Riding the Fireweed 400 300K is NOT like riding the Tour de France but the hills are still high and the course was hard!

The Tour de France is great race set in some of the most beautiful country in the world. The flat lands, the rolling hills and the mountains found on the course are amazing. the people, wow! the people, the sheer numbers of people who watch this race is incredible!

The Fireweed 400 is a totally different type of race/ride. The 400 mile event is a sanctioned RAAM qualifier. For those who aren't familiar with the RAAM it is The Race Across America (RAAM - http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/raam/raam.php?N_webcat_id=45) Then there are the OTHER events that are associated with the Fireweed 400: the Great Alaska Half-Century 50 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Century 100 mile out and back from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Great Alaska Double Century race/ride to Valdez, Alaska from sheep Mountain Lodge; The Fireweed 400 which starts and ends at Sheep Mountain Lodge after traveling to Valdez and back; and the new Fireweed 400 300K-2 Day Tour to Valdez (this is a ride). Fat Tires, tandems, solos and teams of 2-4 people make up the groups of riders and bike types.

The route goes from Sheep Mountain Lodge at mile 113.5 on the Glenn Highway to Valdez, Alaska 200 miles away. The 200 and 400 mile course has a total elevation gain of 2,517.15 feet, a climbing distance of 85.98 miles, a descending distance of 100.83 miles and a loss in elevation from the start line at sheep Mountain of 15,197.29 feet to end up in Valdez at sea level. IF one is doing the Fireweed 400 then the total elevation gain back to sheep Mountain Lodge is 12,680.14 feet! Somewhat like the Tour but the difference is that the 400 mile solo is done without stopping and resting! The 400 mile solo starts at 12:00 on Friday and the riders MUST be back to sheep Mountain Lodge by 9:00 PM on Saturday!

The Fireweed 400 is tough, I was part of a 4 person team two years ago and it took us about 22 hours to complete the course. We finished first in our division and were we ever tired. Michael, our final rider to the finish line ended in a driving rain! Don’t think I will do that event again.

BUT, this year I did the 2 day 300K/200 mile tour and had a ball. It was hard because it was so hot but it was worth it. If I am in town next year I will do this one again.

Thompson Pass was the worst part of the road, elevation 2,678 feet, and I admit that I walked up most of it. I was tired and I walked, but I made it and really enjoyed the ride down the other side! Then a soft bed after a hot shower was great. The icing on the cake was the Alaska Ferry ride back to Whittier then a car ride home with someone else driving the car!

It was a great trip. I was glad that I had reserved a room at the Tonsina River Lodge because it rained Friday night and camping in the rain is OK but sleeping in a dry, cool, comfortable room was better!

Anyone who is adventurous and wanting to try something new should come participate in the Fireweed 400 or any of the sub events associated with this marvelous but difficult race/ride. Fat tires, tandems, solos and recumbent bikes are found in almost all events, even single, fixed gears are found. Ages range from 10 years to late 70’s.  There is a ride for everyone.  This event is well supported and woth the time, energy and money to come and participate!