginia >
      • Rella-Vous and Skippii Rescue
      • New River Gorge Ghost Town Exploration (2011)
      • Five States from Laurel Fork (Spring 2013)
      • A Little Dirt, A Little Clouds, A lotta Fun, WV (2012)
      • GS and an NSX? (2012)
      • Seneca Rocks Camping Two-Up (2011)
      • Panniers Only Club at Seneca Rocks, WV (2010)
      • Laurel Fork Fall 2010 on the Honda Ruckus 50cc (2010)
      • Dog Days Rally and Rella's Gift (2010)
      • Pops and Richmonders in WV (2010)
      • Rocket Boys (2010)
      • New River Gorge and Rella's (2010)
    • Cross Country 2009 >
      • Trip Preparation
      • Day 1: (Sept 3, 2010)
      • Day 2: (Sept 4, 2010)
      • Day 3: (Sept 5, 2010)
      • Day 4: (Sept 6, 2010)
      • Day 5: (Sept 7, 2010)
      • Day 6: (Sept 8, 2010)
      • Day 7: (Sept 9, 2010)
      • Day 8: (Sept 10, 2010)
      • Day 9: (Sept 11, 2010)
      • Day 10: (Sept 12, 2010)
      • Day 11: (Sept 13, 2010)
      • Day 12: (Sept 14, 2010)
      • Day 13: (Sept 15, 2010)
      • Day 14: (Sept 16, 2010)
      • Day 15: (Sept 17, 2010)
      • Day 16: (Sept 18, 2010)
      • Day 17: (Sept 19, 2010)
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69'000 miles on a      Honda Ruckus named
La Tortuga

Deadhorse Camp

7/30/2014

4 Comments

 
Picture
I arrived at Deadhorse Camp alongside Kendall C. and his Triumph Tiger 800. None of the doors had markings or signs to distinguish an entrance. Shortly, a man emerged and beckoned us inside. The warmth and shelter were a welcome surprise after such a difficult day. Kendall had a reservation for the night and each room came with two single beds. "Would you two like to share a room to cut rates in half?", asked the staff. I looked at Kendall's smile as he assessed me and the situation at hand. "After what we both went through crossing Atigun Pass today in the snow, I'd offer you a bed in my room." I was ecstatic. The kindness of strangers on motorcycles continues to amaze me. The first order of business however was dinner. The glorious buffet lasted only 15 more minutes and the chef beckoned us to chow down. I piled my plate high with salmon, rice, pasta, cornbread and more. The bountiful feast before me seemed unreal. My frozen boots and wet pants slowly warmed in the cafeteria as I enjoyed a meal with my new and much appreciated friend.

Picture
Never has a warm meal meant so much.

"Mike? You made it!!!" I looked up to see a jubilant Clare inch through the cramped cafeteria to give me a hug. Sam smiled from the table and rose to shake my hand. "I'm happy you two are okay!" I replied. They explained that they arrived the day prior and had wet but not nearly as snowy conditions for their 240mi push. I introduced them and Charles to Ken and proceeded to devour my plate, returning for seconds.

Picture
Charles, Clare, Sam and Ken
We sat and recounted each others stories over coffee. It meant so much to know these fellow riders had also endured the same crucible, albeit at a quicker pace and with heated gear, yet arrived safely. Kendall went down twice on the ice at Atigun Pass but fortunately was unscathed. A passing truck stopped and helped him right the heavy Tiger. Our conversation drifted to the Arctic Ocean tour and expedition shuttle that takes tourists on a sightseeing trip around the Prudhoe Bay Oilfield. The stop along the Arctic Ocean is the only way to actually set foot into the polluted body of water. Claire presented me with a small piece of driftwood. "Here take this little piece of the Arctic with you". I held the Y-shaped piece in my palm. It meant so much more after this day. It snuck safely into my breast pocket beside the gold cross from Kim V. and my passport.



Well fed and warming, it was time to pay for the extravagant meal. I was ready to pick up Ken's tab when he handed the clerk his credit card and paid for, not only the room, but also my meal! I was speechless. No matter of money pushing or protest would be accepted. He wished to treat me, the idiot who rode there on a scooter. I felt guilty and humbled all at once. We both fought the weather that day yet deep in his heart he held the capacity to care and be generous to me, a complete stranger. That day, Ken changed my life. I would be sure to pass it forward in the future whenever possible. Wow.

Picture
My mud encrusted stitch kept my body dry. I love that thing.

I unloaded some gear and quickly made my way to the showers. Steaming hot water thawed my weary bones. I moaned in absolute elation and release while my skin changed color back to normal as blood began to flow more freely to the whitened extremities. I savored the heat until it hurt then towelled off and retired to the single bed. Ken and I shared a few stories and events before fatigue overtook me. "I feel like I've been running on adrenaline for hours and it finally ran out" said Ken shortly before drifting off to sleep. Rainstreaks patterned the glass and ticked off the metal roof. I was safe, warm and dry. I had survived the trip from Coldfoot to the Arctic. I had achieved my "goal" to ride to Prudhoe Bay. A well earned smile stretched across my face and I fell fast asleep.

Picture
4 Comments
Tim (tastroman)
7/30/2014 02:04:25 am

Mike, I've been following along since the start of your trip and I would just like to say congratulations. When you set out I had my doubts whether a 50cc scooter would be capable of such a journey but holy crap, you did it. Here's to your adventurous spirit, your ability to plan and execute something that most people view as crazy, and for reaching your destination safely.
Also, now I can use your trip to demonstrate my sanity the next time someone calls me crazy for riding my scooter to work on a chilly day.

Reply
David Masse link
7/30/2014 03:36:31 am

Mike, I can only begin to imagine how reaching that goal must feel.

