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Into the North Wind: A thousand-mile bicycle adventure across frozen Alaska
“Into the North Wind” chronicles Jill Homer’s record-breaking bicycle ride across Alaska on the Iditarod Trail. Jill is one of those “accidental athletes” who stumbled into endurance racing shortly after she moved to Alaska in 2005. After a hundred miles, her first race only scratched the surface of the historic trail that spans a vast and frozen wilderness. Ever since, she dreamed about the chiming of ice crystals at thirty below zero, black spruce shadows in the moonlight, the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, and a journey that could take her deeper into this transcendental world — the thousand-mile race to Nome.
After ten years of dreaming, she finally made the leap in 2016. Fitness, however, remained elusive as ambitious preparations left a wake of failures, sickness and injury. Even the existence of the trail remained in question — throughout the winter, Alaska experienced unprecedented heat waves and snow melt that threatened to render the Iditarod Trail impassable. By the time Jill lined up at the start, she was ready to chuck her dream into the barely-frozen lake.
Instead, she pedaled across waterlogged ice, repeating her mantra of “one day at a time.” This account is not just a story about seeking beauty, overcoming setbacks and uncovering hidden strength — it’s a journey into the benevolent heart of the coldest, loneliest trail.
After ten years of dreaming, she finally made the leap in 2016. Fitness, however, remained elusive as ambitious preparations left a wake of failures, sickness and injury. Even the existence of the trail remained in question — throughout the winter, Alaska experienced unprecedented heat waves and snow melt that threatened to render the Iditarod Trail impassable. By the time Jill lined up at the start, she was ready to chuck her dream into the barely-frozen lake.
Instead, she pedaled across waterlogged ice, repeating her mantra of “one day at a time.” This account is not just a story about seeking beauty, overcoming setbacks and uncovering hidden strength — it’s a journey into the benevolent heart of the coldest, loneliest trail.
181 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2016
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January 8, 2022I know it's tacky to rate my own book, but I just wanted to let my Goodreads friends know that "Into the North Wind" is now available as an audiobook! Audiobooks can make a nice present for your adventure-loving friends now that's it's too close to Christmas to risk shipping. Audible will e-mail the file directly, and offers an easy-to-use app for listening.
Link here: https://www.audible.com/pd/B09NMMZ36F...
Link here: https://www.audible.com/pd/B09NMMZ36F...
November 16, 2016
This is the first book by Jill that I’ve read but it definitely won’t be the last.
I found her style of writing to make for an easy read and the narrative has smooth transitions between her life story and the epic adventure she had undertaken. Whereas a lot of “adventure” stories are told in an almost documentary style Jill’s book is more as if she were sitting around and telling her story.
“When the wind sweeps in from the north, all that remains is white fury.”
With this very first sentence the reader is treated to a glimpse of what’s in store. Interwoven within the chronicle is both background information and some of her other “endurance/extreme” adventures.
Whether it’s just walking a couple of blocks or out for weeks if you have spent any time out in sub-zero elements Jill’s descriptions and images will bring back your own memories, which help connect to the story.
In any extreme/endurance event where you push yourself physically and mentally decision making is a difficult balance. The only way to know your limits is to push them which occasionally may mean pushing to failure.
Even though she did this solo there were a cast of quirky, but almost universally helpful, characters she encountered along the trail and the aid stations. I really got a strong sense of the “we’re in this together, separately” among the competitors, especially Jill’s interactions with Mike (one of the other racers).
Rather then portray herself as some stoic, Spartan warrior Jill also includes her mini-meltdowns, her doubts, and worries along with her determination and ingenuity. Locking her rear brake on descents due to her non-functioning hand is one example of ingenuity, and guts, to overcome rather then quit.
I found her style of writing to make for an easy read and the narrative has smooth transitions between her life story and the epic adventure she had undertaken. Whereas a lot of “adventure” stories are told in an almost documentary style Jill’s book is more as if she were sitting around and telling her story.
“When the wind sweeps in from the north, all that remains is white fury.”
With this very first sentence the reader is treated to a glimpse of what’s in store. Interwoven within the chronicle is both background information and some of her other “endurance/extreme” adventures.
Whether it’s just walking a couple of blocks or out for weeks if you have spent any time out in sub-zero elements Jill’s descriptions and images will bring back your own memories, which help connect to the story.
In any extreme/endurance event where you push yourself physically and mentally decision making is a difficult balance. The only way to know your limits is to push them which occasionally may mean pushing to failure.
