Lael Rides Alaska

Lael Wilcox is a 4th generation Alaskan and an ultra-distance cyclist. In 2014, she began pushing her limits in her home state and dreamed that one day, she’d ride all of the major roads in Alaska-- connecting the dots and traveling under her own steam to places she’d heard of but never seen. In 2017, after her first year running Anchorage GRIT, Lael spent the summer riding all of the roads, some 4,500 miles. She had the time of her life but rode mostly solo, and that experience was all her own. In reflection, she wanted to share more-to show people the beauty and truth of Alaska and inspire more people to ride there. The global pandemic of 2020 provided a unique opportunity to revisit this project-ride from home, spend time with her family, bring them along, and encourage others to pursue their own adventures.
Riding roads is feeling topography and weather, seeing history and reality, and experiencing everything along the way. If the finish line is home, how much farther can we go? If we bring along our loved ones, how much more will it mean?
This project is in support of the Anchorage GRIT project and the "Lael Ride Alaska Women's Scholarship Program." Learn more at blog.pearlizumi.com/lael-ride...
Follow PEARL iZUMi on Instagram: / pearlizumiofficial
Follow PEARL iZUMi on Twitter: / pearlizumi
Shop PEARL iZUMi: www.pearlizumi.com/
Follow Lael Wilcox on Instagram: / laelwilcox
Film by Rugile Kaladyte: / rugilekaladyte
Original Music by James Wilcox

[@duzer]

Thank you Pearl Izumi, Lael, and Rue for creating quality and inspirational content on KZbin

[@pearlizumi]

Glad you enjoy it! Keep it up on your efforts to get people riding bikes too, Ryan!

[@duzer]

@@pearlizumi you know it! Here’s to an amazing 2021

[@laelwilcox6539]

Thanks Ryan! That really means a lot. Thank you for being so encouraging!

[@jeffburns8347]

Thank you for the inside view of Alaska from a bike. Well done Lael and Rue and thank you Pearl Izumi for supporting and sharing.

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Hey Ryan, should have know you would be here. You two seem like kindred spirits of wonderful positivity!! 🙏🏼🚴‍♀️

[@jelanibutler1332]

I’m a black male 66 yr old and I love riding and you are such an encouragement. I love challenges. I’m baby boomer but my mind is like a child.

[@beatrizmaginperroni4857]

Lael inspired me to be a fearless young woman, grab my bike and ride miles and miles. Hopefully summer will come soon and I'll be able to have big adventures. Much love to everyone from Catalunya

[@laelwilcox6539]

Thanks for letting me know! Brightens my day :)

[@bibwillis3918]

I’m a 62 year old woman and I bought a mountain bike last summer so I could explore all the many dirt and gravel roads where I live in Quincy, CA. I love your latest video (all your videos, in fact). I find them very inspiring! Thank you!

[@eugenetuvilla9408]

Another amazing work from Rue, and Lael. This speaks to the adventurer's heart in all of us.

[@pearlizumi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephendoran2767]

Oh man-legends. I’m so thankful you and Rue are in the world and sharing this beauty with us 🙏

[@abdulrajaf6]

Wow..Awesome Lael..keep Riding...anyway..i've been riding 40yrs...now...but when i saw yr Video on Alaska. ..inspires Me to Keep in Riding More...Not Stopping...Now..Thanks for Sharing...yr Experience...(From Malaysia)...

[@CoreenMazzocchi]

So inspired by Rue's work and dedication to their cycling film projects. Lael and Rue are creating special vibes here.

[@pearlizumi]

Couldn't agree more.

[@peterkranenburg1984]

Biking is that one thing that links every single one of us with our childhood. For many, it was their first taste of adventure and freedom. The rides may have gotten longer, but that same joy and wonderment is still present everytime we throw a leg over a bike. Bikes are one of the world's greatest gifts.

[@laelwilcox6539]

Totally agree!

[@sethurbanowitz932]

Absolutely beautiful story. Inspirational. Amazing. Riding a bike is one of my favorite things in the world. Thank you for sharing and inspiring others.

