The day finally has arrived for the beginning of this adventure. First of all a big shout out to Dave and Jill who welcomed Susan and I into their home two days before meeting up with the group. This gave me a chance to acclimate to this sea level altitude! Also thanks for the ride to Astoria. No offense to the Trek Travel vans, but their ride is way better and sent me off in style! Along with Susan they witnessed the time honored ceremony of dipping ones rear wheel into the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully with a little luck the front wheel will receive a dunking in the Atlantic in about seven weeks. Dave I’m sure would have joined this magnificent group of 21 cross country riders but alas he is recovering from a recent bike accident. Perhaps next year?
yours truly, the lovely Susan and tough as nails Dave!
Today was a day for laying the groundwork for success. We received lots of tips and information from the guides and also several guests who have actually completed this trip already. One piece of advice that I will need to remember is to keep to a moderate pace. It reminded me of our Kilimanjaro climb. The motto from the guides was “pole, pole” which means slowly, slowly. In this instance it will mean “maintain an endurance pace and don’t burn too many matches”.
Tomorrow the real miles begin with a century and about 5000 feet in climbing back to Portland. Weather looks to be hot but at least not too much wind and no rain. This isn’t the Pacific Northwest that I was imagining. The goals tomorrow are hydration, learning who will be riding my similar pace, pace lines and keeping the pace “pole”
Astoria history per Trek Travel
• During the winter of 1805-1806, Lewis and Clark spent a winter in a log cabin they named Fort Clatsop southwest of modern day Astoria. They were hoping to be met on the coast by a ship to take them back East, but instead had to return overland.
• Astoria first became well known to European settlers around 1810 when it was established as an outpost for fur trapping, and would become an important outpost for European exploration of the area.
• Astoria attracted a host of different immigrant populations in the mid 1800’s. The largest populations came from Sweden, Finland, and China. The Finns and Swedes primarily became fishermen, while the Chinese worked in the canneries. By the late 1800’s, 22% of Astoria’s population was Chinese.
• The film “The Goonies” was filmed in Astoria
• Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean is a very important shipping lane, as it connects the city of Portland to the sea. This inlet is called the Northwest Passageway, and is one of the most treacherous bars in the world. A select group of pilots are the only people allowed to steer ships through this crossing
| Distance (miles) | Elevation Gained (ft) | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 423 | 852 |
| Fitness | Fatigue | Form | TSS today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 88 | 21 | 316 |
responses to “Day 1 Astoria OR”
Dave Mertens says:
August 18 , 2022 at 1:26 pm
Good to be with you, Bruce! We enjoyed seeing you off, meeting your guides and fellow riders and seeing Rae again! Hot or not, the PNW is a beautiful place to start your ride. Be safe and enjoy!
MaryAnn Lillis says:
August 18 , 2022 at 9:32 pm
Great start!!!
Taylor Baird says:
August 19 , 2022 at 3:48 am
Congrats on starting! Does saltwater affect tire pressure?
Ray says:
August 20 , 2022 at 2:33 am
Fantastic! Ocean to Ocean. Go Bruce! “
brb5280 says:
August 20 , 2022 at 5:Q9 am
Thanks Ray. Hope all is well at Rocky!
Doug Hagan says:
August 22 , 2022 at 11:01 pm
Got the BLOG link from Susan today. Rooting’ for you. Writing (in addition to riding) should be an alternative career consideration!
Doug
Wanderings 