Alaska Bikes & Beers

Your Itinerary          

1: Visit historic Palmer, cycle through poplar forests
Meet your fellow biking and beer aficionados at the Puffin Inn Hotel this morning, then head north to the Old Glenn Highway, where we get the bikes out for a leisurely warmup ride to the historic town of Palmer. You have some free time wandering around this town created during the Great Depression as an agricultural community, our hotel was built as part of the original township. Our first round of tastings take place at the town's brewpub.
Cycling: 20 mi / 35 km, Terrain: flat, Meals: D

2: Cycle to eclectic Talkeetna and renowned Denali Brewery
We are off and riding. Today's route takes us north first along some nicely paved bike paths from the charming village of Willow. We will continue through thick forests of aspen and poplar trees, a lush blanket of green leading our Alaskan bike tour to the eclectic town of Talkeetna, our home for tonight. This historic rail town is thought to be the inspiration for the town of Cicely in the TV series, Northern Exposure and is home to Denali Brewing.
Cycling: 70 mi / 112 km, Terrain: rolling terrain, Meals: B L D

3: Cycle through Denali State Park, enjoy spectacular views of Denali, bed down at historic homestead
The dramatic landscapes of the Alaska range lure us further north today, as we pedal past Denali State Park. Along the way, you will pass through diminutive Trappers Creek, home to the infamous Wal⋆Mikes with its vast collection of "stuff". Definitely a one of a kind. Our lodge tonight is simple and comfortable, built as a homestead before roads went to Denali National Park, with dramatic views of Denali.
Cycling: 50 mi / 80 km, Terrain: rolling hills, Meals: B L D

4: Discover Denali National Park, cycle through Broad Pass and dramatic alpine landscapes
Denali National Park here we come. The last ride along the Parks Highway, takes us "up and over" Broad Pass into the heart of the Alaska Mountain Range. But don't let the name fool you, it is a gentle climb, as we follow the rail line and locomotives can't handle anything steeper than 2%. We will end our ride in Cantwell, then shuttle into Denali Village, where we stay for the next two nights. We'll head out the 49th State Brewing for dinner and a tasting.
Cycling: 75 mi / 120 km, Terrain: rolling hills, Meals: B L D

5: Free day to explore Denali on your own
Today is a free day to do as you please. There are informative tours deep into the heart of Denali National Park, shuttle buses that can take you and your bike into the park for a ride back out, white water rafting and just plain relaxing and strolling around town. No organized tastings tonight, but our hotel's bar has a great selection to wet your whistle.
Meals: none

6: Bicycle the Denali highway, one of world's most scenic roads.
Back on the bikes, to head back down to Cantwell, biking through the section we shuttled before. In Cantwell, we pick up the Denali Highway, traversing across the southern foothills of the Alaska Range. This highway has been voted in the top 5 most scenic highways by many different groups and it does live up to those accolades. But alas it does turn to dirt, so we will shuttle the last stretch to our lodge located on the historic Richardson Highway.
Cycling: 45 mi / 72 km, Terrain: mostly downhill, Meals: B L D

7: Cycle to and stay at oldest operating roadhouse in Alaska
The day starts on the Richardson Highway, the first road built in Alaska. The ride is a cruise, as we are going mostly downhill throughout the day, to your right vast tundra dotted with lakes, to your left, the impressive volcanic peaks of the Wrangells start peeking over the tree tops. Alaska oldest operating roadhouse is home tonight, the Gakona Lodge built in 1929.
Cycling: 68 mi / 109 km, Terrain: mostly downhill, Meals: B L D

8: Cycle past Wrangell Mountains, relax on Lake Louise
Leaving Gakona, we roll through Glennallen, a dry community at the junction of the Richardson and Glenn Highways, but fear not, as you leave town there is a combination stationary and beer store just outside the city limits. Today's ride highlights the vast tundra of Alaska, flat lands dotted with numerous lakes. We stop tonight on the shores of Louise Lake, encircled by distant mountain ranges forming a delightful 360 degree landscape masterpiece. Sample brews while relaxing on the porch overlooking the lake.
Cycling: 55 mi / 80 km, Terrain: rolling hills, Meals: B L D

9: Bike past Chugach mountains, through tundra and lush forests
Our last day of riding, takes us further along the Glenn Highway. We work our way over Eureka Summit, but again in true Alaska style it is a long gradual uphill, not an alpine type climb. But with the Chugach Mountain Range to the south and the Alaska and Talkeetna Ranges to the north, the grandeur will keep your mind off the thighs. From the summit, it is a rolling downhill to our tours finish at Sheep Mountain. Relax in your cabins with the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier at your door step.
Cycling: 56 mi / 90 km, Terrain: slow climb, then rolling downhill, Meals: B L D

10: Visit Independence Mine, shuttle to Anchorage
After a leisurely breakfast we say good bye to our Alaskan cycling adventure and start the drive back to Anchorage. But we will break up the drive back with a side trip high into the mountains to visit Independence Mine Historical Park, for a bit of insight into the gold rush days. We will bid everyone a fnd farewell at Anchorage Airport in mid-afternoon.
Walking: 3 mi / 5 km, Terrain: rocky, Meals: B L