Astoria, OR to Longview, WA -- 53 miles

Well, the toe doesn't hurt as much today as it did last night, so things are looking up.
The day started with the packing of the trailer with all 24 huge, heavy bags....the trailer is packed to the gills, so there is a method to the madness of packing...most likely within the next couple of days I might figure out what it is...
All the riders were anxious to get on the road and all were gone by 9:30 am.

There were several errands that had to be completed today, so after a short ride, I came back to the hotel, got the support vehicle and set out to accomplish my missions. A quick visit to Bikes & Beyond and COSTCO and my missions were complete as of 12 noon. I was even able to rescue 2 PB&Js from room 105 of the Lamplighter Motel before they became victims of the check out police!

I drove the support vehicle to Longview, WA and arrived at the Quality Inn, 723 7th Ave., Longview, OR, making only a couple of wrong turns.Upon arrival in Washington State as per the directions, I realized that 7th Ave. didn't cross Tennant Way, but I soon deduced that if I turned down [which means make a left to those who don't understand Judy Speak] 11th Ave. and went around the block [again this means square the block by making rights] I could get to the hotel parking lot. Some things are so near, yet sooo far! To think I used to be a trained investigator!

On the way to the hotel I passed all of the riders, gave a friendly honk and wave but nobody patted their helmets in the international cyclist sign of distress, so I was free to continue my driving adventure. Although nobody needed me, I was able to deliver the long lost PB&Js to their rightful owners!

Jeff and Sue M., Merle & Susan V. and Hewes A. pose for a picture while taking a short break before the big climb.

Jessie A., Frank H., John & Joann D., and Dan K. also pose for a picture while taking a break before the big climb.

After arrival at the hotel I was able to get back on my bicycle and take another ride around Longview, WA. Interesting town, but alas my camera battery died so I didn't get any pictures -- problably should have recharged it but with so many electronic devices one has to prioritize which items get recharged at one time, and obviously I prioritized poorly.
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I again found something weird in my travels, so I thought I would share...Could this be what has gotten Landis and company in trouble? If you read the label closely it gives instructions on how to warm the contents to 98.6 -- hummmm...Who said all the weird is in NYC?

The Map Meeting/Happy Hour was held in the Breakfast Room beginning at 5 pm. The hosts for the meeting were Cynthia and Steve H.. They did a wonderful job and surprised us with fresh cantelope slices and Almond candies. Tomorrow's route was discussed in detail to make sure that there would be no confusion tomorrow finding the hotel.
Dinner choices were limited so a group [Merle and Susan V., Jim and Vicki; John & Joann, Rich/Rick, Marnie, Dan K., Frank H., Bill K., and me plus a couple of others who I am still trying to learn their names] of us walked about a half a mile to Pie@Trios Pizzeria. We kind of broke into groups and split pies...our eyes were bigger than our stomachs and there were plenty of leftovers.

Tomorrow we are onto Portland, OR.

Astoria, OR to Seaside, OR Loop Ride - 34 miles

Today is a loop ride from Astoria, OR to Seaside, OR and back to Astoria, OR. It is a great way to get into the swing of things and also make sure that the bicycles are working properly and if not, then having the opportunity to get the tuned up before we head out from civilization. My roommate Marnie and I have ridden this section of road before. Both of us were on the Pacific Coast Ride last July (2010).

 Marnie poses for the camera as we take a short break on the way to Seaside, OR.

 Marnie fixes her second flat in as many days! :-(

 Arrival in Seaside, OR

 I pose for a picture at the End of the Lewis & Clark Trail in Seaside, OR.

 While waiting for the rest of the group to gather, I met a beautiful Newfoundland named Nora who was enjoying a day at the beach in Seaside, OR.

 The things people will do to make a buck. This kid is all dressed in silver and covered in silver makeup--he calls himself the Northwest Tin Man--and he performs 'popping and locking' for tips.

 The X-C Group gathers for a photo at the Pacific Ocean, at the end of the Lewis & Clark Trail.

 Bike shops are like drugs to many cyclists...can't pass one without stopping in and most likely buying something.

 Marnie and I make a triumphant return to Astoria, OR. and take a celebratory photo!

Triumphant return became klutzy as I managed to 'stub' my toe in the motel parking lot...hurt like heck when I did it and I knew that I had most likely broken it. I am still able to walk but it hurts and as my roommate the nurse said, "Just let it hurt for a little bit...there isn't really anything that can be done for it."

The evening "Map Meeting/Happy Hour" was hosted by the Millers and they were wonderful hosts. They augmented the ususal variety of munchies with some delectable smoked salmon. [I was told it was delicious, but I don't east salmon--I didn't want anyone to think that my boo-boo to my toe had any life altering effects to my eating habits! :-) Bill K. told a couple of "True Stories?" that were quite entertaining.

After the meeting was over people sort of went their own way for dinner and I ended up at the Wet Dog Brewery, located at 144 11th St, Astoria, OR. It is just down the street from Bike and Beyond, (another bike shop visited and money spent). I was joined for dinner by Marnie R., Bill K., Jessie A., and Rich/Rick. The beer was cold and the conversation was entertaining.

Tomorrow we head east and begin our journey to Jacksonville, Florida!

The Group Is All Together...

