It was time to get it done.

I spent the night at the Ramseys’, between Wasilla and Palmer, Alaska. Frank Ramsey and I planned to leave his house at 6 a.m., with a commitment on my part to be back on the road from Mile Marker 70 back north toward Anchorage by 7 a.m.

While it was not chilly to most Alaskans, I had three shirts and mittens on by the time he dropped me off. My idea was that today’s ride would be less painful. It mostly played out that way.

The first 20 miles went by fast, with just a slight breeze blowing and no more rain. Clouds were low again, blocking out the mountain tops again. I had a couple of stout climbs leaving the community of Sutton, and one more that Frank and I saw on the way out from his house.

The next town was Palmer — where major highway construction is underway. I stopped at McDonald’s just to prove I could after all those days in the wilderness. That portion was the fastest during the day.

Afterward, about 40 miles remained, and I put the pedal to the metal — asphalt, in this case. One of the other cyclists told me not to think that Anchorage was flat.

The final 30 miles had a few challenging climbs but got faster toward the end. There was heavy traffic as well for the first time in a long while, as my riding totaled 75 miles.

My goal remained the visitors center and getting answers to my questions as to how to get back to the United States by train, ferry and boat. About a mile away, I noticed a nice planting that welcomed me to Anchorage. No one was around, but I was a little late.

The women in the visitors center couldn’t help with the train or the boat. So I asked about an affordable room for the night. After a half dozen calls to motels and even a hostel, I was shocked at the prices.

One lady said, “Well, I have a room with no microwave or refrigerator, and you have a standup shower. I could do that one at $187. That is with 10% off.” The highest I heard was $247. There were lots of motels, and they were all very pricey.

Christina, from The Bike Shop in Anchorage and a friend of Mary Rosser, of the Pedal Factory in Salisbury, suggested I try an AirBnB. She helped me, and I got a great place for $61. I am clean and plan to be rested when I see Amber and her husband, Jamie, in the morning.

We plan to make good use of the day, probably figuring out lodging again. We will be sightseeing, and I hope you will experience some more of Alaska along with us.

With that, the ride is over, but more fun is coming.

Many people tell me that the train and boat rides are amazing here, and we will know soon. In fact, this next part might be a story of problem solving and challenges on its own. Getting to the ferry may even involve a commercial flight.

So stay tuned and enjoy the aftermath. Thanks to the Post and all my sponsors again, beginning with Mission Senior Living, Father and Son Produce, Leonard Wood, Drs. Tanya Williams and Delaine Fowler, and Vac and Dash of Albemarle.

David Freeze is a Salisbury Post contributor who biked from Nevada to Alaska. He can be reached at runner.david.freeze@gmail.com.