Day 2 Astoria to Portland

The First of Many Centuries to Come.

There was certainly plenty of excitement in the group today. Questions to be answered (what the heck am I doing this for?). Riding abilities to be measured (my name is Bruce but everyone else calls me “on your left”). Nevertheless with hope, dread and morning coffee sloshing we commenced our journey to the eastern lands. The first ride did not disappoint. Honest climbs, smooth descents and cool shade under the towering pines (160 ft we were told by a construction flag man so you know that it is true). I was lucky to fall in with Pat who is a very strong rider from the land of the Big Sky. Apparently she cycles mountains before breakfast in her native land. After lunch we strategically joined four other strong riders and helped each other to the finish. What I will remember about this ride are the pines, the s-turns on the descents and the lunch spread (thanks Megan!). A good day.

Some history put together by TrekTravel :
• Portland is the largest city in Oregon and 47% of Oregonians reside within the Portland metro area.
• The city is named after Portland, Maine and began to be populated in the 1830’s
• The cities early economy was heavily dependent on logging, and used the Willamette River as a primary artery of trade.
• At the beginning of the 1900’s the city had a reputation for being one of the most dangerous port cities in the world and was a hub for organized crime and racketeering, however by the end World War 2, that reputation had dissipated.
• Beginning in the 1960’s Portland became a bastion for progressive politics, which is when is began to acquire its reputation as a liberal city.
• Prior to colonization, the Portland area was populated by two different band of Indigenous Chinook people, the Multnomah and the Clackamas.