Bicycle Touring - Alaska to Alberta - 2015

Purchase this video here: gumroad.com/l/touringalaska
Complete route information here: bit.ly/2dM3HaG

[@garypalmer692]

I have been bicycle touring for 37 years, 9 months a year. In 2006 after working at the Denali River Cabins for three months, I left Denali NP and bike south to Homer Spit AK, then back to Seward and took a ferry to Valdez, then cycled back to Anchorage. Went 1000+ miles on a Trek Mtn Bike. Only thing I lost was a spare tire, it was gone the following morning, unsure what took it, I was alone along a side dirt road. Trip cost me $200 including all food, had no flats or any repairs needed. I started bicycle touring in Sept 1982, I have never driven a automobile of any kind, learned to bicycle at age 12 in 1968. I am 63 now and still bike tour every fall, winter and spring. I used to work summers, but retired at age 62 in Jan 2018. Now I just travel on my bike year round, going all over the USA. Am in Flagstaff AZ now.

[@clivegreenall309]

Ride safe Gary. What an amazing way to travel through life. Regards from S Africa Clive

[@tonypaddler]

Very well done (still doing, hopefully?) Gary! 2020 was supposed to be the start of me doing big cycle tours from home in England to Russia and everywhere in between. And back. But cv19 cancelled that, hopefully start next year in 2022. All the best Gary and thanks Foresty F for excellent videos 👍

[@GregDinAZ]

Awesome! Never driven a car…that’s amazing!

[@markbell3780]

Love the realism, no jolly music, gear reviews or ‘finding myself’ bs, just the journey. Thanks.

[@KandiKlover]

Only thing you'll find in yourself is hemorrhoids if you don't get a good saddle and cycle shorts.

[@michellekim4564]

It's so trippy to see Foresty Forest without his signature facial hair! I love going back and seeing your old videos! They're just as amazing!

[@MrThatnativeguy]

This perfectly sums up the meaning of it’s not the destination it’s the journey

[@deannilvalli6579]

This is hilarious. In addition to really nice camera footage, there are gems such as "Only 25km... how bad could it be?" and "Glorious suburbia. Looks like a heaping pile of shit. doesn't it? " I also like where he goes to the trouble of filming himself collapsing after the long walk with bike. Great stuff.

[@KandiKlover]

It does look like a heaping pile tho. Don’t miss it one bit.

[@gaypreator8547]

Yes! The face plant said it all. I could not believe all that was crammed into 18:22. So Amazing - So Real. - then there was Mike😇

[@samuelroberts7954]

Seriously (time index 18:27) I can see my home among the " heaping pile of shit" that forestry forest disparages!!!! The neighborhood is safe and upper middle class. What's he complaining about?

[@deannilvalli6579]

@@samuelroberts7954 The suburb that you live in is usually fine. The suburb that other people live in and you have to drive through is much less nice. ;)

[@shastakeys]

I finally understood something: been watching a lot of mtb videos and most of them about shredding down the mountain, the wildest music, the scariest line, the highest speed. All this had me coming back again to Forestry Forests videos, where it's more about peace on a bike in a landscape then the newest chain ring. It's often the solitude and self sufficiency vs a party run on Aline Whistler. Really appreciate the "journeys" you are going on. TheY're not runs, they are Journeys

[@stalin1909]

shastakeys hey , i know its a 9 months late response . but you exactly nailed it in your comment. its all about the solitude , self independence and the journey itself. now for your username...i climbed mount Shasta in 2018 Solo just for that sole purpose . i summited late in the afternoon just to be alone . and spent an extra night on the mountain for the same sole purpose...

[@shastakeys]

@@stalin1909 yup...the area around Shasta is great. Here now almost 25 years. Yes, there are more people like everywhere in the world but this is still one of the least inhabited counties in California and with a little more effort you can still have solitude here. Oh, btw I never climbed the mountain. Been in Hidden Valley up to maybe 10300 and in Avalanche Gulch up to Lake Helen but mostly go up there in the Winter time. In the summer I prefer locations with lakes which are plentiful here...

[@akhoundog907]

I've been watching your van life videos and as a life long alaskan that has been at a local bike shop for 20 years i was pretty surprised to find this video! you live a rich life!

[@TheAwesomeness1123]

akhoundog907 Same! Decided to check out his old videos and am actually astounded at these from 5 years ago, he’s living an amazing life and capturing it beautifully. I’m marathon watching his bike videos and think I’m enjoying these even more than the van ones

[@mtadams2009]

@@TheAwesomeness1123I like them all, I even like is slow cooker segments. He has it going on.

