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.
Most of my calories on this journey have been scavenged and brought from home. I also forage on the way, at first finding an incredible amount of wild strawberries, over and over again.
In a dew-soaked camp, Nick and I acquaint ourselves with biting black flies and mosquitoes. Part of our bicycling speed might be attributed to a vigilant refusal to consider insect repellent.
The black flies have a blade-like mouth so sharp that I can’t feel it pierce my skin. They leave an infected bite that often drips blood.
One night I counted 292 black flies in my tent.
Because I am paying close attention to hunger, fatigue, and the sun’s position, I need not carry an odometer nor a clock.
Sometimes clouds obscure the sun, often leaving me to ride on through the heavy rains. In the wake of this storm follows warm sunshine, air absent of dust or insects, and ample time to catch a fleeting rainbow.
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.