[@pearlizumi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidharris4062]

You both are inspirational young women, I’m 64 and I love cycling, keeps me going

[@alecfotsch3533]

So many remarkable people. Always a joy to see and hear what Lael is up to. Thanks for continuing to inspire us Lael!

[@pearlizumi]

Thanks for watching!

[@litchoutside9812]

Amazingly inspirational! Thank-you!

[@sean_lundy]

Absolutely love the soundtrack to this piece.

[@laelwilcox6539]

It's from my brother, James Wilcox. He makes the music for all of our videos. I love it too!

[@roelmattheeussen1117]

That smile and that natural enthusiasm are so infectious!!! After every movie of Lael i feel like jumping on my bike so badly. Hé Specialized, forget about putting Sagan on the front page - Lael here is the real deal!

[@ErikDouds]

Thank you Rue for capturing the beautiful of the place + the warmth of Lael and her family. Another gorgeous film.

[@laelwilcox6539]

Thanks Erik!

[@Brackers64]

As with all videos with Lael, truly remarkable. This is one of the best, outstanding work on the ride, giving back to the community, production, wonderful. Very inspired knowing there are people like this in the world! Can't wait to get back riding once the snow goes away. Thank you!

[@anthonywells8941]

I love you. You guys are so inspirational. DONT EVER STOP

[@laelwilcox6539]

we won't :)

[@movingpointcc]

🏞🚴‍♀ The landscapes, the energy, the story - everything about this video is perfect. It's an honor to include it in our collection. Keep inspiring! 🌈

[@malcontent_1]

Awesome storytelling

[@DhavalJangla]

Amazing work by the team, What an inspirational video !! Bravo !!

[@aspenwagon04]

This was absolutely stunning. Great story. Great women. Thanks.

[@kellyclouser2097]

Wow! What an adventure! And to share it with loved ones is icing on the cake! Thanks for the inspiration Lael and Rue! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻🎂🚵‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🛣🏔

[@coviddodger2692]

This was awesome, please keep making kore videos. They are my favourite

[@BenAfflock96]

Watching videos about Lael and Rue makes me wanna go out and ride my bike, every time I dont feel like it...

[@Rosieeeeeee]

lael is my inspiration and role model, I'm so happy to see more from her and her amazing family. I'm glad to see they tackled the pandemic so well too!

[@laelwilcox6539]

that's really kind. Thank you!

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Brilliant vid , thanks for posting

[@SergioCristancho]

Amazing couple, wishing you more of this to come, longer rides and beauty moments perfectly captured.

[@mountainmunky]

Awesome rider! It's riders like her that motivate me to dig deep! G3t out n ride!

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Lael I love your spirit, your positivity and your love of riding!! You are an inspiration for this 58 yr young woman!🙏🏼🚴‍♀️

[@G-man45444]

Wow…… 🤟🏼👍🏼🤟🏼…. What a great video ….I’ve been waiting to hear from Lael… you’re so blessed to have a partner that not only shares your interests but beautifully records your lives together

[@aktripod]

Love Laels adventures. Myself, have cycled many of the routes Leal rode in Alaska and can say she is 100% true to her adventures. She is an awesome talent and, more importantly, a true Alaskan. Love her and Rue's travels everywhere they go.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

So glad you do what you do Lael and Rue! The world’s a better place for it!

[@Ocean4Life]

You are truly great. The way you share your passion for cycling is amazing. This summer I will do my first bikepacking trip, inspired by your videos😎

[@laelwilcox6539]

Great to hear!

[@martynakaladyte78]

Simply Beautiful! Love you Lael and Rugile. I will forever be proud of you both.

[@darenmurdoch8150]

Another great video of inspiration. Thank you!

[@annalisavandenbergh8999]

Beautiful shots and words. Makes me want to go back so bad!

[@laelwilcox6539]

thanks for always being so encouraging, Annalisa!

[@princemagnolia9994]

In a world full of men with their Ideologies & Ego’s, Lael & Rue ‘s Flag is the only one I’ve found worthy to carry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for shining light into a black hole and providing the inspiration to overcome death, loss, heartbreak, addiction, and trauma. My love for you Sisters is eternal & true. Keep shining your light, I’ll join you soon. -Lévi.

