Things are Starting to Break Down
No GPS tracker--next leg only 17 miles.
Total distance: 240 miles
Cumulative elevation gain: 10,500 feet
Total distance: 240 miles
Cumulative elevation gain: 10,500 feet
To see next leg's profile: click HERE
Today's ride could be summed up with the statement, "awesome ride, hope I never have to do it again!" While it is true that you never really know how much you can do until you do it, it is still ridiculously early on our trip for the type of leg we had today. So let's hit the highlights...
Left around 9:00 this morning--an early start compared to the other days--and yep, that good friend Mr. Headwind was right there waiting for us. The route had pretty heaving climbing for the first 30 miles. We were ok with that though; it is when the climbing happens at the end that it hurts. About 20 miles into the ride, Katelyn got the first flat tire. I think we were both happy for the break but Katelyn was bummed that her bike flatted first. Well, right as I put away the pump and grabbed my bike, I saw that my rear tire had flatted as well! That cheered her up a little bit.
We stopped in this little logging town called Raymond. We really felt like we were in a different world out there! Lots of grizzly beards and interesting characters! It was a little disheartening to know that we had already put in 30 hard miles at this point and still had 50 to go. So, back on our bikes, we started moving again. We have been holding strong to the breaks at every 10 mile mark. It gives us something to look forward to and a goal that is not so distant.
Besides the flat tires, my rear bike fender is having some issues and the saddle bag mounts have to be tightened as they loosen from the road vibration. I guess this is to be expected. By the time this trip is over, I don't expect much to still be in working condition. The real breakdown is in the riders themselves. Katelyn still will complain of back pain on the long stretches and after the ride she had some pain behind her knee. I am dealing with a lack of skin in an area that I would rather not talk about. Let's just say that it will be painful sitting down over the next 25 days...
Skipping ahead, we made it to the Astoria-Megler bridge. This thing was a highlight I both feared and looked forward to. The bridge spans the Colombia River; it is over 4 miles long, has a narrow bike lane, and at the end has a nasty climb to get high enough to let freighters pass beneath it. Luckily, the wind wasn't too bad and we scooted across and suffered one final time as we made the climb. As we came off the offramp of the bridge, the sign "Welcome to Oregon" greeted us and we could see the hotel directly under the bridge.
Speaking of hotels, we have been lucky enough to have some wonderful hotels support us on our ride by offering us a complimentary room for the night. The Holiday Inn Express Astoria was one of these awesome places. Their location under the bridge is beautiful and the facility was fantastic! If you are ever passing through, they are a great place to stay. THANKS for the room and the comfy beds!
Ok, tomorrow: Astoria to Seaside. Only 17 miles and relatively flat. The weather is supposed to be incredible so we will go play at the beach for the day and explore the area. Will be nice to not really be on the bikes much. Lastly, I'm considering switching to every other day for posting on the blog. Noticing that not as many people are following along on the actual ride as they were during training. Would love some feedback from readers before I pull the trigger. Bikingthecoast@gmail.com
Time to rest!
Today's ride could be summed up with the statement, "awesome ride, hope I never have to do it again!" While it is true that you never really know how much you can do until you do it, it is still ridiculously early on our trip for the type of leg we had today. So let's hit the highlights...
Left around 9:00 this morning--an early start compared to the other days--and yep, that good friend Mr. Headwind was right there waiting for us. The route had pretty heaving climbing for the first 30 miles. We were ok with that though; it is when the climbing happens at the end that it hurts. About 20 miles into the ride, Katelyn got the first flat tire. I think we were both happy for the break but Katelyn was bummed that her bike flatted first. Well, right as I put away the pump and grabbed my bike, I saw that my rear tire had flatted as well! That cheered her up a little bit.
We stopped in this little logging town called Raymond. We really felt like we were in a different world out there! Lots of grizzly beards and interesting characters! It was a little disheartening to know that we had already put in 30 hard miles at this point and still had 50 to go. So, back on our bikes, we started moving again. We have been holding strong to the breaks at every 10 mile mark. It gives us something to look forward to and a goal that is not so distant.
Besides the flat tires, my rear bike fender is having some issues and the saddle bag mounts have to be tightened as they loosen from the road vibration. I guess this is to be expected. By the time this trip is over, I don't expect much to still be in working condition. The real breakdown is in the riders themselves. Katelyn still will complain of back pain on the long stretches and after the ride she had some pain behind her knee. I am dealing with a lack of skin in an area that I would rather not talk about. Let's just say that it will be painful sitting down over the next 25 days...
Skipping ahead, we made it to the Astoria-Megler bridge. This thing was a highlight I both feared and looked forward to. The bridge spans the Colombia River; it is over 4 miles long, has a narrow bike lane, and at the end has a nasty climb to get high enough to let freighters pass beneath it. Luckily, the wind wasn't too bad and we scooted across and suffered one final time as we made the climb. As we came off the offramp of the bridge, the sign "Welcome to Oregon" greeted us and we could see the hotel directly under the bridge.
Speaking of hotels, we have been lucky enough to have some wonderful hotels support us on our ride by offering us a complimentary room for the night. The Holiday Inn Express Astoria was one of these awesome places. Their location under the bridge is beautiful and the facility was fantastic! If you are ever passing through, they are a great place to stay. THANKS for the room and the comfy beds!
Ok, tomorrow: Astoria to Seaside. Only 17 miles and relatively flat. The weather is supposed to be incredible so we will go play at the beach for the day and explore the area. Will be nice to not really be on the bikes much. Lastly, I'm considering switching to every other day for posting on the blog. Noticing that not as many people are following along on the actual ride as they were during training. Would love some feedback from readers before I pull the trigger. Bikingthecoast@gmail.com
Time to rest!
| Leaving the Jones' home after an awesome stay! |
 |
| Right before we both flatted at the exact same time |
 |
| This cool little 50's diner in the middle of nowhere. The logging truck clientele were, um, interesting... |
 |
| We have enjoyed seeing how the landscape has changed over the miles. This was one of our favorite valleys near Naselle, WA |
 |
| Finally on the Columbia River, we could see Astoria on the other side as well as the Astoria Megler Bridge in between. |
 |
| We still had to cross a 4 mile bridge at this point, but we felt like we were home free ! |
 |
| This is the Great Cycle Challenge superhero jersey that Katelyn earned for collecting donations. Thanks for all your support! |
 |
| This picture gives you an idea of just how steep the Astoria Megler bridge gets! This came at mile 79. |
 |
| Such a cool feeling to see the "Welcome to Oregon" sign! |
 |
| We may be smiling, but we are TIRED! |
 |
| As I was saying... |
 |
| Ok, so the food actually was good here, but when you think "steaks and seafood," you typically don't think of Pig'n Pancake as your go-to steakhouse... |
 |
| This was the best end to the day! THANK YOU to the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria for providing us with a complimentary room--their part in helping us raised money for kids with cancer! |
Don’t pull the plug. We are reading just not commenting. Looks like a great adventure so far!!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are amazing!! I'm totally following along. Blog whenever you can. I'm impressed!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the updates and photos. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are amazing!!!! It was so fun to see Astoria in the photos. We stayed there a couple of years ago on our way home from a trip to Canada. I think we stayed in the same hotel. If you have seen "Kindergarten Cop" you will remember that it was filmed there. We enjoyed finding the school and house they used in the movie. Be safe and thanks for the Blog! God bless.
ReplyDelete