[@mtadams2009]

@@TheAwesomeness1123 I think when the pandemic is over he will get back to more of this. Take care.

[@RedfieldmediaCoUk]

Discovered you last month... now I'm binge watching

[@thomasshea4466]

Amazing! This guy has the perfect demeanor. Slow and steady while taking in the beauty.Really admire this guy. I would be rushing from point to point. Which is not the point! Thank you for sharing this and showing a different way to travel.

[@TheAnimator1808]

It's kind of amazing how some simple knowledge of composition can improve a video like this so much. I've watched a lot of these bicycle touring documentaries and this is by far the most inspiring.

[@johnburton3763]

This is one of the most heart-stoppingly gorgeous bike touring videos I've seen. Thanks so much!!

[@KandiKlover]

BTW Everyone he made the 4k download free now :3

[@liuyunqian]

You live a life that many are not dare to live, its so beautiful and amazing!

[@forestyforest]

Thank you 😊

[@petebrennan714]

Absolutely one of the very best things I've seen on a computer! Really touched me. I've backpacked in Denali and kayaked the Kenai Peninsula. Your videography brings so much of those experiences back! THANK YOU! (PS - thanks for NOT doing a music soundtrack!)

[@forestyforest]

Thank you too. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully you're inspired to visit Alaska again!

[@petebrennan714]

@@forestyforest Just nearly finishing your "Fatbiking the Western Renegade Bike Route". Getting a fat bike now. FOR SURE! See you on the trail. Someplace! Pete

[@petebrennan714]

Oh, and I'm good with your tastes in music. Just really nice to watch some things without. Rivers, streams, tires, you... Sometimes that's really best. You're the artist. And a damn talented one! Pete

[@johnburton3763]

Can't tell you how inspiring this is.....makes me want to ride out the door today.

[@forestyforest]

+John Burton Thanks!

[@reducecotwo]

I rode across Canada when I was 20 yrs old, took me 2 months..People were always inviting you to join them everynight, always giving you stuff, money...I'll never forget it. ..After about a week, your legs are incredibly strong.

[@froglegs4910]

@@reducecotwo Nature beauty takes your soul from your body !

[@AleksandarGospic]

What an epic scenery, unbelievable! I admire how much will you had to place the camera in all those places and go back to cycle by it, but it was worth it! Fantastic stuff and first class masochism :)

[@breablvd]

Lol @ first class masochism. Aptly put

[@Chris-mn7yy]

dude you are hardcore, respect.

[@mtadams2009]

This was long before the slow cooker. Very nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@StevenSugref]

That was awesome! That mountain pass looked hard enough with having to run ahead to place the camera, run back, cycle past it then walk back for the camera. I think a lot of people overlook that when they see videos like this. Excellent work 👍

[@garypalmer2066]

I bikepacked from Denali Park down the highway to Anchorage, and eventually Homer Spit then back to Seward and took the ferry to Valdez and rode to Whittier where you pass thru a tunnel that is both a train and car tunnel, you have to know the schedule as there is only room for the train or a car, and especially not my bike and train. Anyway after Whittier I went up from Seward up to camp along the Copper River 500 feet above it on a huge cliff, saw a bid brwon bear swim across the river and I got worried it might smell me and come up to my camp but it wandered the river north and away. Then I biked back to Anchorage. And while staying at a youth hostel had my bike stolen. I was planning to bike back down thru Canada myself. I am 65 and have been a bike tourer and packer since 1982. I figure I have toured 400,000 miles in North America on 76 ride.s. Love your videos!

[@SRose-nl8df]

Wrangell-St. Elias, the other side of Kluane, is my absolute favorite national park in the U.S. Such fond memories of my road trip from New Jersey to Anchorage and back, but OMFG, I couldn't imagine doing this on a bike! I'd be up for the challenge except for the bears! Seriously amazing video and such endurance to go the distance!

[@forestyforest]

Yes it's incredible up there! Dealing with so much rain and all the bears was really tough though!

[@aroundoz]

That was really well done. No music and just the right amount of information and talking. Thanks for filming it. I can't imagine how effort each scene required of you especially when the weather was crap and you were bagged.

[@nasilamak2201]

The shot of all the RV's was insane. It is crazy how much crap people have to have with them when going on holiday.

