Cape Disappointment WA to Tillamook, OR
89.06 miles, 2,864 feet climbing, 11.6 mph average speed.
A cloudy and cool morning met us today, and we stopped at Chinook Coffee Company in Chinook WA for coffee and a muffin. Soon after our coffee break, we came to the Astoria Bridge across the Columbia River. It is 4.1 miles long, and on the Oregon side, the highrise (to let ships pass underneath) has a 6% grade for about a mile. I'll let Alan describe riding across this span.
We ended up have breakfast in Warrenton at about 11:00AM, and then hopped on 101 south. We followed the Adventure Cycling Association's maps through Seaside, which took us on the "Promenade" It was fairly touristy, but not nearly as bad as Cannon Beach. The scenery around Cannon Beach was awesome, and the skies had cleared for a nice sunny day.
Soon after Cannon Beach the road begins a number of climbs, the most notable was one through a tunnel, and another 7 to 8% grade that went on for miles, plus others that I have forgotten about already. We stopped at a beach access trailhead and took a short break and refilled out water bottles. This rest was what we needed, and the next long climb went much better than the last one, and our morale was boosted. After a long downhill, we stopped at a tavern between Manzanita and Newhalem and took a well deserved break and enjoyed a cold beer on the outdoor deck. This further boosted our spirits. After that, we turned off 101, following the ACA route, and soon were facing a 10% grade. It wasn't too long, and the rest of the ride into Tillamook was great. We got to our motel, went to dinner and now are waiting for our laundry to finish. I am assigning Alan to give his ride impressions and to post pix.
these drinks are breaking up old routines
3 hours ago
4 comments:
The ride across Astoria Bridge was quite memorable. This is a two lane bridge with maybe 18 inches of shoulder and an 8 inch tall curb threatening to catch a pedal and send the poor cyclist (a) into the Columbia River or (b) into speeding traffic and from there into the Columbia River.
Sounds like fun! Thanks for the updates. Ride on safely!
DAY 2-3 GEAR DUMP to SAG:
MSR Dromedary (water bag), Adventure Cycling Map of Washington, 2007 Washington State Bicycle Map, One Pair of Bike Gloves (red), Rain Legs (bike chaps), Snow Peak Propane Canister (110g), Night Slippers (comfy & good to 12,060ft - red) in Black Mesh Bag, Massage Stick (feels good, we'll use it), Ultra Dry Degree (anti-perspirant and deodorant - travel size...PU!), No-Rinse Shampoo, Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Sun Screen (we think...it's a bottle of white goo), Camper's Mini Spatula, Camper's Mini Can Opener, Compass with Mystery Key (I hope they don't get lost), Head Lamp (exchanged for Janut's awesome mini Petzl e+lite), Nikon Lithium Ion Battery.
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS: 3.25 lbs
this includes the effect of the head lamp exchange = Alan's 6.25 oz for Janut's 1.625 oz
Kevin, Your faithful reader is finding it almost unbelieveable thatyou are already in Oregon. wow.
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