I usually do the STP every year. It is just one of the those rides that I like to do. I don't really care for the number of cyclists, it always seems so crowded. But Nancy and I alway make July vacation around the STP. We camp for two weeks in central/western Washington which means we have our trailer with us in Chehalis for the mid-point stop. This makes for a more comfortable over night than a crowded gym floor.
This year I have joined Team In Training (TNT), which is a fund raising group for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I have selected to join with TNT this year in support of my wife Nancy. On January 31, 2012 Nancy was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma cancer. Please take a look at my TNT donation page and help if you can. All donations are greatly apprecated no matter how big or how small.
To donate click on this post's title or see the TNT widget on the right.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Training for Oregon Coast Ride 2012
I will be attempting the Oregon Coast Ride again this summer. This year I will be doing the ride in mid August. This will give me more time to get back into shape, as I have gained a few pounds from not riding as much as usual.
I have already started training on my new Proform Le Tour De France stationary bicycle. I have signed up for a few long distance bike rides in preparation for the coast ride. This year might be a little tougher getting ready as things in my personal life are taking more of my time each day. But I know that this is something that I really want to do, it is on my 'bucket list'. I know most cyclists have to find the time to train and ride, so I will just have to arrange my time so that I will be able to accomplish the ride this year.
I have already started training on my new Proform Le Tour De France stationary bicycle. I have signed up for a few long distance bike rides in preparation for the coast ride. This year might be a little tougher getting ready as things in my personal life are taking more of my time each day. But I know that this is something that I really want to do, it is on my 'bucket list'. I know most cyclists have to find the time to train and ride, so I will just have to arrange my time so that I will be able to accomplish the ride this year.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Review: Oregon Coast Solo Trip
Did not complete the ride as I had planned. Actually only made 2 1/2 days. Don't know why my knees were bothering me so much on this ride. I had done the Gorge ride two weeks earlier with no issues at all, same bike, same trailer and basically the same gear. Maybe I need to do more training.
So I am planning for the same ride again next year. This is on my bucket list so it is really something that I want to complete. Somethings I am thinking of doing differently.
So I am planning for the same ride again next year. This is on my bucket list so it is really something that I want to complete. Somethings I am thinking of doing differently.
- Don't start with an 80 mile ride on day one.
- Plan for 40-50 days to allow for more time to sight see and enjoy the ride.
- Plan camp sites to be closer to cities or shortly after.
- Make sure bike is complete tuned, go over everything.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day Three: Oregon Coast Solo Trip
Woke at a decent time this morning. Had everything packed and was on the road by 8:30. Stopped at Hill Top restaurant for breakfast, french toast, eggs and sausage, the french toast was very good. Back on the road about 9:30, Day was overcast with some breaks, but no moisture.
My knee is really bad today, every pedal stroke is an effort. Don't known what is wrong, I have a sharp pain under the knee cap. Want to finish this ride, been planned for a long time, but if things don't get better.....
Leaving Lincoln City via Hwy 101, traffic was not to bad and the shoulder was a decent width. Stopped at Boiler Bay and ate a couple of packets of the apple slices I purchased last night. Rode through Depoe Bay and on to Otter Crest Loop. The Otter Crest Loop is a nice alternative to Hwy 101, The scenery is great along this route and traffic is very low. The first section is uphill but is one way with a bike lane. There are multiple pull outs for views and taking pictures. At the Otter Crest State wayside, the road becomes two way and the bike lane ends, but it is all down hill to Otter Rock. Leaving Otter Rock we return to Hwy 101, higher traffic rates, but a wide shoulder.
Shortly after entering Newport the Bike Route leaves Hwy 101 and goes on Oceanview drive. This keeps us off Hwy 101 through Newport as this portion is two lanes with no shoulder or bike lane. This is a nice residential rode with light traffic, but has a few minor hills.
As I was winding through the neighbor hoods and the old area of Newport it became apparent that I was not going to be able complete my intended route today. I stopped at the Whaler hotel to get a room for the night. Called Nancy to let her know that I had to abandon the ride.
