Day 2: St. Helens to Welches

Today was a little longer, 78 miles, but gorgeously scenic. In the morning we biked along the Columbia River to Portland. In the afternoon we climbed up into the Olympic foothills with the majestic snows of Mt Hood brilliant in the sunshine. I broke a spoke on the way down and limped home the last five miles, but the repair crew took care of it quickly.

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.

Astoria

Awful trip..flight delays and missed connections...but I'm in Astoria. It's rainy and cold. There are two things I'm really excited about on this trip (apart from the scenery). We are encouraged to eat everything in quantities...healthy and unhealthy food...in the quest for thousands of calories. Second, some of the people I meet for the first time today may be my future lifelong buddies..imagine. Like the first day at highschool. Today: registration, assemble the bike, meet some fellow recruits, group dinner and briefing.

On my way

I'm on my way in a few minutes, flight to San Francisco connecting to Portland, OR...then greyhound bus 2 hours to Astoria, our starting point...my bike arrived!! Thanks you all for the great send-off. I'm excited and just a little nervous!! Keep in touch, and have a wonderful summer.

Today I shipped the bike by UPS to Astoria, anticipated delivery date June 18...Eeeee. Said a fond goodbye to the machine that will carry me across a continent. Even the UPS man wants to hear about the trip when I return!!