Even though she did this solo there were a cast of quirky, but almost universally helpful, characters she encountered along the trail and the aid stations. I really got a strong sense of the “we’re in this together, separately” among the competitors, especially Jill’s interactions with Mike (one of the other racers).
Rather then portray herself as some stoic, Spartan warrior Jill also includes her mini-meltdowns, her doubts, and worries along with her determination and ingenuity. Locking her rear brake on descents due to her non-functioning hand is one example of ingenuity, and guts, to overcome rather then quit.
December 6, 2016
Many people are familiar with the Iditarod Trail Dogsled Race held annually in Alaska. Jill Homer was intrigued by the race and the challenges it presented. She did not have a dog sled team, but she did have a bicycle and was no stranger to long distance endurance races. The memoir begins with a reminder of previous races, successes, and failures. The retelling set the stage for what was to come in Alaska. Written words allow the reader to experience the journey vicariously. What shortfalls may exist in the book is more than compensated by the human frailties expressed through poor judgment, illness, or plain good luck.
April 26, 2022
Jill & I connected via the blogosphere years ago, and I’ve always LOVED her writing. I think she’s authored 7 books now, and I don’t know what took me so long to read any of them. In any case, this one is about her 2016 bike ride on the Iditarod Trail. For those that don’t immediately know what that means, let me paint a picture: She rode 1,000 miles on a bicycle across Alaska IN THE WINTER, you know, across snow in -30 degrees with wind making it more like -50. Jill is known for her outlandish adventures—most of which I cannot fathom attempting. The 2016 Iditarod bike ride was the first of many Iditarod races for her. But more than anything, the book demonstrates Jill’s seemingly limitless endurance and persistence. She is endlessly inspiring, and her writing is detailed, impeccable and descriptive, making me admire her even more. I’m definitely going to read all her other books.
July 6, 2017
Another great adventure by Jill. Just the thought of doing this ride makes me cold. Brr. Way to go Jill. You are a true inspiration.
November 6, 2016
Bicycle travelogs can be difficult to read; often they're an endless series of "Rode X miles today, saw Y, slept in Z", repeated for hundreds of pages. Or they're thinly-disguised advertisements that appeal more to gear junkies than people who are more interested in the trip than the equipment.
Into the North Wind does a fine job of avoiding that trap by providing not only a well written, compelling description of the landscape and conditions the author labored under as she biked over a thousand miles along the famed Iditarod trail, but insights into her state of mind and struggle to continue even in the face of physical and mental challenges.
The biking is not really the focus of the book--it's the challenge itself. As such, it should appeal to a much broader base of readers than cyclists alone. Highly recommended.
Into the North Wind does a fine job of avoiding that trap by providing not only a well written, compelling description of the landscape and conditions the author labored under as she biked over a thousand miles along the famed Iditarod trail, but insights into her state of mind and struggle to continue even in the face of physical and mental challenges.
The biking is not really the focus of the book--it's the challenge itself. As such, it should appeal to a much broader base of readers than cyclists alone. Highly recommended.
January 4, 2017
Jill's 1000 mile bicycle ride
Interesting and scary account of bicycling 1000 miles across Alaska! It was the Itaride on the same trail as the mushers and walkers at the same time in March.
Interesting and scary account of bicycling 1000 miles across Alaska! It was the Itaride on the same trail as the mushers and walkers at the same time in March.
January 9, 2017
Enjoyed it.
I have read two of her other books. They are all good. Going to read the rest of her books.
I have read two of her other books. They are all good. Going to read the rest of her books.
November 8, 2017
This is one gutsy girl!
