The memorial event was more than we had imagined; a time of remembering, making new friends while carrying on Iohan’s memories. We experienced all the weather elements making it a true Iohan experience. Thanks to all who came out and helped raise money for this donation.....$1,471.95!! https://youtu.be/qnVKVzW3Cxk

The memorial event was more than we had imagined; a time of remembering, making new friends while carrying on Iohan’s memories. We experienced all the weather elements making it a true Iohan experience. Thanks to all who came out and helped raise money for this donation.....$1,471.95!!

The memorial event was more than we had imagined; a time of remembering, making new friends while carrying on Iohan’s memories. We experienced all the weather elements making it a true Iohan experience. Thanks to all who came out and helped raise money for this donation.

Boxing Day 2013 Iohan arrived on a loaded touring bike dressed for the weather in Ottawa, Canada. At that time he was riding from Toronto to the East Coast of Canada on an early leg of what was to become his epic adventure and life on the bike. He was kind and courteous, curious to talk to me about my travels and gracious about the offer to host him for a night during the holiday season. He was an inspiration and his photos and videos stoked a wanderlust in me for that life on the bike that all those who have been there know in intimate fashion. While not in regular communication with him, I received a post card several years later with a short handwritten note and a thank you for having hosted him those years before. Thank you for passing through my life Iohan and may there forever be a tailwind speeding you on your way.

Iohan inspired me so much. Because of him and his indefatigable spirit I felt brave enough to go on my own adventures. He was just a wonderful person.

I think of Iohan often. He was my favorite person I'd never met. My boyfriend showed me one of Iohan's videos when we first started dating, and I knew he was a keeper because we both felt the power of the videos and how important seeing and trying to understand the world is. I'll be forever sad that Iohan is no longer here but also grateful for his presence while he was.

We loved watching Iohan on all his adventures. Jon spent his youth touring on bikes throughout Montana his home state, and later, throughout Europe, and he'd eagerly share with me his memories of the rigors of bike travel as we watched Iohan navigate his own routes and mechanical bike challenges. We both loved Iohan's beautiful eye for photography and his gentle spirit as well. Jon and I felt privileged to share in Iohan's travels. It felt like we were in some small way kindred spirits in our mutual love of travel, biking, and the beauty of nature. We will truly miss him and will remember him with fond hearts. May his journeys beyond this life be beautiful and blessed.

From the get-go Iohan called Melanie Mel. I subtly tried to get him to call her Melanie but it was a no-go. I finally told her she was "Mel" now. She said, "I know, but only for Iohan" (I think she secretly would have preferred "Mom") I'm attaching some links to a couple private links on YouTube. One I filmed in summer 2020, one filmed by Iohan when we met him after a long winter ride from Prince George. Hounddog Gordo normally ignores people when were riding or hiking, but it didn't matter if they hadn't seen Iohan in two days or two months, this was their reaction. I think it's true that dogs are the best judges of character. We all miss Iohan, just like countless others.