Thrive Outside

Always the last to join in on the fad, but Fat Tire bikes are a passport to adventure.  It takes a bit of sleuthing the social media feed for the best conditions.  We waiting until there was only one river crossing, and the sun shining.  We were blessed with NO wind and perfect conditions with the snow packed and not slushy (temps below 34 degrees).  Where to start? Knik Glacier Tours with my dear friend Tom who graciously allows a swarm of cars/trucks using his property.  There is a portapotty that is in high demand.  If you can't wait, you can borrow Pioneer Ridge Trail outhouse on the right before you get to the turnoff to Tom's place. The trail is super clear at the far end of the road and it is a short mile before the first adventure of the river crossing. River Crossing We realized that we left the keys in the truck, so I was able to watch a few different attempts to cross the Hunter Creek. If you do not have studs (or even if you do) ...

After a great night of sleep, we were ready for the last day. We took advantage of a little stop for hot lunch.  Wow, I never knew how much of an appitate I can have biking. just fueling up (actually with popsicles)   Met an interested person with a horse helmet riding solo.  You never know what you will see on the highway.  We had 10 seconds of cloud coverage for the day. So hot. We also ran into a gaggle of brand new Jeeps riding as a safari.  They were taking our pictures.  So funny.  They created a huge mound of dust. Since it was the 4th of July, we did experience more traffic going by.  I loved to put a gummy energy block in my mouth or a date to give me a shot of sugar to power up the hills. We were told that we would end with some miles of payment at the end, but we were disappointed with that.  As there were only three miles instead of eight.  Urgh. But, those last miles on payment were a d...

What an amazing day to awake.  We had great showers at the lodge. The day didn't disappoint.  It was hilly, but we were making some good time.  Saw a couple of people cycling the other direction from Anchorage, but overall a quiet day.  We saw the only wildlife a moose and calf in the bushes. We stopped at the river and enjoyed the conversation from two retirees from Palmer fishing.  I took the advantage of the cool stream to soak my buff.  It provided a nice retreat from the heat. The bugs were minimal.  Our support motorhome ended up with a flat.  But, was able to get a new one in Cantwell before heading home. The interesting part of our campsite was there was a little pond.  I waded into the middle and got to wash my hair.  So refreshing!

We spent the night at Paxton Lake and enjoyed a buggy night sleep.  My husband wanted to bike from the camp, but I was hesitant not knowing what to expect on this never-before traveled road.  So, I ended up riding with my son to the intersection of the Denali Highway and the Richardson Highway at the abandoned lodge with NO FACILITIES. I spotted a fellow biker and was eager to engage him with stories of the road and journey.  I ended up dubbing him, "disgruntled Hungarian" because he had nothing but complaints about the road.  He said it was, "No good," in a thick accent.  My stomach began to turn. Urgh. About 15 minutes later, my extremely fit and fine husband rolls in and we began the uphill journey from Paxton to Cantwell.  The journey is 131 miles with some pavement.  Thankfully, the first hill was paved.  But, it was a nice way to get warmed up.  (Which would not be a issue at all)  Every day was a clear and crisp 70-75 d...

Even though we had a sound night sleep and the sun was out, we both were feeling Blah.  I think my nerves kicked in because I knew we had 80+ miles to go to reach the destination of the Homer Spit into  Kachemak Bay.  My longest day before that was 53 miles.  But, at least we had some interesting things to distract us on our way. Our closest encounter with a moose.  So sweet.  However, we found that Clam Gulch had NOTHING for us.  (No second breakfast.  No coffee.) A view of the ocean from the road! I did see a humpback whale from the road! BUZZ cafe was the best!  They just got a new espresso machine from Italy.  James had a great time chatting with another biker (motorcycle).  We had no other bicycle touring people at all.  We both agreed that the road conditions and the weather (no wind AMAZING), were the BEST in the entire route from Soldotna to Homer.   We enjoyed a nice l...

Gazing out the window, I can't tell you how excited I am to begin this journey around this beautiful state of Alaska. After weeks of reading books about cycling, listening to podcast about cycling, and interviewing real people about cycling, I am eager to start.  "Sea to Shining Sea" will be a 1000+ mile bicycle tour around Alaska from Prudhoe to Homer and lots of places in-between. Training?    I have done two of the three things to get ready.   1) Get in the bike saddle as long as possible. That just means that I ride whenever and wherever I can.  I have learned the bike safety rules of the road and acquired a great map.  I do my errands, bike to church, ask as many people as I can to bike with me.   *Since I bought a used Surly Long Trucker renamed Green Dragon, I have logged 232 miles.   Please text me or message me if you want to train or bike ride.  I don't mind where or when, I just need the miles. ...