Off the Bike … (June 25)

Made it into Portland yesterday, riding a good part of the 42 miles from Cascade Locks on either a separated bike path or the Historic Columbia River Highway (photo above).  The previous day’s ride of 40 miles from The Dalles to Cascade Locks had been primarily along the Interstate, so getting off of the Interstate yesterday was a welcome relief.

Along the Historic Highway there are numerous State Parks at the many beautiful waterfalls.  Lots of tourists enjoying the beautiful day … also lots of cars and trolleys along the road.  Pretty nice ride, though.  Interestingly enough, there were maybe a dozen E-Bike riders on what I believe were rental bikes.  Nice alternative means for getting people out of their cars at attractions such as this.  I did feel some resentment when they easily passed me on climbs,though.

So, this ride is over, as is my more than a decade of self-contained bike touring … a little sad, but happy at the same time.

I am taking the train to Eugene today and will have the bike shipped back to Tucson.  All of my camping gear and touring panniers will be left behind with some non-profits.  I got a lot of years and a lot of miles out of these items, but feels good to pass them onto others.

Tucson calls … be home soon.

Later that same day … (June 22)

Another day, another revised plan!

Upon leaving The Dalles heading south to Maupin, I was confronted with an immediate three mile 6% climb.  Following were numerous mile long climbs which reduced my speed to a grinding 3 mph … which if you’ve ever experienced climbing with a fully loaded tour bike at 3 mph you will know the experience of trying to keep the bike on a straight path.

Anyway, 12 miles into the planned 40 mile ride I stopped in the small town of Dufur, and my legs were cooked (hell, my whole body was cooked).  In talking with a local, I was told the terrain of the remaining miles was the same as the previous 12 miles.

So I chose to turn tail and head back to The Dalles.  The really humorous (sad) thing is that upon heading back I discovered I had had a slight tailwind in the ride to Dufur.

So the new plan is to head west to Portland.

In the above photo, kind of hard to see, but in the middle of the yellow circle is a semi truck … that is where the road I was on leads and is typical of the constant up-and-down of that road to Maupin.  OUCH!

A Mountain … (June 22)

This mountain should not be confused with Tucson’s “A” Mountain, the above photo is Mt. Hood.  

To put the size of Mt. Hood into perspective, the photo was taken about 55 miles east of the mountain.  Also, just to clarify, the river (that in this photo looks like a lake) is the Columbia River (not the Rillito at flood stage).

I don’t have much to offer in the way of grandiose verbiage describing the areas I have been riding of late.  This morning I am in The Dalles, OR, and will be heading to Bend for the next four days.  

On a side note, here is a explanation as to how the Columbia River Gorge was created.

Since leaving Mose’s Lake,WA, I spent the following days riding to Othello (28 miles), Kennewick (53 miles), then into Boardman, OR (45 miles), Arlington (27 miles) and finally The Dalles (50 miles).  The majority of these miles have been along Interstates.  I was dreading the 50 miles into The Dalles as I anticipated fighting a strong headwind … but glory be, almost no wind!  The high temperature today, as I head into the high desert area of Central Oregon, will be in the high 80s.

That’s the thing about bike touring … the weather is almost always a challenge.

After a short visit south of Bend with longtime friend Bill, I will be heading to Eugene, then Portland (probably by train), then flying home to Tucson on July 4.

Located between Bend and Eugene is my most favorite 21 miles of the 50,000 +/- miles I have toured.  The ride down the west side of McKenzie Pass is on a nicely paved, winding road passing through a lush green forest.  Most enjoyable.

In Eugene I will be visiting another long-friend, Nancy.  No doubt we will be making the daily walk to one of the finest ice cream parlors in the world (according to Nancy and also Former President Obama), Prince Puckler’s Ice Cream … and I agree.

When I get to Eugene I plan on donating my camping gear and my touring panniers to groups that may benefit.  I am through with doing self-contained touring.  If I do any more long distance rides, it will be put together by a tour company and they can carry my sh … er, uh, stuff. I have been doing these rides since the summer of 2009 … enough is enough.

While I marvel at the magnificence of Mt. Hood, I am looking forward to seeing the ever-so-not-so-marvelous “A” Mountain back home.

Change in direction, change in plans … (June 17)

The return to blue skies and relative warmth (70 +/- degrees) has been a great relief to me.

This morning (Friday, June 17), I am in Mose’s Lake,WA.  Since leaving Cheney Wednesday morning, I have covered the 52 miles to Ritzville and 44 miles to Mose’s Lake.  As I mentioned, my fitness level is pretty good … even with fighting headwinds both days.

Also, as I mentioned, the thought of camping is being ignored which makes for much more comfort.  The down side of this comfort is the cost of staying in hotels.  Inflation has definitely hit the costs of traveling in areas other than fuel costs.  I honestly do not know how families can afford to vacation.  

