Questions and answers (Q&A) about my Pan-American Highway cycling trip
Ever since I started talking about my plan to cycle the Pan-American Highway, I keep getting the same questions. Here I'm collecting the answers. If your question isn't here, feel free to write to me!
The route
How long is the route?
Approximately 28,000 km from Deadhorse in Alaska to Ushuaia in Argentina (the southernmost city in the world). That's slightly more than half the distance around the Earth. Depending on the route and detours, it can be considerably more.
How long will the journey take?
The trip is planned to take approximately 17 months, from June 2026 to December 2027. I'm estimating roughly 50 days per 3,000 km, including rest days (about 10). This gives me a buffer of about 2 months to arrive in South America during their summer (December).
When does it start?
On May 30th, I'm flying to Anchorage, and again on June 1st, 2026, to Deadhorse. Hopefully, it will be warm enough there, way up north, for the Dalton Highway to be passable, but before the major snowmelt that could wash the road away. Currently, the temperature there fluctuates between -5° and -20°C. If it's too cold, I'll skip the flight to Deadhorse and start cycling from Anchorage.
What is the Dalton Highway?
The Dalton Highway begins in barren tundra and takes me from north to south across vast, lonely stretches of Arctic landscape. Snow can still be present in June, especially at higher elevations like Atigun Pass (1,430 m). South of there, it becomes warmer, hillier, and the first trees appear. The route follows the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Supply points are Coldfoot after 400 km and the Yukon River Camp after 550 km. The camps and the oil pumping station are supposed to have open Wi-Fi, but otherwise, robust equipment, spare parts, and emergency communication are essential. Fairbanks is reached after 800 km from Deadhorse.
Why are you starting in Alaska and not just anywhere in the USA?
If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right. Deadhorse is the northern end of the Pan-American Highway (unofficially), and I want to cycle the entire route. Besides, the solitude and wilderness of Alaska appeal to me as a starting point. The travelogues of other cyclists have convinced me that starting up there is something truly special.
Is the route already determined?
Yes, as far as Banff in Canada. After that, I'm deliberately keeping my options open. I'll follow well-known cycling routes, but decide spontaneously based on what feels right and what other travelers recommend.
You will find my route here:
Security
Isn't that dangerous?
The short answer: No more dangerous than cycling in Munich. The long answer: Of course there are risks, as everywhere. But the Pan-American Highway is regularly traveled by cyclists, and with common sense, up-to-date information, and communication with other travelers, most situations can be assessed fairly well.
The first dangers will be bears, the cold, mosquitoes, and forest fires.
What about bears in Alaska?
Grizzly and black bears inhabit Alaska and Canada. Bear spray is the first thing you buy and is considered essential equipment. Food and anything with a strong odor are stored in a bear-proof container to avoid attracting bears and are kept at night approximately 100 meters away from both the cooking area and the sleeping area.
Are you driving alone?
Generally, yes. But on the popular routes, you regularly meet other cyclists and often end up riding together for a few days. In Canada, there will be three of me, and a friend will join us in Alaska and perhaps again in South America.
Everyday life on the go
How many kilometers do you drive per day?
Between 70 and 100 km, depending on the terrain, weather, and how I feel that day. Significantly less in the mountains or on gravel, more on flat, paved roads with a tailwind. I plan rest days every 6 to 10 riding days.
Where do you sleep?
Mostly in a tent. Wild camping is allowed or at least tolerated in many areas. There's not much to do in Alaska anyway 😅. In addition, there are campsites, Warmshowers hosts (a network for cyclists), and occasionally a hostel or hotel when I need a shower and a bed.
What do you eat on the go?
Anything with calories! I cook a lot myself on my gas stove. Mostly oatmeal for breakfast, a packed lunch, and pasta with sauce in the evening. In cities, I naturally eat local food sometimes. For long stretches without supplies, I pack provisions or trekking food for several days.
How do you wash your clothes?
Hand wash if possible, washing machine if available. Merino clothing helps enormously because it starts to smell much more slowly. Nevertheless, laundry day is a fixed part of the rest day routine.
equipment
What kind of bike do you ride?
A Rose Backroad AL (2024) in the Everyday version. A gravel bike with a rack, fenders, and hub dynamo as standard. It's well-suited for both asphalt and gravel. I've described my complete setup in a separate blog post.
Cycling Basti
How heavy is your luggage?
The bike weighs 11 kg; fully loaded without water and food, I'm at about 28 kg. With full water bottles and provisions for several days, it's over 35 kg. Still lighter than many other cycle tourists.
What do you do if you have a breakdown?
I always carry a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, multi-tool, and a few spare parts. I can change a flat tire in 15 minutes. For bigger problems, I have to go to the next town, but that's part of the trip. Hitchhiking is easy with a bike.
Are you bringing a drone?
No. In some countries it is prohibited, and besides, it is not exactly space-saving or lightweight.
Would you like to take a jar of pickles with you?
Dear Roman, unfortunately, the weight ratio doesn't make sense. Thank you for this insightful question.
financing
How much does such a trip cost?
It depends heavily on the country and lifestyle. In the USA and Canada, you should expect to spend between 30 and 50 euros per day, while in Central and South America it's significantly less. Those who camp a lot and cook for themselves will naturally save money.
Do you have any sponsors?
No, I'm financing the trip entirely myself from my savings. If something suitable comes up and you know someone, please get in touch: Contact .
You are welcome to subscribe to my newsletter to support me.
Stay up to date
Where can I follow the journey?
On multiple channels:
- This blog features detailed reports and stories.
- Instagram for pictures and short impressions
- Polarsteps for the live route with photos and commentary
- WhatsApp community for family and friends
All channels can be found on the About page.
Can I ride along for part of the way ?
Absolutely! If you'd like to join me for a ride, just let me know via the contact page .
The next blog post will likely come from Alaska. So stay tuned and enjoy the warm temperatures in Germany.
A glimpse into the planned first few days. 10 days earlier than I was two years ago.
Is your question not listed? Feel free to write it in the comments or on Instagram and I'll add it here!