Coast to Coast First Leg
Manzanita to Portland
19.05.2011 - 19.05.2011
On May 19 I completed the first leg of the coast to coast ride. Gary Seelig, my winter cycling partner, and I completed the ride from Manzanita to Portland---110 miles. We began the ride at the Manzanita beach shortly after 6:00 AM. No, I didn’t dip my wheels in the Pacific; however, we were within yards of the surf. For the next two hours we enjoyed the beautiful Oregon coast as we road south on Highway 101. About 25 miles later, in the small community of Bay City, we stopped for a protein/carbo loaded breakfast in a small eco-friendly café with friendly people and good food. Our first mistake of the day---we spent too much time enjoying a relaxed breakfast. It was easy for us to forget the long day of riding ahead.
Once back on the road, we began a long gradual climb of the Coast Range Mountains to a low pass of only 1600 feet---nothing compared to what is ahead. Highway 6 led us through the beautiful winding Wilson River canyon. The canyon walls are mostly rock with numerous small water falls and the wonderful Wilson River flowing at our side. No wild life on this ride, however, we did notice that turkey vultures seemed to be constantly circling above. Gary suggested that we keep our stops short.
We were both surprised at the ease of this up hill ride. Much easier than either of us anticipated. Only the last 5 or 6 miles to the pass caused us to shift to our lowest gears—love those lower gears. We rewarded ourselves with a fresh orange break at the pass before beginning the rapid drop down to the Willamette Valley.
At a small store at Glenwood we stopped to refill water bottles and buy some salted nuts. While there we learned that Dave Moss had been there earlier in the day watching for us to come down the highway---sorry Dave, we arrived about 2 hours after your departure. We heard at the store that Dave purchased a Corn Dog---Dave reports that it was a turkey sandwich---I will go with the turkey sandwich story---much more in character.
From that point on we rode relatively flat highways on into Beaverton and then on to Lake Oswego on the south edge of Portland.
All in all, a great day and a great ride. At the end of the ride, Melinda, Gary’s life partner, asked “What did you learn today?” My response “Two things. First, I need to take a bath in sun block before each day’s ride and again at lunch time.” I was surprised at the amount of skin that is exposed once one strips off all the clothing that one can while still cycling in public. “Second, I need to discipline myself to eat something during the day’s ride.” What I have experienced is that I don’t get hungry when on a long ride.
As I said, the first leg ride was great and gives me confidence that I am now ready to begin the official Portland to Portland ride on June 6. A final thought:
Riding the beautiful
valley highways, thankful for
those who drive with lights.
Posted by MusgoMonkEnt 21.05.2011 11:58
I notice on the map about midway between Bay City and Portland that you passed through the small community of Idiotville. What can we suppose is the significance of that little omen?
22.05.2011 by MusgoMonkEnt