You managed to capture in words very, very well.

Simply amazing and inspiring. Very nicely done.

The question is, what's next?

Check out <a href="http://scootcommute.blogspot.ca/2013/01/preparing-for-adventure.html">this post of mine</a> about the meaning of adventure. The ideas are not mine, and are attributed to the original thinker(s) in the post.

That piece of driftwood is a fitting memento.

Reply
Holley
8/1/2014 08:58:32 am

Mike, beautiful writing, I got cold as I was reading it. Congratulations on your accomplishment, you certainly earned the right to be proud of it.

Reply
Mike Saunders
8/1/2014 09:38:28 am

Thanks Holley! Stay warm and dry out there today. I'll stop by College Coffee Monday for a sip before heading south. Ride safely!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Where is Mike?

    Mike Saunders

    In May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. 

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  • Scoot
  • Paddle
  • Pedal
  • Moto
    • The South >
      • Merchant's Millpond State Park, NC
      • BRP and a visit to Charlotte, NC
      • South Carolina and Back on my GS (2011)
      • Jaw-ja Trip #1 - Visiting my Nephew
      • Jaw-ja Trip #2 - Cousin's Wedding
      • "You rode 1300 miles for BBQ?!?" (2010)
    • Canada (eh) >
      • 2012 - Beards to Canada >
        • Day 1: Arlington, VA > Arlington, VT
        • Day 1-2 (Continued) Back to VA!!!
        • Day 3: Newburyport, NH > Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 4: Loafing around "The Neck"
        • Day 5: Sandy Cove, NS to Antigonish, NS
        • Day 6: Antigonish, NS to Meat Cove, NS
        • Day 7: Meat Cove, NS to Port Aux Basques, NFL
        • Day 8: Port Aux Basques to Port Saunders
        • Day 9: Port Saunders to Big Brook
        • Day 10: Big Brook, NL to Trans Lab Hwy
        • Day 11: Trans Lab Hwy to Pinware River
        • Day 12: Pinware River, LAB to Norris Point, NL
        • Day 13: Norris Point to Blue Beach
        • Day 14: Blue Beach, NL to Port Aux Basques Ferry
        • Day 15: Sydney, NS to Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 16: Chillin on the Digby Neck
        • Day 17: Sandy Cove, NS to No. Sandwich, NH
        • Day 18: Sandiwch, NH to Arlington, VA (Home)
      • Algonquin Park 2013 >
        • Day 1: Home to New York
        • Day 2: Chataugay State Forest to Brent, ON
        • Day 3: Brent, ON to Nipissing River Portage at Nadine Lake
        • Day 4: Nipissing River @ Nadine Lake Portage to first island in Red Pine Bay
        • Day 5: Red Pine Bay to Hogan’s Lake
        • Day 6: Hogan’s Lake to Catfish Lake
        • Day 7: Catfish Lake to Cedar Lake to Fredonia, NY
        • Day 8: Fredonia, NY to Brookville, PA
        • Day 9: Brookville, PA to Alexandria, VA
      • Think I'll ride to Montreal this weekend...
      • Ontario on a Whim
    • Maryland >
      • How to Hit a Tree, By ME!
      • Ruckus Stealth Camping in MD
      • Ruck'n around Southern MD
      • White's Ferry and some Maryland Backroads
      • 1000mi right near da' beach (2010)
    • New York >
      • Cornell, Niagara Falls and PA Coal Country (2012)
      • Finger Lakes trip to NY (2011)
      • New York City Trip (2011)
    • Pennsylvania >
      • Early Spring in PA
      • Michaux Camping
      • From a Wedding to "Where-da-fugawi?"
      • Pennsylvania Leaf Peeping (2012)
      • First Big Trip to PA (2010)
    • Virginia >
      • From the Mountains to the Sea in Ol' Virginny'
      • What the Fog? (Northern Neck, VA - 2013)
      • Uncle Bucks Ride to Eat and Snowy SNP
      • Charlottesville Area Ride
      • Serious Helmet Time in VA (2011)
      • Ruck'n Across Virginia (2010)
      • Impromptu Camping with 'DC Rider' (2010)
    • West Virginia >
      • Rella-Vous and Skippii Rescue
      • New River Gorge Ghost Town Exploration (2011)
      • Five States from Laurel Fork (Spring 2013)
      • A Little Dirt, A Little Clouds, A lotta Fun, WV (2012)
      • GS and an NSX? (2012)
      • Seneca Rocks Camping Two-Up (2011)
      • Panniers Only Club at Seneca Rocks, WV (2010)
      • Laurel Fork Fall 2010 on the Honda Ruckus 50cc (2010)
      • Dog Days Rally and Rella's Gift (2010)
      • Pops and Richmonders in WV (2010)
      • Rocket Boys (2010)
      • New River Gorge and Rella's (2010)
    • Cross Country 2009 >
      • Trip Preparation
      • Day 1: (Sept 3, 2010)
      • Day 2: (Sept 4, 2010)
      • Day 3: (Sept 5, 2010)
      • Day 4: (Sept 6, 2010)
      • Day 5: (Sept 7, 2010)
      • Day 6: (Sept 8, 2010)
      • Day 7: (Sept 9, 2010)
      • Day 8: (Sept 10, 2010)
      • Day 9: (Sept 11, 2010)
      • Day 10: (Sept 12, 2010)
      • Day 11: (Sept 13, 2010)
      • Day 12: (Sept 14, 2010)
      • Day 13: (Sept 15, 2010)
      • Day 14: (Sept 16, 2010)
      • Day 15: (Sept 17, 2010)
      • Day 16: (Sept 18, 2010)
      • Day 17: (Sept 19, 2010)
  • Photos
  • Articles