[@IceWarrior101]

What's wrong with that? You think everyone has to bush wack to have fun? Someone must be a little jealous they never got to spend time in one..

[@KandiKlover]

@@IceWarrior101 For real. Some people just enjoy the place itself instead of making the travel there into a full blown hobby. I like bicycle touring but it's basically a form of self torture and a pain in the butt unless you're super into it.

[@Jr.BaconCheese]

Trailers are nice to have when you have kids and a family.

[@uninsulatedshrimp5518]

@@KandiKlover that's an ignorant perspective to have. Have you thought about the connection with nature one can have on a bike compared to an RV? Both have their place but please consider being more considerate.

[@spruceguse]

As soon as I saw that RV trail clip I went down to the comments because I was sure someone else was going to comment on it. Sure enough.

[@annekramer6740]

OMG!!! Be still my heart. I’m only 25 seconds in and in tears, overcome with the beauty. Thanks

[@littlejimbridger7770]

Very nicely done in every regard. Love that you chose not to use obnoxious music!!! I bet you know what bathing in cold streams is about!!!

[@JesseDylanMusic]

These must be so much work to film! As if biking, dealing with camping, and everything else, were not a ton of work already, it must be such a pain to set the camera up, ride past it, go back and get it, over and over. Makes for a great video though. This footage is insane. I don't think I could ever do it, but maybe I could be the camera guy with a lot of help and advice.

[@jimwortham8634]

Cyclist myself really enjoy would love to know a little bit about your bicycles breakdowns excetera

[@coopergreer3233]

Just finished a tour from Fairbanks to Montana. Took the exact same route as you to Banff. Awesome to relive my trip through this video!

[@IamUke]

Wonderful. I biked from San Francisco to Seattle back in the 80's and I can totally relate to your bike journey. Well done, and your photography was beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@gerthinatorgaming5952]

8 years on and you are still giving us awesome content with amazing scenery and views 👌 4.00 "It's 3am..... shut up" 😂

[@aquaboy777]

Man you're Amazing! Where do you find the energy to bike thousands of miles for months in such challenging conditions all by yourself is nothing short of great inspiration for everyone. Thank you for your dedicated hard work for sharing your wonderful touring experiences and showing us all the God given beauty that most of us will not experience.

[@konraddobson]

Wow, you really put the time into those camera angles. Nice work! Cool trip. Must be so weird to have to go back to work after a trip like that.

[@richvalg5226]

Konrad Dobson i think he used drone camera :)

[@hackisack]

These bike touring videos hold up quite well compared to your new videos. Amazing camera angles, too. From the get-go you were set-up for greatness on thi s channel. I'm glad I decided to finally watch the last 4 or 5 videos of your backlog that I was still missing.

[@ryan00035]

This is so much better than most of stuff I see on tv now. Really enjoyed watching.

[@rickanderson11]

Just a great adventure--spectacular footage with the Foresty touch. Thank you, FF!

[@evan.hongzhengyang7135]

How come I have missed you and your adventures during the last 5 year ?? Catching up with all the amazing tours. Love your videos and adventures:)

[@threedogsandacamper503]

Such an amazing video! I drove to Alaska in 2006 through Jasper/Banff and returned via the Cassiar Hwy....also spent several days at the Tangle Lakes campground on the Denali Hwy...brings back some great memories.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Besides some of the most breath taking beautiful scenery, I feel lazy as hell now. Thank you for sharing a piece of our beautiful planet.

[@cindi7955]

You are one amazing human being. Just spell bound through this whole journey.and near the end when you met Mike who just happened to build bikes was amazing.

[@tomfung9492]

Catching up your old vids. You are an absolute beast! Great video. Thanks.

[@theredocarina7456]

Wow, that was incredible, the scenery, the stamina you have, wow!!!

[@FreeSoul.7]

this is the best video bike touring ever . so pure and only with the nature sound . thank you so much

[@BoxCarBoy12]

Now that's some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Nice tour, you must've had a blast derailleur issue and all!

[@RobertsfunWords]

Fantastic tour and video. captures the essence of touring and how we all feel out there. Congratulations on it all

[@jeffwood5985]

I enjoy all of your videos immensely, well done. I don't know where you get all the energy and the 100% upbeat attitude but more power to you!

[@pauldc779]

What a journey thanks for shooting it. Really enjoying your back catalogue. You've certainly come a long way.

[@samirangogoi336]

unlike most of the touring videos this was so natural. loved it. Im planning a trip like this but was not sure about the filming part. This gave me a lot of ideas.

