Wind, ice and snow didn't deter hardy bikers
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Apr 27/01) - A 180-kilometre stretch of ice road, blowing snow and temperatures dipping to -30 C didn't deter motorcyclists riding from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk last Monday.
Three riders, two passengers and three back-up vehicles took three hours to reach the ocean-side community, where they paraded around town, waving their Ride for Sight banner.
"It will be forever etched in my mind, the look on the faces of the people of Tuk when we started riding through town," said Mike Whiteside, president of the Inuvik Ride for Sight, who was along for support.
Riders Garry Smith, whose daughter Emelye rode with him on his three-wheeled bike, Tom Menno, who was on a two-wheeled bike with heavily-studded tires, and Frank Osterdal, who took his grandson, Logan, in a sidecar, agreed that conditions were icy and cold, but well worth the accomplishment.
And they are, perhaps, the only motorcyclists to travel North on the ice road.
"We've heard a rumour that it was done before, but there isn't any proof. We have pictures," said a smiling Smith.
And why did they do it?
"Because it is there," he said.
With a stop at Swimming Point to warm-up, the group pushed north, where they surprised the community and Pingo Park Lodge manager Tom Lie.
"I was quite surprised when a lady came in dressed in her leathers asking if we were open," said Lie.
While the bikers told tales of their ride, Lie plied them coffee, tea and snacks.
Inuvik's Ride for Sight takes place June 10, on solid ground, from here to Rock River, Yukon.
Last year, the Town of Inuvik raised $16,200 for the cause, earning them a fifth- place finish countrywide. This year is the 16th year Inuvik will participate in the ride.
