Day 2 - St. Helens to Welches, OR

Today: 76 miles, 3302 feet of climb today

Cumulative: 174 miles and 7368 feet of climb.

The bike path along the Columbia River

Another great day of riding. It was a very easy day for me; much better than yesterday. The weather was overcast and it was cold at the start again. Todays route was on US 30 South to the St. Johns bridge. Then through Portland to the Columbia River bikepath.  The bike path goes out along the river past the airport. Very peaceful and quiet.  And flat. Flat is good. We then went south to US26 East which took us to today's hotel at The Resort At The Mountain.  A nice hotel, as far as I'm concerned. Even the Creative Directors at BBDO would probably like it here.

Joe on the St. Johns bridge. The Steel Bridge, Willamette River, and Portland in the background

These were all familiar roads to me today, from having run them during the Hood to Coast Relay and the Rose City 75 mile ultra. Many memories came back about running here with my running buddies and the miles passed very quickly. I knew where I was going, which was a good thing because there were a bunch of turns where the road was not signed very well.  Eventually, the skies cleared up as we climbed towards Mt. Hood and the Cascades. But it barely got to 60 degrees. Once over the Cascades we should have sunny skies because the mountains trap most of the clouds and moisture on the west side. Tomorrow will only be 64 miles, but we'll be climbing over 5000 feet.

First long view of Mt. Hood today

If I have my count right there are 16 women and 31 men riding all the way cross country. On average the women are probably better riders than the men. There are two guys riding only because their significant other asked them to do so. This ride is not a race and in fact there is a disadvantage to finishing early because then you get to unload the luggage truck. The reason I mention this is because several of women have been finishing before me and have been helping with the luggage too. I just found that different from BRAG.

Another view of Mt. Hood after skies cleared

Hi to my friends and family and former co-workers at BBDO. Debbie and Sara, the camera is working great.