Bikepacking Alaska 1: The Kenai
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- čas přidán 19. 07. 2023
- In June 2023, two friends and I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, to start a multi-year bikepacking/bicycle touring trip which will see us cycle from the Arctic down to Patagonia. In this first episode, we warm up with a week in the spectacular Kenai Peninsula, exploring some of the best singletrack riding in Alaska, and get used to wild camping in bear country.
I've been cycling around the world for many years, but Alaska is somewhere I've wanted to travel to for a very long time, so I'm incredibly happy to have finally made it, and to be able to share some of the journey with you!
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I bike toured from Denali NP to Southern Utah in 2006. I first worked 2 months just outside Denali as a breakfast cook, then left to first ride south to Homer Spit then back to Seward to take a ferry to Valdez. Then took the Glenn Allen Hwy to Tok and into Canada via the Yukon Territory. And down to Montana and to Zion NP in SW utah. Took me 6 weeks.
I've been bicycle touring 9 months a year since 1982 when i was 26. I'm 67 now and never learned to drive any motorized vehicles just bicycles.
Touring aka bikepacking is the best life and way to see the world. I've pedaled 300,000 miles since September 1982.
Hats off to you mate, that's some serious mileage!
Your dedication to Iohan at the end of the video made me cry. I miss him a lot
Me too!
I miss Iohan and his films so much. Have a great time. All the best from Ireland
Thanks, me too, and the same to you!
Thanks for remembering a friend of mine (johan Gueorguiev ) I followed him on his CZcams channel and I met him in Dubia we talked we where together for a little time.
I miss his videos, such a tragedy that he's not with us anymore 😢
This is so beautiful! Thanks for taking us along! Stay safe 🙏
Thank you!
Beautiful! Look forward to following along your adventure.
Thank you!
Glad you get to do this! So fun to watch!
Thanks, it was a lot of fun to ride!
This looks fun. Hyped for the next episodes.
Thanks, me too!
Thanks for sharing! Bike packing is another level of exploring
It really is!
i really enjoyed the video . can't wait for the next one
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing. Cool experience.
No worries!
Gorgeous adventure and even more lovely Iohan tribute. Thank you.
Thank you!
wow what a journey, enjoy!!!
Thank you!
Wow! You popped up in my suggestions. Looking forward to following your adventures. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels. x
Thank you!
I‘m very excited to follow you on this project, all the best!
Thank you!
Thank you for this video! I got very frustrated today with planning due to some hickups and this video showed me why it's worth to endure the frustration. Safe riding!
Thanks, you too!
Looks like the beginning of a great adventure! It's always so cool to learn about someone else who was inspired by Iohan.
Thanks, yeah that man inspired so many people!
Great to see you back on the road again Tristan. If this is as good as your Patagonia one, I can't wait to watch it.
Thanks mate, it's good to be back! Alaska reminds me a lot of Patagonia, which is high praise as that was probably my favourite part of the world I've ever visited. So much wilderness!
I love Mathilde ! "I came to Alaska because my friends just told me to join them." Ça, c'est une belle mentalité, et une belle solidarité. ;-) Bonne route à toi et à tout le groupe.
I must say that's an ambitious goal. I wish you a safe journey, filled with awareness, learning, and wonder!
Thanks so much, wishing the same for you!
A hug from Brazil, your videos are great, they inspired me 😀😎
Thanks so much, hugs from Canada!
this is your best video yet, great job mate!
Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words!
That’s life how amazing what you can do anything you want. Respect ❤
🙏
Oh boy! I was just remembering Iohan's journey, while watching the video. It's so good that he inspired you to bikepack. all the best in your trip. Ride safe!
Thank you!
Keep up the good work. You do you
.
Thank you, you too!
This is awesome great filming looking forward to the next episode 😊
Thanks for watching!
Cool trip guys.
Thanks!
Parabéns pelo vídeo!! Aguardando os próximos, que Deus acompanhe vocês 🙏🏼🇧🇷
Obrigado!
