Looking back my time in the Yukon I feel privileged, honoured, fortunate and quite emotional. It was privilege to be with so many athletes of all nationalities who poured their minds, bodies and souls into this race. And it was an immense privilege to be there as Race Chaplain. I felt honoured to be made…

More than 300 miles, 7 days and some of the worst and best trail I have been on with a bike. 2 flat tyres, 1 temper tantrum when I nearly pushed the bike over the cliff onto the Yukon river and moments when the words of God and the beauty around me made me cry…

“I’ve looked at life from both sides now From win and lose and still somehow ….. “ The family deal was “you come back with all of your nose, toes and fingers – no dangerous risk taking” so sadly Pat has had to scratch. (Last time Pat did the race tragically someone lost their hands…

It’s been a bit like sitting in the cockpit waiting for take-off clearance during the air traffic control disruptions:  Looking at the dials and nothing is moving! After another long slog over a shorter 28 mile distance (and Pat had said it would be slow) she sort of appeared to get to Pelly Farm but…

So it was tough, the 77 miles Braeburn to Carmacks, really tough. The skidoos weren’t allowed to do it; the Crest Dog teams went by road for this section –  but the athletes?  They dug deep and went for it, hour after hour,  after hour. I don’t think those of us who have not actually…

There’s usually an easy way and a hard way to do things. This is the Braeburn Check point in the summer and the Yukon Highway direct to Dawson City.  At say 60 mph, that would be the easy way. Of course you could wait until its the coldest time of the year and pass over…

  Because Pat was very tired, she decided to go easy and start at the back. The early conditions favoured the bikers so before long she was up near the front. Then she appeared to stop at mile 54, just short of the Check point at Dog Grave Lake. And that was it for the…

So it’s my job to keep Pat’s friends and those studying crazy people, up to date as to her progress. In previous years,  I forgot what updates I told to whom and I forgot to tell some people altogether. My temporary adding to her Blog is meant to correct my failings! Except I don’t really…

Icycle were brilliant today. They replaced the damaged clip with a much better one, sorted my pogies to make them more wind proof and gave me some rubber gloves as a last resort vapour barrier for hands. And charged nothing. Romans 8:28 again – All things work together for good for those who love the…

Finally collected the bike from Icycle after many trips there. Last night I realised the gear lever wasn’t clearing the handlebars and tried to move it and ruined the threads – so it’s currently hanging off! So I need to go to Icycle again as soon as they open at 1000. But we have a…

Fancy a dip? The mighty Yukon may still be just above freezing because of the power station upriver but the air temperature is -15 plus windchill. Maybe not!

Much to my surprise (and an answer to prayer) both bags and the bike box arrived at the airport on the same flight as me and with only minor damage. This is the view from my hotel window – it’s now snowing but it’s so warm. Probably colder in the UK right now. Today I’ve…