The Quest

A site for Capturing quests for action, fun and interesting things. Bicycling, Bike touring, Mountain Climbing, Hiking, Ocean waves, Kayaking, Photography and Media Arts included.

Hello, I’m DJ and throughout May and June 2022, I toured the California and Oregon by bicycle. I documented my progress, experiences and images in the blog here and through videos published on YouTube.

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  Day 39 – Bicycle Touring Fort Stevens SP to Home. Completed, Long ride, Astoria and PortlandJune 23, 2022

  A big ride today, over 100 miles to reach home. I got up early at 6:30, ate and packed everything I could in the protection of the tent. The second I got out those mosquitoes would seek me out to get their meal. I must have the gene that gives a scent of attraction to them. Everyone else in the camps don’t seem as bothered by them like I am.

  I got out and was quite efficient loading up the bicycle. Though, I must have looked like a lunatic to my camp mate that came out to talk. I never stopped walking and pacing in an attempt to out “Run” the mosquitoes. It probably worked, but I still got bit at least 5 times. I said good bye and rushed out, equally as much to get my long ride started as to get away from those mosquitoes.

  The winds were fairly calm but my pace and conditions were to my liking. When passing the Warrenton grade school, a large bull elk was grazing in the track field. I stopped to get a picture and noticed another at the far end. The previous evening I saw a cow elk in the state park. I spotted three deer on my ride home today. There number of animals I spotted on my trip was great to see. Unfortunately, no bear this time.

  

  

  My main goal for today was to make it home. Therefore, I was going to limit my stopping time and keep on top of my food intake from the start. I was still able to get some nice shots with my limited stop times.

  The winds continued to support my long ride goal. There were quite a few climbs in the first half of the distance. Once these were behind me, the pace picked up and I was cruising. By the end, I had a moving average of 12.8 mph. This is quite fast for loaded touring and the fastest average for my whole tour. Even with that, it took me 10 and a half hours to complete, with 8 hours 19 minutes of peddling.

  

  When I got to Astoria, I chose to ride the waterfront trail instead of downtown. I’m glad I took this route as there were many new things I haven’t seen before.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  I was tired when I got home, but not exhausted. The ride wasn’t quite as difficult as I had expected. This is okay with me. Today, I celebrate my achievement and experience of this tour. For tomorrow, no riding!

  Ride summary: 8/10 difficulty, 107 miles with 4158 feet of climbing. Mostly sunny with warm temperature. Mild to medium tailwinds which was a great boost. Today’s ride detailed GPS. Tour totals: 1947 miles (50 / day). 109,023 climbing feet.

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