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Perfect ending statement! Outstanding effort, thank you for all the effort that went into documenting this, on top of the ride itself this was a huge amount of work no doubt! Cheers from a old man who still rides everyday! Fogo Island to Fredricton NB next year!

[@cww922]

The photos and video are absolutely insane! I know this took a lot of work to take these amazing videos and photos. This is truly one of the best bike touring videos I ever seen. Thank you for sharing your trip. A+A+A+!!

[@jamesleigh900]

Incredible shots, and I love the commentary. You’re a humble man it’s quite a feat you accomplished.

[@EulipionOutpost]

Love the simplicity of your narrative and beautiful video. The lack of self-aggrandizement and no baiting with narrative hooks is so damn refreshing. Thank you.

[@kerdawee]

Breathtaking, exhilarating, majestic, magnificent and epic! Thank you for sharing some things that I may never see.

[@mtadams2009]

You are a hammer. I have been on enough suffer fest and this is at the next level. Just a beautiful trip and very inspiring. Thanks.

[@mannym.andcoyoteridgemtb171]

Amazing ride-views! I did only the Icefield parkway to Banff RT, and as as short as it was compare to yours, definitely one of the best places a I have been! Thanks for sharing!

[@brentmahan6544]

Your videos always leave me feeling relaxed, inspired and excited. THANK YOU!

[@TheGolfdaily]

Breathtaking sceneries. Thanks for taking us there!! Looks like Alaska is a Must visit place.

[@susanjacquier5358]

Still working my way through your back catalog of videos....never fails to inspire! I'm not a 100% sure, but I think cycling on major highways here in Australia prohibited....certainly around where I live.

[@VesaGuardian]

Somewhere near the end of the video, I realized I was sitting open-mouthed, mesmerized by the scenery.

[@yngvartahtinen]

Love how you signed off - suburban jungle crushes my soul a little (a reaction born of growing up in that environment, & hating it)

[@shaunsimon7176]

Great content man! I really enjoy watching you're videos. Makes me want to get out and see nature the way you do.

[@billmacbride]

Congrats on your successful trip. Great photos and voice over. LOL when you told the chipmunk/squirrel to shut up at 3am. I've done the same thing many, many times. Good luck down the road!!!!!!!

[@robertfallows1054]

I started getting into KZbin about a year and a half ago.. now basically they are all I watch. I remember watching some of these videos back then and I was amazed. I was born in Thunder Bay Ontario and the videos of Ontario and other wild parts of Canada really had me hooked, but somehow I drifted away. Just lately I came across the Van Life videos and it dawned on me that it was FForest from back in my KZbin initiation. LOL. I have watched quite a few of the Van Life videos, but this Alaska video is truly amazing. I agree with Jesse Watson who commented on the amount of work to set up the camera etc in addition to the actual biking/surviving..... Nice to have found you again in the land of KZbin..... looking into becoming a patron. Continue with the good work.

[@douglawrence4066]

Great Video! Thanks for doing the trip and sharing it. I did the Icefields Parkway from Calgary to McBride 10 years ago and it was one the best weeks of my life.......

[@forestyforest]

+Doug Lawrence yes it definitely worth a revisit. I would've liked to stay longer but it wouldn't stop raining and snowing.

[@annamil3615]

What awesome views. Breathtaking!!! If you see this I'd love to know how old you are here. We've been watching you for years.

[@nancyhanson3472]

He turned 39 on March 13, 2023.

[@annamil3615]

@nancyhanson3472 wow......I thought he was my son's age.....33-35. Thx.

[@maggiedoja]

I literally gasped out loud at 12:48-you soaring on foot with the sound of the razor rocks shredding as you slid-and yes I agree this is one of the greatest travel docs I’ve ever seen-stunning work

[@BrownCreature]

That looks like an exceptional tour. Definitely going to pick this one up. (Love the Survivorman-esque commitment to a good shot.) Might also be worth mentioning to others that you can get the paid version for $1.50 Canadian.

[@JoeOsChannel]

Nice video. Brings back memories from when I rode some of the same roads in BC and Alberta 16 years ago on a 7000 km solo ride I did. Stealth camping on all but a half dozen nights or so. Makes me want to go for aother little ride soon.

[@timbazzinett2693]

I don't watch videos on YT longer than 3 minutes or so. I was riveted to this one. I found your narration to be much better than the music of your previous video. A great insight to how you felt during the tour. Looking forward to the Aussie tour.

