Rudi G is the pen name that was given to me, Bob Selwyn, by my college coach to allow me to play football against the convict team from the maximum security state prison in Canyon City, Colorado, without losing any eligibility for varsity games. Simple, no? The story is much longer, but this all you need to know.
“Rudi” has become a risk-taking alter ego for me over the years. He can do stuff I won’t even think about. I use it on motorcycle forums where a “handle” is the usual way to ID yourself to others with similar two-wheeled interests.
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The blog is getting fired up now because my son, Jesse, and I are doing a motorcycle ride to Alaska and the Arctic Circle this summer. Since this is a six-week trip, I wanted a way to keep up with my family and friends and share some of the beauty and adventure of the trip.
My wife is flying into Anchorage for a portion of the trip, as is my son’s fiancee. We meet up with them in Fairbanks after tagging Deadhorse, we hope. Then we spend some time in Denali, Talkeetna, Homer, Seward, Valdez, and Wrangell-St. Elias. We might catch a few salmon along the way.
The couple house sitting for us also has an interest in keeping track of our progress. He is a former Navy SEAL, and she is a famous martial arts devotee. Their three very well-behaved kids and two dogs are eager to hear about the trip, so the pressure is on.
Coming up soon are tales of preparation and anticipation. Stay tuned.
Environmental Fund Raising Site for Rudi G & Jesse
Please join Rudi & Jesse to help the environment by reading the message below, and taking action on it.
This trip, and this blog, are raising money for our favorite environmental non-profit, Georgia River Network. GRN advocates for, and protects, all rivers in Georgia. We produce videos for them to help raise awareness and money for their projects. If you are enjoying our trip blog, please join us in giving whatever tax deductible amount you can by going to our fund raising site at:
https://www.firstgiving.com/bobselwyn
The site is safe and secure and the folks at Georgia River Network make sure your donation has an impact.
Thank you.
Rudi G & Jesse
Rudi G & Jesse's Ride to Alaska 
DecaturDave
June 4, 2010
I’m looking for the popcorn icon now, as I anxiously await your reports.
GODSPEED RUDI G!!!!
David Goldberg
June 4, 2010
Be careful, send pictures. I am sure it is going to be an amazing time. Keep a diary, could be a good book and you are the one to write it.
Bebe Jo
June 4, 2010
Well, gee, glad to know that Rudi G exists and eager for adventure. Gives me a whole new vista of anticipation. BJS
Storybook Jane
June 4, 2010
If you hear banjos, go FASTER! Oh, no, that’s only here in the North GA forests. Be safe, have fun and keep us posted.
Rudi G
June 14, 2010
Banjos! Now that will keep me motivated to stay on the road for another hundred miles. Thanks Jane. I’ll keep you and Charlie posted and avoid any musical interludes on the trip.
Renee
June 7, 2010
FIANCÉE !!!!! Yipee! Congrats Jesse.
Chip
June 9, 2010
I’m jealous, Alaska is a wonderful place. I’m ready to go back. If you trip takes you through Grand Rivers make a pit stop.
Rudi G
June 14, 2010
Thanks, Chip. I hope to get west of St. Louis on the 22nd, but if I am near you, you’ll be hearing from me. Hope you and Martha are having a good spring.
Ron Shook
June 9, 2010
Bob,
Boy, this sounds like a lot of fun, don’t forget to rest once in a while. When you get to Alaska, borrow a kayak from someone and paddle a little in the Ocean. We’ll miss you on Paddle Georgia this year.
Have a great time and drive safe!
Ron Shook
Rudi G
June 14, 2010
Good idea, Ron. A paddle on Prince William Sound would be a trip highlight. Have a great time on Paddle Georgia this year. Celeste and I will miss all of our friends, but we’ll be thinking about you.
Grandma "Scottie"
June 11, 2010
If this turns out half as well as your photo journal of last year’s raft trip, it will make
a great PBS documentary! Go Rudi & Jesse! Scottie
Rudi G
June 14, 2010
Thanks, Scottie. I may be a little more involved on the motorcycle and won’t be able to use the video camera as much as on the Salmon River last summer. But we’ll come up with something that is fun.
J Andrews
June 13, 2010
What a wounderful oppertunity you both have to share this trip togeather.
keep the greasey side down stay warm and tell you son to speak loud and clear with passion.
he could be a star some day….JLA
Peter
June 15, 2010
What lengths you go to avoid making a 2010 PG video. This trip sham . . . if they can fabricate video of a moon mission, a bike trip to Alaska should be easy.
Rudi G
June 20, 2010
Take a look at Rudie’s Alaska Fantasy video to see your point proven. Seventy swimmers in one rapid on day one of PADDLE GEORGIA. I think Rudi made the correct choice of adventures! Have a great summer, Peter.
Peter
June 24, 2010
Indeed, that’s what I’m talking about. (Alaska trip video sham.)
70 swimmers on PG . . . what better material? (Solo in a canoe, I picked up an orphan who’s parents died in the turbulence. Relatives reclaimed him after all the white water.)
Thanks for the ’09 “Hottie” video, Bob.