Weather: Sunny Mileage: 55
Epic Skyline Memorial Cemetery |
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.
Heading for Myrtle Beach |
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).
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.
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 |