Category: Bicycling

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…

I found out that meeting people is a big part of bicycle touring. I was somewhat expecting it, but since I’m an introvert, I figured it wouldn’t be that often. There is a common connection with people traveling the country by Bicycle. On the road, the typical is a friendly wave and a some kind…

I got out of camp what I consider somewhat late at 8:30. But still, I was the third one that was leaving out of the eight that were there. Even after starting my ride I was considering three options for the day. One option was to head directly for Nehalem bay which would be about…

It wasn’t supposed to rain, but about 11:30pm, I heard the familiar sound on the tent. I didn’t put the tarp on when setting it up and was now debating if I should. Since I was awake, I went ahead and installed it. Now I can put it on and stake it down in a…

My stay overnight was nicely concluded with a prepared breakfast and send off from Kevin. Thanks again! From the house, it was overcast, but I didn’t think much about it because the forecast was for no rain. Within 5 minutes after leaving, it started raining. Forecast are much better than they used to be, but…

The rain lightly fell throughout the night and soaked the tent but the contents and myself stayed dry. But like the other day, by the time my ride started, it was partly sunny and nice. I said my goodbyes to my camp mates and wished them a good trans America crossing. I gave them one…

When I woke up I was expecting rain as forecasted. However the forecast was wrong but in a positive way. Not only no rain, but no dew. Everything was dry. What a treat and nice way to start the day. There were no other hiker/bikers in camp with me, but one of the other “normal”…

The rain came in after midnight as forecasted. The tarp addition to the tent was a great success. Everything was dry. Well at least as dry has can be expected in a wet environment. I was in no hurry again because of the planned easy day at 37 miles to the next camp location. So…

I woke up to cooler temperatures and some dew, but overall still okay for shorts and light jacket at start of riding. Before leaving, I talked a little with the couple that came into camp in the evening. They are doing a shorter loop tour in southern Oregon and northern California. They drove down from…

I woke up early as usual to a cool bite in the air. The sun starting to break over the trees as the fog floats over the meadow. The birds are chirping and hummingbirds buzzing around. Overnight, the elk moved into the camping area to bed down. I packed up and got going because I…

I made the most of the morning and hotel stay, by getting more supplies, working on bicycle adjustments and gear organizing. I hit the road just at the mandatory checkout time of 11am. The wind was already blowing directly against my direction of travel (of course). But I’m relaxed, I should have plenty of time…

Like clockwork the rain started around midnight. The giant trees might’ve helped protect the tent a little but it also created huge rain drips that made a heavy plop on the roof of the tent. At times the intensity of the rain increased. I got out my headlight and inspected the tent and to my…

I had a hard time getting what felt like solid sleep. The campground was a bit noisy near Highway 101 and being so close to the restrooms, the door slammed hard shut late into the night. Plus my legs were a little tight from all the days climbing. Nevertheless, I woke up early and was…

I woke up early but was in no rush. My camp mate Brian and I had more conversations including about him trying his new tarp setup for sleeping. He is not convinced yet and is learning towards staying with a tent. A raccoon came and visited him at night, but no harm and he said…

It was warm enough in the tent last night but in the morning the outer surface and some of the inner of the tent was soaking wet with the humid ocean air. It wasn’t from rain it was just in the air. The sun was already out and warm. So I took my time and…

This morning the mosquitoes got their revenge on me from hiding out the previous night in the tent. I had to get out to pack and when I did they attacked. To avoid them as much as possible, I walked around and kept moving while I quickly packed. On today’s ride the terrain went from…

I wasn’t in too much of a hurry to leave camp as I was planning a short 30 mile ride to the next stop. I chatted some more with the couple camping with me and he gave me some tips on a county park if I wanted to go a little bit further for the…

What a contrast from yesterday‘s rain and clouds to now the more typical, clear sunny skies. On paper today’s ride look like a fairly easy 65 mile ride. The elevation profile had a few peaks but was relatively flat. Those flat looking sections were not flat and instead there were many small but steep climbs.…

It’s all fun and games until the rain starts. That was my thought as I heard the rain drops on the tent in the middle of the night. As the humidity rose, the dampness of everything in the tent did as well. By time morning arrived, I came up with a plan. I’d check the…

I woke up early as usual but took my time getting ready. I didn’t seem to be in much of a rush. I think it’s from the previous days experience where it doesn’t do any good to get to the campsite too early or you can’t check in. Even though it was a long ride…