This is not my typical choice for reading material, but I enjoyed it very much. It is a simple story about a complex undertaking. It reads like a diary of one woman's dream of bicycling the infamous It
Alaskan Itiorod Trail , 1049 miles to its completion in Mome Alaska. It is an invitational extreme endurance event, where the only requirement is that you do the race under your own power., with little support, carrying what you need to survive the many life threatening obstacles. People ski it, run it, walk it, or in Jill Howard's case, bicycle it. Completion , or even survival, are not guaranteed. What I liked about the book was the authors self awareness about the choices one makes in choosing to participate, and put her body through the agonies required to succeed in Extreme Endurance Competition Sports. She readily acknowledges many people think she must be crazy, to enthusiastically embrace pain and torturing injuries, pushing her body and mind to its limits and beyond. In this book she examines her reasons and how she deals with repeat failures that shake her confidence in her own ability. She's a remarkable woman claiming she has no more special athletic abilities, than other people. What sets her apart is a mental fortitude, which can clearly be observed in the pages of this book, as she chronicles the lead up to and the 17 days she spends on the quest to reach None, Alaska and fulfill a long standing dream and promise to herself. Her writing style is clear and concise, and it gives the reader an opportunity to vicariously experience something very few people ever have. If extreme sports interests you, but is something you would never do yourself, read this book and take the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime, in all its agony and ecstasy. It is easy and interesting reading, that will bring you an understanding of what it means to push your body beyond its limits and an understanding of what draws people to do so willingly. It's powerful stuff, told without ego or bravado. Jill's accomplishments are a little spooky., especially for someone who claims to have "no special athletic ability. This book is a perfect read for escaping yourself.
This is not my typical choice for reading material, but I enjoyed it very much. It is a simple story about a complex undertaking. It reads like a diary of one woman's dream of bicycling the infamous It
Alaskan Itiorod Trail , 1049 miles to its completion in Mome Alaska. It is an invitational extreme endurance event, where the only requirement is that you do the race under your own power., with little support, carrying what you need to survive the many life threatening obstacles. People ski it, run it, walk it, or in Jill Howard's case, bicycle it. Completion , or even survival, are not guaranteed. What I liked about the book was the authors self awareness about the choices one makes in choosing to participate, and put her body through the agonies required to succeed in Extreme Endurance Competition Sports. She readily acknowledges many people think she must be crazy, to enthusiastically embrace pain and torturing injuries, pushing her body and mind to its limits and beyond. In this book she examines her reasons and how she deals with repeat failures that shake her confidence in her own ability. She's a remarkable woman claiming she has no more special athletic abilities, than other people. What sets her apart is a mental fortitude, which can clearly be observed in the pages of this book, as she chronicles the lead up to and the 17 days she spends on the quest to reach None, Alaska and fulfill a long standing dream and promise to herself. Her writing style is clear and concise, and it gives the reader an opportunity to vicariously experience something very few people ever have. If extreme sports interests you, but is something you would never do yourself, read this book and take the opportunity to experience the adventure of a lifetime, in all its agony and ecstasy. It is easy and interesting reading, that will bring you an understanding of what it means to push your body beyond its limits and an understanding of what draws people to do so willingly. It's powerful stuff, told without ego or bravado. Jill's accomplishments are a little spooky., especially for someone who claims to have "no special athletic ability. This book is a perfect read for escaping yourself.
September 28, 2022
This book made me think - I've read a lot of books on endurance racers/survival situations/etc. If you could plot all of these on two axis with one axis being the difficulty of the event/endeavor/situation and the other axis being the poise/grit/stoicism of the author. On the top right of this would be something like Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" in which the author bravely and calmly details his time in a WWII concentration camp and the mental attitude that kept him alive. Then you'd have some light-hearted accounts of not-too incredible adventures (Think Dean Karnasas books). There are even some books telling of pretty incredible accomplishments that have some flare for the dramatic (Colin O'Brady - The Impossible First) about his solo trek across Antarctica. Then there is Homer's book about a challenging, but organized and supported multi-day race in which every turn of the page spewed more dramatics. I did not count, but would guess, there were upwards of 30 mentions of "and this is where I am going to die, I thought" To give some examples - "and the wind picked up from 20 to 30 mph. and this is where I'm going to die, I thought" "I had a flat tire, and this is where I'm going to die, I thought." "They had pepsi instead of Coke at the aid station, and this is where I'm going to die, I thought." Okay, maybe the last one is an embellishment but you get the point. The over dramatics in this book were nauseating. You're not going to die. You have a satelite phone and can call in to pull out of the race at any minute. It's a supported race. Thousands of people have done much more challenging things with a lot more grace and poise. (most just don't write about it) ...And as I turned the page to find yet another chapter, this is where I die, I thought!
May 10, 2017
I had no idea riding a bike across Alaska was any kind of event/sport before I read this book. It was an interesting look into a niche sporting event that pushes the limits of what's humanly possible. Jill Homer shares her inspiring account of riding a bike 1,000+ miles through the Alaskan wilderness with insight into what it took-physically and mentally-to take such a harrowing journey. I would highly recommend this book to fitness and sport enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in Alaska in general.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2018
Jill has a way of making the most amazing athletic feets of endurance and persistance very relatable. This isn't a story of a lifelong athlete achieving more glory, it's a story of one womans journey through the world, and the strange places a passion for the outdoors will take you. She has a brilliant ability to capture her mindset in the midst of all these adventures and can be brutally honest in how she felt during her many challenges. This book takes you on a journey, not only to Alaska, but into the hearts and minds of the people who challenge themselves in this frozen landscape.
