As we cycled out of Fairbanks towards Canada, kitschy tourist stops soon gave way to the wide open spaces of Alaskan wilderness. Smoky air from forest fires and the onset of almost daily rain presented some challenges. But the Alaska Highway still delivered majestic landscapes inhabited by fascinating wildlife, as well as a few welcome surprises.

We wanted to savor the experience of bicycle travel in the Far North, so we took seven days to cycle from Coldfoot to Fairbanks, Alaska. Multiple mountain ridges, clouds of mosquitos, forest fires, and a few missteps in procuring water all presented challenges. But the wildlife, landscapes, and sheer scope of the wilderness along the Dalton Highway were spectacular - a true cycling adventure.

Our Americas cycling adventure began with the 240 mile ride down the northernmost road in Alaska, the Dalton Highway (a.k.a., the Haul Road). With no traveler’s services, it’s considered one of the most remote roads in the world. We cycled across stormy tundra, the magnificent Brooks Range Mountains, and finally saw our first tree on our fourth day of cycling. Surrounded by incredible wildlife, we reveled in the vast expanses and solitude of the journey.

Getting to the start of any long bicycle tour can be an adventure in itself, and our arrival in Deadhorse, Alaska, was no exception. But after several hair-raising moments, we finally landed in one of the northernmost towns in the world. With an allure similar to an industrial colony on another planet, Deadhorse’s unique character was fascinating to observe. A quick dip in the Arctic Ocean and the chance to wander out on the northern sea ice, followed by close-up views of spectacular arctic birds, set the stage for our next adventure - pedaling southward on the Dalton Highway.

During 40 days in Anchorage, Alaska, we explored the city’s extensive network of bike trails. Ranging from paved paths along urban streams to root-infested single-tracks in the hills, we never tired of the natural beauty and varied terrain available for cycling in Anchorage. Seeing a few moose was certainly a highlight. But there were other surprises, like airplanes flying so low overhead you felt as if you could reach up and touch them. Next we’ll fly up to Prudhoe Bay at the very top of Alaska, and begin heading south by bike.