Gerard - another kind of hero

This is Gerard, a veteran and an athlete competing in a handcycling bike race in Fairbanks.

Met him during a rest stop this morning outside of Talkeetna.  He served from 1995-1999 and was injured when he was run over by a boat. Gerard was very quiet-spoken, had beefy arms and was missing his right leg.  Our meeting was brief, but it was an honor.

Veteran's Memorial

Veteran's Memorial, Denali State Park

Very surprised to find this awesome tribute in the middle of my 98-mile scenic stretch.  All five branches represented - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.  Nice rest stop.

Sunny day with temps in the mid 70's. Great biking day!

Mush! I say...MUSH!

Leaving Cantwell and heading south to Anchorage.  

Up at 5:30 a.m. to take the sled dogs out for a 5-mile pull on the ATV with  my wonderful  host, Jayne.  Her husband, Bob, pulled me out of the church in Cantwell, AK for a more comfortable place to stay, which included homemade lasagna, a wonderful bed and shower, and two adventuresome people who climb mountains, fly planes, run marathons and more.

Story coming!  Stay tuned!

Feeling very blessed that so many good people are taking care of me here in Alaska....

Alaskan Shout Out to Sponsors

Quick morning "shout out" to my sponsors!  Couldn't be doing this without you...thanks for your support!

PRIMARY SPONSOR:

United States Concealed Carry Association

SPONSORS: 

American Metal & Paper Recycling, Inc.

The Cottages on Golden Pond

CG Schmidt

Martin Jewellers

Wiedmeyer Express

Time Investment Company

Black Bear Coffee Shop - Denali National Park

Black Bear Coffee House

At Black Bear Coffee House debating my plan for today.

Cantwell is my target destination, but it's only another 30 miles or so.  I'd like to go further, but accommodations are uncertain.  Revisiting plan of attack at Cantwell....

Jamin

Denali Adventure tour guide, Jamin, helped me research my options.  He says there's nothing ahead past Cantwell.  Guess I'd better go to the bathroom here then.

Forward, Steffes!