Alaska Bike Journey Rolls Along Through Remote Landscapes

Adventurers Forest Wagner and Ned Rozell embark on a 145-mile fat bike trek from Fairbanks to Nome, encountering stunning wilderness and generous locals along the way.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:50am

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Forest Wagner and Ned Rozell have set out on an epic 145-mile fat bike journey through the remote wilderness of Interior Alaska, traveling from Fairbanks to Nome. The two adventurers are navigating snow-covered trails, experiencing the tranquility of the spruce hills and tamarack swamps, and relying on the kindness of locals who have provided food, shelter, and encouragement along the way.

Why it matters

This bike journey highlights the rugged beauty and sense of community found in Alaska's remote regions. As more people seek outdoor adventures, stories like this showcase the unique opportunities for exploration and self-reliance that the state's vast landscapes provide. The trip also underscores the importance of local support networks that help make such ambitious treks possible.

The details

Wagner and Rozell began their journey in Fairbanks, riding their fat bikes eastward before turning west towards their final destination of Nome. Along the way, they have encountered long stretches of solitude, with 27 hours and 50 miles passing between encounters with other humans. The duo has faced challenging trail conditions, including soft snow that required intense effort, but have been buoyed by acts of kindness from locals who have provided food, shelter, and encouragement.

  • On March 25, 2026, Wagner and Rozell were spotted pushing their fat bikes through a drifted-in section of trail in Minto Flats National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Last Saturday, when the temperature warmed to -12°F, Rozell departed Fairbanks and met up with Wagner at his cabin before they began their journey westward.

The players

Forest Wagner

One of the two adventurers embarking on the 145-mile fat bike journey from Fairbanks to Nome.

Ned Rozell

The second adventurer joining Forest Wagner on the fat bike trek through the remote wilderness of Interior Alaska.

Kristen

Rozell's wife, who appeared on the packed snow ramp off the Tanana River in Nenana to provide the cyclists with burgers and fries.

Jen Wenrick

A friend of Rozell and his wife Kristen, who also appeared on the Tanana River ramp to support the cyclists.

Steve O'Brien

A local who cooked French toast and bacon for Wagner and Rozell as they waited for their clothes to dry in the Manley washeteria.

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What they’re saying

“It's so quiet in these spruce hills and tamarack swamps that 27 hours and 50 miles passed between when Forest Wagner and I said goodbye to one human being at Old Minto and hello to the next near Baker.”

— Ned Rozell

“If an object wasn't hanging off our bikes, we didn't need it. No more fiddling with the load or obsessing on the 7-day weather forecast. Just big ol' tires humming on dry snow.”

— Ned Rozell

What’s next

Wagner and Rozell plan to continue their journey westward, meeting more locals and old friends as they ratchet towards their final destination of Nome. Readers can follow their progress by checking the satellite tracker link provided in the article.

The takeaway

This epic fat bike journey through the remote landscapes of Interior Alaska showcases the rugged beauty and sense of community found in the state's wilderness. The story highlights the importance of self-reliance, outdoor exploration, and the kindness of locals in supporting ambitious treks like this one.