We have ridden around 1,000 miles north from Anchorage to Deadhorse, Alaska, chiefly to go for a chilly dip in the Arctic Ocean. Deadhorse is the most northerly settlement of Alaska reachable by land transport. The 400-mile dirt road that runs up here only exists to service the huge Prudhoe Bay oil exploration area, and the pipeline that runs south to Valdez.
On the way, we crossed into the Arctic Circle, i.e. into latitudes where the sun doesn’t set during the summer time. Scores of caribou and foxes dot the landscape. Rolling vistas with towering rocky peaks as far as the eye can see.
Alaska Oil Pipeline
We are staying in what is basically an Atco Trailer in a giant oil terminal at the end of the world, but it’s very hospitable indeed. Hairy oil workers are asking us about the bikes and the trip, and are impressed by the scale of our ride. Glad I’ve had my haircut, though.
So, this is where it really starts, and it’s obviously downhill all the way from here back to Anchorage, so no major problems expected.
Killian Ashland