Well I was hoping to have more post and to complete the ride, but the issue with my knees was not improving and I decided it was better to abandon than to risk possibly further injury to my knees.
My knee is really bad today, every pedal stroke is an effort. Don't known what is wrong, I have a sharp pain under the knee cap. Want to finish this ride, been planned for a long time, but if things don't get better.....
Leaving Lincoln City via Hwy 101, traffic was not to bad and the shoulder was a decent width. Stopped at Boiler Bay and ate a couple of packets of the apple slices I purchased last night. Rode through Depoe Bay and on to Otter Crest Loop. The Otter Crest Loop is a nice alternative to Hwy 101, The scenery is great along this route and traffic is very low. The first section is uphill but is one way with a bike lane. There are multiple pull outs for views and taking pictures. At the Otter Crest State wayside, the road becomes two way and the bike lane ends, but it is all down hill to Otter Rock. Leaving Otter Rock we return to Hwy 101, higher traffic rates, but a wide shoulder.
Shortly after entering Newport the Bike Route leaves Hwy 101 and goes on Oceanview drive. This keeps us off Hwy 101 through Newport as this portion is two lanes with no shoulder or bike lane. This is a nice residential rode with light traffic, but has a few minor hills.
As I was winding through the neighbor hoods and the old area of Newport it became apparent that I was not going to be able complete my intended route today. I stopped at the Whaler hotel to get a room for the night. Called Nancy to let her know that I had to abandon the ride.
Well I was hoping to have more post and to complete the ride, but the issue with my knees was not improving and I decided it was better to abandon than to risk possibly further injury to my knees.
Day Two: Oregon Coast Solo Trip
Slept later than usual (no dogs this morning to wake me up). A little sore from yesterday, moving slow this morning. No place for breakfast this morning, had some beef jerky instead. The ride this morning starts out with the biggest hill climb on the route.
Rained most of the night, but was light enough to get everything packed up fairly dry. Had a light mist as I began the ride. 1000+ feet of climbing over 2 1/2 miles. The road was always climbing, sometimes 1 or 2 % other felt like 10 or 11%. I will have to wait to see when I download my GPS. Took my jacket off part way up, it was cool but I was generating too much heat. I was about a mile into the climb and noticed that something was rubbing on the back tire. Appeared to be the rear fender, finally got it adjusted so that it was no rubbing. Reached the top, put my jacket back on for the downhill ride.
The downhill was nice, "the payoff after the climb". Towards the end of the downhill there are some nice views of the dunes, this is the Sand Lake recreation area. Heard some off road vehicles but never saw them. Right turn onto Sand Lake road and the ride into Pacific City.
Stopped to the Pelican Brew Pub for lunch, this was my planned breakfast stop. Another rider, Steve, that I had seen at the hiker-biker camp at Cape Lookout was already there. Ordered a bowl of chili and a side Caesar. Talked to Steve for a bit, found out he was doing the same ride but had started from Astoria on Saturday. Steve said he was riding to Newport that day, so I would not likely see him again that day. But as we are traveling the same route with the same planned end date, I would likely see him again in the coming days.
After lunch it was a few miles on Hwy 101 then onto old Hwy 101 to Otis. This is a longer route but a gentler grade, less traffic and through an old growth forest. Just as I started this portion the rain came back as a heavy drizzle. I was wearing my wind breaker and thought it would suffice. I was soaked after about ten minutes, no reason to change clothes now. Despite the rain thus was a beautiful section of road to ride.
At Otis turned onto Hwy 18 which soon became Hwy 101, moderately heavy traffic. A few miles later a left turn on to East Devils Lake road. This road is a nice alternate around Lincoln city and the high traffic on Hwy 101. East Devils Lake road is all rollers with some steep hill climbs, misjudged one of these and actually had to stop because I was in the wrong gear
Made it to the camp ground around 5:30. I was debating getting a hotel but ended up sticking to my plan and camping. Got everything setup and headed out for dinner. Went to the Mcmenamins Lighthouse pub. They had sturgeon fish and chips. It was the first time I had sturgeon, it was very good, no fishy taste at all.
