Cycling the Top of the World Highway

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I departed the small junction town in Alaska of Tok knowing that I had a short weather window to make my solo journey across to Dawson City in Canada. The plan was to cycle the Top of the World Highway between Alaska and Canada. The Top of the World Highway is exposed to the weather and has no water once on top of the ridge lines. I had a backup plan, if the weather turned bad I could wait it out in the village of Chicken for a few days, they had food and water and a place to put up my tent. So, off I went on my ride across the Top of the World Highway.

The weather was fine and sunny when I left Tok and headed east along the flat smooth Alaska Hwy till I hit the turn off north on the Taylor Hwy. Here the hill climbing started and seemed to continue in the roller coaster fashion until I made the high point near Mt Foreplay which presented expansive views into the distance. As I reached the high point there were several Hares that would dart across the road. They are the prized food of the Lynx so I was on the lookout to see one but nothing. Not that I’m disappointed, I’ve had such luck with the wildlife in Alaska so far.

The photo doesn't do justice to the expansive views from the Taylor Hwy as the road passes the high point near Mt Foreplay
The photo doesn’t do justice to the expansive views from the Taylor Hwy as the road passes the high point near Mt Foreplay

As I left very late from Tok I made camp at the 40 Mile Wayside rest area. The next morning I was hoping to make it to the old village of Chicken for lunch. It was named Chicken because the local couldn’t spell Ptarmigan. So the story goes. Turns out to be a cyclist friendly place, I was given yesterdays baked goods and told that any cyclist can have the left overs, but only if there are any. Nice.

I managed to grab a large lunch of Reindeer Sausage and washed it down with a couple of Alaska Pale Ales, my favourite. I had to make a decision. Stay and wait out the expected storm or press on. As it was only early afternoon and the sun was beating down with the intensity of the tropics I pedaled onwards and upwards. An further upwards and then up a bit more until I reached the Top of the World. Both the road and border between Alaska and Canada closes at 8pm.

It was 7.30pm and I had a couple of miles to go. I decided that I wouldn’t make it there in time so made a plan to make camp at the first decent looking area that I could find. The weather was still clear and warm and I found a freshly graded pull out area and set up camp.

Turns out I was in the construction zone and the road was gated shut just after I found my sneaky campsite. One of the construction crew found me and we chatted for a while. Turns out it was OK for me to camp there but I wasn’t to venture out onto the road until after 8am the following morning. Fine with me.

The old town of Chicken, very cyclist friendly
The old town of Chicken, very cyclist friendly
My last Alaskan Pale Ale in the Chicken Saloon with Leon and Linda from California
My last Alaskan Pale Ale in the Chicken Saloon with Leon and Linda from California
Start of the Top of the World Hwy on the Alaska side of the border
Start of the Top of the World Hwy on the Alaska side of the border

Following morning I woke late and headed for the border. I was low on water and taken by surprise by the last hill before the border. Rough roads and steep grades wore me out a bit. A spring water pipe on the side of the road gave me an excuse to stop and fill up. The only problem with that was my bike was now 10kg heavier. I was now carrying 10 litres of water which I hoped would get me across the Top of the World to Dawson City in Canada.It was nice fresh water.

Spring water near the USA / Canada Border
Spring water near the USA / Canada Border

I reached the border and entered with a minimum of fuss or questions. It was only another short climb to the high point. The weather was looking like it might turn from cloudy to showers and seemed to be more threatening the longer the day continued. I was very exposed to the worst of the weather now, with no place to hide if things got bad. The Top of the World Hwy follows all the high points for about 120km to Dawson City on the banks of the Yukon River. I was in awe at the scenery. I’m not sure how far I could see but 100km in any direction would not be an stretching the truth.

