We loaded up our van, full of bikes, luggage and people, then headed into Portland to meet up with our OTHER VAN of cyclists. We have 24 touristers on this trip and we pack 2 vans with trailers full!Once all were assembled, we drove 2 hours up to Astoria, Oregon. The time passed by very quickly because our typical Heyburn desire to get to know everyone kicked in and we had a great time meeting all of the neat people that were along for this adventure with us. We have a standout group of people, who hail from all over the United States. We've met a dynamite foursome from New York; a 'traveling team' comprised of 2 sisters and their husbands (who incidentally look like identical twins--the husbands, that is). Some folks from Virginia--- WAHOOWA! A number of people from California, and the list goes on. We are definitely the youngest tourists on the trip, but everyone has been really great!
When we arrived in Astoria, the 3 guides on our tour went into overdrive getting all of the bikes ready, getting everyone adjusted properly, attaching pedals, pumping up tires, quick shifting tutorials, etc... BUT WOW WAS THE SCENERY AMAZING!!!
We couldn't ask for better weather to kick off our trip. Crystal blue sky, a wonderful breeze, a beautiful lake to look out over. I mean heaven might be on earth, and I think it's in Oregon!Once we were all properly fitted, we took a 12 miles ride around the Fort Stevens State Park,
which took us along the beach to check out an old ship wreck, along the Columbia river for a bit and through some great trails. All in all a very valuable, let alone fun, warm-up orientation ride. We only got lost once.... haha.
We came back to the park, for a most wonderful lunch with a great fruit salad, chicken salad with chinese noodles, PB&J. A wonderfully tasty lunch that didn't sit too heavy for the upcoming ride.
After lunch, our REAL trip began. The first stop was at Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark weathered their last winter at the end of the long cross country discovery. Our funky cycling shoes aren't too easy to walk in and the Fort tour was going to require a bit of walking, so Sara and I decided to take our chances and take off on the next part of the tour on our own. We had directions, we're both decently intelligent.... LETS GO!!! If we get lost, we get lost together.
The ensuing ride was absolutely incredible!! We had such a great time, taking the flats easy allowing wonderful chat time, making sure to take in the immense beauty that surrounded us. We rode through wheat fields, an old dairy farm, up hills, around bends, with views that leave you faltering for adequate descriptive phrases. It seemed like every turn we came around one of us called to the other, "can you BELIEVE THIS!?!?!?!" Stunningly beautiful the whole way.
The experience of taking to the open road upon your two legs is a wonderful feeling. The road is yours (except for the few cars, of course) but you truly feel connected to the scenery around you. I felt like I was cycling through a painting for much of the day. Since the mountains on the west coast literally fall off into the ocean, the decline into Seaside was quite a thrill, coasting downhill most of the way, wind rushing through your hair, and yelling "wEEEEEEE" just like we're 9 yrs old.
When we got to the hotel, sure enough, beers we're waiting for us. SWEET! Did I mention it was Fat Tire, among others. We welcomed the other riders in and enjoyed a few moments reminiscing about the wonderful ride we'd all experienced, each of us enjoying it differently, but not a frown in the group!
A nice hot shower later, we headed to dinner at a nice little cajun restaurant, Lil' Bayou. The food was wonderful. I got a shrimp jumbalaya (spicy!!) and Sara got a repeat performance of salmon--though not quite up to the Laura/Davey standards--but then, how it could it be? In any case, we enjoyed wonderful company and wonderful food.
A nice after dinner stroll up to the boardwalk, and it's time to call it a wrap. Peace out my friends. Editorial Note: though this is written in the first person (David), I (Sara) am adding commentary and notes of my own--definitely joint venture--though David gets the lion's share of the credit--isn't he the best?! :)
Songs for the day:
I want to ride my bicycle - Queen
Goin' in the right direction - Robert Randoph
Feels just like it should - Pat Green
1 comment:
Man, I was hoping you all would come back at the end of the trip, but it sounds questionable if you really will. You could say I'm the slightest bit jealous; but more than that can't wait to hear about EVERYTHING in person! Happy trails!
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