Even though today was not a riding day...it went by fast and the the rest of the group had arrived by early afternoon. The rest of the day was consumed with putting bicycles together and conducting test rides to make sure all was working properly.

During a short ride around Astoria I stopped at the Doughboy Monument, which was not far from the hotel. Although the display is small it was very interesting and nice to see.

 The Doughboy Monument's statue is quite detailed. 

 After test rides and assembly were done, all group participants attended the introductory group meeting...route rap...happy hour; but before that meeting to start there were preparations that needed to be done... Bill K joined in the preparations dicing cheese cubes for inclusion on the noshie trays.... 

 One of the trays of noshies just prior to serving...

 After the map meeting/happy hour all participants walked over to the El Tapatio Restaurant for dinner.

 The group prepares to order their dinner.

 The stragglers from dinner pose in front of the restaurant for a photo before returning to the hotel.

As the group enjoyed their dinner in the restaurant; another meeting was taking place next door...

Tomorrow we start our trek across the United States of America!

The Adventure Has Begun!

After an arduous train ride from Jacksonville, Florida to Dyer, Indiana; I have finally arrived in Astoria, Oregon! The train ride was extremely long...hampered by track problems, schedule delays and the train also hit a person outside of Cincinatti, Ohio. I doubt I will ever travel the rails again to see our great country...I will spend the money and fly. BTW it is very hard to see the countryside in the middle of the night when it is pitch black outside.
My roommate has also arrived; so the adventure is beginning! I met Marnie Rawles on the Pacific Coast Ride I was on last summer. We should have a great time this summer as well. Slowly but surely the other riders are showing up. We are staying at the Lamplighter Motel, 131 W. Marine Drive, Astoria, OR. I am in Room 103.

As we waited for more people to arrive, Marnie, her friend Diana and myself went to the "Astoria Column" which is located on the top of the hillside and offers a panoramic view of the City of Astoria and also the meeting of the Columbia River, the Lewis & Clark River and the Young River. What an awesome sight! The Astoria Column is a tower which contains 163 steps which you can climb to get to the viewing deck at the top. All of us climbed the tower, but Marnie flew up the stairs without out even breaking a sweat. Diana and I took a leisurely pace up to the top. I have to say the view was worth the climb.

Close up of the Astoria Column

 The Astoria Column which contains 163 steps to the viewing deck on top.

 View # 1 Bridge

 View # 2 Rivers

 View # 3 More Rivers

 View # 4 Even More River

 View # 5 Look at the tanker barges just lined up like ducks in a row!

Tonight, June 2, 2011, 10 of us went to diner at "Drina Daisy Bosnian Restaurant", 915 Commerical Street in downtown Astoria. The food was delicious. It was like being back in Sarajevo...As usual, being the carnivore that I am, I had the spring lamb...it was marvelous! Just take a look at one of the meals that was served...yummy! I didn't have time to take a picture of my meal...I ate it too fast! :-)

Tomorrow the rest of the riders will arrive and final preparations will be made before we start our loop ride to Seaside, Oregon on Saturday, June 4, 2011.

The Adventure Begins!

May 28, 2011 -- Jacksonville, Florida
Well, the day is finally here. I am boarding the train to begin the trip out west to meet up with the other riders participating in the epic journey across our great nation.
Although the actual bicycle ride doesn't begin for a few more days, my adventure starts today!
I am taking the train from Jacksonville, FL to Dyer, IL to meet up with the Tour Leader and the support vehicle to assist with the driving out to Astoria, OR. The train trip will take 2 days as there is no direct route to Chicago, IL. The train (98 Silver Meteor) will travel north along the Eastern Seaboard to our nation's capital, Washington, DC where I will have to change trains (51 Cardinal) to head west to Chicago. The first leg is about 14 hours long and the second is about 22 hours. I arrive in Dyer, IN at 8:27 am on May 30, 2011.
I am looking forward to seeing the countryside as the train rolls along. Hopefully the weather will be clear so that I can see the sights!
I am going to attempt to take some pictures and post them to this blog along the way if I can ever figure out how to hook up the camera so I can download the pictures.
Beginning a chapter of my life is exciting and scary at the same time...but I think it is just what I need.
I will do my best to make this story interesting. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures.

Two Weeks 2Go!

I have arrived in Key West, FL for my much anticipated vacation prior to beginning my cross country adventure.

The weather was a little iffy as I drive down from Virginia all the way through Florida until I crossed the Seven Mile Bridge when the clouds parted and the sun made it's long awaited appearance.

Now that I am settled in, I am looking forward to the morning for my first of hopefully many rides in the Keys to loosen up the legs before the "Big" ride!

The Adventure is Fast Approaching

With only days to go until retirement; my spirits are high and I am psyched to be beginning a new chapter of my life.

The new chapter begins with providing to support to the men and women of Law Enforcement United; law enforcement officers who will pedal their bicycles from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Brunswick, Georgia to Washington, D.C. in honor of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The trek begins on May 1, 2011 and over the course of the next 8 days, riders will pedal about 100 miles a day to honor those who have given their lives protecting this country. There will be memorials at various places along the route before the trip stops in Virginia Beach, Virginia where the LEU FLETC Long Riders will join with the rest if the Law Enforcement United Riders for the ride to Washington, D.C.. All will arrive in time for the Police Week activities and the Candlelight Vigil.