Tomorrow may be a challenge as my left knee has been bothering me since the start and the tennis elbow that I developed last week is not helping things. Plan to stick with the ride until my body says quit.
Rained most of the night, but was light enough to get everything packed up fairly dry. Had a light mist as I began the ride. 1000+ feet of climbing over 2 1/2 miles. The road was always climbing, sometimes 1 or 2 % other felt like 10 or 11%. I will have to wait to see when I download my GPS. Took my jacket off part way up, it was cool but I was generating too much heat. I was about a mile into the climb and noticed that something was rubbing on the back tire. Appeared to be the rear fender, finally got it adjusted so that it was no rubbing. Reached the top, put my jacket back on for the downhill ride.
The downhill was nice, "the payoff after the climb". Towards the end of the downhill there are some nice views of the dunes, this is the Sand Lake recreation area. Heard some off road vehicles but never saw them. Right turn onto Sand Lake road and the ride into Pacific City.
Stopped to the Pelican Brew Pub for lunch, this was my planned breakfast stop. Another rider, Steve, that I had seen at the hiker-biker camp at Cape Lookout was already there. Ordered a bowl of chili and a side Caesar. Talked to Steve for a bit, found out he was doing the same ride but had started from Astoria on Saturday. Steve said he was riding to Newport that day, so I would not likely see him again that day. But as we are traveling the same route with the same planned end date, I would likely see him again in the coming days.
After lunch it was a few miles on Hwy 101 then onto old Hwy 101 to Otis. This is a longer route but a gentler grade, less traffic and through an old growth forest. Just as I started this portion the rain came back as a heavy drizzle. I was wearing my wind breaker and thought it would suffice. I was soaked after about ten minutes, no reason to change clothes now. Despite the rain thus was a beautiful section of road to ride.
At Otis turned onto Hwy 18 which soon became Hwy 101, moderately heavy traffic. A few miles later a left turn on to East Devils Lake road. This road is a nice alternate around Lincoln city and the high traffic on Hwy 101. East Devils Lake road is all rollers with some steep hill climbs, misjudged one of these and actually had to stop because I was in the wrong gear
Made it to the camp ground around 5:30. I was debating getting a hotel but ended up sticking to my plan and camping. Got everything setup and headed out for dinner. Went to the Mcmenamins Lighthouse pub. They had sturgeon fish and chips. It was the first time I had sturgeon, it was very good, no fishy taste at all.
Tomorrow may be a challenge as my left knee has been bothering me since the start and the tennis elbow that I developed last week is not helping things. Plan to stick with the ride until my body says quit.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day One: Oregon Coast Solo Trip
Woke up about 6am, the dogs won't let me sleep any later than that. Packed up everything into the trailer, finished getting ready and went over to Buoy Nine for breakfast. Breakfast was four slices of French Toast, sausage patty and coffee. French Toast was large slices of sourdough bread, very good.
The day was overcast but almost 60 degrees. Took the back road through Fort Stevens State Park out to Hwy 101. My map showed a side road from Sunset Beach to Surf Pines. This added a few miles, the road was there but about 1 mile from Sunset Beach it became a gated community. Turned around and went back to the original route.
Saw several other riders some going south some going North. Route through Seaside was along the promenade. It had been a while since I have been to Seaside, it sure has been built up! Back to Hwy 101 and the two large hills before Manzanita. When I had finished those hills I was ready for lunch. Stopped at the Pizza Garden in Nehalem. Very good pizza, I ate almost all of the ten inch pizza I order.
Back on the road it was starting to sprinkle. I stopped at a road side rest area filled me water bottles and put on my wind breaker as it was only a sprinkle and not actual rain. Before reaching Rockaway Beach, I put on my shoe covers. It did not look like it would let up and wet shoes are not fun.
