Day 3: Welches to Kah-Nee-Ta

Today was glorious but hard work. Straight out of the hotel gate we had to grind uphill for 14 miles without relief to 4,000 ft, passing the slopes of Mt. Hood almost at the snowline ourselves. It took over 2 hours to reach the summit. The payoff was an exhilirating fast descent (38mph)through pine forests. Then it changed to desert. Another long climb, and then the best descent of my life into the arid valley, curving round rock formations and ending at the hotel (photo after my shower!)

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.