Day 1 Troutdale to Cascade Locks

And Sew (not this summer)..sow (not this either)....so (this would be the right one) it begins
Our trip across America has officially begun. What a first day it has been! The weather was perfect and the prevailing westerlies prevailed! After a great breakfast, our host Dan delivered us to Troutdale the start of the Columbia River Gorge. Many cyclists making the cross country tour start by dipping their tires in the ocean, we dipped ours in a bakery found at the Troutdale Gen'l Store. In 60 or so days, we know a great bakery in Leesburg, VA! Most of our ride today was on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Much of it designed and built in the early 1900's. It hugged the cliffs on our right and the Columbia River on the left. There were many waterfalls, the longest was nearly 600 feet high. Along our route we met some young entrepenuers selling lemonade and some young men ride their modified bikes. Everyone we met was delightful and I hope this energy continues.

Welcome to Portland

Yes, we made it out here,and what a great time we have been having. Its going to be tough leaving . Everyone we have met has been so nice and interested in our trip,and the city itself is very bike friendly.
Our hosts met us at the airport and immediately gave us a mini tour of the area. We stopped off at a restored grammar school for lunch. This school was essentially abandoned, the neighborhood decaying ,and by luck a builder saw potential . The interior was restored to reflect its former life,and anyone visiting it who was once a student would feel like they were back in first grade. No plastic chairs or steel lockers in this place, wood was the medium used back then. It now is a
B&B, theater ,and restaurant,and nostalgia runs rampant as you walk the halls.
I was ready to get busy assembling the bike, so imagine my surprise when I found it ready to go when we got to Dan's home. That was a treat that was greatly appreciated . And then neighbors and friends stopped by and cooked up a wonderful dinner, providing great conversation and encouragement . We managed to stay up to midnight east coast time,and were ready for a good nights sleep.
On Tuesday Janet and Dan had big plans to introduce us to their fine city . We rode over the rather long uphill leading into town,and when there marveled at the network of bike lanes that bicyclists love. We had a 11 am tour slot to meet , a new business called Portland Bicycle Tours was about to give their first tandem tour. For 2 hours our two tandems were lead around the city by Evan who gave us a up close look of the parks,buildings and bridges that Portland is noted for.We ended up at Pearl Bakery for lunch, a good thing too ,because Dan took over as tour guide after that and the calories were needed for the climbing he had in mind. We enjoyed the Rose Gardens, a Shay Locomotive,and finally the top of Council Crest Park where we got to see Mt. Abrams and Mt. St. Helen's . It took 40 miles ,a lot of climbing,but we did make it back home ,a great introduction to the city and a fitting tune up for what is to come.

A correction

I'm learning how this thing works, so the June 1st post should really be today's. Scroll down to see it. Thanks. and see you in Portland.

A few milestones

This is the crowd at my last retirement party, thanks so much Stevie,Doreen, Greg,Mark, Tim and John. Great time,and your turn will come, just wait!


Yes, we have some to announce. The past weeks have gone by really fast, what with gathering all the gear, packing and shipping off the bike,and most important all the parties attended. It is really something the way our family and friends have made us feel, boosting our energy level to new heights . Sitting around the pool with Joan and Hank enjoying steamers , Barb and Tracy's impromptu invite ,and Rob and Kim's family get together are a few of the great sendoffs we had. And then there were three retirement parties too! What a way to get ready for this bike ride!
As a lot of you know, the metro carried me to and from work all these years, a most reliable car. I just had to share its milestone,and no, Tim, we didn't park it on the crossing and total it.

June 16th, The Bike's on its way!

Yes , its starting to hit us that this trip is about to happen . Today I brought the two boxes containing our bike and most of the stuff needed for the ride to the FedEx drop off. What a chore it was breaking it down, wrapping it up,and packing it away. A big thank you to Tom S. for providing the sturdy shipping containers. I have no doubt that they will be awaiting our arrival in great shape, ready for me to put it all back together

The end

My last day on the job, what a great feeling driving out of the railyard for the last time.Its all done and time to move on to the bike ride. That's whats next ,and hopefully we will be able to keep everyone updated on our progress across the country.
We can't believe all the people who are following our ride, thanks for your interest . We will be on our way very soon.
My first stop on my ride home was visiting a friend who got out 5 years ago. We had a blast reminiscing ,but it was his advice that "your gonna love it" that will stick in my head.

Feel the love

We have great friends, witness these cards they sent us to wish us well. Many thanks to the "Ladies",and their husbands for the bon voyage party. MB too for her artwork,but Jane talks to Mr.Gipps.

Speaking of the love, on our ride Monday we turned 19K miles on the bike computer. Who would have thought that would ever happen! Back on the trail the Calvary was out in full force. Horses are big animals when they pass you within a couple of feet. We always get out of their way, the riders tell us they spook easily at the sight of bikes