On into Tillamook and the turn towards the Three Capes Scenic Route. The route here heads west then north west, there was a good headwind here. Decided to take the Netarts Hwy alternate route, this saved eight miles. Planned on stopping at Whiskey Creek BBQ, but they had moved. Turned around and headed to Netarts, Yelp showed they had moved to Netarts. Did not see them, stopped at the store to get directions. Picked up a few supplies for tonight. The clerk said that if I wanted better food I would find it at the Schooner. She was right I had a very good seafood pasta dinner and was also able to watch part of the basketball game.
Out into the rain, it had been rain on and off since Nehalem. It was longer to the camp ground than I expected, likely because I was worn out by now. Reached the park, set up the tent and off to the showers. Showers were nice and hot! Since it was still raining there was not much to do but go back to the tent. Called Nancy again, checked the route for tomorrow and wrote the blog. Now time for a good long sleep, no dogs to wake me in the morning. :)
The day was overcast but almost 60 degrees. Took the back road through Fort Stevens State Park out to Hwy 101. My map showed a side road from Sunset Beach to Surf Pines. This added a few miles, the road was there but about 1 mile from Sunset Beach it became a gated community. Turned around and went back to the original route.
Saw several other riders some going south some going North. Route through Seaside was along the promenade. It had been a while since I have been to Seaside, it sure has been built up! Back to Hwy 101 and the two large hills before Manzanita. When I had finished those hills I was ready for lunch. Stopped at the Pizza Garden in Nehalem. Very good pizza, I ate almost all of the ten inch pizza I order.
Back on the road it was starting to sprinkle. I stopped at a road side rest area filled me water bottles and put on my wind breaker as it was only a sprinkle and not actual rain. Before reaching Rockaway Beach, I put on my shoe covers. It did not look like it would let up and wet shoes are not fun.
On into Tillamook and the turn towards the Three Capes Scenic Route. The route here heads west then north west, there was a good headwind here. Decided to take the Netarts Hwy alternate route, this saved eight miles. Planned on stopping at Whiskey Creek BBQ, but they had moved. Turned around and headed to Netarts, Yelp showed they had moved to Netarts. Did not see them, stopped at the store to get directions. Picked up a few supplies for tonight. The clerk said that if I wanted better food I would find it at the Schooner. She was right I had a very good seafood pasta dinner and was also able to watch part of the basketball game.
Out into the rain, it had been rain on and off since Nehalem. It was longer to the camp ground than I expected, likely because I was worn out by now. Reached the park, set up the tent and off to the showers. Showers were nice and hot! Since it was still raining there was not much to do but go back to the tent. Called Nancy again, checked the route for tomorrow and wrote the blog. Now time for a good long sleep, no dogs to wake me in the morning. :)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day Four Columbia Gorge Explorer '11
Morning has come, the final day is here. Packed everything up, seems to get easier each day. Winds appear to still be strong, not the 7-9 mph forecasted.
Today's ride starts on I-84 again. The winds started off strong but died down after about only one mile. Finally off the highway and onto some nice side roads into Cascade Locks. Stopped at Char Burger for breakfast. This Char Burger is not your Portland area Char Burger, it is a full service resturant. Omelet, hashbrowns, sausage, toast and coffee. Stuffed and now time to get back on the road.
Leaving Cascade Locks the route takes us on the the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. This is a nice paved bike/pedestrian pathway, much better than riding I-84. I had left my handlebar bag unsnapped so that it would be easier to get to my camera while on the trail. This was a mistake as I found out when I hit the first of the tree root bumps. Several items fell out including my camera which went straight under my wheels. Note to self: Save the equipment and not time by snapping the bag closed.
The HCRH Trail comes out at the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, then heads up a road marked with a Do Not Enter sign. There is a bikelane on each side of the road which soon turns back into the actual trail. A few hundred feet beyond where it becomes a true trail agin, there is a set of stairs that need to be negoiated. This was a little bit of a challege for me having both a bike and a trailer. I really enjoyed riding this portion of the route, but is was all too soon back on I-84.