Way to go! Wonderful to see how you continue to be optimistic and positive. Taking a lot of small trips now in the East Coast, U.S. Happy Trails!
Thanks, you too!
Amazing Tristan! Great video! Enjoy Alaska!
Thank you!
Wonderful!
Thank you!
Aaaand hooked. Thanks for the awesome videos!
Thanks for watching!
Wonderful guys! Thanks for sharing. I met great people on Warmshowers while biking to Santiago 2 weeks ago myself :)
Thanks, and glad to hear - Warmshowers is such an amazing platform!
Great ride. Wished I was there. Keep going..and sharing. I am a fan for sure..There are a lot of people who are not telling you how great a life you are leading because they are jealous. You do what you can while you can physically. Thank you both. Have a great ride. See ya on the road sometime. Tony
Thanks Tony, I really appreciate the kind words, and hope all's good with you!
New subscriber here! This journey looks epic. I am so excited I came across this channel. Thank you for taking us alone ❤love from Jersey-Mariana
Thank you, you too!
So beautiful !! Can't wait to go cycling there ! Another French cyclist in Alaska ... looks great ! Enjoy & Forza 🌲💪
Thank you!
I happened on your channel just by chance, enjoyed the first instalment of your adventure and then felt a lovely warm fuzzy moment when I saw you dedicating it to Iohan (RIP) - I so so miss his wonderful films and that smile of his. I wish you well in your journey and if you can do your films half as well as Iohan then I have no doubt you'll have 1000's of new viewers each week.
Thanks so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it! 🙏
Cool happy for you guys👏❤️
Thank you!
Just stumbled on your channel, great videos! Looking forward to more of Alaska
Thank you!
The Cinematography is just Outstanding. The shots & the scenic view u took is second to none. I m glad that i found ur channel Consider me IN. From India
Thanks so much!
Excellent video man, the production quality is just amazing
Thank you!
greetings from a cyclist from Poland. good luck🎉
Thanks, and greetings from the North!
Aupa ahí!
Beautiful video ❤⛰⛰⛰🚵♂️👍👍👍
Thank you! 🙏
Beautiful!!... we miss Iohan!
Me too!
Those mountains ❤❤❤❤.
I know right, the Kenai is absolutely spectacular!
Amazing beautiful Alaska, stay safe
Thank you! You too!
You got it pal!!! Let’s go let’s get it
🙏
Cool!
lived in the Yukon for twenty years, owned Tagish Marina, worked with Yukon government to spray against mosquitoes. All spraying is always done in a very quiet day to give the chemical time to settle down to the ground to destroy bugs. Long shot will achieve the same effect, I have used long shot many times. Also keep a "bug shirt" with bug spray in it which is worn outdoors doing yard work.
I think I am hooked on following your bike ride!
Thank you!
Love it
🙏
found your content.. great job. we watched the long way up and found that to be interesting. Can't believe you are doing with a bike.
Thanks for the kind words!
Amazing
🙏
Tristan, it was so nice to see you honoring Iohan for the inspiration that he gave so many to get out and tour the world like he did. As a fellow sufferer of sleep apnea and insomnia I know what he was going through...but I had the ability to get medical treatment using a CPAP which I don't think he had during his travels without ability to power it up. Now that I've lost over 120lbs I no longer have apnea and almost cured my type 2 diabetes. This frees me up to do bike tours that I've always wanted to do.
So glad to hear you're doing so well, good on you! Sleep apnea and insomnia sounds like a nightmare, and it's such a tragedy what happened to Iohan, he inspired so many people and the world's a poorer place without him. Happy to be following in his footsteps though!
I am glad to see that there are many of you on the step of Johan Georgiev!
You are doing good work with your movie on the way! Very nice road trip!
Thank you so much 😀
Just found your channel. Looking forward to future videos!
Thanks!
Holy smokes your not kidding about how scenic Alaska is. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to watching more. Good luck on your travels.