[@sunpromises3806]

This scenery...just shockingly beautiful and pure.

[@dexterkendall1951]

This was an amazing video. Just discovered your channel. Love it!

[@ChristinaWillis691]

Wow, what an amazing trip! You are so chill, it's really inspiring!

[@LASA569]

just amazing, takes a lot of nerve solo riding, it's just amazing!

[@nusret_biketraveller5446]

this is one of my best bike tour in youtube. well done

[@torlundi2003]

Great filming, great tour, great spirit and more than fantastic landscapes! Thanks for sharing your adventure !

[@jkajje2945]

Some off the most beautiful pictures i have ever seen Thank you

[@squinngeepwns]

best bike tour video ive seen yet. THanks for the film brotha!

[@beverleytaillon5600]

Breathtakingly beautiful, thank you.

[@tobewiser6738]

I love watching your/these earlier vds, your comedic injections are just as good back then as now. I do like these bike vds more than present van/mountain vds; I watch it while doing my whatever at the moment thing is. Really helps me get thru them too too quiet days.

[@mindym5579]

Ironically I watch this September 1st 2023. 8 years to the day 😯 How I managed that Idk. My heart went out to you during the tough times. Was saying. Come on Foresty, you can do it.. You got this! The mental and physical strength you have is amazing. I adore every thing about you. Whoever influenced you in your upbringing and the help of raising you into the man you are today should be very proud. Never lose your passion 💙🌞🌱

[@vracan]

now that's what I call extreme bikepacking!

[@TrailBlazer5280]

This is so cool. Can’t believe how loaded up that bike is. Looks like a great trip

[@lello333]

you are a beautiful person, i hope one day i can meet you while cicling! i admire you and respect.

[@ronkirk5099]

I rode across Canada from Victoria, B.C. to Prince Edward Island as part of a 14,000 miles loop which was mostly in the U.S. I enjoyed the Canadian portion best. I would sure like to do some of the roads further north including the Dempster highway and Dalton highway. Your setup looks the same as mine - Ortliebs front and rear with sleeping bag on the rear rack and tent on front rack. I used the same setup on the Continental Divide Mtn bike route and the Baja Divide. A bit much, but doable. I've also had to go single speed a couple times when sticks jammed in the rear deraileur and broke it off. After over 45,000 miles of on road and off road touring, I still love bicycle touring especially in wild, remote areas where the primitive camping is the biggest draw..

[@shamshulakhani18]

awesome tour. It takes a lot to plan a trip and making it happen. Beautiful scenery. Very well captured.. Keep exploring .. Enjoy.

[@jsvensson8234]

Buying the full 4K version of this one was the best money I've ever spent. Awesome, awesome awesome!!! 💖💖💖

[@billkrause4585]

I was tired watching you pump that bike, good you got your van …A huge upgrade and safe in that Van LIVING! You're doing good pal, keep the vids coming for us.

[@coastdave]

This was a totally bad-ass trip, but so understated in the video. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@Foxr6]

Epic Journey! Now I must go ride my bike. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@RobertBeriault753]

This is eye candy to any lover of mountains. Wow! What a great video!

[@pv4083]

This guy is a legend. Incredible what he did.

[@get2riz]

Thank you for posting. It's beautiful. Ride on.

[@davep5647]

You are EPIC. This is the best,most unique footage I've seen of these areas.I guess because you're going off the beaten path.Most vloggers won't put in the effort.

[@kelliephoenix]

Awesome views! So cool to see the beginnings of Forest's you tube journey! 😁💚

[@489177]

Really great video thank you for uploading.The way you handled the gear issues puts "pc load letter" printer errors into perspective. Ride on.

[@5882300rickroll]

Your Videos are great. Best touring videos I've seen. Looks like you put quite a bit of effort into getting all of those shots

[@steelteepost9810]

I agree, I've watched them all.

[@sunnin0204]

This is great man,Best bicycle touring video I have seen :D

[@xCoolBreezex]

Best channel on yt

[@miggrodriguez9996]

Awesome video, and very inspiring. Love the scenery and the quality of the video.

[@AnthonyJoh]

Your dedication to getting the third person shots is seriously impressive! Most people would just stick a GoPro on their handlebar and call it a "film".

[@mapdatadr]

your stuff is just superb... so much respect for your approach to these epic adventures... very inspirational...

[@BCSteelhobo]

Amazing. Absolutely fantastic journey!

I truly enjoyed watching this, many thanks!