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Sorry for the massive delay. Click on the link below.
NEW PICTURES
The pictures are categorized as
1. state line pics
2. Idaho to Alaska
3. Wisconsin to Wyoming
Enjoy the pictures.
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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Fact of the matter is, I never thought I would get this far into the blog. But here we are in Anchorage not really sure of how far we have truly ridden. To tell you the truth, I may never know because the trip has been so long, it's hard to put everything together. We'll have a lifetime of memories to ponder over and maybe, someday it will hit me. To say this was simply a bicycle ride would be wrong in many ways. Bicycle was just a means to meet new people, see new places, get the exercise of our lives, eat what we want, and really find out about ourselves. First and foremost, I like to thank all of the people who have helped us out along the way. Infact, I like to say we could not have made it without your help. Of course our initial intention was to do it ourselves. From food, shelter, donations, road directions and encouragement, help came is many different forms. In hindsight, my only conclusion is because of your help, we have made to Anchorage. Thank you will never be enough to have made our journey possible. This continent is big beyond pictures or words. To everyone reading, take the time out of your lives to travel and see the world. Whether it's on a bicycle, car, motorcycle, RV or even on foot, find out about the world in which we live on. Not only will you learn something wonderful, but you'll also understand and learn a lot about yourselves. The more you know and understand our enviroment, the more connected you'll feel with the world. I been often asked why I chose to do this excursion. The more I think about it, the harder it is to answer. There are several answers but I'll keep it simple. First, it was the physical and mental challenge of doing any ride of this duration. Second, it was to meet new people across US and Canada. Just a little converstion with a stranger can open your eyes and mind to new ways of looking at life. I needed to get out of my "fishbowl" Third and probably strongest reason why I chose to do this was Lewis and Clark. I wanted to feel what they felt like when they treked across this continent. Of course everything we saw has already been discovered but not by me. There is nothing like seeing something with your own eyes. Books, magazines, and TV is not the same. I know that for most people including me that the previously mentioned media will be the only way I get to see some parts of the world, but if I have a chance to see it on my on I am taking the opportunity. Will I do something like this again. Touring is in my blood but I will scale it down. I plan on week long and weekend journeys. I like to do something grand again but I am going to put that aside for now and concentrate on my career. I hope we have inspired some of you to pursue what you dream of. It may be as simple as learning to play the guitar or climb Mt. Everest ( that's a really tough one!). Whatever the task, plan well, take baby steps, and never lose focus of what you desire. It can and will happen. Thank You to everyone who has donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Every penny raised goes to the organization to help people afflicted with cancer and cancer research. Your donations means a lot to the organization and me. I decided to get invloved with this charity because it will effect me someday directly or indirectly. To fight Cancer will require tremendous effort and I wanted to be a part of that. Special thanks goes out to Susannah, my finace and my family in Las Vegas. Susannah has supported me in many ways to make the trip possible. She has changed my life for the better in every aspect, I don't know what I do without her. Thank you, I love you!! I have to also thank my mom, sister, stepdad, aunt, James and the two pomeranians for supporting me all the way. Thanks for making my dreams come true. Lastly, Thanks to everyone following the blog. It means a lot to me to have shared this journey with family and friends. *** I promise to have new pictures up and I will have the website running for another year. Please pass on the word about the site. **** Also, I am planning to make a DVD slide show. If you would like a free copy, please e-mail me ( jinlee1975@hotmail.com) your home mailing address and I'll send one out to you. Give me about a month so I can do it right. For the last time.... Good night.
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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Sutton, AK to Anchorage, AK
15 miles
Holy Moly, I can't believe we made it. 5 time zones, 16 states, 2 provinces, and 7200 miles all on an overlaoded bicycles. I really can't believe our bikes have held up, especially through Alaska Hwy.
When we saw the sign for Welcome to Anchorage, I had mixed emotions. I suppose it was a dull sensation. I knew we could make it here but to actually have done it seems so awkward. I look back on how long and hard the ride has been and it's a miracle we're here. I think it will take a while for it to soak in or it may never soak in.
North American continent is huge, take our word for it. We have seen some of the most interesting places, met some of the nicest people, and consumed a lot of food we shouldn't have. Although the weather hasn't been our best friend, overall it has been pretty good. Infact, we have had spring all year long. Some area has been hot but not like what Atlanta is feeling right now.
