Blog

June 11th

Posted on by mikebike

Umatilla oregon to walla walla Washington 53 miles. 391 miles from the Pacific.
a great day to be on the bike. followed the Columbia River Gorge for the first 20 miles and then started the climb out. this river has been good to me. she gave me a consistent tailwind, a place to cool off at the end of the day, and spectacular scenery. I was thinking how Lewis and Clark felt when they first came to this area over 200 year ago as I retraced their steps. Today there were fields of onions, potatoes and more wineries. did my laundry at the hotel then and getting massage this evening and that should help tune up the engine. life is good.

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June 10

Posted on by mikebike

Mary Hill State Park to Umitilla oregon 86 miles. 334 miles from the Pacific. my day started at the butt crack of dawn. flat air mattress last night so sleeping was not so good. a skunk decided to visit my site. maybe he smelled this biker. a big long climb out of the Columbia River Gorge today what a beautiful view from the top, like being on top of the world. not much wind today but beautiful sunshine again. the climate has totally changed from a few days ago. it’s now a scrub brush and sagewith some fields irrigated for peaches and grapes. not much traffic not many people out here. I stop for a cafe for breakfast in the middle of nowhere. it was a blessing. the owner had me sign our guestbook just like all the other bikers of passed through. this is happened several times to me, it’s kind of neat seeing where other folks are headed and where they’re from. I’m in a hotel tonight resting my weary butt bones and fixing my leaking air mattress. my engine is running fine, a little over heating today as it was 83 miles between water stops. sure made that shower feel good. I think the pictures are working now. enjoy and take care thanks again for all the nice comments. it keeps me going.

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Day 5 June 9

Posted on by mikebike

Columbia hills st park to mary hill st park Washington 23 miles. 248 miles from the Pacific. Nice easy day with a short ride. Got some needed rest today and took it easy. The nice folks at the camp ground made life easier. I have met a lot of really good people. Did some laundry. Bought some fresh peaches and strawberry for a roadside stand. Washington fruit is in season. Cooler today and the strong wind from the gorge at my back. I am feelings stronger every day. Pretty wild flowers every where and lots of wineries. Tomorrow is a long haul to Umatilla Oregon up the Columbia. I am living the dream. Thank again for riding with me 🙂 sorry no pics my web guy is working on the issue.

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Day 4 June 8

Posted on by mikebike

Aimsworth st park oregon to Columbia hill st park Washington 55 miles. 229 miles from the Pacific ocean.
Started the day in the cool coastal rain forest. Then started up the Columbia river scenic highway. Wow what a gorgeous gorge. Cross ed the river into washington at Cascade locks. It was a grated bridge. I did not look down. The climate changed from forest to dry sage brush as I followed the river on hwy 14. Skies cleared as the temp hit 90. The famous gorge wind help me sail on a run most of the afternoon. Got a camp site on the river and jumped in. Ahhh, was cold but just what I needed. Sorry that the blog pictures are not showing up. I will try to figure it out.

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Day 3 June 7

Posted on by mikebike

St Helens Oregon to Ainsworth state park 71 miles. 170 miles from the Pacific.
Great day to be on a bike. I got an early start today. Road with the wind at my back with sunny skies. Stopped in Portland for breakfast. Then road with the Columbia river on my left and mount hood to my right. After lunch I started to climb on the Columbia river scenic highway. Omg what a beautiful road. I took many pictures as I climbed and climbed. At the top was an awesome view of the river valley. The downhill was fast and I had to remind myself to keep the speed within reason. I even used the brakes a couple of times. Stopped at several pretty waterfalls on the way to the park. I am feeling poop again tonight but have a blast.

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June 6TH

Posted on by mikebike

66 miles today. Great day to be on the bike. Sunny and warm and the wind at my back mostly. Some big cimbs and fast down hills. Camping tonight next to a babbling brook in st hellens. Pictures of mount hood and the coastal rain forest trees. Dam they are big. Route was good but lots of logging trucks to scare me. But they always gave me room.
Going out to find pizza then going to hit the sleeping bag. I have been eating like a horse, or like Pablo 🙂
Thanks for all the good karma. It is great to hear from you all.

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June 5th

Posted on by mikebike

Seaside oregon to Astoria oregon, 26.8 miles. Biked here after my flight from Wisconsin. A long day. A good day to start my adventure. The Louis and clark trail was a good road. A good climb through the coastal range and then decended into Astoria. It was sure fun on the way down. Pictures of my tire dip in the Pacific in Seaside, and Astoria’s Columbia river front. And my big pasta dinner.

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T minus 1 day

Posted on by mikebike

today was packing day. packing and repacking. The bike is in the box. I am up to 25 pounds in the packs. 5 pounds more then my desired maximum. Oh well, onward I must go. tomorrow morning I leave the house at 345am for the flight to Portland. time to get some shut eye. today is cheryl and I 30th wedding anniversary. I feel like the luckiest guy on earth.

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T minus seven days

Posted on by mikebike

May 29th 2013. 32 mile training ride went well. lots of heat and humidity. good test for the loaded bike and the engine. the engine did not over heat. it was quickly cooled in a dip in the pool after the ride. pretty Wisconsin wildflowers along the road today. enjoy the flocks and my bike shadow.

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