I reached Portland, Oregon, yesterday evening and today I'm taking a well earned rest day and chilling out in the city. I'm super pleased with the last week. I've been running to a tight schedule, but managed to cover the 320km from Vancouver to Seattle in 3 days and the 340km from Seattle to Portland in another 3 days.
Seattle proved to be a mid-point for the week in many ways, not least of which was the weather. I spent the first three days slugging into a strong headwind, which makes it feel like your constantly going uphill as the bike just doesn't freewheel and you have to work to keep the momentum even on small downhills. It also rained! A hell of lot! I made a fortuitous last minute packing decision to throw in some waterproof trousers as they got an outing every day and saved me from the worst of it. For all those who complain about how much it rains in London, it rains much more here - probably about on par with Wales. The difference is though, that in Wales it drizzles a lot, here it just sheets down and it was sheeting down big time when I reached Seattle. What's surprising is despite the rain, there's a big bike culture in Seattle. There's also big hippy culture. There's loads of them. Nobody could give me a definitive answer why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with the fact you can legally grow weed in your back garden there.
Leaving Seattle, the weather was the complete opposite with a gentle tail wind and temperatures in the mid twenties. The road is also ridiculously flat once you get out of the centre and so the first days riding was great. That set the tone for the next couple of days, with glorious sunshine and beautiful countryside. So I cruised on down to Portland, posting my biggest day of 150km to get here on Sunday evening. The main things to note about Portland are:
1) It has even more bikes than Seattle.
2) It has the biggest bookshop in the world
3) For every person in Portland there are three tramps. This is because Oregon treats the homeless better than many other states so it's a bit of a tramp magnet.
Good cycling Ring. You must be almost finished now? Hope your saddle is proving supportive. Guessing your rest day will be appreciated on that front!
ReplyDeleteRemember to do some press ups and get the weight gain down you!
Savage.
Impressive buddy! I'm liking the pictures :) I trust your day of rest was spent on a very comfy sofa.
ReplyDeleteTempted to head back to Oregon and use your waterproof trousers and other high tech clothing to barter your way to becoming Tramp King?
Jim
Or I could just collect some of the roadkill I've found at the side of the road and use that as bartering goods. That would feed the hobos and the ten dogs they each have for ages...
ReplyDeleteSince your waterproof trousers are from your wardrobe, I assume they are pink and crotchless? That probably wouldn't get you much respect in the hobo community
ReplyDeleteconcerning number of photos with small animals in them - I guess your RSPCA restraining order doesn't hold in the States?
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, stay strong, and make sure you're buff for all those Californian girls!
Very jealous (of the cycling/girls...and, ok, small animals),
Geoff
First time I've been able to view all diary & pics properly...keep posting; this is the nearest yr old Ma is likely to get to the California coast, and it's a fantastic way to travel. Without the saddle-sores. Trust you are looking after yourself properly. Loved the pugdog! Mum & Dad xxx
ReplyDeleteHi there, this all looks very professional! An amazing trip for you. Still waiting for the flapjack destination, maybe it will be Sydenham on your return. Take care Ant, love Tess
ReplyDelete