A few Pacific Coast Sun Sets

Some Pictures of Me from along the way.

The Oregon Coast

Part 1

Ferry Crossing the Columbia River from Washington into Oregon

 



Biking into Astoria, OR

I looked for the Goonies house but couldn't find it.

 

First close up view of the Oregon Beaches

 

One of my many rest stops

 

 

The Hiker/ Biker campsite at Cape Lookout State Park. Sweet!

 



 

Sun set at Cape Lookout State Park.

 Very interesting Moss growth.

 The Cave used for Goonies Movie where the Ship sails out.

 A tide pool with sea weed. Looked like it was alive.

 Viewing along the road

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures of day 1 & 2

                                                  Riding the Yelm to Tenino Trail, WA

                                             At Lewis And Clark State Park Toledo, WA

The Journey Begins

It was a very nice weather morning cycling thur the South Puget Sound of Washington State. My intended departure time was 9:00 A.M. on August 13, 2012. I left Jason's house at 9:02. Well I don't think anyone could quibble with that. By mid afternoon the temperatures began to rise, it got hot! My goal was to make to south of Tenino, WA where there are good wild camping opportunities. Just couldn't pedal another 20 miles so I stay at a Motel in Yelm. 52 miles isn't a first dat total.
 The next morning I left Yelm at around 8:00 A.M. After picking up some riding food, I started riding the Yelm to Tenino trail. The goal for today was to make it to The Lewis and Clark State Park north of Toledo, WA. Mission accomplished 55miles. It was a nice Camping area and I met another cyclist on his way to Seattle than back to Northern California. I set up the tent in the spot next to his but, after setting everything up cooking eating and cleaning up the park ranger drove up and advised us that we couldn't camp there we had to move to the other side of the road. It was a sleepless night because of noisey campers. I mention because the next day of riding was difficult. Between no sleep, very warm temps and mountains I only made it 26 miles. The next camping was another 17 miles couldn't do it. Since the riding plan for a couple of weeks is to ride 3 days take a day off then ride 4 days and take a day off it fell just right. Since the next day was a scheduled day off I saw a Motel with all needed activities nearby. Resturant, Laundry, Post Office, Stores all right there.
  I met a Veteran Cyclist a few miles down the road from the motel and we talked as we both took a break. He spoke about all the things he learned in his many years of cycling. He said "Don't pack for what you think you may use. Only bring what you can't live without". After that day of riding I took his words as gems. Thats where the post office came in handy. Spending the rest of my 3rd day going through my gear. The intention was to continue riding with only the bear necessities, only what I can't live without. The mountains are only going to get higher. This morning I shipped back to Jason's house the rest. Light for Flight!
Sorry for not posting Pics the Internet is very bad here. Will post pics when i have a better connection.
Tomorrow is suppose to be another 95 degree- plus day si i will hit the road earily . Hopefully I will make it to the coast where high temps are around 70 degrees. 

One step closer to departure. I picked up the bike after dropping it off for a pre- trip tune up. Also ordered a few parts to have as spare. A new chain, Disc Brake pads, Brake Rotor, Brake and Shifter Cable, 6 spokes. Not that i'm expecting to rebuild the bike along the way but, why be stuck on the side of the road when you do not need to.
 I'm at the point now where picking the date to begin is the only thing left to do. The week of August 12th looks like it.

 After months of researching and thinking about weather to use a trailer I decided to get one and give it a try. The Extrawheel Voyager seem to be the best for my needs. After riding it around for a day I have to say that the trailer is very nice. I had to keep looking in the rearview mirror to see if the thing was still connected.

 The I will use it. On the trailer left side pannier will be Camping gear. Right Pannier Cooking gear and some bike tools.

I like the trailer so far. Its only 13.9 pounds and I'm not carrying anymore gear than i did without the trailer. Now the load is much more stable because its sitting lower on the bike.

I planned to ride up to Bellevue, WA but at the last minute i decided to finish the section of Soos Trail that i didn't ride a few weeks ago. It was about a mile and a half. Then i turned around and rode the whole trail. There are some nice inclines to make the legs burn. Practice for what lies ahead.

 Me at the top of the Hill

 The good thing about pedaling up hill is- there is sometimes a bigger downgrade.

 Taking a short break and relaxing to the sound of flowing water.

After I took this picture I dropped my good Fuji Camera. Its a gonna!

Riding the Interurban/ Green River Trail from Kent, WA to Seattle, WA. The bike was almost fully loaded all the bags were on just didn't have them fully packed.
The Kona Sutra is Handling the weight just fine.

 Almost fully Loaded

The Green River in Seattle, WA

 This Rabbit didn't move the whole time i was there. I guess when you live under the interstate not much distrubs you!

 I-5 over the Green River in Seattle. And where the little rabbit lives. Very Loud!

 Sign for the park in Tukwila, WA. I'll have to see what is means.

 Keeping Pace with the train.

 Good reason to slow down at railroad crossings.

 The Mill was somewhere down there about 50+ feet

 Taking a back at halfway point of steep grade. It was better than the 20+ grade on Hwy 240 i had to push up last week.

 Seems like all my trips end up being around 30 miles. That will change when i Leave on the tour.

Refueling Home made BBQ pulled chicken on whole wheat.

Ride to Seward Park Seattle, WA

Ride to Seward Park Seattle, WA

July 5, 2012

 Picture of Mercer Island



 Seward Park South Seattle, WA

 View of Mt. Rainier from Seward Park

 Mercer Island from Seward Park

 Seattle Skyline from Seward Park

 Olympic Mountains from Seward Park, WA

 Looks like fun. Many boaters were out enjoy the perfect weather

 Now i could live on that boat

 32 mile ride

And this is how you end a day of riding. Home made pulled pork and eggs.