Alaska - Bike & Beer
United States Bike Tours
Alaska Craft Beers & Roadhouses Road Bike Tour
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from$4595 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to the last frontier! This guided bike tour in Alaska combines two of cyclists' favorite past times into one grand adventure; cycling through awe-inspiring landscapes and relaxing and rewarding with extraordinary craft beer afterward!
This one-of-a-kind bike tour rolls along some of the most scenic roads in the world, taking cyclists to historic roadhouses and quiet, remote log cabin resorts. All along your way, you will discover beer-making Alaska style.
What better way to finish your cycling day than with a nightly tasting of craft beers brewed in the 49th state! Mealtimes is an adventure as well, so eat to ride and ride to eat!
Highlights
- Denali National Park
- Matanuska Glacier
- Glacier hiking
- Epic scenery
- Epic brews
- Eclectic accommodations
If Alaska is not your thing, take a look at our other bike tours in the USA!
Itinerary
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: DepartureAll 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: flatDay 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 hillsDay 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 hillsDay 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 downhillDay 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 downhillDay 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 hillsDay 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 downhillDay 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)Be sure to check out all of our featured trips, specials, and news
Map
Hotels & Bikes
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
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 9 nights in boutique lodges
- Meals from dinner on Day 1 until dinner on Day 10 (except as noted in the itinerary.) This tour is not vegetarian-friendly. The remote lodges used have very limited menus which focus on meat & fish.
- Pre-dinner beer tasting on most nights
- Rental bike (Fuji Sportif road touring bike with 28 or 30 cm tires)
- Cycling Guide(s)
- Full Van Support
- Daily route directions & maps
- Airport pick up & drop off on Day 1 and Day 10 (if you are booking extra nights before and/or after your tour in an establishment other than the Puffin Inn, be sure to check if an airport transfer is included in the amenities. If not, taxis are readily available.)
What’s Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Gratuities for guides & support staff
- Meals not indicated on daily itinerary
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2022
Scheduled tour dates: May 18, July 6, July 18, & September 7, 2022
2023
Scheduled tour dates: May 24, July 2, July 23, & August 27, 2023
Private tour dates are possible for groups of 4 or more. Just ask!
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2022
Scheduled group departures
Twin/double: $ 6743 £ 3833 $ 6,093 € 4468 ₪ 16175 NZ$ 7411 kr 47721 $ 4,595 Single supplement: $ 1460 £ 830 $ 1,319 € 967 ₪ 3503 NZ$ 1605 kr 10334 $ 995
Private tour
Groups of 6 or more:
Twin/double: $ 6934 £ 3941 $ 6,266 € 4594 ₪ 16633 NZ$ 7620 kr 49071 $ 4,725 Single supplement: on request
Groups of 4 - 5:
Twin/double: $ 7447 £ 4233 $ 6,730 € 4935 ₪ 17865 NZ$ 8185 kr 52706 $ 5,075 Single supplement: on request
Groups of 2 -3:
Twin/double: $ 7998 £ 4546 $ 7,227 € 5299 ₪ 19185 NZ$ 8790 kr 56601 $ 5,450 Single supplement: on requestExtra Options
Please ask us for pricing for extra nights before or after your tour.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
The ride is mostly on paved roads, but can involve dirt roads on some optional rides. Traffic is moderate and very bike friendly. The route is suitable for performance road, sport road, and touring bikes. Terrain is hilly and on a couple of days, involves a long gradual climb. Remember that this ride is fully supported! You can always hop in the support vehicle at any time.
Airport Info
Fly into Anchorage (ANC) before 7 am on Day 1 and out of Anchorage (ANC) after 9 pm on Day 10 or arrange an extra night before or after the tour. The Puffin Inn is a very practical and convenient option since the group will meet here on Day 1 and end the tour back here after dinner on Day 10. Airport shuttles are provided. Please ask us regarding reserving extra nights.
Local Travel
The tour meets at 9 am on Day 1 at Puffin Inn, Anchorage. The trip ends after dinner on Day 10 back at the Puffin Inn. Shuttles to the airport will be available after dinner for folks taking red-eye flights that day and accommodation is available (with supplement) for folks who fly the next day.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your departure. The climate in and around Anchorage, Alaska is considered subarctic due to its short, cool summers. Summertime regularly sees temperatures in the low 70s (20s C).
Recommended
Don’t forget your helmet!
Remarks
Extra nights before or after can be booked in Anchorage. The Puffin Inn where the group will gather both before and after your tour, is the perfect choice! Another option is Booking.com for arranging your pre and/or post-tour overnight accommodations. Be sure that airport transfers are included or be prepared to use taxi services. Those staying at the Puffin Inn can take advantage of the airport transfer.
Important to know
For US citizens, documents for travel to/from Alaska are the same for any other U.S. state. If you are flying to Alaska within the United States, you only need a valid government photo ID. A list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the TSA website.
Non-U.S. citizens do require a passport, and all the same documentation and visas needed to enter the United States of America at any other port. Please check the list of required documents below to ensure you are ready to travel.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Pedalers Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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