Tandem Cyclists Near Finale of 9,100 km Journey to Fund Classrooms

UPDATE: Tandem cyclists JB Owen and Peter Giesin have reached Whitehorse, Yukon, as they approach the final stretch of their ambitious 9,100-kilometre ride from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to Homer, Alaska. The couple is not only on a journey for adventure but also to raise funds for classrooms in underserved communities.

Arriving last week, Owen and Giesin described their time in the Yukon as one of the most memorable parts of their trip. “We’ve had the most spectacular sunsets the last three nights,” said Owen, founder of Ignite Publishing. The couple has been warmly welcomed by locals, who have provided them with assistance, directions, and even accommodations along their route.

Owen highlighted the generosity of the community, stating, “Humanity is so giving and supportive. We’ve had countless offers of help and hospitality.” Their journey included breathtaking stops at Swan Haven and Atlin Lake, both of which Owen found to be “spellbinding.” They also revisited Lumel Studios, where they enjoyed blowing glass during a previous visit.

Giesin recounted a heartwarming encounter: “Lu (Luann Baker-Johnson) from Lumel Studios offered us the key to her cabin near McClintock Bay. She said, ‘You can stay in our cabin. I’ve got canoes and kayaks.’ We spent a beautiful day there with our daughters.”

As they continue their journey, the pair is now heading toward Beaver Creek before crossing into Alaska. Their route has taken them through the Cassiar Highway, bypassing Watson Lake, and they are navigating unexpected challenges, including a recent encounter with a mother grizzly bear and her cubs. “We were super quiet, and she was super quiet, so we didn’t see each other at first. Then, out of nowhere, she came running out of the ditch and started chasing us,” Owen recounted. Luckily, both cyclists managed to outpace the bear.

Originally planning to enter Alaska via the Top of the World Highway, a road washout has forced them to reroute along the Alaska Highway. They anticipate arriving in Homer in about two weeks, where they plan to celebrate with rest and reflection. “We’re going to spend a week in Alaska, just enjoying it,” Owen said, adding, “Then we’ll drive back to Red Deer and come through the Yukon again. Lu has already said, ‘Hey, we’ll see you in two weeks.’”

This journey also marks their attempt to set a world record for elevation gain on a tandem bicycle, aiming for a staggering 93,000 metres throughout the trip. Since beginning long-distance cycling in 2020, Owen and Giesin have logged over 30,000 kilometres across North America. Their mission is to fund solar-powered, modular learning spaces for children in regions with limited access to education.

So far, they have successfully opened two schools in Lombok, Indonesia, and aim to fund two more in South Africa and Uganda. “We want kids to learn to read, write, innovate, and be creative. That’s how we build a better humanity,” Owen emphasized.

Despite mechanical issues, flat tires, and the bear encounter, the couple says the Yukon has given them a sense of peace and connection. “It’s one of those places that captures your heart every time you come,” Giesin concluded.

As Owen and Giesin continue their remarkable journey, their story resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of community, adventure, and the importance of education for every child. Stay tuned for further updates as they make their way toward Alaska.