Goodbye Alaska
Goodbye Alaska
Hello Canada
Hello Canada
The high point of the Top of the World Hwy, Border post behind me
The high point of the Top of the World Hwy, Border post behind me

After traveling 20km past the border it was apparent that I would get wet. There were now storm clouds brewing in all directions. Nothing I could do about it, just keep pedaling and enjoying the scenery. By late afternoon I seemed to have dodged every rain cloud and storm that passed through. It was either raining in front of me or behind me. Regularly I would cycle through an area with the smell of fresh rain filling the air and puddles on the road, but bright blue sky above me. It was surreal. I stopped for a rest break on the side of the road and watched the RVs driving past covered in mud while I sat eating a melting chocolate bar in the bright scorching sunlight. It continued like this all day.

The weather gods were kind to me. In the late afternoon I pulled over to cook up some dinner and thought about staying at that place for the night, but I was filled with energy so continued cycling for another couple of hours. Still no rain on me all day. I made camp with only a short mostly downhill run into Dawson City. I was surprised not to see any sign of wildlife, no Bears, no Moose, no Caribou. Just mosquitoes.

Can't go any slower on a steep hill!
Can’t go any slower on a steep hill!
Rain clouds building all round me while cycling the top of the world highway
Rain clouds building all round me

I woke to more dark clouds but sunshine hitting my tent with such intensity it was impossible to sleep. With such long daylight hours its hard to sleep if the bright sun hits the tent. Again I prepared for rain and again it rained everywhere except where I was. As I started the amazing descent to the Yukon Valley I stopped for a toilet break at  a roadside rest area. It started raining while I was under the cover of the restroom and continued for 10 minutes, I was undercover so didn’t get wet. The final 14km downhill section it rained, finally, but it was only very light.

When at the bottom the weather cleared and I took the short ferry ride across the Yukon to the town Dawson City. While cycling the streets looking for food I met Rae, a Canadian cyclist I first met in Denali national Park a couple of weeks previous, I was invited to her campsite. Wolfgang was also at the campsite, I met him in Fairbanks at Beaversports. The cycle touring world is small. Rest, relaxation and a couple of days in Dawson to plan my next move and eat, eat, eat.

Rain ahead
Rain ahead
Just missed this rain cycling the top of the world hwy
Just missed this rain
My favourite sign and such a great ride downhill
My favourite sign and such a great ride downhill
Enjoying a well earned Canadian Beer in Dawson City
Enjoying a well earned Canadian Beer in Dawson City
  • Tok to Mt Foreplay = 76km
  • Mt Foreplay to Top of the World Hwy bushcamp Alaska= 101km
  • Alaska bushcamp Top of the World to Yukon bushcamp Top of the World Hwy = 91km
  • Yukon bushcamp Top of the World to Dawson City = 34km

Next : Cycling the Dempster Highway to Inuvik


Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking Pages might like:
Bicycle Touring Gear List
Bicycle Touring Spares and Tool Kit
Cycling from Alaska to Argentina

Where to buy all the best gear for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking:
REI | Moosejaw |Amazon | Backcountry.com | 
Campsaver | Competitive Cyclist | Patagonia | Snowys.com.au | MEC Canada -Bicycle Touring Gear | Wildfiresports.com.au

Bicycle Touring the Top of the World Highway Alaska to Canada.

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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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2 thoughts on “Cycling the Top of the World Highway”

  1. Brad,
    So glad I stumbled upon your website th other day. We had a water leak in th kitchen 3 weeks back ( no sink or stove top since then) so it’s impossible almost to wash dishes n cook..easier to do it in th backcountry than kitchen as it is! Your site with th backpacking n biking adventures have allowed me to focus on good stuff than what’s goin’ on in th world currently, let alone themes in th kitchen.

    Since my daughter and my backpackin trip was postponed by th virus, you’ve allowed me to vicariously backpack with you.

    Stay safe my friend( as I’ve grown to know you from journeying with ya on th PCT and my fave- th CDT…will start th AT with ya in a day or two,

    John
    The Trout Whisperer- and yes the trout do listen..grayling do too at times?

    Reply
    • Glad you can find some inspiration in these difficult times. Can’t wait to get back outdoors myself. Stay safe.

      Reply

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