Day 25 – God Meets Us on the Backroads

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

The alarm sounded at 6:30 this morning, and the ground outside was still damp from the pounding rain that had fallen throughout the night. Thankfully, we had packed most of our gear onto the motorcycles the evening before, so only a few last-minute items remained before we were ready to roll.

Just as we were easing out of the driveway, our new friend Ken pulled in to see us off. Before we left, he gathered with us in prayer, asking God to watch over every mile ahead. Then, in an unexpected act of generosity, he blessed us with a financial gift for our journey. Once again, God reminded us that He often shows His love through the hands and hearts of His people.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

With grateful hearts, we hugged our friend goodbye, kicked up our stands, and pointed the bikes south.

Our first stop was Delta Junction for fuel—and hopefully coffee. Since we hadn’t made any that morning, we were both looking forward to a hot cup. We filled our gas tanks only to discover the coffee machine inside the convenience store was out of order. Apparently, even coffee machines have rough mornings!

Determined to fuel ourselves as well as our motorcycles, we headed to another gas station where we found hot coffee and breakfast sandwiches. While we were there, a car pulled into the parking lot with “1-800-HELP” boldly displayed on the side. Naturally, our curiosity got the best of us.

We struck up a conversation with the driver, who explained that his ministry exists simply to help people however they can. Whether someone needs a ride, prayer, someone to talk with, encouragement during a difficult season, or even suicide prevention resources, he makes himself available.

What a beautiful picture of Christ’s love in action.

His willingness to serve strangers challenged both Melvin and me to continue looking beyond ourselves and to remain available whenever God places someone in our path.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

By now the temperature had climbed to a pleasant 66 degrees, and bright sunshine filled the sky. It seemed like the perfect day for a motorcycle ride.

We followed Alaska Highway 4 until we reached the tiny community of Paxson, Alaska. A quick search revealed that life here depends largely on seasonal tourism, road maintenance, dog mushing, and the traditional Alaskan lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and foraging. Living in such a remote place requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep appreciation for God’s provision.

From there we turned onto the legendary Old Denali Highway—Route 8.

This is where the real adventure began.

The pavement soon disappeared beneath our tires, giving way to gravel, dirt, washboards, and potholes. As the miles unfolded, the scattered buildings faded behind us and were replaced by sweeping valleys, endless tundra, towering mountains, and breathtaking views of the Alaska Range stretching as far as the eye could see.

Every curve revealed another masterpiece painted by the Creator.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1

As we climbed higher into the mountains, the temperature steadily dropped into the low forties. Before long we found ourselves riding straight into dark rain clouds. The cold rain quickly soaked through our outer layers, so we pulled into a rest area to bundle up with every warm layer we had packed. Dressed more like snowmobilers than motorcyclists, we climbed back on the bikes and pressed forward.

Adventure rarely comes without discomfort.

Not long afterward, a moose appeared along the roadside. We both hoped the GoPro had captured the moment. Soon the rain became so heavy that we stopped to protect our cameras, only to miss one of the most unforgettable wildlife sightings of the trip—a mother moose standing alongside her two calves.

Although we were disappointed, we decided the cameras would simply have to brave the weather. We’d rather risk getting them wet than miss another incredible moment. Before long, the Lord blessed us with another sighting—a massive bull moose standing quietly beside a pond. Hopefully that one made it onto the video.

The miles continued with endless gravel, muddy construction zones, loose dirt, and deep potholes. Even a pilot car escorted us through fresh road work where the gravel was so soft it barely had tire tracks yet. Each section demanded complete focus.

As someone still fairly new to adventure riding, every construction zone tested my confidence.

Yet each time I made it through safely, I couldn’t help but whisper another prayer of thanks.

By God’s grace, every obstacle became another reminder that He strengthens us for challenges we never imagined we could overcome.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Eventually we climbed to Maclaren Summit, standing 4,086 feet above sea level. It is the second-highest highway pass in Alaska’s road system, surpassed only by Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway. From the summit, panoramic views stretched across the Alaska Range and the Maclaren River Valley in every direction.

Standing there, surrounded by mountains that only God could design, it was impossible not to worship the Creator.

Our next stop was Maclaren River Lodge, the only fuel stop along the entire highway. At over six dollars a gallon, I gladly filled the tank, thankful simply to have fuel available for tomorrow’s ride toward Denali.

Even better than the gasoline was the hot coffee and homemade pie waiting inside the cozy log cabin café.

As we warmed ourselves, we met Donnie and Tracy from Reno, Nevada, who were traveling on adventure motorcycles. Tracy was the first woman I’d met on this remote stretch of Alaskan backroads who was riding her own motorcycle, and we immediately connected over our shared love for adventure.

Their journey is incredible. They’re spending an entire year riding to the Arctic Ocean via the Dempster Highway before continuing all the way to Argentina.

We exchanged stories, snapped photos together, traded our custom stickers, and wished one another safe travels. It never ceases to amaze me how motorcycles instantly connect complete strangers who may never have crossed paths otherwise.

With only about thirty miles remaining, we continued toward Alpine Creek Lodge, a place recommended to us by Dan from Last Frontier Ministry.

We arrived around 5:00 p.m. and settled into our room before dinner. One of the unique blessings of the lodge is that your meal is included with your stay. Tonight’s menu featured fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, soup, and homemade sugar cookies for dessert.

The dining room felt more like gathering around a family table than eating at a restaurant. Five long tables encouraged everyone to sit together, share stories, and enjoy fellowship. We spent the evening talking with Philip and Janice from Wisconsin, who were also exploring the incredible beauty of Alaska.

One of my favorite parts of this journey has become the people.

Every day God places someone new in our path. Some encourage us. Some inspire us. Others simply remind us that His family stretches far beyond our hometown.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

After dinner, Melvin headed to our room for some well-earned rest while I settled into a rocking recliner on the enclosed front porch. Before me stretched an uninterrupted panoramic view of towering mountains and rolling valleys.

There I spent the evening uploading another YouTube video, downloading today’s footage, charging batteries, and writing this blog.

Honestly, I could have sat there for hours. In Alaska, darkness hardly comes this time of year, and the mountains seemed to glow beneath the evening light. It was one of those peaceful moments where time slows down and God’s presence feels especially near.

Tomorrow we continue toward Denali National Park, trusting that God has already prepared the road before us.

Tonight, my heart is simply thankful.

Thankful that both motorcycles are running well again.

Thankful for every person God has allowed us to meet.

Thankful for every mile that reminds us of His faithfulness.

And thankful that no matter where the road leads next, the One who created these magnificent mountains rides with us every single mile.