[@gsmith4679]

Great video, well done!

[@SioLazer]

Love it! Thank you for being you!

[@Alexmaystudio]

Time to put the wheels back on my bike... what an inspiration. I love it! And the music was fantastic too.

[@MalikAlymkulov]

So much motivational, inspirational, informative and beautiful! You are both beautiful.

[@pearlizumi]

Thank you so much!

[@laelwilcox6539]

Thank you, Malik! Puts a big smile on my face.

[@sneezy1984]

Thanks, your sense of adventure and joy just gave me a boost!

[@samlewis6314]

This was great. Go Lael!

[@spencerlong5860]

Thank you.. loved the film 👍👍

[@robertsonlee6985]

just awesome!!

[@luckylifeonwheels626]

Your a very inspiring person I kinda lost my drive to ride when covid hit Canada i kinda got into a little bit of a depression with having nowhere to go..But watching your videos gets me going and gives me that hope to keep rideing to spite what's going on in the wold keep up the good work and stay safe and healthy and let's hope 2021 will be a better year. 😎🇨🇦🚲

[@secretdaisy6484]

Me too. It's all having the same negative effect on me.

[@pearlizumi]

Well said. Keep it rolling out there.

[@luckylifeonwheels626]

@@secretdaisy6484 I hope it ends soon would love to ride the TDR 🇨🇦🚲

[@mollysullivan2903]

Great film Rue and Lael!

[@anthoniusladjar3051]

This is awesome, thanks for bringing the kids.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Cool, I did a 10,500 mile bike trip to Alaska in 1992 and I've been on a number of these roads. Awesome place!

[@pearlizumi]

Oh wow! That's awesome.

[@lindacutler1324]

So inspiring! Lael is so enthusiastic about what she does - so wonderful to see!

[@jessicahaydahlrichardson7951]

Wonderful story and filmed beautifully 🙌🙌🙌

[@joachimjohansson8774]

Great film! Inspiring, and Lael such a cool and humble person 👍

[@pearlizumi]

We agree!

[@henningandersen38]

Authentic, personal, inspiring & awesome!

[@rgreen1378]

Lovely! Thank you.

[@xaviernogueira]

This is incredible, Lael is absolutely amazing and the cinematography was gorgeous!!

[@setosfel]

Beautiful and so inspiring! Thank you. I love it. 😊

[@pauldavies1416]

Wow, really enjoyed that! Inspiring stuff. Thanks from Wales, UK.

[@timlucas4356]

I love that you both have such strong passions and are sharing them with us. You are both so special.

[@andrewmshuff]

Lovely video. More than enough inspiration for a lifetime of adventure.

[@pearlizumi]

Great to hear!

[@alastairbaldwin2904]

Lael and Rue are the coolest! Amazing work.

[@theslowroadhome]

I had a smile on my face for the entire duration of this movie. Sending much Love and Happiness your way. Thank you both.

[@svantee]

wow this is another incredible video by Lael and Rue! Get‘s me motivated so so much and already planning my long distance bike trips for this summer. Ofc with Komoot 😄💪

[@gwilletts]

Aw man, I love u Lael! Just such awesomeness. Your smile, makes me smile :) Thank you all for putting this documentary together, really captures all the goodness about riding. Which. Is. Exactly. What. We need right now (exhale)...

[@cleaneduphippy]

Amazing video. Another great watch and great motivation to keep the pedals cranking.

[@kyleilenda]

This is incredible, thank you for sharing!

[@pearlizumi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robmartin1792]

Beautiful. Thank you!! ✌🏼💖💞🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@peterslater7791]

amazing. i cried at the end... thanks lael and rue! keep forging ahead, in every direction.

[@futebolguy84]

Thanks for putting this together, Rue and Lael. It's an amazing project and I love how you inspire everyone to get out on bikes. Keep up the great work.

[@simontaulelle453]

brilliant as always !

