Day 1: Astoria to St. Helen's

A day for establishing routines. Wake up at 5.30am, apply sunscreen and butt butter. Drop off suitcases by the truck. Eat a massive breakfast. Pump bike tires, load two water bottles, fruit and snacks. At 6.30 we leave. I ride with Rod, my roommate. Leo, my other roommate is with others. Today is an easier warm-up day: 70 miles in five hours, with three long hills. The air is cool, we follow the Columbia River all the way, pretty but not spectacular. We don't ride fast, better to adjust slowly. For lunch a hamburger and milk shake...1,900 calories...jet fuel.