July 30: We both had flights home on Aug 4th so we thought about doing another short side trip, but to where? We have been almost everywhere in Alaska, that was on paved roads. There are only four highways in the state, two east-west and two north-south and we rode all four. But today we will just enjoy the wonderful bike paths of Anchorage.
Our first destination was “Pat’s Bikes.” Remember this is where we bought our Alaska jerseys. The shop was not open yet so we had coffee and a pastry in the bakery which is in the same complex as Pat’s. When Pat’s opened, we had a nice visit with Pat. Kathy, his wife, who I talked to on the phone when I ordered the jersey was not in. Pat’s Bikes is up stairs, over the coffee bakery.
The next stop was at the “Alaska Wild Berry Products” where we feasted on their free samples. This place is famous for having the worlds largest “Chocolate Waterfall.” By the way the free samples are only put out when a tour bus is expected. Note: Alaskan’s really like their coffee, there are coffee shops and coffee drive-through’s all over the place. More than in Seattle, which is famous for coffee.
As we rode along the bike path a Bull Moose crossed in front of us. He just took his time, nibbling along the way. If you want to see a moose it’s almost a sure thing if you ride or hike the beach bike tail. If you plan on hiking it you have to go at least 5 miles (10 miles round trip.) It’s really best to ride a bike. Bikes can be rented near by and a lot of people do.
July 31: We decided to take a overnight trip back to Palmer. We have ridden the road to Palmer twice already. Once coming into Anchorage and the second time when we headed for Fairbanks. But this time we would take the Old Glenn Highway. Pat (of Pat’s Bikes) told us to be careful as this road has little to no shoulder and high traffic. We thought just how much traffic can it have when there is a major highway running almost right next to it. Making our way out of Anchorage and on to the bike path was easy (this time around.) We made the right turn onto the Old Glen where we found a sign that read “Construction next 11 miles.” We started down the road anyway but after a short distance on dirt and no shoulder we turned back. Also the traffic was heavy and fast.
Back on the highway it was an easy ride into Palmer where we found a different motel from the first time we stayed here, and a little less expensive. So after checking in we headed out to explore the town. We tired the Old Glenn from this side and while it was paved there was no shoulder and very heavy traffic. The drivers were NOT happy that we were on their road and they let so know it. After a very short distance we turned back and was VERY happy to do so. Going in the opposite direction, from this road, we found a very nice back road that was free of traffic. Overhead we could hear an airplane, which turned out to be a radio control model plane. We rode across the field and watch two very skilled guys fly their planes.
Aug 1: We headed back to Anchorage with cloudy skies and a few rain drops. We rode on the major highway and knew at some place there would be a sign that prohibits bikes. David was a quarter miles or so in front of me when I saw the sign. I tried to yell at him but he could not hear me so I decided to pick up my speed and try and catch him before the next exit or for that matter before a police officer came along.
Wouldn’t you know it, just as I got going I had a flat. David was well out of sight by now. It would take me 20 minutes, or so, to fix the flat and I was sure that by then he would wonder just where I was. While fixing the flat a police officer stopped, but really just wanted to help. He did say that I should exit at the next off-ramp. The flat fixed I rode to the next exit and did just that, exited. Now I was hopping that David did not try and ride back to find me. I was now on a very nice and quite back road. Stopping to ask if I was headed in the right direction I was told I was on the right track. The next town up ahead was Eagle River, where I met up with David. We rode the rest of the way into Anchorage together.
After checking into the Hostel, we rode over to the airport (just a few miles away) to check to see if our reservations were in order. Next to the main airport is the Worlds Largest Float Plane Base, some 90,000 take offs and landings each year (that’s 247 per day). It was fun to watch these planes take off and land.
Aug 2: We woke to a great day, the best day of the trip. It was warm and crystal clear. The first order of business was to look for a duffle-bag to put our stuff in for the plane. We found them at Fred Myers. As usual we rode the bike paths. It was so clear we could see Mt. McKinley from Anchorage. Even from this distance it look massive. Dinner was in downtown Anchorage at the “Downtown Deli and Café” and I had Reindeer Stew, it was very good.
I read in the newspaper that toady, Aug 2, Barrow, Alaska will have it’s first sunset since May 10th. In Anchorage today the sunrise was at 5:35 AM and the sunset was at 10:35 PM. Anchorage lost 5 minutes and 15 seconds of sunlight from yesterday.
Aug 3: Another great day and we did as usual, ride the bike paths (today we rode 74 miles almost all on bike paths.) Saw another moose, up close and personal. Below is a picture of a sign that we saw and lets you know that some residents really mean business. Dinner was at “The Sourdough Mining Co.” which part of the Alaska Wild Berry Products complex.
Aug 4: After a breakfast at our local McDonalds we headed for the airport. My flight was before David’s so he went with me to help. I was able to get two shipping boxes for our bikes from my airline. Try as we did, we just could not get one of my pedals loose (the pedals have to come off for the bike to fit in the box). So off I rode to the closest bike shop which happen to be REI. Arriving at 9:30 AM I found that they did not open until 10 AM. As I waited at the front door and employee came by and I explained my problem (I hoped he would let me in to get the pedal loose so that I could get back to the airport.) He said he would see what he could do - he did nothing. The next guy that came along took me right in the back door and into the bike repair shop where within minutes my pedal was loosened (great guy, thanks.) I was back at the airport by 10 AM. We finished up getting my bike and stuff packed and then went over to David’s terminal (one building over) and get him all packed.
My flight was 100% full. We got into Portland 10 minutes early. My wife was to meet me down the road at the Hampton Inn, where she could sit and enjoy their great coffee (we often stay here and they know us and are always happy to see us, even if it is just for a cup of coffee.) The main reason for her to wait for me there is so that I could unpack the bike and put it back together and take it for a short ride just to be sure nothing was damaged (there was no problems with the bike.) If you take the bike home and notice a problem the airlines will not accept any responsibility. By the way I rode to the Hampton in a light rain. Welcome home to Portland.
Anchorage - First stop should be at “The Log Cabin Visitor Center.” Visit, Pat’s Bikes, Kathy Sarns Art Gallery, Muffin Man-Bakery & Café, and The Bicycle Shop. Dine in a Goldmine at the “Sourdough Mining Co. Restaurant.” Eat free (also why not buy something) samples at the “Alaska Wild Berry Products.” Ride the many miles of bike paths. Explore Downtown. Shop at the “Ulu Factory.” Tour the “Alaska Mint.” Get warm at the “Alaska Fur Exchange.” Have a very filling meal at “The Bear Tooth Grill.” Free Email and Internet access is available at “ZJ Loussac Public Library.” Read “The Anchorage Daily News.” Visit “Earthquake Park.” Or better yet just buy a copy of “Alaska” by Lonely Plant.
Special note: Anchorage is very expensive from mid-June to early August. In winter, hotel rates drop about 40%. Of course you just might be the only out of state visitor during the winter.
Another great tour has ended. Many thanks to David for his planning, leading and being a good riding partner. Next year (2005) will probably be a non-touring year for me. We, my wife and I, have 3 weddings and our 50th High School reunion, all in the Los Angeles area. Two of the dates are set, the reunion in late May and a wedding on early Aug.
Yes I am already thinking about 2006. See you on the road!