INTO TRAGEDY

On the way south from the Arctic Ocean, the GoRUFFLY travelers face a series of obstacles, hardships, and tragedies until their journey to reach Antarctica is suddenly cut short.

After camping on the shore of the Arctic Ocean, we set off southward with the plan to travel to the Antarctic.

The obstacles begin to pile up almost immediately.

Fierce winds and rain creates hazardous conditions on the Dempster Highway, which forces us to seek refuge and camp along the side of the road.

Tire punctures and mechanical breakdowns occur as we ride south away from the approaching winter.

When we finally reach Mexico, we’re at a crisis point. Replacing Jess’s motorcycle and the long miles to the Arctic Ocean have cost us nearly everything; meanwhile, RUFFLY sales are not growing quickly enough.

Just in time our fortunes turn thanks to social media success and a series of incredible news articles!

But then a new misfortune occurs when Moxie injures her knees while running in the sand in Baja California. By the time we reach our adopted home in Guatemala where her longtime veterinarian awaits her, new tragedy strikes.

Greg is struck by a speeding chicken bus on the Pan-American Highway just an hour from our home in Panajachel, Guatemala. His hand is smashed and his motorcycle is totalled.

Then Moxie goes in for an ordinary knee surgery to repair the ligaments she tore while running in the sand. Five days into the recovery she passes away due to complications.

The season ends with spreading Moxie’s ashes in Lake Atitlan before Jess rides off alone northwards.

Thank you to our Tragedy Strikes sponsors:

Thanks for highs and the lows with us. Now let’s go on a motorcycle pilgrimage!