ALASKA » MAINE
An epic snowmobile odyssey
Two sledders are riding from Alaska to Maine to fundraise for autism and set a Guinness world record
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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THE LONG ROAD: Intrepid sledders Tony Wolfinger and Steve McKenna left Tok, Alaska, and are now sledding through the Yukon Territory towards British Columbia.
—photos courtesy Tony Wolfinger and Steve McKenna |
For years, snowmobiling has been a favourite pastime for people from all over North America. While most sledders are content with weekend trips and backyard excursions, there are a select few who decide to take their love of snowmobiling to the next level—and that's exactly what American sledheads Tony Wolfinger and Steve McKenna are doing.
Making dreams a reality
These good friends from Maine, U.S.A., developed a passion for snowmobiling long before they could drive a car. Over the years, both men have embarked on a number of snowmobile adventures in the U.S. and Canada but always dreamed of making a non-stop journey beginning in Alaska and sledding across Canada.
Now, after months of planning, they are living their dream. With Tok, Alaska, as their starting point, Wolfinger and McKenna rode their snowmobiles east to the Yukon Territory. From there, they will travel south into B.C., cross Canada to New Brunswick and wrap up their journey at home in Sanford, Maine.
Riding for a reason
The journey, which began on January 12, is called Making Tracks 2007, Alaska to Maine, and is a charitable fundraiser for the Autism Society of Maine. At the same time, it will be a Guinness World Record attempt for longest unsupported journey by snowmobile. The original world record for this catagory was set by Tony Lenzini, who travelled 11,604.6 kilometres through the United States in 1986.
"We initially thought that this would be a great opportunity for a charity to benefit," said McKenna. "Tony and I are simply adventurous guys and just wanted to do this. In further discussions, we realized this would be a Guinness World Record."
To meet the Guinness proof requirements, Wolfinger and McKenna are gathering signatures and statements from locals along the way. A website has been set-up which has a donation pledge card, forum, travel logbook, photo gallery and information about the trip. Snowmobile clubs and riders are invited to visit the site, send donations and provide helpful information regarding riding routes and snow conditions. They will go online as often as possible to update the travel logbook and photo gallery.
Strong support
Wolfinger and McKenna are not alone in this endeavour. Their friends and family members assisted with the planning process and will be providing support along the way. Although extreme temperatures and snow conditions will present challenges, Wolfinger and McKenna both agree that being away from their families is one of the hardest realities of this trip.
"Missing our families is why we decided to head home rather than travel from home," said Wolfinger. McKenna echoed these sentiments.
Although Wolfinger and McKenna admit they have a lot of ground to cover, both men are excited about meeting people from different places and walks of life, riding through beautiful areas and finally reuniting with their families.
Follow their tracks at www.alaskatomaine.org.
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