[@gvnrchmnd]

Gotta be up there as one of the best bike adventure videos I’ve ever watched.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

I love it, projects like this I find to be more interesting and inspiring than the racing, though I love them both. Thanks for the great work you two!

[@michaelcleary9558]

love it,love the ex tuf boots,thanks for sharing,so many cool places to bike...

[@samuelmathieu21]

So beautiful, so inspiring.... As always with Lael and Rugile! I think you both inspire so much people (including me) to push their own boundaries while contemplating.

[@Foxr6]

Glad we got to meet you Rue! You ladies ROCK!

[@bikenergy6688]

Thank you for all you do to inspire us, your content is uplifting, your passion contagious

[@mrgiantanthem]

Thanks for such an inspiring video. Lael and her partner seem so lovey. Thank you for sharing this!

[@christiankilleen7626]

When I was a child cycling held a sense of empowering adventure and independence that I think some people get when they buy their first car. But when I got my car I realised that there was no adventure in it. It only got me from place to place. I realised that the journey on a bike was the adventure. I just love riding my bike. Its so beautiful seeing children growing up empowered to feel the same way. This is an awesome video.

[@mikesadventures1597]

Outstanding . Keep them coming Lael. Gob Bless you and Roo.

[@181tigger]

What a wonderful video, a great story and amazing nature! Want to see more of Lael and Rue! Thank you for sharing your Adventures, very inspiration...

[@quikboy]

Truly inspiring! I can totally identify with the freedom of getting on the bike solo or with a close friend during the pandemic. Thank you for sharing your ride :)

[@tatipmartino]

She is such an amazing athlete and human. The video was very well done.

[@daedaluscan]

I really enjoy your videos as you are always so positive, and encourage everyone.

[@pavlovzdog]

Absolutely beautiful, thanks to Ru and yourself, don't think I'll ever reach Alaska so it's always nice to see it through someone else especially shot in such a great, way with amazing images whilst the person is doing a activity I appreciate. Also during Covid the bikes kept me sane, so turning an huge negative in to a positive time with family is great. Stay and ride safe guys 👍🏻🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♂️😄

[@michaelschuler4600]

Love your drive and dedication and mindset. Total respect for you Everest ride. (I did it in 2017). Laura Baker says Hello!

[@FrancoisCoquemont]

Love the story, love the scenery.

[@eduardherak8599]

Moc hezké video 👍👍👍🏕🚵‍♂️🏔❤️🌞👍

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Stunning scenery, amazing riding , lol your riding my dreams lol

[@paulsackles1329]

Great work !

[@kendelaski2405]

Such a beautiful piece. Thank you Rue and Lael for this project. I'm so inspired. You are both such gems. I'll never forget riding with you last March in Arizona. Ken

[@allenskimason5563]

Thank you so much for this video. I love getting to know both Lael and Rue. Now I'm ready for a new adventure...

[@rrrseajay]

Beautiful. Love how the E-bikes allow people to ride together. Picking up my second Revelate bag soon. Spinelock 10L to occasionally replace my enormous first seat bag.

[@justinbalog]

Can't wait!

[@cathschofield7488]

What a superb film

[@SaraTideWalker]

This is lovely Rue! Lael's passion radiates and you can't help but smile! I would love to bike across AK.

[@robertbotta6536]

Lael, you are so cool and impressive. Inspirational. A true role model for our youth. Thanks for being you. Ohhh and the photography is incredible. So much talent!

[@luntiangrace]

As a photographer myself, I feel your frustration Rue... I feel you. Yes, its so frustrating being on a bike without a camera and you saw a yellow magazine momment and you wish to go back but the momment is gone. You are on your bike frustrated. Specially during golden hour, goodness I want to cry if momments happend and you didnt capture it.

[@rlejano]

Wow. Just wow.

[@neiloliva1222]

Love you guys... I'm motivated again to go further... Watching from Philippines 🇵🇭 🇵🇭 🇵🇭

[@katarzynawojciechowska1097]

Lael you are such an inspiratiom to me, often when I think I am going to die after 100km I think of your positivity and enthusiasm towards biking and that keeps me riding. I am so glad more girls ride for the sake of the ride. Lots of love from Poland!