Alaska - Bike & Beer

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, Anchorage - Palmer, 20 mi. (35 km)
Day 2: Palmer - Talkeetna, 70 mi. (112 km)
Day 3: Talkeetna - Denali SP, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 4: Denali SP - Denali Village,  75 mi. (120 km)
Day 5: Denali Village
Day 6: Denali Village - Paxson, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 7: Paxson - Gakona, 68 mi. (109 km)
Day 8: Gakona - Louise Lake, 55 mi. (80 km)
Day 9: Louise Lake - Sheep Mountain, 56 mi. (90 km)
Day 10: Departure

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. 

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage, Anchorage - Palmer, 20 mi. (35 km)
You will meet your fellow biking and beer aficionados at the Puffin Inn Hotel at 9 am, then head north to the Old Glenn Highway, where you get the bikes out for a leisurely warmup ride to the historic town of Palmer. Please note that the overnight accommodations at Puffin Inn are not included and since the group meets early, it is highly recommended that you fly in before 7 am to Anchorage Alaska (ANC) to allow you enough time to arrive by 9 am. Too early? We suggest that you book accommodation at the Puffin Inn before your official tour start. Airport transfer (provided by the hotel) will be included.

Once you arrive in Palmer, you have some free time wandering around this town, established during the Great Depression as an agricultural community. Your hotel was built as part of the original township. Your first round of tastings takes place at the town's brewpub. Dinner provided! (D)

Overnight accommodation: The Colony Inn
Terrain: flat

Day 2: Palmer - Talkeetna, 70 mi. (112 km)
Let the real riding begin! Today's route leads north first along some nicely paved bike paths from the charming village of Willow.  The route then continues through thick forests of aspen and poplar trees, a lush blanket of green, to the eclectic town of Talkeetna, the overnight town. 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. (B, L, D) 

Overnight accommodation: Latitude62 Lodge
Terrain: Rolling hills

Day 3: Talkeetna - Denali State Park, 50 mi. (80 km)
The dramatic landscapes of the Alaska range lure you further north today, as the group pedals 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 one of a kind!  The lodge this evening is simple and comfortable, built as a homestead before roads went to Denali National Park, providing dramatic views of Denali. (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Mckinley View Lodge
Terrain: Rolling hills

Day 4: Denali State Park - Denali Village,  75 mi. (120 km)
The heart of Denali State Park is the focus today followed by a ride along the Parks Highway,  "up and over" Broad Pass into the heart of the Alaska Mountain Range.  But don't let the name fool you! iI is a gentle climb, following the rail line, no steeper than 2%.  The day's ride ends in Cantwell, followed by a  shuttle into Denali Village, where you will stay for the next two nights. Dinner and beer tasting this evening are at the 49th State Brewing. (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Denali Crows Nest
Terrain: rolling hills
 

Day 5: Denali Village
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 to the park for a ride back out, white water rafting, and just plain relaxing with a stroll around town.  No organized tastings tonight, but the hotel's bar has a great selection to wet your whistle. (No meals provided)

Overnight accommodation: Denali Crows Nest

Day 6: Denali Village - Paxson , 45 mi. (72 km)
Back on the bikes, it is mostly a downhill ride today. The route leads back to Cantwell. In Cantwell where you will pick up Denali Highway, traversing across the southern foothills of the Alaska Range.  This highway has been voted one of 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 the portion of the day's itinerary will be by shuttle to the lodge, surrounded by 160 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness. (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Meiers Lake Lodge
Terrain: Mostly downhill

Day 7: Paxson - Gakona, 68 mi. (109 km)
The day starts with the Richardson Highway, the first road built in Alaska. The ride is a cruise as it is 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 treetops.  Alaska's oldest operating roadhouse is home tonight, the Gakona Lodge constructed in 1929! (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Gakona Lodge
Terrain: Mostly downhill

Day 8: Gakona - Louise Lake, 55 mi. (80 km)
Leaving Gakona, you roll through Glenallen, a dry community at the junction of the Richardson and Glenn Highways, but fear not, because there is a combination stationary and beer store just outside the city limits.  Today's ride highlights the vast tundra of Alaska, flatlands dotted with numerous lakes.  You will overnight on the shores of Louise Lake, encircled by distant mountain ranges, forming a delightful 360-degree landscape masterpiece. You will sample brews from the Kenai Peninsula on the porch overlooking the lake. What better way to end the day! (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Lake Louise Lodge
Terrain: rolling hills

Day 9: Louise Lake - Sheep Mountain, 56 mi. (90 km)
Your last day of riding takes you further along the Glenn Highway, working your 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 your legs. From the summit, it is a rolling downhill to the tour's finish at Sheep Mountain. With the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier at your doorstep, you will try some more brews from the Kenai Peninsula this evening. (B, L, D)

Overnight accommodation: Sheep Mountain Lodge
Terrain: Slow climb and rolling downhill

Day 10: Glacier hiking and last day of the tour, 5 mi. (8 km)
After breakfast, you will switch gears a bit, and explore off the saddle, with a stop at Matanuska Glacier. Accompanied and equipped by experienced glacier guides, you will explore the glacier up close and personal, walking across its vast blue ice fields. In the afternoon, transfer back to Anchorage to celebrate the end of a great Alaskan adventure with a final tasting followed by dinner. Many people decide to spend this night in Anchorage. The Puffin Inn is a great option that you can book yourself.  Guests who are flying out this evening, may leave their luggage at the Puffin Inn and take advantage of the hotel airport transfer after dinner. It is advised if you are flying out today, that you book your flight for after 9 pm. (B, L, D) 

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Lodging on this trip is unique, a mix of historic roadhouses, homesteads, boutique log cabin resorts and modern hotels. All feature Alaskan style architecture and atmosphere, plus provide all the expected amenities for your comfort (hot showers, en suite bathrooms, wifi). Do note, that some are simple and down to earth. On each day’s details, you will find the preferred hotel.

Bicycles

Fuji Sportif Road Touring

Designed for versatility and performance, the Sportif takes geometry cues from our top-level endurance model to give you a comfortable, affordable bike.

• A2-SL alloy with full carbon fork
• Shimano Tiagra gears
• Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c tires

Accessories

• Waterbottle cages
• Seat bag with repair kits and pumps