The wind died down but was still with us today, we rode 70 miles from Deschutes to Umatilla. Staying in Plymouth campground. Went by Stonehenge and a lot of great basalt formations. Stopped for lunch in Roosevelt and signed their bicyclists book. We’re tired, but a good day, the first one that’s been totally sunny.
Greg
May 30
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Last night we stayed at the first Forest Service campsite. It was established in 1915 at Eagle Creek and predates the Historic Highway 30.
After breakfast we were riding out of camp and just before Cascade Locks we met a cyclist from Australia who has been cycling in the US for the last 4 months. His name was Ian and he had a flat. He also had had his repair kit stolen and had no way to fix it, so we stopped and repaired his tire for him. He said he was on his way to Alaska. When we got to Hood River for lunch we bought a replacement tube in case we had a flat ourselves. We saw several other cyclists today traveling west, they all waved. It’s comforting knowing there is a community out there on the road.
The last couple of days have had some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever seen. We made it to Deschutes Park and met a young camping family, our neighbors. We talked and they shared a beer with us. Another great day, covered 65 miles thanks to the tail wind.
Portland is an awesome place to bicycle, the infrastructure makes it very easy to get around and people are very accomodating. At intersections it’s common for cars to stop and give bicyclists the right of way. We were very grateful that Steve and Lynda let us camp out at their house for the night. And also let Jerry join us. He is planning on riding with us for 3 days. We shared breakfast at the Wichita Pub and then started riding. At lunch time we stopped at McMenamims and had a very leisurely and wonderful time with Millie and Elvin. We also had just met Chad and Cheryl, 2 more who are planning on riding with us for a couple of days. After lunch we rode Scenic highway 30 through the Columbia Gorge. The traffic was light, the weather was beautiful, and the scenery was spectacular. At lunch we still weren’t sure where we were staying tonight when Drew phoned, said he was camping at Cascade Locks, and asked if we were interested in staying with him. We got to Cascade Locks about dusk, set up camp, and had a late supper. Today seems like one long party on bicycle. 50 miles though.
Greg
Made it to Portland today in a couple of hours with pretty flat roads, favorable wind, and lots of rain. Had a leisurely lunch with Jay who recommended riding the promenade along the Willamette to a rail trail which connected to the 205 bike path which would take us to Steve and Lynda’s. Great ride until the rain turned to drenching showers. Had a great dinner at MvGraffs with Steve and Jerry. Sorry to miss Lynda.
The maps we’re using are from Adventure Cycle and they are unbelievably helpful. They include elevation, turn by turn directions, services like food, bike shops, and libraries. If you look on their website at the US map system we’re following parts of the Lewis and Clark, Northern Tier, Great Lakes, and Erie connector routes.
Greg
May 26
Finally got a shower last night and a cold supper from Safeway. Day 2 is a short day only 32 miles, but a lot more exercise than I expected due to a contrary headwind. We traveled from Clatskanie and are staying tonight in St Helens. Another inclement weather night paying for a room because we’re sissies and don’t want to camp in the rain.
This trip wouldn’t have been possible without a lot of planning, and some of the hardest things to plan for was for things that happen at home while we’re gone. So, thank you to our wives, Liz and Connie. Without their support this trip wouldn’t have been possible.
This afternoon was a library day in St Helens with dinner at an awesome Italian place called Dockside Pasta.
On to Portland tomorrow.
2guysbiketrip 