Alaska 

Friday, September 9, 2022 - join us for an afternoon of Pre-Field Orientation (PFO) at Changepoint, our host church in Anchorage, Alaska with Pastor Michael Warren.  You’ll quickly become familiar with the beautiful bike path system in and around Anchorage during our 10-mile training ride.  That evening, we’ll get to know each other and learn more about the beneficiary we are riding for - over a delicious dinner at our spacious host church.  

Saturday, September 10, 2022 is the official Day 1 of our ride.  We are calling it “Tour of Anchorage!”   After a kick-off celebration, you’ll have the opportunity to ride a series of bike trails around Anchorage - that make the shape of a Moose head!  Speaking of moose, you’ll most-likely see some on your ride that day.  They are skittish and territorial so don’t get too close!  At lunch time, our cyclists will enjoy an absolutely breathtaking view of the Turnagain Arm water system.  For those itching for a challenge, there’s an optional 3-mile climb, with 1,300 ft gain, and 7 switchbacks.  It’s called Potter Valley Rd, and we highly recommend disc brakes, as the descent is very steep.

Sunday, September 11, 2022 - after a time of rest, we’ll start Day 2 by joining our host church, Changepoint for their early service.  After worshiping with our family there, we’ll drive participants 50 miles to Palmer, AK where we’ll meet our hosts at Northern Light Chapel, where Pastor John Varland serves.  Upon arrival, we’ll gather our bikes, suit-up, and head out for an epic ride to Hatcher’s Pass.  Along the way, we’ll climb the rural windy roads up towards Independence Mine, a state historic park, where you’ll see the remnants of a gold mining operation in the Talkeetna Mountains.  The ride all the way to the top will give cyclists 25 miles (50 roundtrip) with a visitor’s center serving hot coffee awaiting you.  Should you choose not to do the full climb, there’s several spots along the way to enjoy waterfall views before turning around.  We’ll worship at NLC that evening and spend the night there.

Monday, September 12, 2022 - we have another 50-mile ride planned - this one is even more rural than the previous 2.  Riding along the Matanuska River thru the small town of Butte, we’ll eventually skirt the Knik River, where participants will surely enjoy spotting wildlife in the distance and up close - get your camera ready!  The ride takes us to the ½ way point (Mile 26) where the Raven’s Perch Restaurant and Lodge hosts 30+ minute helicopter rides (for anyone looking to spend some extra $).  These helicopter tours take you to the Knik Glacier - an absolutely breathtaking wonder to see up close!  Anyone up for an optional climb?  Clark-Wolverine Road has just what you have been waiting for!  The ride back to the church will give participants plenty of time to enjoy and explore the best the area has to offer!  The Iditarod Trail Race museum in nearby Wasilla, AK is a must visit!  You can even get taken around the track by the training dogs!

Tuesday, September 13th - after 2 nights at Northern Light Chapel, we’ll be making our way from Palmer, AK to Sutton, AK - another 50-mile day where Victory Bible Camp awaits us!  This is the day with the most substantial amount of climbing, but don’t worry - we’re happy to pick you up at any time and drive you up the camp road.  A delicious dinner and warm bed & shower await you in the cabin facilities of the camp - which is surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains.  Not far down the road is the Matanuska Glacier (glacier-tours.com), an optional afternoon trip for anyone who wants to visit a glacier in Alaska by car. Depending on what you want to do there will depend on additional cost $.

Wednesday, September 14th - For day 5 of our epic Alaska Bike Ride, we’ll be driving participants our longest transfer (2+ hours) to Bird, the southern part of the Chugach State Park.  Once you arrive and see the sights, you’ll understand we couldn’t possibly bring you this far and not put you on the Bird to Gird Trail.  This is the most beautiful bike trail in all of western, Alaska - and it ends at the picturesque ski town of Girdwood.  After just 14 miles of hilly riding, participants will enjoy a delicious brunch at The Bake Shop, one of the most popular places in the whole area - did someone say “All you can Eat Soup?”  Yes, they are known for their sourdough bread.  After we leave lunch, the premiere stop awaits you for the day - the AWCC - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a 1.5mile gravel road loop (that sits on 200 acres) that will afford you the opportunity to see God’s most unique and wonderful creations that call Alaska home!  The animal sanctuary is a must-see for anyone visiting Alaska - and we’ll spend several hours there before transporting you back to Changepoint church in Anchorage for our pizza party and debrief.

Thursday, September 15th - In as much as weather can change at any point in Alaska, we highly recommend saving this day as a Contingency day/Tourist Day.  If any of our previous days don’t afford us the opportunity to ride, we’ll likely push the trip back 1 day and finish our ride on the 15th.  If the weather is blessed and rideable all the other 5 days, you’ll be glad to have this day to take in some last-minute sights, before flying out on Friday, September 16th.  We are happy to get you to the airport in Anchorage any time that day with regular shuttles running from Changepoint to ANC.