Zaac's 2009 bicycle visit to the Rupert River, far away from human population centers and inaccessible to many Americans. It was one of the most remarkable wild places on the planet. Selected photos of a 5000km bicycle journey over some of the most mysterious and remote roads, including a 666km dead-end, dirt road known as the Trans Taiga Highway. The second known bicycle journey on this road, rode on a vegan diet, most of which had been scavenged.
A specimen of the highly valued cloudberry, which only grows in the upper taiga region and tastes like Parmesan cheese.
The Cree “surrendered” many of their aboriginal rights in The James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement accomplishing what law could not. This agreement permitted “concessions” from a province that had been illegally and forcibly removing aboriginal people from their homelands (Niezen, 1998:75-6).
Grand Council of the Crees Sovereign Injustice: Forcible Inclusion of the James Bay Crees and Cree Territory into a Sovereign Quebec. Nemaska, Quebec. 1995. Quoted in Neizen.
Niezen, Ronald Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society, MA: Allyn and Bacon. 1998.
Caniapiscau is the last dam I will encounter. It has aggressively transformed the land into many strange things, including a reservoir nearly thrice the size of Connecticut, my home state.
Carved-out island within a reservoir. The rock innards of this former hill holds the water back.
In putting this sideshow together I must send out many thanks to many people who I will do my best to properly acknowledge. I am especially grateful to those who helped me prepare and made this trip possible such as Aaron at Carrion Cycles who constructed an incredible bicycle frame. I also want to send a big thanks to Nick Jackson who I had the pleasure of riding north with for the first leg of the trip, and who generously provided a ride to Montreal.
The critique and editing advice of Meg Rudne and Jim Hoffecker were also an invaluable contribution to making this particular recollection possible. The web support by an old friend Nick McGlynn was very helpful. I am grateful to Eric and Mike Giannico who painted my bicycle. I also own thanks for the assistance offered by Dave at Raw Indulgence, who gifted me some tasty energy bars for my trip.
Several people who found me shelter along the way were, at times, crucial. I owe a big debt to Sophie Richard-Ferderber & Denyse Richard & Danny Ferderber for their generous assistance and support. I am grateful to Sylvan of Camp Despains and send hope that his project flourishes. Additionally I send thanks to Tourne-Sol, Antoine Desrochers, Julie Sim, Alexis Bertrand & Noah, Lucie & Sam & Irish, Silvio Gallus & Sabrina Morissette, a much appreciated accommodation and friendly debate at Leaf River, Blanch's family, the family at Nouchimi km 286, Marie-Anne Boulanger, Jean-Luc Boily, Alex Robitaille, Stéphanie St-Amant, and Peupleloup. More thanks to other support and arrangements along the way made on my behalf from Jean-Marie Arsenault, Clotilde & Marie-Josée, Téa Troy, the warm reception arranged by Joselyn, and Freddy Jolly.
Additionally I am glad to have met and been acquainted with the wonderful projects of Lucy Golden & Jamie Burris & Luke Golden who provided a ride from New Hampshire to the Connecticut Mycological Foray.
Finally a big thanks to many others from whom I retain memories but not names.
I appreciate all of your assistance!
Photos by Zaac C. All rights reserved.