Thank you!
Its my dream to this someday,,this is so nice
It's an incredible place, I hope you can make it happen!
As a 55yr old Englishman from Manchester i wish you well. Living my life for adventure. It looks absolutely stunning. Allez Allez !!
Thanks mate, let's goooo!
Iam 45 and wonder if I could do it
I cannot wait to embark on my pan American adventure summer 2024 🎉
Yesssssss, always great to hear about someone else hitting the road!
Looking forward to seeing your adventures in alaska. Tom in Dublin
Thanks mate 🙏
I would love to see the journey through Australia and asia too, hooe you have footage to share ❤
Sadly no footage as that was right at the start of my trip when I wasn't really documenting, but I'll get back to that part of the world eventually!
Great video, glad I found your channel. what an incredible journey. Just subbed.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! I just roam the hills of Nevada but think cooking/eating away from your camp is very good idea. I've been cooking while camping like that for years. You've put together some awesome videos and looks like fantastic rides. Yeah, Iohan inspired me to get a fat bike, a Surley Ogre and start bike packing. I felt like I had been shot at first hearing the news of his death.
Thanks, and yeah it was a big blow to me too, that guy inspired so many people!
Hello.. Warm greetings from The Special Territory of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Happy pedalling. 😊
Thank you! I cycled through Yogyakarta back in 2016 and loved it, beautiful place!
Just found your channel
I actually went for my TV to my phone so I can leave this comment, but your videography and storytelling skills are top-notch. Your account is going to blow up real fast
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it!
This is EPIC! You guys inspire me to go on badass journeys! I work in AK, at mile 133 of the Parks Highway. Hopefully I see you guys on your way north and can help you if needed!
Thanks for the kind words! We're actually quite a bit further ahead now as it takes quite a lot of time to edit the videos, especially when cycling every day! We did ride up the Parks Highway though so we might have passed you at some point! 😃
I am very amazed by you. because of the kindness you offer. greetings from Indonesia🇲🇨❤❤😇
Bonito video Tristan!
Gracias!
Great video! Iohan also inspired me to ride my bike 5,000 km through Central America to Colombia. Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴
He inspired so many people, such a tragedy what happened, but at least his legacy is very much alive and well in all the people who are following in his footsteps. Cheers from Alaska!
Amazing landscapes and great channel.
Thanks for using my music in the intro ;)
Thanks for the kind words and the great music!
That s beautiful
Thank you!
I hope you can make it back to the Argentinian-Chilean Patagonia. I like you videos, when you make it down here I'll invitr you an Asado!
Thank you, and I would love that!
Very nice Guys
Cheers!
looking forward to your journey for sure. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks, my pleasure!
Nice video! Incredible nature! Greetings from a cyclist from Ukraine)
Thank you, and greetings!
Wow, what an adventure! Then French seemed a hindrance though haha
Hahaha well they are a bit chaotic but they're amusing too so I don't mind 😂
The whole time I'm thinking bears, bears bears. I'd have about 100 baseball cards ripping away in my spokes. Be safe! Ride safe! awesome you gave lohan a shout out!
Ha yeah for next time I'd definitely have picked up a bear bell for those trails! Thanks, hope all's good with you!
@@tristanrid you know how you know it's Grizzly crap right? Usually has bells in it, like corn...... be safe!
Nice...😊
Thank you :)
My bucketlist is bike touring to Kenai
Stunning place, I hope you make it soon!
@@tristanrid thanks bro
wow! это слишком круто! люблю и уважаю таких людей! ride for everyone! From Russia whith love! #ridetheplanet
Thanks, I hope all's good with you!
well done brother! Im happy to see you still travelling since we met in Bangkok in 2016. Nice quality video! Tailwind to all of you🙌🚵♀
Thank you! Bangkok seems like a VERY long time ago, I hope all's good with you!
มันสวยมากๆ
Good luck with your travels! I've been intrigued by the concept of bikepacking for the last couple of weeks. Do you have any advice as to how to start?
