Spent the night at the Crest Motel. Had packed up the trailer last night so that everything was ready to go. Every year I say that I will back less and make the trailer lighter. I had never weighed everything before and thought that I would this year. My bike weighed in at 34.6 pounds, the empty trailer is 20.4 pounds and the gear I am hauling is 63.6 pounds. Total weight I am hauling this year is close to 400 pounds. It sure would be easier if it was closer to 300.
Headed off from the motel to meet up with my wife Nancy for breakfast at the Astoria Coffee House. We have eaten here before and the food is very good. Said goodbye to Nancy and I was officially off. Rode down the Astoria Riverwalk, at 11th street it is a wooden dock with the trolley tracks running down the middle. Because of the tracks riding is slow, but the views are worth it. Headed south and then cut west to get to the Fort Clatsop road. This is a side route and keeps you off of 101 for about 20 miles. The down side to this alternate route is that you do gain one extra hill to climb.
I was about thirteen miles into the ride when I felt the rear tire going flat. Pulled off to the side and found a slice in the tire. The tube was not sliced but rather seemed to have the wear associated with protruding through the hole. Replaced the tire and patched the tube and I was on my way again.
Over the hill and down into Seaside. Stopped at the Prom bike shop to get a spare tire, then I was off down the Seaside Promenade. Last year the annual volleyball tournament was occurring and the Prom was 'packed'. Through Seaside and back onto Hwy 101. Passed the Hwy 26 junction and then the climb of hill two began. My hear rate was running higher than normal and climbing seemed a little more difficult.
Topped the hill then down into Cannon Beach. Traffic here is bumper to bumper and it is best to just take the lane and stay with the flow (especially with a trailer). Still full from the breakfast, did not stop to get lunch, I had trail mix and beef jerky to sustain me if I needed it. Leaving Cannon Beach you have just a few miles on Hwy 101 until you reach one of the two tunnels on the Oregon Coast. Good spot to rest, there is a light for bicyclists to activate before entering the tunnel and you can see back down the road for some distance. Wait for break in traffic, hit the button and go! I really don't like tunnel riding that much.
Hill climb through the tunnel and and then some, this is the biggest climb of the day. Down hill to Oswald West State Park (no camping allowed here any more). Stopped here to refill my water bottles and take a rest as this is the valley between the two big hills of the day. Off again and climbing, reached the top, stopped at the view point to enjoy a brief rest and met a cyclist (Mark) just doing a day ride out of Cannon Beach. 101 at these view points really do not have any shoulder and you are still climbing a bit. Finally down hill to Manzanita.
I was doing about 30mph, constantly checking my mirror for traffic coming up behind. Hit something and my rear tire blew, instant flat. I was able to maintain control and get off the highway. Did not see any damage to the tire, replaced the tube as it would not hold enough air to even check for a hole. Once the tire was filled, I did see a small spot where something penatrated the tire, but the tire still looked good.
Into Manzanita, stopped at the Little Apple market and deli. Picked up chocolate milk, soda and a huge sandwich. I was off the the camp ground. Checked in, picked my site and got everything setup. No one else was here, this was a first. While eating my dinner anther couple came in to the Hiker/biker area. Rielly and Amy from Seattle. Talked to them for a bit. They had driven down to Warrenton and had started their ride from there. They shared some of the taffey they had picked up in Cannon Beach. I am sure I will see them tomorrow, for now it is time to get some much deserved sleep.
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