I've been from state to state, followers tailgate

February 15, 2009 6:31 PM

Journalist Jill Homer writes about and takes media of snow cycling Up in Alaska. Now deputy managing editor of the Juneau Empire, she has written for NPR about being a snow cyclist. From the first cycle tour she went on in 2002 to recently when Jill said "If I don't die or worse, I'm gonna need a nap.", there is no shortage of pictures and video and accounts of scenic places encountered via cycle along the way, all over the country. There are a wealth of stories to read and pictures to look at while you sit out Winter in your home.

While her current blog is active, the archive of her previous site is kind of jagged - here is somewhat of an index of that content.

Over the Rocky Mountains.
Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri.
Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York.
Colorado.
Utah.
Through BC to Alaska.

A Realization of the American West: Childhood images of America become a reality.
Over the Top: Exhausted cyclists find joy in conquering the Continental Divide.
The Stages of Bicycle Touring: Long-distance riding is a progression of steps.
Finding Comfort on the Prairie: Adjusting to the ever-changing landscape.
Leaving My Comfort Zone: The reasons why cycle tourists travel by bike.
Unspoken Divide: At 10 mph, the country becomes enormous.
A Definition: Bicycle touring is everything but a once-in- a-lifetime experience.
"Rules" of Touring: A few things for bike-packers to remember.
Why Bike? Musings on an unconventioneal mode of travel.
Leaving Cortez: Simple luxuries of getting away from the city.
Art of Camping in a Ditch Making the most of where you stay.
Getting Away from the Pack The difference between road bikers and tourists.
The Bare Necessities What to take on a long-distance bike tour.
Pure Will: Why cycle tourists can keep on riding.
The Wasteland Take a ride through an urban ghost town.

posted by cashman (10 comments total)

If I don't die or worse, I'm gonna need a nap

At best I'll be asleep when you get back.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:24 PM on February 15, 2009 [2 favorites]

You mean snow machinycling.
posted by Flunkie at 7:26 PM on February 15, 2009

Been a long time since I wanted a new bicycle, but goodness, that Pugsley! I suppose I couldn't get slicks big enough for it, but that wouldn't stop me, I'm afraid.

I note with interest that she mentions record snowfalls this year in the Juneau area.

Great post.
posted by jamjam at 7:35 PM on February 15, 2009

Wow! I donated to Jill's efforts to raise money for the entry fee the first year she did the Susitna. I was wondering the other day what happened to her. I've got some catching up to do. Thanks-- this is a great post!
posted by Heretic at 7:47 PM on February 15, 2009

I note with interest that she mentions record snowfalls this year in the Juneau area.

Really, at sea level it's not extreme (there's been plenty of above-freezing melting between snowfalls) and is a result of increased year-round precipitation rather than colder climate. I've seen local photos from around a hundred years ago with much deeper snow. For the last two summers, the dismal fall rains have arrived in July and kept going to winter.
posted by D.C. at 8:23 PM on February 15, 2009

If I don't die or worse I'm gonna need a nap

burnmp3s beat me to it, and while I'm assuming the OP caught the reference (hence the pull-quote), for those who didn't follow the youtube link, it's a verse line pulled from one of Built To Spill's, like, best songs ever. Also, cool post/links. Thank you.
posted by joe lisboa at 9:17 PM on February 15, 2009

I've been reading Jill's blog for a few years and her athletic feats are hard core and dedicated to say the least. And wow does she have some cool pictures. Congrats to her on her promotion, but I know she's been struggling with how it will impact her training/lifestyle, which is why she moved to Alaska in the first place. Good luck to her on her upcoming race and new position!
posted by sararah at 10:04 PM on February 15, 2009

I love the photo essay on her cycling "armor"; I've often contemplated what it would take to cycle commute in the dead of winter (aside from a lot less, and more cyclist-considerate, drivers on the road), and that looks about right.
posted by Halloween Jack at 7:13 AM on February 16, 2009

Nice post.
posted by fixedgear at 7:15 AM on February 16, 2009

I'm really enjoying all the bikefilter posts.
posted by wcfields at 11:59 AM on February 16, 2009