Ka-Nee-Ta to Prineville

Well, once again, no shortage of climbing today.  Although it was just a bit more than the 1st two days, there were none of the huge descents to make up for the climbs so average speed was down.  We were travelling through what the locals call 'desert' which is more like scrub and the shoulder was quite narrow so it was just as well that the traffic was light.

It got pretty hot out there but the vans were deployed well with regular supplies of ice cold water which was very welcome.  Of more concern from yesterday was the occupants of a black vehicle throwing a bottle of water at me (missed, ya, boo, sucks!!!) and throwing something else at another rider.  Additionally, one cyclist had a bunch of drunk Indians shouting abuse at him from a van.  Just as well they had their bows and arrows confiscated.  None of us managed to get reg numbers so not a lot could be done and thankfully there were no such incidents today.  No funny signs to be seen unfortunately but I will keep looking out for them.

We are very much in cowboy country and unfortunately, all the channels play their favourite music.

A big day tomorrow with van loading at 05:30 so an early one tonight.

Todays Stats.

Mileage - 60.3

Climbing - 3350 feet

Time in saddle - 6 hrs 10 mins

Average speed  - 10 mph (nearly)

I am pleased to report that the udder cream is working well but I am still having to apply it myself!!!!!

Welches to Ka-Nee-Ta

That was a day that was.  We started on a massive uphill ascent from 1250 feet to 4000 feet over 13 miles. I was one of the first out the door at 06:30 but soon had a stream of stronger riders going past me and by the time I got to the SAG stop at the summit( 2 hrs 40 mins cycling), there were only a few people behind me. We passed around Mount Hood and the above photo gives some idea of what we encountered. There was time for the odd photo opportunity and an occasional stop was very welcome.

Of course, once we had reached the summit, we had an awesome downhill descent to about 2750 feet

before starting the climb all over againand again and again - you get the idea..

At some point during the ride, I passed through the 45th Parallel and by this time, the heat was a lot more  like the equator than the North Pole.

And there was even some historical education along the way!!!

After the second SAG stop (and there were still some riders beheind me Yaaaaaay!!!) I came upon the cute moment of the day, a stallion and mare guarding their foal in the middle of the road.  The good news is that they eventually went off into the nearby field

By this time it was getting seriously hot and my cycle computer was showing temperatures up to 103.   I don't think it was really as high as that but even the breeze on a 30 mph downhill ride was warm.  I finally got to our hotel after 7 hours in the saddle and having consumed about  7 pints of water and gatorade to find that the steepest gradient of the day was the road up to it.  Thanks a bunch.  'Only'  61 miles and 3350 feet of climbing tomorrow so the van is not being loaded till after 7am.

Today's stats

Distance - 65.3 miles

Time in saddle - 7 hours

Climbing - 5150 feet

Average Speed - 9.3 mph

St Helens to Welches.

First of all, many thanks for the messages of support, they are very much appreciated. Today was a bit more like it. When we did the route rap last night it was suggested that the slower cyclists set off a bit earlier as the last 33 miles was all climbing.

Actually, it didn't turn out to be as severe as it looks. They said they would have the van ready for loading at 5.45 am so, having taken the broad hint, Peden was second in line, early to trough and out on the road by 6.10am with bare arms unlike most of the others who had jackets and arm/leg warmers. In fact although it was in the low 50's F, by the time I arrived it was in the high 70's.  Only 4 people got past me by SAG stop 1 and at the second at the 40 mile mark, I was in about 6th having averaged 14mph. It had been a good and interesting run.  We cycled over, then along by the Columbia river, where a good number of people have permanent homes on the water.

We passed Portland Airport where the staff there remembered me and put out a sign to welcome me as I was passing.  How thoughtful!!!

We carried on and I discovered that some towns we passed through were less interesting than others!!!!

As we began to climb towards Mount Hood, we began to get a taster of what to expect over the next couple of days and it isn't going to be flat, that is for sure.  In case you didn't guess, this is Mt Hood which is 11,240 feet high.  I am rather glad that we are going around it!!

If you look closely, you will see that I am wearing a badge with my name on in case I forget who I am. 

