Tansamerica 2011: May 2011

Day 1: May 18th Hotel:****
Weather: Sunny Mileage: 55

Epic Skyline Memorial Cemetery

Knew this trip was going to be a crazy one but today day one was a testament to that. Arvie in Portland after enjoying a great flight from Nashville. The flight flew by exchanging stories with Wayne, a triathletle out of Nashville, who happens to be the EE for Turner construction, which is the company that my bro got a job with 2 months ago. Once landed I met up with Austin, a friend met weeks in Knoxville (@ Losers). We took the bike back to "his place" and started to assemble it. My baby sprang back to life not even the luggage men could take her down. For lunch we went out and enjoyed some fine Portland cuisine pizza and beer. During lunch I learned that Sam and Papa Jordan were being delayed and would not be in Portland till late that night or early the next. Also Austin had an interview for job in Portland so I had to entertain myself. And thats exactly what I did. Step 1) I went to the public library, which took forever to find. Step 2) Found bike found bike route and hostel in the surrounding area. Step 3) Ride it out and find some to sleep.
So I started a ride up skyline pass and was in for the ride of my life. It was hill after hill and they were step. Halfway up a few I was thinking I was screwed and theres no way I can make it across. But after a chocolate milk to revive me I was on to Portland.
Back in town I went to the International Hostel to find a bed,but full due to some hunger awareness convention for the US. But it gets better, all the hostels were full and the only place in town with a room is the White Head Rock n' Roll Hotel which is more or less a salon with 10 x10 rooms above it that they rent out. Got the last room in the place so of course its above the band so got to hear them close the place down, good night Portland.

Downtown Portland

Day 2 May 19th Camp:***
Weather: Sunny Milage: 41.6

I have been told that the Oregon coast is supposed to be really nice, but my goodness it is so beautiful out here.

Met the Jordans at the Grayhound station. Enjoyed a good bus ride with 26 yr old local gal named Katie. She had been raised in the surrounding woods with little formal education although self tough. Very good tour guide. Once in Seaside we did the ceremonial dipping of the tire; we will be very thankful to see the next ocean. Anyway then on to feeding the seals at the aquarium. Funny would do tricks for treats. Refreshed at a burger shop the Big Kahuna's and started across the country.

Heading for Myrtle Beach

Riding out of town was really exciting because the trip was actually starting. Hit when we looked over our shoulder for the last time to see the ocean then forward into the mountains. First stop was at Ft. Clatsop for a history lesson on Lewis and Clark. They spent the winter of 1805 at this fort surviving the winter. In the shop the name of their dog kept getting brought up. Every time you would say it Seamen the park ranger ladies would correct you with "Its pronounced Seaman". We got a hoot out of this and kept harassing.
Onward inland we came to Alberton were we got advice for a camp sight from the local bike shop. Also got supplies from a local Safeway, but most importantly enjoyed the views. It was a beautifully port town, which consisted of a city on one side the port and a mt. range on the other. We enjoyed dinner there; heard and saw the sea lions; saw Lay Washington (the boat from the Pirate's of the Caribbean). We found an old service rode to head down and find a place to sleep that night. All and all a great start to the trip, this is going to be one crazy ride.

The Lady Washington

Sealions sun bathing in Alberia

Day 3 Fri May 20th Camp:**
Weather: Sunny Mileage: 63

Woke up in great spirits after a much needed long slumber. Adjusted pedals and breaks then hit the rode. Rode on though the morning till 1st lunch at a abandon gas station.
Prior to stopping I was taking a picture while riding across a bride and hit the rails and lost control of the bike. I hit the ground and got some road rash, but all is well (Falls: Sam 0/ Jess 0/ Haden 1).

From there climbed to Clatsop Peak 656 ft then enjoyed the decent into a beautiful valley and into Clarkskin (or something like that). Here we got lunch and some ice cream next door. We were 100% refilled to say the least and needed to be because following that stop was an 8 1/2 mile to the top of the ridge. Beautiful ever greens the whole way up but a lot of logging in the surrounding leads to alot of logging trucks. Luckily the local mill was closed today but when one would come by it was quite a fright. After climbing the 8 1/2 miles to the top we caught a glimpse of Mt. St. Helen's then descended down. The decent lasted forever and was so much fun. It was 3-4 miles.
Made camp at the base of the mt. in a town called Vernonia. Stayed in the local park, I think we stole the local kids hang out spot because the puck kids kept coming around through out the night. No trouble though, all said and done another quite night in Oregon.

Sam climbing into Vernonia

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Day 4 May 21st Backyard:**** (bc free in Portland)
Weather: Sunny till Portland Milage: 64

Woke up and started with an early 20 miles down a rails to trails before breakfast. So worth it because once in Banks we met up with Stephanie (Sams Aunt) for our first hot breakfast. And she went all out for us; breakfast consisting of bacon, ham, eggs, potatoes, and fruit. Mr. Jordan polished off 5 eggs before breakfast was over incredible.

After breakfast we sat around and discussed the predicted Apocalypse for later that day at 6 pm. Some history, a preacher predicted the Apocalypse in Portland to take place at 6 pm; Keep Portland weird. After getting 100% refreshed at Stephanie's it was back to the road.
Started with a 10-15 mile stretch down hwy 26 where we found a truck weigh station. Taking full advantage of it we took turns weighing each other and their dates (bikes). Sam and Jess both came in at a whopping 300 lbs, where I came in a a slim 200. We got off to resupply at an REI getting fuel, dry bag, and fixing the computer. After gathering the needed supplies we started back for 26 only to find the portion past the exit under construction and with no shoulder. We took a slight detour over some hills on hwy 8 and reconnected with 26 just in time to get into Portland traffic.

On 26 and nearing downtown things got a little interesting with lots of cars and minimal bike lanes. At the end of the day we navigated the rough water and got into downtown Portland and found a bike shop to get Sam a new chain gear, because he keeps slipping gear while pedaling hard.
At the bike shop he mechanic offers up his back deck for us to crash on so after dinner we head that way. Erin ended up being a great host full of information about cycling in the surrounding area. Very grateful for the weather and friendly people of Oregon.

Relaxing at Portland bike shop

Out to eat at Mexican restaurant in Portland

Keep Portland Weird, cause it definitely is.

Erin's back deck/ Portland hook up

Ladies and Gentlemen the time is fast approaching for my departure flight to Portland, OR. This marks the beginning of my epic cycling journey across the United States. The plane leaves Nashvages tomorrow, May 17th, bright and early at 6:00 AM. The excitement is killing me, with the trip finally hitting home while trying to finish up packing/ start packing (I do at least have a list).

The route we plan to take to get across the US uses two main trails the Lewis and Clark trail and the TransAmerica trail. The ride begins on the Lewis and Clark which we'll follow from Seaside, OR till Yellowstone, then we switch over to the TransAm till mid Kansas, then drift North back on the the Lewis and Clark, once getting though Kansas we're on our on til we get to the East coast. At this point we will have ridden close to 3,500 miles across the US, which is enough for most people, but not Papa Jordan. At this point he proposes we push up the Atlantic Coastal route to finish at Kitty Hawk. (We shall see what actually happens).

Here are some maps to give you an idea of what we're up against.

For a more interactive map you can visit Papa Jordans blog @crazyguyonabike.com

Map 1 (Overview)