Biking from Whitehorse to Vancouver

I'm planning to travel along the Alaskan highway this summer (end of June until mid July). I'm not an extremely experienced camper and have only once spent a night outside of a camping ground so far. My greatest bike ride so far was from Zürich to Bern (145km/90m) which I managed in a single day, so I expect to be able to do around 80-100 km each day. So I think I should be able to make it to Vancouver in less than a month. I've read a handful of blogs from people who did it, so the idea isn't quite as outlandish as it first seemed. I'm mostly looking for information about camping spots, emergency situations, necessary equipment, further sources of information and just general tips and tricks. Here's what I've planned so far:

1 CHF = 0.98 USD

• Fly from Basel to Whitehorse and from Vancouver to Basel - totaling at around 1500CHF (including bike).
• I plan to spend around 1000CHF for the entire trip (25k total).
• I have a city/mountain bike hybrid that is made to be easy to fix.
• I plan to carry around 3-4kg in a backpack and maybe 4-5 in saddlebags.
• I think I'll only pack as much food as necessary and stock up along the way.
• I should be able to reach some form of settlement every 2 days.
• I speak fluent English and some French.
• The Temperatures seam pretty bearable at 11° degrees in July.
• I'm going to be alone.
• I'm planning to sleep in a tent most of the times.
• I'll probably stay as close to the road as possible.

Here're some of the stuff I am worried about:

• Is there a better Forum for trips like this?
• Wild animals (bears, buffaloes, elk), which precautions are necessary? Are they known to attack unprotected travelers? Do they keep off the road?
• Are the prices somewhat reasonable? In Switzerland you get robbed along the highways.
• Is the road kept in shape for bikers? Do I have to watch out for reckless drivers?
• Is there a danger of highway robbery?
• How quick do emergency services respond?
• Is camping along the highway even legal? Alternatively, are there enough camping grounds? Online research has been inconclusive.
• Is it even safe to travel alone, or should I look for a friend to join me?
• Is there cellphone coverage up there? Is there a way to get Internet?
• These are just some of the worries of the top of my head, I'm sure there are more.

So are there people who have done similar things? I'd love to get in contact. Where should I look for more Information? I'm mainly looking for the exercise and some scenery. Canada seams to most suited for this, but if there are other places for a novice I'm open for suggestions.

posted over 6 years ago

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