KevinSherm

I'm looking to do around a 2 month summer tour this summer, and I just can't figure out what tour/route to take. I'm definitely leaning toward something in N. America, but would consider a great tour somewhere else.

So just use this thread to share your favorite 2 month summer tours!

Also, I remember reading a journal of someone who went from Montana to Alaska. This sounds like an awesome trip and would probably be about the time frame I'm looking at. However, I have no clue about the details (terrain, distance, route, special issues to be concerned about, etc.). SO, if anyone has ANY information about this trip, or any other thoughts, concerns, or concepts, please share. I'd love to hear any/all your thoughts.

I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say. I'm welcome to almost any suggestion out there! Thanks a lot!

After doing just about 20 more minutes of research, it seems like an Alaska ride might not be right for a beginning tourer. I'm confident about my physical ability, but maybe not all the other issues I will have to deal with...

Erick L

Can't speak from actual experience, but I looked at many routes in western Canada, read many reports, pictures, books, etc, and figured a superb tour would be Calgary - Anchorage, going like this:

Calgary - Banff
Banff - Jasper (Icefield parkaway, old route when you can/want)
Jasper - going west on Yellowhead highway
North on Cassiar highway (about 15% unpaved)
West on Alaska highway until Tok
South towards Valdez
Ferry to Whittier, then ride Anchorage

In this "dream trip", I'd either ride or take the train to Denali park, if time allows. This would take 2 months for me but I go slow and like to stop for hiking. You could easily add Montana and keep it under 2 months.

Another option in Alaska would be the Denali (unpaved) or Glenn highway, but wanted like to include a boat trip. Going up to Fairbanks doesn't sound as interesting. There are also many routes through southern BC but sooner or later, you have to go via the Cassiar highway or by ferries. There's a also the Alaskan highway but it doesn't seem to compare to the other options, even if the unpaved sections of the Cassiar can be muddy in the rain.

I'll put my references together and post them later. Right now, I'd suggest reading Leon Steber's trip (I read it again yesterday and the photos didn't match the text. Still great!).

jamawani 

I have biked up to Alaska a number of times plus the Yukon and Northwest Territories and if this is your first major trip, it is most definitely not the best idea. You need to develop your touring and outdoor skills - plus be able to handle the remote stretches.

There are a number of things which will influence what you decide to do - your age, your shape, your experience biking, the kind of bike you have, camping or lodging, plus when you plan to do it.

A wonderful loop in the American and Canadian Wests goes from Seattle, Washington to Glacier Park in Montana then up to Jasper thru the national parks in Alberta then back down towards Vancouver - using the Kettle River Trail and cutting back over into the US.

I'd say start in the San Juan Islands and follow the Adventure Cycling Northern Tier - but that route hits some big climbs right away - so maybe it would be better to start in Astoria, Oregon and follow the Columbia River to its junction with the Snake then up to Spokane and over. That gives you a week of more mellow riding - actually two week since the route thru western Montana isn't too steep until you hit Glacier. Check it out -

Best - J