May 2009 – Leaving UK
Courtesy of www.SladeRide.com…
Well, phew, I’m here, Alaska. Fairbanks. Check out ‘Where am I‘ option at Sladeride.com to see my latest location (uses a GPS tracker thingy seeing as I’m a bit of a wayward child and need to be monitored!). I fly to Prudhoe Bay (‘the top’) with the bike on the 27th…
Leaving the UK was of course hard and … very difficult at the airport but chin-up as they say 
and onward. Charles (the bike) is packed and so far has been on 2 of the 3 flights to get to the starting point at Prudhoe Bay.
I had a lovely few days with Frank, Dawn and Eamon (aka ‘Eamo’) in Seattle (great city) which was needed after nearly 6 months of pure ‘hecticness’ in the planning and prep (bike, kit, flats, visa, getting my head around it all) and am currently sitting in ‘Billie’s Backpackers Hostel’ in Fairbanks sharing a room with someone from Shropshire, as you do.
Next few days will comprise: sleep, chilling, films, writing, last minute kit purchases (mace, ‘bear bell’, spare tyre for bike just in case oh, and a lock!) and food purchase for 2 weeks plus of ‘wild camping’…
Lastly, thank you again to everyone who has been so supportive of what I’m doing – it counts for a huge amount see ‘Thanks’.
Jonathan, we can’t wait to watch the adventure unfold. Stay safe and ENJOY it.
Hey Jon,
awesome site…amazing concept and can’t wait to read more. Take care with Charles
Glad you’ve made it – and the GPS thing is actually quite cool, so I take my comments back!!!
See you in a few weeks… I’ve already packed my one t-shirt and will collect the anti bear device/bazooka upon arrival.
Enjoy the cycling.
Am impressed. Will definitely be keeping tabs on your progress. Take care.
Go Charles and Jon (and Jon’s facial hair)!
Very impressive – the most adventurous person I know.
Been watching the “where am I now” waiting for action! Good to know you’re there and about to begin the big adventure. Jealous? I should coco. Looking forward to hearing all the great stories which are bound to be forthcoming. Have a fantastic time.
Hey Jon – sorry we didn’t talk before you left but good luck mate! just amazing! rome.x
And don’t forget the buttockular salve.
Good luck Jon! Tell me if there is anything that I can do.
Jen xx
I like the low-tech build! Where does the paper towel middle reattach?
Hey – when’s the phone call?? Remember what I told u bout my BF list!!!
))
Who is going to look after my junk mail now? (Good luck…)
Know that we’re here in the states rooting for you. You’re living out an adventure many of us can’t do.
john, we’re watching your progress. you’re doing well. keep it up. we’re in fairbanks now. jack/linda from the arctic ocean tour.