Timothy Jude Bates Returns To Alaska

[MCML]

At the memorial service for Two Wheel Nut, I had a discussion with his widow, Patti, about the idea of sending some of Tim's ashes to Hyder, Alaska for scattering (perhaps off the Bear Walk). Later, at the tree planting in Creston, a portion of the ashes were entrusted to me. The original plan was to mail a package to a local minister with whom I had spoken and who had agreed to assist. Then the Canuks fortuitously scheduled CFR in Nakusp and, as a result, a number of FOTs (friends of Tim) made plans to be "in the neighborhood" when the rally disperses on 21 June.

Obviously, riding back to Hyder is more appropriate than outsourcing the task. While I have been able to discuss the idea with some of you (Dave, Don, Michael, Steve, Richard, Dave, and Barry among others), I have not had the chance to discuss it with all of the CFR attendees. Thus this post. As of this writing, the plan is to ride from Nakusp to Prince George on the 21st and on to Hyder on the 22nd. I know that some riders who plan to make the run need to head south the next day, others do not. Perhaps some of us can escort Tim a bit further north, too.

I am reasonably certain that both laughter and tears will be plentiful and anyone who wishes to participate is welcome to do so. At this early point in the planning, those who plan to run north are me, the Highlanders, and Steve (and Cyndi?) Fry. I know that Mike and Don must head south from Nakusp but their unique sensibilites will certainly be riding along with, and influencing, us. I am also in contact with Chris Bates and there is a slight possibility that he will be able to join us (though it is a long shot).

Either post here, send me a message on the board, speak with me in Nakusp, or email me at [email protected] and I will endeavor to provide some co-ordination for the operation.

 

[TwoWheelNut's brother]

Will see if I can wangle something to get away from this pesky guv'mint work.

As some of you know, I will be in South Dakota (Huron and Mt. Rushmore) from June 27th to July 5th on vacation. So for me it would be a case of flying from Florida to Canada then back to Florida for a few days then almost all the way back to Canada (to SD) for my previously planned trip, the purpose of which being to support riparian preservation through the proper application of long range, ballistic varmint control. The preparations for same have been ongoing for about a year and involve other parties (including the varmints albeit unknown to themselves) and equipment. At this juncture it may obviate the practicality of staying in the northwest once at Hyder in order to then simply make the short trip to SD for the 27th.

I will continue to look at the possibility though. What is the closest to Hyder one can fly to on regularly scheduled "normal" airline; "normal" meaning no bush planes?

TWNBRO

 

[Bungie]

Thus this post. As of this writing, the plan is to ride from Nakusp to Prince George on the 21st and on to Hyder on the 22nd.

I'm a definite possibility for the ride to Hyder. I'm going to apply for a few extra days on my vacation to accomodate this. I've already spoken to my boss about it and he see's no problem. In actuality, the choice to go to Hyder will depend mostly on myself, and the weather; it's a decision I'll make while I'm in Nakusp.

See you in 2 weeks.

 

[MCML]

Chris, Kayak shows flights into Prince George, BC (approximately 440 miles from Hyder) and Prince Rupert, BC (approximately 285 miles from Hyder). No flights are shown as going into Hyder but one can fly into Hyderbad (either India or Pakistan) if one so desires.

Bungie, yes the weather is the big wild card. With a bit of luck, the spirits will cooperate and we will all be able to make the ride.

 

[Silver Penguin]

What a wonderful tribute to a friend. Do you think Tim will look down on the group and 'arrange' the weather for the ride?

 

[wheatonFJR]

What a wonderful tribute to a friend. Do you think Tim will look down on the group and 'arrange' the weather for the ride?

Yeah...he'll arrange it alright.

Maybe not how you want it, but...

 

[BugR]

Do you think Tim would like to see the rest of Alaska?

We are continuing on all the way up after CFR.

Chris

 

[MCML]

I think that TWN might just arrange the weather for us but he did have a sense of humor and I, for one, would not be surprised to be greeted with either sun or sleet!

BugrR, some riders will only be able to make it as far north as Hyder due to time constraints. Others may very well head turn north after backtracking to Meziadin Junction. Personally, I would like to make it to Skagway or Haines or maybe even Anchorage and then take the ferry south to Vancouver or Seattle and am open to a wide range of routing ideas.

 

[user 6393]

Chris, Kayak shows flights into Prince George, BC (approximately 440 miles from Hyder) and Prince Rupert, BC (approximately 285 miles from Hyder). No flights are shown as going into Hyder but one can fly into Hyderbad (either India or Pakistan) if one so desires.
Bungie, yes the weather is the big wild card. With a bit of luck, the spirits will cooperate and we will all be able to make the ride.

Prince George would be your destination of choice, as from Rupert you'd have to travel west to PG anyway in order to go North, unless you wish to go by boat .

 

[rickcorwn]

If I can work out a few details I'm in for Hyder.

 

[dcarver]

As Joseph stated, I would love to but simply can't due to work related reasons. More later.

 

[Geezer]

Another reason to make me wish I was attending CFR this year. You will all be in my thoughts and I'll look forward to the ride report.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Excuse me if this is an impertinent question...but does Tim's full first name really have 2 "[SIZE=14pt]m[/SIZE]"s?

I have a brother Timothy...with 1 "m" only.

 

[MCML]

Not impertinent at all and, although I do not know for sure, the correct spelling is likely with a sigle M. If I could edit the topic I would change it but, alas, I do not have standing.

 

[tcfjr]

Chris, Kayak shows flights into Prince George, BC (approximately 440 miles from Hyder) and Prince Rupert, BC (approximately 285 miles from Hyder).

Air Canada's regional arm Jazz flies from Vancouver to Smithers, about 205 miles by road from Hyder, and from Vancouver to Terrace, about 195 miles by road from Hyder. Both Smithers and Terrace are on the Yellowhead Hwy. Smithers is about 65 miles southeast of the Cassiar Hwy junction, and Terrace is about 55 miles southwest of the Cassiar Hwy junction.

 

[MCML]

Air Canada's regional arm Jazz flies from Vancouver to Smithers, about 205 miles by road from Hyder, and from Vancouver to Terrace, about 195 miles by road from Hyder.

Either Smithers or Terrace could work out well. Smithers is on the route for those coming from Nakusp. There are auto rental companies in both towns if need be.

 

[Bluestreek]

I will be there but Cyndi will not be with me this trip.

I have no time constraints after CFR

 

[wheatonFJR]

I will be there but Cyndi will not be with me this trip. I have no time constraints after CFR

Your wifey is not coming to CFR?

 

[tcfjr]

Either Smithers or Terrace could work out well. Smithers is on the route for those coming from Nakusp. There are auto rental companies in both towns if need be.

I spent the night in Smithers on the way back from Watson Lake. It's a nice place - lots of good restaurants and lodging.