As far as our health, we can easily say we're in the best shape of our lives. Glenn is a lean mean machine now. Six Gap will be a walk in the park.
This ride has been a character building experience for both of us. We were tested with physcal and mental tasks everyday. Truly far beyond what we thought we were capable of.
Ray at The Bike Shop has helped us out tremendously. He has given us a place to stay until our friends arrive and helped us out with boxing our bicycles.
Special thank goes out to Trip Campbell with Genacol. He has helped us out in more ways than one from Key Largo. He also gave me the contact to Ray as well. Thank you very much.
I have one more blog to write as well so please stay tuned.
WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good night.
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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Sutton, AK to Eagle River, AK
45 miles
We're in spitting distance to Anchorage. Mixed emotions is the best
way to describe how we feel. Excited to finish this unbelievable journey
but sad because, well the journey is over. Discovering new places and
meeting new people was the highlight of the trip.
We ticked away miles and I suppose the adrenaline is working overtime
because I didn't feel any of the usual aches and pains. All I tried to
do in my mind today was comprehend how far we have actually ridden. I
had an extremely difficult time doing so. There will be no words to
describe the full extent of the journey. I can only write so much on the
blog, you guys would get bored anyway, it just scratches the surface
of the trip. It will be a lifetime of memories.
We are really excited about our good friends Andi, Marta, Carl, Sandra
and my fiance, Susannah flying up here to meet us. We will be in
staying in Girdwood which is just south of Anchorage. To Kristina and Adam
from Waynesville, NC e-mail me at (keytoanchorage@pocketmail.com) if
you're up here between Aug 18th to 25th. To friends flying up here, if
you can look out the window from the plane when you fly over Canada. If
your lucky, you'll get to see some of the icefields as well as the
glaciers. You guys will also understand what we mean by sparse.
Only 13 miles to the destination. I know, I can't believe it either.
Good night.
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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71 miles west of Glennallen, AK to Sutton, AK
54 miles
Woke up from my tent and the first thing I see is a glacier. Touring
life can be incredibly rewarding.
Winds were picking up today as a cold front was moving in. That means
rain and cold rain at that. We made it a mission to stay underneath a
shelter tonight whether it be an awning or a roof over our heads.
Our destination for the day was Sutton. More specifically, the Sutton
Baptist Church. After talking to Pastor Dan, he has accommodated a
place for us for the night. Overby's, church members, stepped in and
offered us their RV for the night. It was so nice to not pitch the tent for
the night. Thinking about it, we have camped out every night since
July 3rd. We needed a break. Thanks Charlie and Laurel.
We were even offered much needed showers, pizza, and rhubarb crunch for
dessert. Yummy
Can you believe it, we're only 60 miles from Anchorage!
Good night.
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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16 miles west of Glennallen, AK to 71 miles west of Glennallen, AK (Hwy1)
55 miles
Glaciers are filling the scenery along the ice fields. So big are the
glaciers, I can easily see the flow 10 miles away. Mountains behind the
glaciers are completely covered by snow. Unreal!
Anticipation of arriving at our destination is killing me. I just have
to remind myself that we still have a substantial ride left. I am
trying to soak in the amazing landscape as much as possible. This is an
incredible way to finish our bicycling journey.
Luck was on our side today for lunch. We made it to a restaurant just as
they were finishing up serving lunch to a tour group. When we walked
in the cook who was the only one working and was too busy to serve us.
She was shutting down in 5 minutes. I suppose she felt a little bad
for letting us go hungry so she said to help yourself to the sandwich
and soup bar as much as you want at no charge. Naturally, we loaded up
and had a delicious lunch on the deck overlooking a creek. She had a bad
back so we helped her bus the tables. Both parties walked away happy.
Timing is everything in life
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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31 miles north of Glennallen, AK to 16 miles west of Glennallen, AK(Hwy1)
47 miles
Closer we get, the more energy we're feeling. The hills don't bother
us, the bland food actually tastes ok, and aches and numbness don't seem
to exist. We're on a high.
Nicola and Sophie have have split from us. Valdez is their next
destination and a ferry will take them to Anchorage. It was wonderful to
have shared just a few days together. In a couple of years, they are
hoping for a around the world trip. Wish them all the best in their
endeavor.
