21 February 2013
“Dear Polar Ice Ride Adventure followers.
A few days ago I succeeded in reaching Point Barrow, the northernmost point of continental USA.
After doing a few more preparations I will leave Barrow tomorrow 21 February 2013 and head in the direction of Canada.

Tests showed that the sledge and what I carry inside is far too heavy.
But I have good hope we make it. I’ll just start and see how it goes.
It’s good to know that if it really doesn’t work I can always get off the ice near Deadhorse, still about 500 km / 310 mi ice riding from here. From there roads lead down to Key West in Florida, the southernmost point of continental USA where my journey will end.

Until I get off the ice you won’t see me on Facebook. But the plan is to give daily updates via satellite phone which will be put on FaceBook and my website by my sister. Also YouTube videos will still be added by Clymer Repair Manuals.

Until…

All the best,

Sjaak”

24 February 2013
Unfortunately I had to give up on the first attempt. The sledge, fuel and all the luggage was far too heavy to pull. To get less weight I have send 80kg/200lbs by air to Nuiqsut, the first town where I can get off the ice and can go on the road system. Plan was to have a fresh start today. A severe weather alert caused another delay. Hopefully tomorrow afternoon I can go on my way.

26 February 2013
Every day there is something new that is withholding Sjaak from leaving Barrow and getting on the polar ice. After bad weather before, it was a coolant leak yesterday and today the generator which is necessary to preheat the bike failed due to dirt in the fuel system.

3 March 2013
Yesterday the oil filter got so much pressure that it deformed and lost one litre of oil at once, before I could turn off the engine.
Another delay…

4 March 2013
The deformed oil filter.

9 March 2013
Dear Polar Ice Ride Adventure followers.
Finally the moment of leaving the Top of the World is in sight.
The wind which blows the snow over the ice will soon go down. This same wind brought movement in the ice on the west coast of Barrow and what was a thick layer of ice before, turned into open water over night. But I go to the east, together with Lioyd, a guide which I hired to escort me with his snow machine. Apart from bringing safety he could also tow my sled if necessary. This way I can spare my motorcycle which can barely pull the heavy load.
As soon as Lioyd gives the okay we leave from the Top of the World.
Will it happen this time?
Until…
Sjaak