Bike Rides around Anchorage

James Ferguson (a fellow clerk) and I have signed up to do the Fireweed bike ride as a relay. We will cover the 200 miles from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Valdez in shifts. Our support car will ferry one rider ahead while the other tackles a stretch of road. The ride along the Glenn Highway and then down to Valdez should be amazing.

In order to train, we've been experimenting with different routes around Anchorage. Three main rides have surfaced with many side options and permutations.

- Valley of the Moon to Kincaid Park -
Within Anchorage there is a pretty impressive bike trail system. (See upcoming post on the "Tour de Beer" - a 25 mile loop mostly along bike paths linking several watering holes.) The Coastal Trial extends south of Westchester Lagoon to Kincaid Park. From my house it's almost exactly 20 miles round trip and excellent for a quick ride. Although one must watch out for strollers, moose, runners and people on in-line skates with poles who can't get over the fact that ski season has ended within the city limits. Kincaid has a large number of good mountain bike trails.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ride/united-states/ak/anchorage/497074285694

- Bird to Gird -
Another ride that I have yet to do is the "Bird to Gird" bike path. This ride takes you south from Indian to Girdwood along a dedicated bike path that follows the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. The path used to start at Bird Creek (hence the name) but was extended north. It has fantastic views. You can continue south past Girdwood on the Seward Highway. Eventually we plan on doing a longer Bird to Hope ride for a campout and ride back.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ak/anchorage/722478331507

- Valley of the Moon to the top of Hiland Road in Eagle River -
The third direction you can take heads north out of town on a bike path along the Glenn highway up to Eagle River. James and I did this ride last night. From my house you head east along the Chester Creek Trail. Winding along the creek, you eventually leave the trail and head north on Pine Street. This street has a wide shoulder/bike lane an slow traffic. Once in Mountain View you jump onto the bike path again and hear north along the side of the Glenn Highway. While this is next to the busiest stretch of freeway in Alaska, it's still Alaska. It's not like we're talking about biking next to the Bay Bridge approach or the 405 at rush hour. Once out in Eagle River, you turn East and follow the Eagle River Loop Road for about 200 yards before turning right onto Hiland. Hiland then winds its way up along the side of the valley, rollercoastering generally up in a nice climb with a few steep sections.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ak/anchorage/984317950172