Today I can happily say that the website is up and running. My cousin Dana did a terrific job I couldn't be more excited. Now that the site is online I can really start searching for sponsorships as well as organize the ride. I need to include a map of the route as well. I've been working on setting up speaking venues for the Pedaling for Empowerment & Peace Pedalers tour down the west coast. It has been a bit more work than I originally expected. Working with a non-profit budget makes things rather challenging.

I've been keeping busy having fun in Alaska in the meantime. Work has been busy but I've been able to squeeze in a couple adventures. It all started on the summer solstice where a sleepless night is a tradition. Work starts at 5:00 AM so this wasn't very appealing at the time. However, after a couple of drinks staying up suddenly became a great idea. Along with Lawrence and my South African friend Lisa we sat at a bar with an amazing view and watched the arctic glow. Nights without darkness pass quickly and the solstice was no exception. After leaving our perch on the mountainside we made our way back to the village and joined a larger group of friends having a fire on the beach. After some time here I decided I would cheat and get an hour or so of shut eye. I had to sneak away because everyone was trying hard to convince me to stay. After my escape I made my way to my bed for a short rest. The next day at work was interesting to say the least. It was ok though because I had a great excuse and everyone was in the same boat.

A couple days later it was time to bring my bike out after a week or so without any attention. It is difficult to find a new place to ride when you live in a remote area with one road. I've been south, I've been north. I've been all through the park but never on my bike so I headed up to the entrance to get a perspective other than one from the bus. It was a

crew of two that included Leah and I. We made our way up the 2000+ foot gain in the first 6 miles or so and after that it was cruisin all the way to Savage River. The ride was beautiful to put it lightly. After a brief break at Savage we headed back out. On the way in I had spotted a Caribou sleeping in a riverbed from a distance. It was still there on the return trip so I decided I wanted another look. I made my way on foot to a closer spot for a photo. He had likely heard my approach and once we were in view of one another he was standing. I captured a few photos and made my way back to my bicycle. The remainder of the ride was relatively easy being mostly downhill. It was nice to pull into the village after the 30+ miles of riding. Not a bad distance to squeeze in after a full day at work. I'm really hoping to start riding longer distances more frequently. It's going to become necessary soon considering a ride from Vancouver to San Diego is only two and a half months away.