Alaska Biking Day 6
Today we rode 61 miles over Thompson Pass into Valdez. While the elevation of Thompson is only 2678’, it is still above the tree and the snow lines. The weather was cold today, generally in the 40s, but with the temperature at the pass in the upper 30s. However, except for a few sprinkles right at the pass and at the end of the ride, the rain held off. There were periods of sun which made the perceived temperature much warmer at times especially when persistent headwinds lulled.
We started the day with a ~20 mile drive from Glennallen. Along the way, we stopped at a spot where we could check out the Alaskan Pipeline.
Shortly afterwards, we were on our bikes and cycling towards Valdez.
We have left the Alaskan Mountain Range behind us and are riding towards the Chugach Mountains. This is the same mountain range that borders Anchorage.
Riding along, a mother moose crossed the road with her two calves. I was just able to get my camera out in time to snap this photo. Below are a series of photos of the mountains I took over the next several hours of cycling as I climbed up to Thompson Pass.
Close to the pass, I stopped and took this photo above looking back down the road I had biked up. Greg said that he has not ever seen this much snow up here during one of his tours.
Just after cresting the pass, a patch of blue sky opened up providing some sun.
What followed was a fast 7 mile descent out of the snow and back into the trees.
The Richardson Highway follows the Lowe River into Valdez, entering the Keystone Canyon just ahead of this photograph.
In the Keystone Canyon, there were a number of waterfalls. We ended our ride here at Horseshoe Falls.
Overall, the biking trip has been fantastic. Admittedly, I would have preferred a bit warmer temperatures and would have gladly skipped yesterday’s rain. However, the scenery was terrific. Greg made sure that all of our needs were well taken care of. Chris, Mark and Keith have been great riding companions. Tomorrow we take the ferry for about 6 hours to get to Whittier then drive back to Anchorage.