In Sandpoint I ate in a place specializing in burgers and chicken sandwiches.  Most of the sandwiches were priced around $15, fries at $4.50 and drinks at $4.00 (or more if beer).  At an adjacent table there was a family of two teenagers and parents … their LUNCH probably ran up close to $100!

Back to the cost of comfort.  Hotels that two or three years ago were in the $90 to $100 range now are going for $150+.  Adds up in a hurry … but as I said, I despise the idea of camping.

As I travel down the road, I typically have an idea of overnight towns for the next three nights and make a reservation the previous night for the next night.  When I reached Mose’s Lake, my plan was to ride the next day the 20 mile distance to George, WA, then the 50 miles to Ellensberg the following day.  Other than one hotel in George, there is nothing in between Mose’s Lake and Ellensberg.  So my plan looked very doable.  Problems arose when attempting to book a room in George.  Near George is a popular music venue called The Gorge, a 20,000 seat amphitheater which is hosting a two-day festival this weekend.  The lone hotel did have a room available, but even by my free-spending ways, the $450/night (two night minimum) turned me away.

So I am now changing course and heading south to Othello and Pasco.  Unfortunately this new route will result in having to ride westward along the Columbia River … major, major, major headwinds.  

As of this writing my plan is to visit friends in Bend and Eugene, OR, then fly home on July 4.

I have proved to myself that I am physically able to do this, but the lack of enjoyment and the resulting mounting expenses compels me to return home.  I can’t complain about the experiences, but I just can’t afford the expenses.

Oh well, at least I can enjoy the warmth of blue skies.

Heading South … (June 15, 2022)

Really not at all sure if my decision to head south was based upon wisdom or fear.

But indeed I am heading toward Southern Washington and Oregon.  Not quite sure of the chosen path, but intend to make visits with friends in Bend and Eugene.  After that ???

Today is Wednesday, and I will be riding between Cheney and Ritzville, both in Eastern Washington … 55 miles.

This past Sunday I had an easy day of 24 miles riding between Sandpoint and Priest River, ID.  Nice partly cloudy day passing through quite beautiful forested river and lake country.  Very nice indeed.  

So much for nice … Monday’s ride of 45 miles into North Spokane was most miserable.  For the entire 45 miles it rained, with a high temperature of (coincidentally) 45 degrees.  The euphoria of seeing the Best Western Hotel (for which I had made a reservation) was indeed euphoric!  Oh my, a hot shower and refuge from the weather.  Oh my.

Upon leaving the hotel yesterday morning, I followed Google Map’s meandering cycling route through the Western Spokane suburbs.  The main shopping area was comprised of all of the usual stores, and could have been located in any large western city, but the residential areas were definitely different than those located in the Southwest.  Lush green vegetation with many varieties of flowering plants.  Economically the neighborhoods varied from middle class upward, with a smattering of newer apartment complexes.

Following the meander, I came upon a wonderful 8 mile rail-to-trail paved path that brought a traffic-free calm. Weather was cloudy and in the low 50s, but nary a raindrop fell upon me.  The day’s 23 mile ride ended at Cheney, in another hotel.  I am really questioning why I am packing all of the weight of my camping gear.  Even when the weather is wonderful I despise the idea of camping. 

Speaking of camping, when I was riding through the cold rain the other day, I talked with two other touring cyclists. They were planning on camping again that night (a matter of pride, I think).  More power to them … but that ain’t me.

As mentioned earlier, today’s ride will be a long one, but a dry one.  My fitness level seems to be pretty good, but my mental state presently does not include the sense of adventure and joy I have experienced in the past. 

If indeed my decision to head south was fear-based, I have no regrets.  I am a desert boy, and while life may not have reached the “Life is Good” status yet …warm is definitely good. 

Ride onward, oh Wise one … (June 11, 2022)

They say with age comes wisdom.  

Maybe yes.  Maybe no.  My current activity would suggest a very resounding “no” … I am currently in Sandpoint, ID, three days into a bike tour of the Northwest.

I flew into Spokane this past Tuesday and spent Wednesday unpacking/reassembling my bike and walking around the downtown area.  Can’t speak to the Spokane suburbs, but the downtown area is very interesting.  The Gonzaga and the Washington State/Spokane campuses are in this district.  So in addition to the area being the commercial center of Eastern Washington, there are many restaurants, bars, music venues and a wonderful bookstore.  There is also a very impressive City Park that highlights the Spokane River rapids and falls.  If I were thinking about someplace to spend the summer months rather than in Tucson (which I am not), this would be high on my list.

Anyway, back to my self-perceived lack of wisdom (or stupidity, as has been claimed by some). 

