EXPLORE : Bikepacking North Vancouver Island ~ Episode 4 (In Memory of Iohan GUEORGUIEV)

EXPLORE: Bikepacking North Vancouver Island ~ Episode 4

This episode is dedicated to the memory of IOHAN GUEORGUIEV, also known as the Bike Wanderer. Iohan inspired many people to seek adventure, and to be the best person they could be.
Unfortunately, Iohan passed away August 19th, 2021 after suffering from severe insomnia as a result of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

As part of Iohan's legacy, his family and close friends have chosen to support the global men's mental heath organization called HeadsUpGuys. HeadsUpGuys is a program of The University of British Columbia (UBC), operating under the leadership of Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, who is a Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the Psychotherapy Program at The University of British Columbia. Their website offers a wealth of information, guides, and resources on a global scale for those suffering, loved ones helping others or those grieving from loss.

You can donate via Iohan's Memorial page at:

~~~

This is the fourth episode in a bikepacking series exploring North Vancouver Island. From Vernon Lake which was once a major logging camp, and the southern terminus of the Englewood Railway that stretches almost 100km through Woss camp, Nimpkish Lake, ending at Beaver Cove (near Telegraph Cove). It ran from 1917 to 2017 when it was shut down shortly after a fatal railway accident that same year.

In Woss you’ll find a small railway display with a few of the newer logging locomotives and cars, along with the famed #113 Steam Locomotive. This engine ran on various tracks on Vancouver Island during its life span. Running everything from cargo, logs, and even tourists.

Due to time constraints, we opted to make Woss our turnaround point on this particular trip, heading back on the highway to Sayward Junction, where we gorged ourselves on a massive breakfast at the Crossroads Pub. This pretty much stopped us in our tracks, opting to seek shelter from the 35C+ hear in the shade at the nearby Elk Creek Rec Site.

FIND ME:
Instagram: @saltybeard_adventures

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STUFF:

Bags:
(Harness, Jerrycan, Mountain feedbags, Gas Tank)

Sleeping:
+synthetic under quilt and Therm-a-Rest Chorus down Quilt.

Water filter: MSR 4L gravity filter
Stove: Snow Peak GigaPower
Pots: Snow Peak Mini Solo 2.0
GPS: Wahoo ELEMNT

Camera: Apple iPhone 11, GoPro 7 Black
Drone: DJI Mini 2
Editing: DaVinci Resolve 17
Computer: Mac Mini M1

Music: Epidemic Sound - get a FREE month with this link!

@ 00:00:15 -- Demure by Ever So Blue
@ 00:02:34 -- My Heart Levitates by Mike Parr
@ 00:05:55 -- It Sure Feels Right by River Run Dry
@ 00:07:30 -- Infinity by Bluma Pentersen
@ 00:11:37 -- Mountain Quail by Dust Follows

[romeofrancisparas]

Thank you Rob, again its an inspirational video.

Ride in the stars Iohan.🙏🙏🙏

[mycreativeheart]

So sorry to hear Rob, that you and the bikepacking community have lost such an inspirational icon. You've given Iohan such a beautiful tribute. And thank you for continuing to increase awareness regarding the importance of mental health. If we could all talk and listen... share honestly and respectfully... with compassion and open hearts ... we would all be "awakened".

[brettfoster]

Prayers and hope for safe travels and adventures for all the good people that touch our lives. Thanks for another great video . Love the slower pace . 🙏

[mbiraside]

A beautiful tribute to Iohan, he will be missed.
On another note, more memories of the north island thru your trip, Thankyou. Many of us in the same tribe. Gravel adventures, hammocks, loving the natural world on two wheels.

[thegrumpygraveller]

Beautiful tribute to a truly inspirational rider.

[WaywardLifeSailing]

Iohan was also the first bikepacking videos we found, and part of the inspiration that has led us to begin to get into bikepacking as an aside to our sailing adventures. I wish all the inspiration he gave to other people had translated into his own healing and happiness.

We have also travelled by 4runner many of the roads you are cycling and I have to say they look a lot better from a bike!

[alsosean]

Thank you so much for the kind words about Iohan. It's so very, very sad to hear of his passing. To say that his bike wandering videos were amazing is such an understatement. His videos were not only masterfully filmed and edited but, as you said, truly conveyed his innocence and kindness. I'm clearly not the only one who was deeply touched by his work and inspired to explore.

[barrybogart]

That's a beautiful tribute. I would not have known about him except for you, Salty. But I certainly travelled many of the same roads as him on the Mainland. Ride every kilometer as if it is your last.

[TheTrakker]

Often I have met people who were concerned only about the things that they had, and the way people looked at them. It has always been my belief, probably due to having a solid foundation, that what truly matters is what we leave in our wake. I know where I'll be in the end. But what I leave behind is the key to leaving this life on a positive note. I'm not talking about material things. I want to leave this place better than I found it. We always strive to leave each campsite better. Why not treat the world the same way?
As always Salty, an excellent production!
Stay safe, and most of all stay Salty!
Peace

[michaelryancook]

Another wonderful episode and beautiful tribute, Rob. I discovered Iohan's content while researching Kitimat when I read Monkey Beach. His videos introduced me to bikepacking and packrafting which led me to more wonderful content like yours which got me out for my own bikepacking and packrafting this year.

[andrew]

It would be great of you decided to meet Ryan Van Duzer, one day, and ride together for an eppic trip (and make videos out of it, of course !)

[jeanleblanc]

Fantastique ! Merci 💙
beaucoup pour ce partage de ces merveilleuse expérience.

[garrygraham]

Nice video and tribute to iohan, he touched a lot of people.

[fedogfallit]

Dear Iohan Gueorguiev, it is very sad to find out you are not here anymore you are a legend, thank you for all your amazing videos on youtube, I have seen your videos again and again, rest in peace

[jurajaryn]

je mi to moc líto, hezká vzpomínka na přítele

[markstevens]

When we cycle we battle ourselves. How true. I wonder how many of us cycle to help us maintain our mental health, or perhaps even hide it.

[laughing-knees]

I first started watching Iohan’s videos back in 2019, with his La Ruta de los Seis Miles. I thought the video and what Iohan was doing, and how he recorded it were absolutely spellbinding, like some 18th century traveler of old. From that video I was hooked. I watched the entire series from start to finish without stop, and rejoiced when he reached Patagonia. There were some unforgettable episodes, such as the howling with the dog, the winter with Shadow, the witnessing of the live volcano, the wild crossing of the mountains of Peru, and the surreal kayaking past the Darien Gap, that almost make him seem from some far off dream. He brought back all my own bicycle journeys up until the late 90’s and made me want to return to my bicycle wanders, so much so that I sponsored Iohan through Patreon. When I heard of his death, I felt as if I had lost a dear friend.

Thank you for your wonderful tribute.

[charlielibanmarino]

Beautiful Content
Im watching youre videos here in the philipines, love it so much!!!

[freedomwon]

I watched this video when it first came out. But I was so saddened I couldn't comment. I'm watching again as I follow your link here in regards to the upcoming ride in August 2022. My heart still aches. "A great sadness" 💔
🚴‍♂️

[SirBikesAlot]

A very lovely tribute Rob. On a less serious note for others, don't be fooled by the sign at the Woss Gas Station, there is no fresh produce to be found (but they do have Lucky Lager) 😂