Monday 21 June 2010

Astoria to St Helens

I woke up at 4 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep so we set off at 7.10am after a good breakfast. Moira's cookies sustained me until the first SAG (Support and Gear) stop which was just as well as the banana I had half-inched from the hotel had got a bit warm and leaked in my pocket. Yeuch. At the SAG there was a selection of bananas, nuts, biscuits, chewy bars etc, etc. After that we had a biggish climb followed by an even bigger downhiller where I reached 34 mph. The highway was busy but all the traffic gave us a wide berth. That was followed by a long flat valley where I trucked along at between 14 and 17 mph as there was a bit of a tailwind then another long slow hill but by the time I got to the top (a long time!!!), the wind changed and had become a headwind. Thanks a bunch. Anyway, I was at the hotel before 2pm and was pleased with that.

Today's stats are
Mileage - 69
Climbing - 3250 feet
Time in Saddle - 5hrs 55 mins
Average speed - 11.6 mph.
I am definitely one of the slowest so my plan is to be one of the first to leave each day. That way I get to say hi to nearly everyone when they pass me!!
No pictures of today as to be quite honest, there was nothing to take pictures of so here is one from near Dallas, Oregon.  I did consider going there to see what grew in the orchard but the track was a bit rough and too steep.  Maybe just as well.

2 comments:

  1. Hey Mr P!!Cant believe this has come round so quickly!You are doing a fab job..keep up the good work and look forward to reading more of your blogs. Take care and look after the saddle sore!Lisa G

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  2. Oh, how he wishes that the effects of the saddle were only going to be singular. You fill him with too much hope, Lisa.
    Still, never mind, Ian. You're now on your way and the dream is finally alive.
    Good luck, and don't forget, "Brits to the back!!"
    Andy P

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