May 30, 2005

Flats, Flats, and More Flats

We experienced our first rain during the night and through the AM. Breaking camp in the rain was interesting. Riding through the prettiest part of the Old Columbia River Highway in the rain made the scenic ride mostly a waste. Due to wet roads caution caused us to go really slow on the descent.

Before we left we went to a country store to get some snacks and water from a dispenser and were refused the water. The guy in the store actually blocked our path to the dispenser as if we were going to steal his water. Nick’s comment: “What do you expect in Corbett, WA where they only go to school four days a week.”

Meet my new friends!

After the old highway the only way to go is I-84. Yes the same I-84 that goes through Southington. We had twenty-five to thirty mile an hour tail winds from that time on, traveling on fairly flat terrain which makes for some fairly fast cycling when you throw in the artificial tail winds from the 18 wheelers and motor homes flying by at 60 to 79 miles an hour. The road noise was very loud and constant.

Multnomah Falls

We would have made great time to Maryhill State Park in Wishram were it not for the five flats we had. Nick had one and I had four. My rear tire is shot and I had to give it an inside patch to finish the day. I was carrying three tubes and Nick two. Two of my tubes were trashed and I finished the day with one of Nicks. After fixing the flat ones in camp we each have one spare (but I owe Nick a tube). There are a couple of bike shops in two days ride and we’ll get some more there. I brought one spare tire and will replace the patched one in the AM. I’ll also pick up another tire.

I-84 in Washington - Tunnel Ahead.  How may exits to Exit 32, Queen St, Southington, CT?

Even though we averaged 15.8 MPH for a 89.5 mile ride, we didn’t get into camp until 6:30 PM.

“Camp” now there’s an overstatement. We are staying the night in my brother in law, Sandy’s diesel pusher motor home. Barbara had a pasta meal waiting for us after we got cleaned up. “Mighty tasty!”

We spent most of the evening chatting while sorting out and repacking our gear. A lot of stuff was wet from the morning and had to be hung out to dry.

It’s eleven PM, way past sack time.

Highest elevation: 873 ft. Lowest elevation: 30 ft:

Jim

© 2005 - JNS