Big Ride Update #1

Posted by Nick:

Greetings from Lincoln City, Oregon.

Our coastal ride has been brilliant so far. Leaving Renton in drizzle was no fun, and the familiarity with the area made for a dull morning on Saturday. Things livened up in Puyallup though when the sun came out and we spied a bull/steer/cow animal in a field with 4-foot horns on each side of its head. Dramatic wildlife. The rest of the ride to Chehalis was pretty dismal, with heavy rain showers and nobody but Carry and I equipped with fenders. Thanks for drumming that courtesey in guys. Thankfully, when we reached the campground, the ride director arranged for us to stay inside so no camping on the rainy Night One!

Day Two was brilliant riding, starting on rolling roads through farm land with a heavy mist. If you’ve ridden STP, this is the same route. Glorious, though pretty cold. I was cold all day, even when the sun came out. After crossing the Columbia we turned west to Astoria. More glorious riding with hills long enough to get warm on, but followed by descents long enough to get cold on! Did I mention I’d like to move to Astoria? After a second 100-mile day, Fort Stevens State Park was a welcome sight. Dinner is provided by a catering operation in Chehalis. They’re travelling with us down the coast.

The group we’re riding with is pretty diverse. Small cliques are starting to form based more on personality than riding ability. We’ve met some really nice people we enjoy riding with. We’ve only had one flat each.

Morning comes far too early on this ride. We get up at 6:00, pack the tent and get dressed, loading our gear on the truck before breakfast. That’s right, breakfast in lycra. When it’s 40 degrees out. Mmmm. Good times. The third day we road a mellow 38 miles to Nehalem Bay State Park, passing through Cannon Beach. I love Cannon Beach. I had coffee and the biggest apple fritter you have ever seen. I sat in the sun. Since we had such a short distance to go, Carry and I dawdled around town for a good two hours.

Yesterday we rode through Garibaldi, Tillamook, Rockaway and landed in Lincoln City for a day off. On the way we rode the Three Capes Scenic Route. Three major forested climbs over headlands that jut into the ocean. Awesome views, aweseome descents.

This is a stretch of the coast I have always wanted to ride. Lots of cliff top climbs, great views, twisty descents. Apart from almost being run over by an RV in a tunnel, it has been all fun, all the time. 

Until the next convenient stop,
Nick

Comments: