I reset the odometer to zero and thought, “let the fun begin”.
What we’re doing here doesn’t seem so extraordinary. It’s a basic American road trip. Instead of using mules or horses or oxen or covered wagons or trains or buses or station wagons, we’re using bicycles. It’s the most elemental and most frequently repeated American story. You an American? You want some adventure? Well, hit the road, Jack. In fact, Jack Kerouac’s got nothing on us. We’re Beat every day.
Today, we did a quick 30 miles from Astoria to the Pacific and back to Astoria. It felt good to get back on the bike — it’s been almost a week — and we cruised right along. Cool and gray on the way out and a steady drizzle on the way back. The main problem we had was keeping our glasses clear; we needed windshield wipers.
Today we started in Astoria and finished in Astoria. Tomorrow, we start the point-to-point riding – 69 miles to St. Helen’s, Oregon. I hope the volcano doesn’t explode again.
Day’s mileage: 30.7 miles (49.4 km)
Average speed: 16.4 mph (26.4 kph)
Travis, Charles and I congratulate you on what will be an inspiring adventure. One we’ve made a few times, but by car. Steve can recall for you our various cross country drives 5 years in a row as his dad changed duty stations from east to west coast and back again. First time in a 1956 Oldsmobile sedan with no AC and with his two younger brothers (plus one on the way), a Siamese cat and towing an English Ford with very few interstates except for lots of interstate construction. It too was an adventure, but easy compared to what you will experience. We wish you very good luck and not too many adventures. Will keep up with both yours and Steve’s blogs. Gail