July 4, 2017
The journey long cold harsh
It is interesting to read Jill's books on different trails. The evidence of personal growth and self awareness. In that awareness comes grace and understanding of others on the same but different journey. Although she struggled in the end she finds she wasn't pushing herself as hard as she could have... A self awareness lesson. K. D. Casebier
It is interesting to read Jill's books on different trails. The evidence of personal growth and self awareness. In that awareness comes grace and understanding of others on the same but different journey. Although she struggled in the end she finds she wasn't pushing herself as hard as she could have... A self awareness lesson. K. D. Casebier
July 15, 2017
Hats off to Jill for taking on this tough event and for sharing her adventures. I've read a couple of her books now. Her writing is engaging and honest but there are still a bit too many typos. I see her writing continuing to unfold. Keep editing and adventuring then sharing it all!
August 18, 2017
Fantastic Story
What a great story!!! I could not put my Kindle down. I felt like I was with her through every pedal rotation. I loved every thing about this great adventure she took me on....
What a great story!!! I could not put my Kindle down. I felt like I was with her through every pedal rotation. I loved every thing about this great adventure she took me on....
October 10, 2017
Truly inspirational! I dabble in mountain biking, and suffer from COPD, but this book takes riding to a whole new plateau. A thoroughly good read, with some amazing insights into the human condition!
May 1, 2018
Great story of adventure
The story unfolds on the Iditarod trail during the sled dog race. A woman tackles riding a bike in the trail in winter. It is a grueling trip. The story is detailed and interesting.
The story unfolds on the Iditarod trail during the sled dog race. A woman tackles riding a bike in the trail in winter. It is a grueling trip. The story is detailed and interesting.
February 24, 2019
Pretty good.
Not as page turning as be brave, be strong. But still fasinating. But I also lose focus easily. All in all a good adventure!
Not as page turning as be brave, be strong. But still fasinating. But I also lose focus easily. All in all a good adventure!
June 14, 2019
An amazing read. I admire Jill for her tenacity and courage and her eloquence with words. Perfect for those who live vicariously.
November 30, 2019
Inspiring book of Jill Homer's journey on the Iditorad trail.
March 16, 2020
My second Jill Homer book... and better and better. A really thrilling read!
January 5, 2022
Well written. Engaging story telling. Great adventure.
April 11, 2020
Jill Homer shares her inspiring account of riding 1,000 miles through the Alaskan wilderness. She shares her insight in what it took physically and mentally to perform this adventure. This adventure took place on the same trail that the Alaskan Iditarod is run on. I love riding bicycles and I do it all year around so a book like this would interest me. Yet for novice reader I felt she assumed that all readers would know about this race and the type of cycle she used. I did not know that this race existed, I wonder how many others out there do. Her knowledge of the race and what happened was very good but sometimes she got to wordy and there was to much self examination for me. As far as explaining the bike, all I read was that it was fat bike. I would have like to have know who made it and how did she keep the cogs from freezing up when you bicycle in below zero wind chill? What did she outfit it with? What did she bring along if it broke down? The bike is the main character in this book as far as I am concerned. Its going to take her from point a to point b and there was no information on it except that it was a fat bike. Her bouts with asthma, bronchitis/pneumonia made me wonder why she continued riding. To me bicycling is fun and I'm sure it was for her but I gathered from this book that she took on more than she could handle in this race. When you push your body like she did you start to write about those conditions and to me it started to feel more like a chore she hated to do. My hat goes off to her for finishing the race. Its an okay book just not the adventure I thought it would be.
November 7, 2024
Jill is a badass, this book chronicles attempts at completing the Iditarod Trail, a 1000 mile bike ride across Alaska in winter. It is a huge undertaking and she faces many challenges along the way, I was cheering Jill on the whole way!
January 19, 2018
Well this might be the best line ever: "The longer you stay in this warm haven of abundant mancakes, they warned, the less likely you are to leave." No typos. 'Warm haven of abundant mancakes.' Great lines aside, I'm enjoying the adventure... from the warm haven of my apartment, which is regrettably lacking in mancakes.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews