Join us for a journey through the best of Alaska . . . Bicycling Extraordinary Alaskan Roads. This annual tour pedals from Fairbanks to Valdez, via the heartland of Alaska. You will enjoy Denali's majestic wonders, the wildlife of Prince William Sound, quiet towns and scenic highways. Its a fabulous cycling extension to our trip: The Great Alaska Highway Ride or a challenging bicycle tour on its own.

We begins our journey in Fairbanks and head south through the Nenana Hills. Upon reaching Denali National Park, you will enjoy some freetime to explore its many landscapes or relax on a rafting trip. You will traverse the towering Alaska Range before relaxing the the delightful and historic town of Talkeetna. Journey further south to the fringes of civilization in Wasilla and Palmer, before turning eastward into the wildlands again.

Pass by the magnificent Matanuska Glacier and pedal across vast tundra before reaching the Copper River Valley surrounded by the glacier capped mountains of the Wrangrell and Chugach Mountains Ranges. Pedal to Valdez, then enjoy a wonderful trip by ferry across Prince William Sound, taking in the sealife and glacier viewing. Join the fun this coming July !

Itinerary (day-by-day)

Day 1 - We meet bright and early at Captain Barlett Inn in Fairbanks for check in. Our ride heads south along the Parks Highway through the rolling Nenana Hills, with picturesque views of the regions surrounding Fairbanks. Our goal for tonight is the little historic town of Nenana, where we relax at our campground. After dinner your crew will review the sightseeing options for Denali National Park. 55 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 2 - We leave the Nenana Hills behind and roll across vast areas of tundra and forest lands today, enroute to Denali National Park. While we have a few miles to cover the cycling is relatively leisurely and you should arrive in time to visit the Wilderness Access Center for any last minute tour bookings. 75 mi

Day 3 - A full day to explore Denali National Park. Our camp is a short six mile ride from the entrance, so you can come and go as you please. A variety of Bus Tours are available to explore inside the park (you can not pedal far into the park). (lunch & dinner on your own)

Day 4 - It is a spectacular day of pedaling today as we traverse the Alaska Mountain Range. The views are spectacular on both sides of the road and several places offer great vantage points for viewing Denali (if the weather gods are smiling). We bed down at Byers Lake State Park. 83 mi pass: Broad (2200 ft) (no showers at camp)

Day 5 - You will roll out of the mountains today and through the thick lush forests of Alaska. We are pedaling to the historic village of Talkeetna, where we relax tonight. Our riding distance will allow us plenty of time to explore this charming village. 65 mi

Day 6 - An adventure awaits today, as we leave the main roads and set out along an old mining route. Our ride over Hatcher Pass takes you to rustic rural Alaska through a spectacular alpine landscape. Part of the ride is on dirt roads, but suitable for road bikes. You might wish to explore Independence Mine Historic Park before reaching our hotel in downtown Palmer. 75 mi, pass: Hatcher (3886 ft) (motel, dinner on your own)

Day 7 - You will be pedaling up the quiet and scenic Matanuska Valley today. Thick forests, flowing rivers and occasional homesteads line the route. Tonight will find us camped near the massive Matanuska Glacier, with a chance for walk to the glacier and great photos before reaching camp. 67 mi (breakfast on your own)

Day 8 - Today we witness a dramatic change in scenery, as we cross Eureka Summit. The Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains which so closely lined our route the day before almost magically disappear and are replaced by vast stretches of tundra. But as we begin the long descent you will spot the Glacier capped Wrangrell Mountains in the distance, growing slowly as you make your way to our camp located on the banks of the Tolsana River. 63 mi

Day 9 - After descending a bit more you will reach Glenallen, the first town of any size since we left Fairbanks. Here we join the Richardson Highway and turn south pedaling between the towering 16,000 foot volcanic peaks of the Wrangrells and the rugged snow capped Chugach Range. Tonight we camp riverside at a true Alaskan locale, an old roadhouse now run by young cycling enthusiasts. 77 mi

Day 10 - The views are spectacular as we continue south through the heart of the Chugach Range. You will acsend Thompson Pass then enjoy a thrilling descent (2500 feet in the first eight miles) to our campground in the fishing port of Valdez. 61 mi pass: Thompson (2678 ft)

Day 11 - A day off the bikes, as we enjoy a trip across Prince William Sound on the Alaska Ferry System. Perhaps we will be blessed with views of the glaciers calving into the bay, seals and other sealife enjoying the ocean waves and more. After arriving in Whittier, we will shuttle you to our hotel in Anchorage, then head out for a grand dinner to celebrate 10 days of outstanding pedaling. (motel, lunch on your own)

Day 12 - After breakfast, we will transfer to the Anchorage Airport, where fond farewells will end our journey Biking Extraordinary Alaskan Roads (breakfast on your own).

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