Words and images by Rachel Heath.
Human-powered remote overland travel is my favorite way to experience the world. There is not a moment that passes that I don’t crave those big athletic pushes, the ones where you fully and truly immerse yourself in the wilderness. Your mission day after day is distance, safety, and survival. For moving on foot or skis, this type of adventure is why I live in Alaska. It was only a matter of time before I discovered that this type of adventure could also be had on a bike. I’ve never considered doing this type of riding solo until August 2020… I was in the best shape of my life after riding and racing bikes all year, but I was unable to secure a partner for a route that my heart and head were set on.
My intention was to traverse the state of AK using the Dalton and Parks Highways to move from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Alaska. I settled for a solo effort but was apprehensive about servicing my bike through the calcium chloride mud that is notorious in the North Slope section of the route.
Deadhorse was 40 degrees and raining when I departed and I was overcome with the feeling that I had made a mistake. My thoughts were consumed by fear of grizzly bears, bike failure, or food and water shortages, but I continued riding, observing my headspace without reacting to it.
The desolate landscape of the North Slope was unsettling, but within 150 miles I was comforted by the mountainous terrain of the Brooks Range… an environment that feels like home to me. On the third day I arrived in Yukon Crossing for fresh spring water, a salmon burger, garden-fresh zucchini, and the internet. I filled my backpack and bottles and continued south.
On Friday afternoon I arrived at my hotel in Fairbanks, which was ~500 miles from the start. After a good night’s sleep and an evaluation of my priorities, I decided to end the trip and save the 350 miles of pavement for another time.
One appealing part of any significant physical endeavor is the epiphany moment where you solve complex problems or make realizations about the trajectory of your life. What came to me is this: I wanted to take cycling in a direction and solo riding across great distances isn’t the direction I’m headed. Within the context of a race, which is a shared experience, it’s incredible. But solo travel will never be my preference. Land is beautiful and bikes are fun but my life is to be spent with people and I’ll end this trip report with that. ❤
The Voytek is a fat bike for all seasons. When the trails are packed with snow, we’re riding 4” tires. When spring comes and the trails turn to dirt, we swap out tires and ride 29″ plus until winter returns. The versatility of the Voytek blurs the lines of plus and fat, keeping the party going all year long.