Fairbanks man plans 700-mile fat bike trek to Nome

Ned Rozell, 63, and friend Forest Wagner aim to ride fat bikes from Fairbanks to the Seward Peninsula town of Nome.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:32am

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Ned Rozell, a 63-year-old Fairbanks resident, and his friend Forest Wagner are planning a 700-mile fat bike expedition from Fairbanks to Nome on Alaska's Seward Peninsula. The two men hope to take advantage of packed snow trails and favorable weather forecasts to make the challenging journey, which they plan to begin on Rozell's 63rd birthday on March 21, 2026.

Why it matters

Fat bike expeditions through the Alaskan wilderness are becoming increasingly popular, but the journey from Fairbanks to Nome is considered one of the most ambitious routes. Rozell's planned trek highlights the adventurous spirit and physical endurance required to undertake such a demanding trip, especially for a 63-year-old. The story also provides insight into the unique challenges of winter travel in Alaska.

The details

Rozell and Wagner plan to ride fat bikes, which have extra-wide tires that allow them to float on top of snow. They will follow frozen rivers and wooded portages for much of the 700-mile route. Due to a late start caused by extreme weather, the pair may have to race the spring melt westward. Rozell has undertaken similar long-distance winter journeys in the past, including a 27-day ski trip from Nenana to Nome 25 years ago with his friend Andy Sterns.

  • Rozell and Wagner plan to depart Fairbanks on March 21, 2026, Rozell's 63rd birthday.
  • The pair hope to reach the town of Nome on the Seward Peninsula, which is about 700 miles from Fairbanks.

The players

Ned Rozell

A 63-year-old Fairbanks resident who has previously undertaken long-distance winter expeditions in Alaska, including a 27-day ski trip from Nenana to Nome 25 years ago.

Forest Wagner

Rozell's friend who will be accompanying him on the 700-mile fat bike expedition from Fairbanks to Nome.

Andy Sterns

Rozell's friend who introduced him to Forest Wagner and who previously joined Rozell on a 27-day ski trip from Nenana to Nome 25 years ago.

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What they’re saying

“Ned Rozell … has finally hit the wall.”

— Linda Weld, Editor, Copper Center Country Journal

“When his friend Roman Dial was 64, Griffith told Dial he was in the prime of his life.”

— Dick Griffith, Late Alaska adventurer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This expedition highlights the adventurous spirit and physical endurance required to undertake challenging winter journeys in the Alaskan wilderness, even for experienced outdoorsmen like Rozell who are in their 60s. The story also provides insight into the unique challenges of fat biking long distances through the Alaskan tundra and forests.