Thanks! My biggest piece of advice would be just to start. Don't sweat the details, the equipment etc. Just use what you have and get out there, you'll learn more from two days on the road than you will from many months of planning and research. Don't ride too hard or too far, don't forget to smell the roses, don't forget to smile. Have fun!
Salamat po
Respect👍
🇵🇱🤙
🙏
Beautiful work! I watched your recent video about your set-up and I think the hip-pack is a new addition- and all three of you have them! Which one are you using and what do you like to carry in it?
Thank you! We're all using different ones but generally we just carry our cameras and lenses in the hip packs since it protects them from road vibrations. My hip pack is the Rockgeist Big Dumpling, which I absolutely love and would massively recommend - it's super expensive but for me at least it's been 100% worth the money, especially as it's completely waterproof
That cat looked like my turtle shell cat Kara 13 13:24
Great video! And we are looking forward to following the rest of your adventure. For the drone shots, are you using a Skydio 2 or DJI mini 3? Thanks!
Thanks, it's a DJI Mini 3 Pro - an awesome piece of kit and I'm super happy with it, no complaints!
Bravissimi
Grazie!
Great vid! Looking forward to the next leg of your adventure. Are you guys going to ride the haul road(Dalton Hwy) up to Prudhoe? If so enjoy, it is a great ride!
Thanks, and yeah we actually just made it back from Deadhorse over the last few days!
@@tristanrid Nice work! hope the bugs weren't to bad. If you roll through Livingston, MT let me know. Enjoy the ride!
Great video! I'll be watching along. Question about the MLD Poco panniers... I just got a set but have yet to test them on the trail, any thoughts on how they are holding up?
And as others have said, that Ursack should be tied up to the trunk of the tree so it is off the ground. Don't hang it from a branch... Just up on the trunk so they cant pin it against the ground.
Thanks and noted on the Ursacks; tree selection has been pretty limited so far in Alaska so it's not always been possible to get it off the ground, but I'll bear that in mind!
As for the MLD Poco panniers, so far I'm super happy with them and will definitely keep using them after this trip. They're very stable and don't get in the way at all, the sizing is perfect, and they add a huge amount of convenience, which is often a rare commodity for bikepacking setups.
The only downside I've noticed is that they've already seen a bit of wear, so I've reinforced a couple of spots with tape just to be on the safe side. But I believe MLD has actually upgraded the panniers since I received mine, and the new version is tougher and more durable (for an extra 10 grams of weight each, struth) so they may have already solved this. In short, I'm very happy with them!
This is like the guy that took his Honda C90 all over the world, but with bikepacking.
It's definitely faster than walking 😃
Who makes a trail like that? It's Awesome!!!
I know right? Singletrack in the Kenai is pretty spectacular!
That route south is going to be busy judging by the amount of youtube videos coming out this year
Rubber side down.
Thanks, yeah looks like the Panamerican is getting ever more popular!
Wow, that was so awesome. Btw may i know which cameras are you using for stills and video?
Thank you! My main camera is a Fuji XT-4, although some of the handheld shots are actually just from my iphone 13 pro, smartphone cameras are pretty amazing these days!
Can you give us some information on the bikes you're riding, are they full suspension, and are they purposely built for touring?
Have yourself a wonderful trip and be safe.
May the Lord be with you.
We're all riding different bikes but yes they're all designed for touring. If you'd like to check out my bike info you can find the details at www.tristanridley.com/gear and there will be a video coming out soon going over my bike setup :)
The frenchman were a bit exhausted from the climbing, good they took an easier route to get into shape..
😂
dude my face started itching during the mosquito part and I swatted my head.
Haha wait until you see episode 4, which will be out in the next couple of weeks - the mosquitoes in the Arctic were the worst I've ever seen!
❤
All dead fir trees makes me anxious. 😢
For forest fires you mean?
@@tristanrid You don't know why they die?