After a short duration on I-84 it was back on to the HCRW (Crown Point Hwy). This was also a nice section to ride, with the exception that it was Memorial weekend and the traffic was rather high. At this point it was starting to warm up and I was going through my water rather quickly. Stopped at Horse-tail falls then Multnomah Falls, refilled water bottles here. The climb to Crown Point begins as I leave Multnomah Falls. The road is still good, nice scenery and shade, but still large volumns of traffic. It takes almost an hour to ride the approx. 8 miles to Vista House at Crown Point. My first time here, the views were great. A little rest, more water, a call to Nancy so she could meet me for lunch and I was on my way.
There was still more climbing, but not a lot, then down hill into Corbett, Springdale and finally Troutdale. Saw a few other riders stopped at a cafe for lunch, but I rode on as I was meeting Nancy at the Edgefield for lunch. Arrived at Edgefield and was getting ready to lockup my bike and wait for Nancy to arrive, but she texted me that she just arrived, what good timing. Found her, put my tailer and other gear in the trunk just as it started to sprinkle. Now off the the Powerstation Pub for food and beer.
Actual route and personal riding data
What a trip!!! Very enjoyable, sore legs, saddle sore, worn out and really tired, but I would definately do it again.
A collection of all my photos from the trip.
Thanks to Jim and all the others at VBC and PWTC for putting this together.
Today's ride starts on I-84 again. The winds started off strong but died down after about only one mile. Finally off the highway and onto some nice side roads into Cascade Locks. Stopped at Char Burger for breakfast. This Char Burger is not your Portland area Char Burger, it is a full service resturant. Omelet, hashbrowns, sausage, toast and coffee. Stuffed and now time to get back on the road.
Leaving Cascade Locks the route takes us on the the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. This is a nice paved bike/pedestrian pathway, much better than riding I-84. I had left my handlebar bag unsnapped so that it would be easier to get to my camera while on the trail. This was a mistake as I found out when I hit the first of the tree root bumps. Several items fell out including my camera which went straight under my wheels. Note to self: Save the equipment and not time by snapping the bag closed.
The HCRH Trail comes out at the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, then heads up a road marked with a Do Not Enter sign. There is a bikelane on each side of the road which soon turns back into the actual trail. A few hundred feet beyond where it becomes a true trail agin, there is a set of stairs that need to be negoiated. This was a little bit of a challege for me having both a bike and a trailer. I really enjoyed riding this portion of the route, but is was all too soon back on I-84.
After a short duration on I-84 it was back on to the HCRW (Crown Point Hwy). This was also a nice section to ride, with the exception that it was Memorial weekend and the traffic was rather high. At this point it was starting to warm up and I was going through my water rather quickly. Stopped at Horse-tail falls then Multnomah Falls, refilled water bottles here. The climb to Crown Point begins as I leave Multnomah Falls. The road is still good, nice scenery and shade, but still large volumns of traffic. It takes almost an hour to ride the approx. 8 miles to Vista House at Crown Point. My first time here, the views were great. A little rest, more water, a call to Nancy so she could meet me for lunch and I was on my way.
There was still more climbing, but not a lot, then down hill into Corbett, Springdale and finally Troutdale. Saw a few other riders stopped at a cafe for lunch, but I rode on as I was meeting Nancy at the Edgefield for lunch. Arrived at Edgefield and was getting ready to lockup my bike and wait for Nancy to arrive, but she texted me that she just arrived, what good timing. Found her, put my tailer and other gear in the trunk just as it started to sprinkle. Now off the the Powerstation Pub for food and beer.
Actual route and personal riding data
What a trip!!! Very enjoyable, sore legs, saddle sore, worn out and really tired, but I would definately do it again.
A collection of all my photos from the trip.
Thanks to Jim and all the others at VBC and PWTC for putting this together.
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