Prologue - Back to Alaska: Forty-five Years Later - CycleBlaze

April 25, 2025

Prologue

Welcome to the 2025 version of Kurt’s bicycle travels! This time I’m headed to Alaska via Vancouver Island and I’m leaving on May 1. (As I readied my keyboard and iPad to type this, I had Folk Alley streaming on my Sonos speaker. Next thing I hear is Johnny Cash singing “When It’s Springtime in Alaska (It’s Forty Below)”. Coincidence?) Alaska is a place with which I’m familiar because I lived there, met my wife, Kathy, there, and enjoyed many adventures from right after college graduation in 1979 until we moved to Austria in 1987. Why go back there now, especially on a bicycle? This is a question I’ll be returning to during my ride, especially when I get to Prince Rupert. For now you could say I’m connecting dots and revisiting an important time in my life, 1980, 45 years ago. And yes, to complete the story, it has to be on bicycle.  

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The map shows my itinerary. On Vancouver Island, I’ll pedal for seven days (320 miles) to Port Hardy, board an 18-hour ferry, and arrive in Prince Rupert on May 8. From there, I’ll follow the Yellowhead Highway, to the Cassiar Highway, to the Alaska Highway, before arriving in Denali Park around June 9 (1600 miles). Kathy will meet me in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory for Memorial Day weekend. As these trips seem to go, I’m expecting a great experience. Thanks for riding along. 

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Li XueWow, what an adventure you have ahead. I look forward to following along. Ride safe.
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3 months ago
Jeffrey MoormeierKurt - Slaying Dragons for fun during retirement years.
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3 months ago
Kurt SahlTo Jeffrey Moormeierlol. Actually I wouldn’t mind finding Puff again. It’s been a very long time since I last saw him.
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3 months ago
Lou JurcikLiving vicariously. Super thrilled for you. Hope you make it back for Nortj Cascades!
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3 months ago
George (Buddy) HallAn incredible adventure you have planned, I'll be following along. You wrote; "I’m connecting dots and revisiting an important time in my life, 1980, ..." Interesting - I spent the summer of 1980 doing geological field work near Homer. It was my first visit to the state and I loved it - of course, I was there in the summer and left when the first termination dust arrived. Best of luck on your adventure,
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3 months ago
Lou Jurcikso so glad you are writing this blog. Not just so I can live vicariously, but so I can copy your plan some day!
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2 months ago
Kurt SahlTo Li XueThank you Li!
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2 months ago
Kurt SahlTo Lou JurcikIt’s been a super efficient and awakening ride, Lou. I’m excited for the ferry ride tomorrow!
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2 months ago
Kurt SahlTo George (Buddy) HallHey Buddy! Glad you are following along. Alaska is a very special place for sure.
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2 months ago