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06-20-2011, 06:12 PM #1
Bike Touring in/near Denali Nat'l Park - help needed
Somehow the idea got in my head of taking a vacation up to the Denali area to bike tour. This is an attractive idea because I've always wanted to spend some time in DNP, don't have a ton of vacation to go somewhere super far away, and don't have time/interest in training for an adventure that requires new skills or a ton of additional capacity.
I'm having trouble finding TRs to emulate or suggestions for putting together a trip like this. There are many commercially guided options, but I don't feel like I need a lot of guide help once I get the plan going. I know the park road is mostly closed to motor traffic (except park buses) and is 85 gravel miles long each way - a bit short for a week's tour unless we get off the bikes a lot, mix in other activities, or tack on another tour.
Some initial questions:
- have any of you done any bike touring in or around DNP? if so, how was it and what did you do?
- what other activities should we think about adding to a bike tour itinerary in the park or nearby?
My buddy and I are talking about end of August or early September. 10 days: 1 day each way from the lower 48, 1 day for logistics, 7 days in action.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Beta? Connections I can contact?
Thanks.another Handsome Boy graduate
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06-20-2011, 06:49 PM #2
Good time to go as it will be cooler and the bugs will get knocked down.
I would check out paxson to cantwell to mckinley village ~160 miles on the denali highway - which is a gorgeous gravel ride. Combined with a ride to wonder lake and back would put you at about 50 miles a day for a week of riding.
Don't bring a road bike. Do bring rain gear. Watch out for hunters (i.e. don't wear your caribou outfit while hiking).
I'm heading from Anchorage past Glennallen at the end of August and may be able to provide a ride out that way.
Other options would be to head up to something like Kesugi Ridge bike to little coal creek, hike the trail to Byers Lake ~35 miles (or run it in a day), then hitch back to your bike. There are loads of other options, and a packraft would open up even more.
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06-20-2011, 10:03 PM #3
Thank you Wendigo! This is the kind of beta (and ride offers) I'm going to need. Not sure about the pack rafts as I have very little experience on rivers, but I like that kind of thinking.
here's a video of the park road I found that has me stoked:
Edit - Imbed not working, here's the link:another Handsome Boy graduate
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06-21-2011, 01:34 AM #4someone
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- Nov 2009
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take it slow on the bike road and have cameras quickly accessible.
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06-21-2011, 01:55 AM #5
I would second the Denali Hwy.... Cantwell to Paxson is 135 miles, all but 25 miles of it are gravel.
I just did this trip at the end of May, and I pack along a rod to fish along the way...
A cyclocross bike will suffice and be easier on the pavement if you decide to make the ride longer....
Let me know if I can be of anymore help.
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07-18-2011, 12:41 PM #6
I'm working on putting this trip together and could really use some help with a few things:
1. an outfitter to rent us some of the gear. Shipping bikes and gear to AK is really expensive, so I'd rather rent bikes and trailers or panniers and give a local outfitter the money - any recommendations? I've got the cold weather backpacking/camping gear, just need a way to haul it around the park. My buddy who is coming only has a road bike so he'll need to rent a beefier ride.
2. Shuttle service from Anchorage to the park for me, my buddy, and our gear & bikes
3. any spots in the park that are "can't miss" camp spots or places where we really need to plan to spend more than a day. We are planning to ride pretty modest mileage daily to leave lots of time for hiking and other non-bike activities. Any suggestions would help us craft the itinerary
Thanks!another Handsome Boy graduate
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07-18-2011, 01:09 PM #7
The train.
3. any spots in the park that are "can't miss" camp spots or places where we really need to plan to spend more than a day. We are planning to ride pretty modest mileage daily to leave lots of time for hiking and other non-bike activities.
If you do the Denali Highway watch for ridges on the north side of the highway where you can hike up and get the view to the north. I don't remember the mileposts for any of them, but I found a number of spots that had great hiking up to a view.
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07-18-2011, 01:43 PM #8
One way to ship a bike is by mail. Split into just the frame and a separate box for the wheels. That was how I got bikes I bought on ebay shipped to me and was way cheaper.
The pacifists always lose, because the anti-pacifists kill them.
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07-19-2011, 01:58 AM #9
Pete, I can put you in touch with the guy from my local bike and outdoors club who did this trip in September 2009:
Originally Posted by Owen Bailey_______________________________________________
"Strapping myself to a sitski built with 30lb of metal and fibreglass then trying to water ski in it sounds like a stupid idea to me.
I'll be there." ... Andy Campbell
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07-20-2011, 07:48 PM #10
Shralph - any connections would be appreciated
Optimus Prime - Thanks for the PM, it was helpful and insightful
Others - keep it cominganother Handsome Boy graduate
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08-22-2011, 07:42 PM #11
The trip is coming together. I leave Friday morning and have Saturday as a logistics day in Anchorage. I still need to get a shuttle Sunday to the park for me and my travel partner, plus our bikes, trailers, and gear. Any recommendations?
Also, if anyone who has spent time in Denali National Park or similar places has recommendations of specific gear items or best practices for operating in a place like DNP I am all ears. I've got extensive camping and treking experience, but not much amongst mega-fauna and my only times in AK have been sailing. In particular, advice around dealing with the mosquitoes would be good.another Handsome Boy graduate
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08-22-2011, 08:35 PM #12
Did the train (that I mentioned above) not work out?
Also, if anyone who has spent time in Denali National Park or similar places has recommendations of specific gear items or best practices for operating in a place like DNP I am all ears. I've got extensive camping and treking experience, but not much amongst mega-fauna and my only times in AK have been sailing. In particular, advice around dealing with the mosquitoes would be good.
Cook away from your sleeping area. Duh.
Don't forget rain gear. Good rain gear.
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08-24-2011, 06:21 PM #13
The train is an option, but it is not the fastest or the most schedule flexible. We've identified and corresponded with van-shuttles, but some are booked and some seem to be jerks, so the train is looking better and better.
Glad the bugs will be lighter, but it sounds like they'll still be pretty serious. Deet for sure. Rain gear for sure, fingers crossed and rabbits feet rubbed in hopes of a few dry days. Bears and moose still worry me, but I'll follow all precautions set out by the rangers and rely on the statistical unlikelihood of attack for comfort.another Handsome Boy graduate
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