UPDATED July 15, 2015

BY Jacob Warner

IN Company, North American Epic

6 comments

UPDATED July 15, 2015

BY Jacob Warner

IN Company, North American Epic

6 comments

‘North to the Future’ – Anchorage to Tok – on the North American Epic

It has been a good week on our way to Tok, the first rest day of the North American Epic. Stage 2 provided fantastic views of the Matanuska Glacier, as well as great weather. The further we ride from Anchorage, the fewer settlements, people, and vehicles we see. A few patches of rain have failed to dampen the spirits of the small group of riders from a handful of nations across the world. Riders new to the Tour d’Afrique lifestyle have become accustomed to the day to day routine. Whilst returning alumni pick up where they left off on previous tours. The one overwhelming consistency for everyone so far has been trees. Trees as far as the eye can see. They form a wall on both sides of the road, denoting the boundary between the slither of asphalt that is the road, and the uncharted forest beyond. There have been a few reported Moose sightings, but so far (and probably for the best) no Bears!

Photo 1 - Roger rides towards lunch on a scenic Stage 3

Alaska seems to be a transient place for its population. Almost all of the people we have met in here have moved here from the lower United States or elsewhere. Many come for either work, relationships, or some other reason. One guy, Dale, moved here to help run his sister’s gas station, which has now closed down due to competition. ‘These towns are small, there’s not much need for four gas stations’, he said dishearteningly. I spoke to him whilst sheltering in said gas station from a torrential downpour. He was uncertain, but optimistic, when I asked what would happen after they sold the property. Perhaps they will move to a new town, or back to the lower U.S. Wherever the road takes them. Likewise, the majority of vehicles we see are either RVs or Trucks passing through on the long haul, eating up the miles towards somewhere far away. Probably wondering what a small group of cyclists are doing on these long and remote roads.

Photo 2 - Rod and Diane continue riding after a much needed coke stop near the Matanuska Glacier.

However, this is not to cast Alaska in a negative light! Those who live here, even if they aren’t from here, are proud of their Alaskan identity, and knowledgeable of the wildlife and landscape that surrounds them. Fishing and hunting are the most frequently discussed past times. People at gas stations and campsites are very friendly, helpful, and curious about who we are, and where we are going, and always have advice or stories about the local area. Perhaps the lower density of people, and the larger distances between them, evokes a more welcoming and warmhearted approach to one another. Something that can’t be said for many highly populated cities! After all, Richard Peter, the man who coined Alaska’s motto ‘North to the Future’ addressed this directly, stating: ‘there is a Great Land beneath our flag that can provide a new tomorrow for the huddled masses yearning to be free’.

sign

When we reach Tok, we will take a right hand turn and begin heading towards the border for Canada, the second country on our journey, which is home to many of our riders. However there will be surprises even for these native Canadians. As residents of the second largest country on earth, they still have much to experience in their homeland. It will be a shame to leave Alaska, which has delighted everyone with its character and scenery. It’s a place I never thought I would visit, but would be happy to come back to again.

6 Comments for "‘North to the Future’ – Anchorage to Tok – on the North American Epic"

Good luck on your trip and all the best to Jacob, we were sad to see him go, but hope he enjoys working for you guys!

I remember that signpost well from the 2013 NAE!
The roads are sooooo long & very often straight, enjoy the journey – it is an adventure all the way to Mexico.

hi there,

are there any blogs from the rider ? and where can I find them?

    Hi Heldrun, If you go to the people page for the tour you are interested in and click on the rider profiles there are links for the ones that are writing blogs.

      thank you

        only Wayne has a blog, but nothing on it

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