Winter Fatbiking in Alaska

[Gcharles]

I head to Alaska on the 12th of December for two months of fat bikepacking exploration.  If anyone is interested in joining up for trips I would welcome the company.  Shoot me an email if interested.  If you have any thoughts on must do routes, I would definitely appreciate the advice.

Cheers,

Glenn

www.thetravelingvagabond.com

[Eric]

Hey Glenn,
I looked at your blog and your plans a bit.
Heading to Fairbanks around winter solstice is as dark and cold as it gets. You could do the white mountains loop and go cabin to cabin making for manageable 25 mile days. There is plenty of other river riding up there but expect it to be really f-in cold and dark.

The Denali highway (not the park rd.) might be good, and you might be able to ride some of the mushing trails around Denali park but don't know much about it.
Iditarod trail - It's not really "in" until the iron dog breaks the trail in Feb. You'll probably be able to ride to Finger lake, maybe Puntilla but forget about having trail after that.
Closer to Anchorage, the Knik is good overnighter, you could do the Kenai beach then ride the snowmachine trails near Homer, and of course there is tons of day riding around Anchorage.

Get platforms and warm boots. as nice as the 45nrt's look, they are unproven and you are talking about a long trip here during the coldest time of the year. Footwear is the most important piece of gear you'll have. Comfort and warmth are king.

as a side note... Pay the change fee's and come up Feb-April. It's the best time of winter!

[Gcharles]

Eric,

Thanks a ton for the advice.  I know how knowledgeably you are on the area, so it means a good deal to me.  Paying the change fee is certainly an option and one worth considering.  I have  a scheduling issue in late March which is why I wanted to do this earlier...  Ok, time to think.  Thanks a bunch.

Glenn

[Eric]

it's the fun factor, more daylight generally goes hand in hand with it. Good luck with planning. Fly home from Ak right before your late March thing. March is fantastic..

[Gcharles]

Yep, I agree.  I am working to change my flights now to February & March.  Eric, thanks for the advice, you were the tipping point...

Glenn

[Gcharles]

Eric,

Thanks for the advice.  Changed my flight, arriving Feb 1 - March 31.  Look forward to meeting you if you have the time.

Cheers,

Glenn

[Eric]

Good call. You'll enjoy your trip a lot more.

[Gcharles]

14 days until I depart to Anchorage.  Following the weather reports, things don't look good in that region.  I heard from a friend last night that conditions are pretty miserable for biking.  If that is true, my plan will be to head out iimmediately and work my way up to Denali and then on to Fairbanks.  Would love the opportunity to meet up with local riders.  Does anyone have info or the Tolovano hot springs, specifically the route that would allow me to bike there.  Any info on local conditions would be greatly appreciated.