Living Alaska, Ice Road Mountain Biking Part II

Mountain Biking in Alaska

Photograph by Author, Lake Silva, Alaska

Riding the Snow Line

I grew up on a Mountain Bike, but there was no snow in Marin County, California. It never stopped me from riding, but today in Alaska I got stuck in the snow. I tried to ride through it, but it was too deep. After a noble effort I gave up about a half mile above the snow line. I was a mile from my intended destination, Lake Silva, at the Southern End of Ketchikan, Alaska.

Photograph by Author, Lake Connell, Alaska

Winter in Alaska

Mountain biking in the winter in Alaska has its limitations. You need to check the weather report before you leave, it can change in an instant. Carry food, water, and survival gear. I had to cut my ride short due to the snow depth above the 1,000-foot elevation line. That is low, but this is Alaska in February.

Ice Road Mountain Biking

Photograph by Author, Lake Silva Pipeline, Alaska

I decided to ride to Lake Connell which is a much lower elevation. After a half hour of riding around the lake it started getting dark on me, so I stopped for the day. That is the other drawback about mountain biking in Alaska. Winter days are short, as the sun drops so does the temperature. I love mountain biking any time of the year, but if you ride in Alaska during the winter, be careful and travel with a companion if possible. I am still looking for a riding partner. Hopefully, spring will bring more riders out. From Ketchikan, Alaska with love.