I Biked From Mendoza to Alaska: The Story of My 15 Thousand Mile Solo Trip

I am not Che Guevara's reincarnation, but some people I met during my 18-month solo bicycle trip from South America to Alaska insisted on calling me "Che." It might be because I am Argentinean, an adventurer by nature and a dreamer at heart. It can also be because this trip changed my life and my worldview forever.

I was 17 years old when I traveled alone for the first time. Touring Patagonia (Argentina and Chile), I discovered my passion for traveling. Later, I accepted a job as a park warden that not only allowed me to save money, but also, most importantly, helped me to realize how much I love nature.

One day, when I had enough money to make a dream come true, I decided to bike to Alaska. My friends and family couldn't believe it. "Why Alaska?" they kept asking. I didn't have a clear answer, except that I wanted to go far and Alaska was the farthest landmark I could think of.

In Buenos Aires, I went to the embassies of all the countries I was planning to visit to find out as much information as possible before departing. I found out, for example, which were the best routes to bike and the high risks in each country, from health to social issues. So I sold my belongings, put money onto my credit card, took a bike and a 45-kilogram bag (which included a tent I hardly used, thanks to many people's hospitality) and left Mendoza in west central Argentina with my friend, Vi­ctor, on April 30th, 1999. We headed towards the Andes Mountain range further west. Another friend, Eric, joined us when we reached the north of the country.