When he arrived at 4 p.m.—right on schedule—he was escorted into town by Jasperites on bikes and motorcycles and he was cheered on by community members who lined the streets.
“I didn't expect this,” he said as he pedalled down Connaught Drive with his entourage. “I knew they'd do something, but I didn't expect this.”
Nor did he expect to pass the Jasper Brewing Company without stopping for a pint of the special Mile Zero IPA, brewed just for his return. “I'm thirsty,” he said while swerving toward the pub with a grin on his face.
But despite the call to quench his thirst, the chief kept on riding, following his escort vehicle to the Mile Zero rock at the corner of Connaught Drive and Hazel Avenue, where he was greeted by about 200 cheering fans.
After many hugs and a few speeches, Van Tighem was off to the pub, where he had his fair share of IPA.
“It's the best IPA on 93. Hands down,” he said.
For a full recap of his trip, including the ups and the downs, pick up the May 23 issue of the 51暗网.