Over the past twelve years of touring, one of the things I had come to believe was that it is not a good idea to be too specific as to an itinerary for a coming ride.  However, I let my ego get involved and layed out to some friends a very impressive trip. Sandpoint, Selkirk Loop (Canada), Glacier National Park, Calgary, Banff, Jasper, etc., etc., etc.  Intensive research/deep thought has never been my strong point when it comes to planning a tour … just breakout the road maps and begin fantasizing.

While Tucson is enjoying dry 100+ degree days, this area is experiencing highs in the upper 60s/low 70s and a boat-load of rain.  For about 30 of yesterday’s 52 mile ride it rained … not downpours, but a mixture of a steady drizzle with occasional heavier rains.  After Thursday’s very enjoyable 24 mile ride along the Spokane River (photo above) to Post Falls, ID, yesterday’s ride was a real test.  

As originally planned, tomorrow I will be heading west to Newport, WA.  My plan was then to head north and ride the Selkirk Loop. The fifteen-day weather projections for the 280 mile Loop area calls for a steady supply of rain with highs varying from the mid 50s to the mid 70s (and the overnight lows get real ugly).  On top of this, it appears that Logan Pass, at the top of the Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park, will not be open until early July. 

I am currently rethinking my path of travel and considering heading south from Newport.  Also, my (ain’t I amazin’) comment about staying out for three months is being strongly questioned by my 3:00 AM (tossing and turning) thoughts.

Any wisdom in this aged body?  We’ll see.

The Ride is Over (July 20, 2019)

If it is not one body medical condition, it is another.

Two years ago I had to cut my Northwest ride with Kim short due to an inflamed prostate ... this year my ride has been shortened due to a dental problem which has caused my jaw to swell ... kind of looks like this guy, but only more pronounced.

So instead of doing the planned ride until August 4, I am flying back to Tucson, from Seattle, today.

Kim will be pedaling on for another several days prior to her return to Atlanta.

After a wonderful rest day in Spokane, we rode the 39 miles to a small town west of Spokane by the name of Davenport.  I mention riding west because the wind was definitely coming out of the west ... definitely!!  Tough day.

Upon awaking the next morning, my left jaw was quite swollen ... kind of like that Vito Corleone guy, but only MUCH more pronounced.  After riding the 20 miles (again, strong wind out of the west) to a breakfast cafe in Creston, WA, we made a decision to modify our plans and ride the 29 miles to Grand Coulee and rent a U-Haul truck (then drive to Seattle).  Again, LOTS of wind riding those 29 miles.

The road was very straight and seemingly aligned perfectly with the source of the wind.  The road was also seemingly forever going quickly down and slowly, painfully back up.

My attitude was not good.  On top of the disappointment of curtailing the ride due to my dental problem and an over all feeling of being physically tired, I had been dealing with a number of tire problems.

Okay, what else could go wrong?

About 8 miles outside of Grand Coulee, after the many, many, many short climbs, the road leveled off.  "This is good," thinks I.  Then the road sign all touring cyclists enjoy appeared (sign indicating 6% down slope, for next 4 miles).  "Whew," thinks I.  I am flying down the hill at a very controlled, comfortable speed of somewhere between 20 and 25 MPH ... "Happy, happy, happy," thinks I.

In a nano-second a gust of wind pushes me off the pavement into the 1 1/2" deep gravel, heading toward a ditch.  "Oh, shit!", thinks I. (A moment like this does not encourage civility of thought.)

In a situation like this, things really do seem to slow down, and different trains of thought co-exist:  1)  Do not brake too hard, just brake easy and try to keep the front wheel straight, 2)  Don't panic, just stay upright, and finally 3)  "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit."  Actually ... "finally" was hitting the ground with helmet, left forearm, left shoulder and left knee.  Years ago there was a great Daniel Day-Lewis movie called "There Will Be Blood".  Indeed.

Other than the blood, there was no real damage to body or bike ... seven hours later we had covered the 200 miles between Grand Coulee and North Bend, WA (30 miles from Seattle).  Smallest truck they had was a 20 footer ... more than ample space to place two bikes and assorted pannier bags.

Yesterday, after dropping Kim off so she could plan out her remaining days, I (and the lady Google hired to voice the Google Map directions) spent the day driving a 20' truck all over the Seattle downtown and Sea-Tac Airport areas ... quite a rude immersion back into the world of cars and trucks from the bike touring world.

Things happen that oft times can (and should be) prevented.  Plans change without prior approval.  But in the over all, it really does not impact worldly events very much.

But ... "Ah, shit!", thinks I.
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Side note:  Due to having taken four years of English 101 in high school, I have never understood where a closing quotation mark should fall in relation to commas, periods, etc.  If, while reading my words, you feel uncomfortable with my lack of knowledge in this area, then I would suggest you re-think what may, or may not, be important in your world.