Preparing for Launch
“When things are easy, I hate it”
-Ernest Shackleton
Just the facts
As preparations continue for the almost seven week journey from Oregon to Maine, I am dropping this as a reference for some of the many questions I have been asked. I hope this will fill in some of the blanks. More and hopefully more interesting musings, photos and perhaps even videos to follow. Thanks for following!
How far is it? The route is 3800 miles and will cross 15 states while gaining 157,000 feet in elevation. We will average 92 miles per day with the longest day being 126 miles.
Ever done anything like this before? The closest comparable experience would be the Ride the Rockies bike tour. This is typically six days long with similar distances per day. The altitude is more challenging however.
Are you camping and carrying your own kit? Heck no! The riding will be enough of a challenge for me although I salute those that do rides like this self supported. Our tour guide is Trek Travel . Susan and I have done many trips with this group and have never been disappointed. The support includes five guides, two vans, hotels and a majority of the meals. Laundry is on our own however!
Do you know any of the other riders? Although we have connected via email and Strava, I have not met anyone in person. Its kind of like getting dropped off at summer camp and making new friends! Probably like-minded individuals to do something like this and who like to talk bikes. Sounds promising. There will be 20-22 riders.
Taking your own bike? No. Although one can bring ones own bike, my trusty steed(s) will be taking a break. Using Trek’s bike makes sense for logistical and mechanical support. The bike provided is a more than adequate Trek Domane SL7 that is designed for endurance riding and this trip is the definition of that category!
Responses to “Prologue: Portland to Portland”
MaryAnn Lillis says:
August 7 , 2022 at 6:06 pm
Can’t wait to hear your stories!!
Bug says:
August 7 , 2022 at 10:34 pm
92 mi average ??? Thats brutal. How many days of rest / wk ?
brb5280 says:
August 8 , 2022 at 12:26 am
Four rest days built in. They are outlined on the map above. Good breaks for taking in extra rest and calories!
Dale Brott says:
August 10 , 2022 at 1:12 pm
And will there be gravel?
Flora Jewell-Stern says:
August 15 , 2022 at 12:06 am
All The Stern’s (especially Harry) are cheering you on from East Fair Place Bruce! What an awesome and inspiring way to retire- congratulations you bad ass!
Thanks for letting us tag along virtually- we can not wait!
God speed neighbor!
Eric Britton says:
August 20 , 2022 at 4:44 pm
Go Bruce!! I thinking about your adventure a lot.
brb5280 says:
August 22 , 2022 at 2:15 am
Thanks Eric!
CT says:
August 22 , 2022 at 2:54 am
Is this a retirement marker? If so, congrats! Can’t wait to read more.
brb5280 says:
August 22 , 2022 at 2:01 pm
CT. Thanks for following! I need to hear more about your gravel adventure. Yes my last scheduled clinical day was the 12th and I started this crazy adventure on the 17th. Hopefully this will be a good transition for me.
Wanderings 