What a splurge we had today. Since it was our last lunch together, we
split a quart of ice cream amongst the four of us. We also said good
bye with a round of local Alaskan beer. Ride all day and you can eat as
much and practically anything you want.
We're savoring every moment because we know the ride will be over in a
blink of an eye. Hard to imagine we're less than 170 miles from
Anchorage. It's not over yet. We're still living one mile at a time.
Good night.
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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54 miles south of Tok, AK to 31 miles north of (Glennallen, AK Hwy 1)
55 miles
When bicycle touring, sometimes things go bad. We had our moments but
a tourist we met this morning tops everything I've experienced.
I don't know his name but he is from Japan. He is making a big loop
throughout Alaska and Canada. We met him on the hwy this morning as we
pulled out on to the road from camp. He came up to us and asked for
mechanical help. His rear axle was overtightened and he had broken a
spoke. It took no time to fix him up temporarily until he could get to a bike
shop. The bad event was when he was in Anchorage area, he was hit over
the head by someone and his backpack was stolen. Couple of days later,
law enforcement arrested the thief and he was able to get his bag back.
It wasn't too long later that he got the same bag stolen again.
Unfortunately, he was unable to recover it this time. He had to buy all
new equipment. Give the guy a break.
He was in good spirits though. Good luck to him.
Our ride consisted of riding around Mt. Sanford. We have the view of
the mountain but from the backside.
Nicolas pointed out a great campsite along a small creek. Very choice
spot. We cut some rhubarb from a convenient store today. They had some
growing so we asked if could have some for desert tonight. Nicolas
used his mom's recipe and it was delicious. He simply poured a cup of
sugar and cooked it over fire. This is camping at it's finest.
Congratulations to Texas 4000 for completing their trip. They finished
on the 10th of August.
Good night.
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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Tok, AK to 54 miles south of Tok on Hwy 1, AK
54 miles
Weathers wonderful, roads are smooth and flat and we have less than 275
miles to Anchorage. That's a good day.
Nicolas and Sophie will ride with us until they turn off to go to
Valdez. Jungle headed away from us towards Dawson City. We'll miss him, he
was a very funny not your typical Canadian.
We loaded up with 5 days worth of food so we're a little heavy. It's
weight I certainly don't mind carrying.
Today, I found these killer headphones along side the road today.
They're like the earmuff style headphone. I didn't know my I-Pod sounded
so good. It blocks out all noise including cars. That may not be a
good thing.
We pulled over along a side of the road and decided to camp. What we
didn't realize at that moment was we had a straight shot view of Mt.
Sanford which stands at 16,230 feet. When we initially set up camp, the
top was covered up by the clouds. In a period of about 3 hours, the
clouds slowly disappeared to reveal the whole mountain. Over time, the
mountain was getting higher and higher. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Since we're standing at 2200ft, looking up at over 16,000ft is unreal.
The mountain is mostly covered in snow and it's miles and miles wide. We
been getting pretty lucky with campsites. It should be, we're pro's
at his touring thing now!
In fact, we're so good, we had sloppy joes for dinner tonight! Hey, it
beats pasta and definitely beats peanut butter.
Good night.
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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7 miles south of Northway Junction, AK to Tok, AK
56 miles
Town of Tok is the northern most point on this trip for us. We know
this because the sun never seems to completely set.
We met two other cyclist from Belgium today. Actually, they have been
tailing us for month. They started in Vancouver and their destination
is Anchorage. Nicolas and Sophie are their names and they have decided
to tag along to Tok. The group now totals 5 riders. It's a little
weird but great to have such a big pack to ride with.
We made a mad dash for Tok General Store where they were selling us
their pastries for nearly 1\2 price. We're talking homemade muffins,
cherry and blueberry pies, bearclaws, and other sugar goodies. All 5 of us
left there a with big ol' sugar buzz.
We topped to night off with a 12 pack of Hamm's beer and 6 pack of Bud.
After detoxing from alcohol in Canada, this was well deserved. Good
job Glenn. Can't complain much about today.
Good night.
Jin, Glenn, Josh
1 mile at a time...
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Posted by Jin Lee at
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