Alaska Routes

[obsean]

It is time to start planning for next years trip and my boys and I are going to take our new triplett to Alaska.  I read an article in National Geographic about a guy who did some touring up there, using the Alaska Marine Highway and some pedalling.  He's pretty vague on his routes when he isn't on the ferries.  I'd like to kinda do the same thing, but not spend so much time on the ferries.  Anybody got any suggestions on routes?

[ecole]

My wife and I did 950 miles in alaska the summer before last- see my reply in "touring Alaska" post.  The previous summer we drove to Prince Rupert and took the ferry though the inside passage to Sitka- we ended up breaking down (long story) but that motivated us to return on bikes.  One thing I want to pass on is it rains A LOT in that part of Alaska. The bike touring would in my opinion be very limited (small towns- few roads going nowhere).  It would primarily be a series of ferry rides alternating with bike rides around small towns.  If that is what you're looking for, then by all means go- it's beautiful.  If you want a more prolonged tour, then I'd be looking at riding out of Anchorage and staying either to the Parks Hwy (north) or the Seward/Sterling Hwys (south).  If you'd like any more info, Id be glad to provide it.  Good luck.

[tempusfugit]

Day Tripper,

The 414 mile Dalton Highway is a grand adventure for moutain bike touring. IT's pretty tough though. One tour company that guides trips from Flagstaff to Prudhoe Bay calls the route the "Ride of Pain." The scenery, the uniqueness and wildness are unbeatable though.

[jnorth]

there is no way you can ride a triplet on the current conditions of the dalton, please disregard any advice to that effect.
try the whittier-anchorage-glenallen-valdez triangle, using the ferry service to connect, for a pleasant and well serviced ride with children. the ferry will show you coastal vistas unattainable on any highway. june 1-30 has been our best weather lately.
regards-janet

[obsean]

Thanks for the advice.

[gentlemantm]

I want to bike the Dalton, I am curious also to get any info on connection to Barrow in info?

[jnorth]

you fly to prudhoe bay/deadhorse from anchorage or fairbanks, or take a tourist shuttle bus one way.