Stretching through the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian wilderness, the Alaska Highway unfolds like a rugged canvas, inviting motorcyclists to traverse its winding path along pristine landscapes, where snow-capped peaks meet the endless sky and rivers wind along the 1,390 miles. An East Tennessee couple and their friends were up for the challenge, and in the process, utilized the adventure for a meaningful cause: Alzheimer’s caregiver support.
The breathtaking, the journey isn’t for the faint of heart. The frost heaves cause the asphalt to ripple and dip from permafrost, and the unpaved road may stretch for 15 miles. Gas stations and accommodations are sparse
Exuding kindness and friendliness with warm smiles, Charlie and Teresa Barnard of Maryville, Tennessee, not only have a passion for exploring the country on two wheels but supporting nonprofits through charity rides. But this particular story was decades in the making.
High school sweethearts since the age of 16, the Barnards embarked on their journey together astride Charlie’s inaugural bike — a rugged Kawasaki 100 Enduro. Their love for the open road blossomed as they traversed the scenic Cades Cove Loop nestled within the breathtaking expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains. Their passion deepened, and after their marriage during their freshman year of college, they pooled their resources to acquire a sleek blue Honda Hawk. With this new addition, their adventures evolved into exhilarating weekend getaways, punctuated by the thrill of the ride and nights spent under the starlit canvas of the great outdoors.
“That’s how it all began,” Charlie fondly reminisced. “And then we kept up our mileage. Throughout our marriage, we racked up 540,000 together on a bike.”
Teresa said she was surprised to find she’d have a penchant for being a two-wheeled explorer.
“I was a country girl, and I never expected to be going on these adventures,” Teresa said. “And then I met Charlie. It just progressed over time. From a weekend, to a week, to two weeks, we’ve now ridden through 49 states. The shorter trips helped us learn how to prepare and pack.”
After dedicating 17 years to shepherding a congregation in the tight-knit Tellico Village community, Charlie discovered not only the joy of his pastoral work but also an unwavering commitment to aiding those in need. This profound desire to make a difference led Charlie and Teresa on a charitable journey a decade ago when they harnessed the power of their motorcycle adventures to raise funds for noble causes. While the dream of conquering the Alaskan Highway had always lingered on their bucket list, it wasn’t until 2014 that a serendipitous spark ignited their determination.
In that pivotal year, their longtime riding companions Serge and Tara Comeau from Calgary, who shared their passion for the open road, began inquiring, ‘When are we embarking on an Alaskan adventure?’ The prospect was tantalizing, yet the practicalities of taking four weeks off work for both Charlie and Teresa rendered it a distant aspiration. The dream lingered, waiting for the right moment to blossom into reality. When the Barnards and Comeaus retired from their jobs, that moment finally arrived this past winter. But their conversation took a decisive and determined turn.
“We decided to make it a fundraiser,” Charlie said. “We decided on an Alzheimer’s charity since Teresa’s aunt suffers from it. It’s very difficult for caregivers, so we chose caregiver organizations for Alzheimer’s.”
The Barnards extended their benevolent mission to Our Place, an adult day care haven dedicated to supporting both caregivers and care partners by offering respite, invaluable resources and educational opportunities. This sanctuary nurtures older adults grappling with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses, providing them with a compassionate environment to thrive. Nestled within the vibrant enclave of Tellico Village, a vibrant and active senior living community on Tellico Lake, Our Place stands as a beacon of hope. During Charlie and Teresa’s tenure as church leaders in Tellico Village, they played pivotal roles in the establishment of Our Place, thus committing half of their philanthropic efforts to bolstering this cherished institution.
Upon their relocation to Maryville in Blount County after retirement, Charlie’s altruism continued to shine as he devoted his time pro bono to the Wildwood Baptist Church. In line with their unyielding dedication to caregiving causes, the Barnards selected Senior Citizens Homa Assistance Service as the recipient of the other half of their fundraising efforts. Much like Our Place, SCHAS offers respite and support to caregivers.
The Barnards’ and Comeaus’ journey held a pleasant surprise — they would not tread the Alaska Highway alone. Tellico Village, where Charlie once ministered, proved to be a hub of motorcycle enthusiasts, situated in close proximity to some of the nation’s most exhilarating riding routes. Among the village’s residents, Jeff Wells had already set his sights on an Iron Butt ride, spanning the vast distance from Key West, Florida, to the rugged terrain of Alaska. It was through word of mouth that Jeff learned about Charlie’s noble mission.
