Happy 2013!

[Zwartie]

Fellow FJers,

Just a quick, albeit somewhat belated Happy 2013 greeting. It's been a tough week and a half or so as my father in-law passed away last Thursday after he had suffered cardiac arrest on Dec 28. He was 69 years young and it was a real shock to the family. Makes you stop and realize how precious and fleeting this life really is. Be sure to hug your kids, compliment your significant other and call your parents to tell them you love them. OK, I'm starting to get verklempt - talk amongst yourselves...

The next "big thing" that I am looking forward to this year is a ride from London, ON to Anchorage, AK in July. Taking 4 weeks off work, riding with 3 other buddies including a cousin of mine from Holland (isn't dat veerd) who is shipping his Tiger 1050 to Halifax, riding to London and joining us for the trek. This is one of those "once in a lifetime" rides that I really hope will happen more than once. I will be looking to this site for advice on getting the FJ ready for the 15,000 km round-trip journey and thank you all in advance for your assistance. I'll start a topic specific to the trip and will be sure to keep you all posted on the planning and progress.

As the New Year begins, it's also a great opportunity to make your annual donation to support this fantastic website. Just click on the "Donate" button below and follow the instructions...


Ben

[Lotsokids]

YES, life is fragile. I'm glad to be able to wish all you and yours a safe and happy 2013!!!

[racerman_27410]

Sorry for your loss Ben, it is sad that sometimes it takes something like this to make us really appreciate how fragile life is.....and for us to appreciate the things that really are important.

one of my friends 6 year old daughter just passed away a couple of days ago and its really been tough on them and all of us... she was born with some bad valving in her heart and survived much longer than the Dr's initially said she would but that doesnt make it any easier to handle.

i've personally never been to Alaska but from what ive seen on the map, carrying some extra fuel along with a tire plug kit and small air compressor might be helpful.

KOokaloo!

[93fj1200]

Hope you have a happy journey!!  I would love to make that trip to Alaska also.  Know a few people who have done it and they had a great time.  A good friend who is from my hometown in Bruce Mines, Ontario, Canada did it once but got struck by lightning on his way up there and lay in a ditch for 3 hours before being found.  After 3 months in the hospital, some people in the small town where he was, helped him recuperate and repair his badly damaged bike.  Being stubborn, he stayed there while his family waited so that he could return on his bike.  After almost 6 months after the accident, he finally made it home...on two wheels.  Quite an adventure....and true biker spirit!!