...And They're Off!

Pre-flight jitters. I got up with the chickens at 4:45 A.M. to double check everything I had double checked last night before retiring. Still good. Breakfast at 6:00. The breakfast room was bristling with  energy as riders jostled for eggs, slots at the toasters, and pumps of joe from the hotel carafes. We still had to bring luggage to truck at 7:00, pose for group photos (which will be available for purchase at end of tour) then go back upstairs to grab our bikes before we start the day's scheduled 68 mile ride east to St. Helens.

We pushed off in staggered groups around 7:30 under fair skies 58 degrees and mildly breezy winds. If the weather was like this here all the time, I'd seriously consider relocating - But of course, it's just the trickster weather gods throwing us a curve (bring it on, I say).

The riding was good but the scenery was not that spectacular. We took a left out of the hotel and followed Rt 30 from Astoria through to St Helens. Ride did include a couple of long climbs (one nearly four miles) but also a screamer of a descent. Hit 39.3 MPH but dared not go faster as I was wary of the debris on shoulder and how close the logging trucks and amateur RV drivers were to my shoulder. The gusty winds plus the sucking draft from them as they passed made for some tense moments. I did manage to remain relaxed and just focused on keeping steady and predictable in my course.

I was a little disappointed in the limited variety of foods available at the SAG stops today and already know I'll continue to purchase my own electrolyte drinks. But I'm here for the riding and company so that is not a big issue.

We did roll into the hotel around 12:30 but as our rooms weren't ready, we popped over to rather good burger joint next door that made awesome milkshakes. Bacon burger and a triple thick Mocha Shake. Life is good! An hour later I was getting out of the shower and starting my post ride routine. Wash kit and hang to dry, lay out kit for tomorrow, quick bike check-up and load for tomorrow's ride.

Pizza Dinner in hotel banquet room followed by Route Rap at 6:00. Tomorrow's ride to Welches, OR will be more picturesque, a bit longer at 75 miles and all the climbing is in the last 30 miles. Going to sleep well tonight. I expect a little less "Free Time" tomorrow, but should still be able to keep up the routine I learned so well on last tour.

Pictures below are from our first SAG stop at a fish hatchery, and as Lumber/Logging is the big crop here (as big as corn is in Kansas), a little sense of what we saw all day. Plus a couple ersatz shots.