“Jeff called me and asked if he could tag along,” Charlie said. “He went to Key West on his own, rode to Maryville, and connected with us to ride on Alaska.”
Bill Gulasey, another Tellico Village resident, also had Alaska on his bucket list.
“Bill showed up to our church in Maryville and said he wanted to go with us,” Charlie said. “So I told him, ‘Come on!’ And Bill and Jeff even rallied some of their own support to help our Alzheimer’s cause.”
In preparation for the trip, dubbed the Ride to Remember, they gathered corporate sponsors. Some of them have supported Charlie’s rides for a decade now.
“Chick-Fil-A in Lenoir City has been very generous and has probably provided $35,000 in food alone over the years,” Charlie said. “Matlock Tire Service and Charlie Jansen at Alcoa Good Times have also been huge supporters for over 10 years. Hickory Construction and Garza Law Firm also joined us as sponsors. Those are just a few. We’ve appreciated all the support businesses and individuals have provided.”
They set off in June of last year after a departure dinner at Wildwood Baptist Church, which drew a crowd of 200 to endorse the noble adventure. During their expedition, the group weathered scorching heat and biting cold, from drenching rain to sun-drenched days. Miraculously, they reveled in an astounding stretch of 10 consecutive days of sunshine. On June 30 they reached the picturesque Dawson Creek in British Columbia, the very threshold where the Alaska Highway beckoned them onward.
Teresa’s snapped a captivating photograph that encapsulated a singular moment of their unforgettable trip.
“Muncho Lake in British Columbia,”she said. “It’s not photoshopped. The lake and sky were truly that blue, and the water was like glass. It was a perfect day. Even the weather was perfect at 82 degrees.”
The route through British Columbia is where the road takes on more character. From lakes like Muncho, to gorges and jagged mountains, it also boasts ample wildlife.
“I loved the wildlife,” Charlie said. “I counted 18 black bears and a grizzly. Some were just along the highway grazing.”
The enthralling Canadian safari carried them further into the Yukon. Here, the adventurers wove their way through mountain passes and ventured deep into the heart of dense boreal forests. In this section, if timing the journey just right, the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights graces the night sky.
Yet, even in the midst of their awe-inspiring travels, the group of six encountered moments when perfection slipped through their grasp. After triumphantly reaching the journey’s end at Delta Junction, Alaska, and beginning their homeward-bound leg, the unforgiving hand of wildfires swept across their path: The motorcycles shrouded in a veil of ash, and visibility dwindled to a mere mile at times.
“In Fort Nelson, the power grid was impacted by relentless wildfires,” Charlie said. “These flames had downed power lines, and the town went dark. It’s a stark reminder that timing was on our side; had we delayed our journey by just one week, we would have missed seeing the scenery.”
Twenty-five days of relentless riding brought them back to the warm embrace of East Tennessee on July 19, 2023, where they were greeted by a heartwarming reception of Tellico Village and Maryville residents. This time, the gathering swelled to a magnificent turnout of 300 individuals, all gathered to pay homage to their remarkable endeavor.
The true triumph transcended the mere completion of the Alaska Highway from their bucket lists. It was the monumental fundraising goal. In total, the Ride to Remember had raised a staggering $80,300, channeling their generosity toward Our Place and SHAS. Considering their tireless fundraising efforts spanning the past decade, their collective impact soared to an astounding $581,000, a testament to their unwavering dedication to charity.
“I’m glad I rode with the group because we had a great time along the way while raising funds for a great charity,” Gulasey said. “Riding on long distance adventures is a wonderful way of experiencing true freedom. There’s just you and the road that leads to so many scenic spots. It’s truly exhilaratin.”
In the end, it wasn’t just about the 9,145 miles or the 226 gallons of gas consumed. Over 25 remarkable days, six adventurers journeyed through eight U.S. states and four Canadian territories. They faced challenges, like a tire gash and wildfires, but remained unwavering.
Yet, the true essence of their odyssey transcended the numbers. Their epic ride was a mission fueled by purpose, raising over $80,000 for two charities. As they ventured back to East Tennessee, their hearts were filled with the indelible moments and the impact they had made, connecting with communities and leaving a lasting legacy.