I finally arrived in Welches with less than half the group in front of me so I was well chuffed that so many hadn't managed to catch me up.  Our hotel, called The Resort at the Mountain, is very very nice indeed and definitely 4 * standard.  We are eating out at a local Chinese restaurant tonight so I am looking forward to that and an early night.

Today's stats.

Distance covered - 76 miles

Climbing - 3250 feet

Time in saddle - 6hrs 20 mins

Average speed  - 12 mph (Official category for the benefit of Mr Rhind is - No Bad)

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.

Tell Me Astoria

I am delighted to say that I and my bicycle arrived in Portland unscathed some after 11hrs 30 mins in the air and several hours of hanging about in Newcastle and Schiphol airports. I watched the baggage handlers at Newcastle gently place my bike in the hold so was much relieved by that. The Cyclists Touring Club big poly bag certainly did the trick. The 10hr flight from Schiphol by Delta was pretty good with leather seats and plenty of legroom. I was then picked up by my Cousin Moira and husband Roger and taken to Dallas where I was treated to the most glorious piece of steak. There might have been some wine and whisky involved as well!!! After 26hrs 30 mins of being awake I almost succumbed to sleep whilst in the middle of a conversation.

Their garden is a haven for wildlife as can be seen by the red squirrel.  Roger tells me that the reds chase the greys away which is most unusual

I also had a visit from another Cousin Jim Peden and his wife Marilyn whom I have not seen for 38 years and who live in L.A.  I did some cycling the next two mornings and today,(Sunday here), Roger drove me the 130 miles to Astoria where I did another 30 miles to the Pacific and back.  I think someone must have put a balloon under my jacket, honest!  Anyway, I made it back just in time for the day's input by the ABB team and to meet my roomie, Ken Daub.  I am please to say that he hasn't shown me his tickling stick yet!!
It was a very interesting input which lasted from 3pm to 7pm including dinner.  10pm bedtime tonight and up at 6am for packing the van and breakfast followed by 69 miles and 3000 feet of climbing.

The End Of The Beginning

265 miles this week including some big hills en-route to Vindolanda and back.
Now, when I re-read my last post and I said that I did part of the Cyclone route backwards........... Just in case of any misunderstandings, I meant that I did the route in reverse. But of course, you all knew that, didn't you? We had a bit of a family get together on Sunday involving rain and a barbecue. Well, this is the Northeast after all. Many thanks to Ian who wafted the charcoal back into life. I was the only one drinking alcohol so I made up for the other 9 and felt a bit rough this a.m. I forced myself onto the saddle (so to speak) and did a brisk 25 miles, being overtaken by the obligatory pensioner on Berwick Hill Road, just to finish off my training by filling me with confidence. Bastard!
I then spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the bike and putting new tyres on. Thanks to Mr Perry for the Spa Cycles video as I got the tyres on without resorting to tools. Nice one. The airline requires that I remove the pedals and could I hell get the bloody things off. Fortunately, that nice mechanic at the cycle shop said he would sort them for me tomorrow.
Due to the Pound's slide against the dollar, I have been forced to opt for a triple room on the trip due to the cost. Members of my family have suggested that I may be sharing with the American equivalents of Julian Clary and Dale Winton. Note to self - hide the udder cream!!!
So folks, that is it until next Monday. I seem to be suffering from a mixture of excitement and fear. Fingers crossed that the bike arrives in one piece and that those nice people at KLM think that I might be Suitable For Upgrade.
Bye for now.

Good, Bad and Very Very Sad

250 miles completed this week over 5 straight days including doing part of the Cyclone route backwards.  That is when I discovered that I had cycled up a couple of 1 in 6 gradients as I could see the sign when going the other way.  it was just as hilly in reverse though.  When I turned the corner at Scots Gap, I was hitting 26mph along the stretch to Morpeth which was rather satisfying.
I did the same route  a few days later but had no strength in my legs at all and really had to push myself to complete the circuit

Monday was a particularly sad day as I attended my Brother's Wife's funeral in Dundee.  Avril was taken from us with cancer so it makes my trip and attempt to raise money for my local hospice even more meaningful.

My case is mostly packed and I think I have everything I need so there will be one more update before I fly

http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Peden