Tues June 19, St Helens to Welches, OR
Today was more clouds and rain. The sun did peak out, but, only to tease and tempt taking off our rain gear. We rode 75 miles and 3,150 vertical feet. Vertical feet means we went up 3,150 feet. There is also some down so we are not at a high altitude yet.Lynne one of the riders has been on a borrowed bike for three days. Her bike came fed Ex today and she is ecstatic. I can't imagine riding a borrowed bike 175 mi in 3 days, with a derailleur that kept breaking. She has a really good attitude.
We tried for a group photo with Mt Hood in the background, note everyone has on rain jackets and most have leggings. Too many clouds to see Mt Hood
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| Turtle Group in front of Mt Hood with Clouds |
There is a rumor of sunshine for Wed. also 5,150 feet of climbing. This is the 3rd most vertical feet in one day. It is NOT the steepest or particularly hard day. The day starts with a 2,750 ft climb in 15 miles. then it is rolling up and down for a total climbing of 5,150 ft.and descending of 4,850 ft for a net change in altitude of 300 feet. Basically Up and over a peak and back into the valley. Long slow climbs are a lot easier than shorter steeper climbs.
Crist (3rd from right) is a great lead rider for the group and I ride sweep and backup navigation. Diane, (2nd from right) Crist's wife rides 2nd and is primary navigator. They ride 2,000+ mi per year together, Crist leading, Diane navigating.
My heart rate has been pretty good, mostly under 120 bpm. I am trying hard to go at a slower steady pace and enjoy the ride. We've got all day, so enjoy the ride.
It is 8:22 pm past my bed time. Alarm is set for 5:00 AM.
Enjoy the day
Sam
Love the photo. You can always Photoshop an image of Mt. Hood in the background. I've got one that would work perfectly. Looks like a fun group. So glad everything is working out for you. The blog is great. It's the first thing I look at in the morning, and the last thing I check before turning in. Just like you. Good luck tomorrow, TURTLE GROUP. Dick S
ReplyDeleteI had to look up 'sweep' to know what 'riding sweep' was/is... and I found some contradictions: According to wikipedia 'In motorcycle terms, the sweep is the rider last in line whose job is to ensure everyone else in the group ride arrives at the destination safely. The sweep is often the person with the most experience, not always the fastest, but certainly with a reliable motorcycle who is not going to be the person who breaks down or crashes themselves. Having at least a basic amount of mechanical experience and tools is a plus so field repairs may be made if necessary.' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweep_(motorcycle)) .
ReplyDeleteBut at http://roadcaptainusa.com/2009/07/05/road-captain-learning-to-ride-sweep-learns-from-mistake/ it says 'The sweep must anticipate what is going to happen before everyone else. He will sometimes have to put himself in harms way to protect the group. This is the position for your best RC.'[RC is road captain, for people like me who don't know the jargon].
How can you be at the back and still anticipate what's up ahead?
I am appreciating the blog, and the chance to follow you online. Cheers, Ginger
Riding at the back you have the best view of the group. Who is having trouble keeping up, Who has bad road etiquette, mechanical problems developing, need to stop for flats. Riding at the back is people responsibility not navigation. Instruction to the group are passed up the line by word of mouth shouted instructions
DeleteSam relies on the force, being a Jedi Knight Rider. So he sees into the future road from the back of the group.
DeleteSigned,
Joda
Are you having to load up at meals? How do you make sure you have enough to eat to keep up the ride?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rain/cool... we're still getting mid 90s every day here.
Ride on!
We are thinking about you and cheering you on! Keep up the good work and most of all be safe. Let me know when you see your first moose! k
ReplyDeleteHey Sam,
ReplyDeleteFun to read your blog! Just wanted you to know that it's going to be 80 degrees in Astoria today...the good news about the clouds and rain is you don't have to worry about sunburn, right?
Hope you have a great day!
Tommy and Pam
Love the blog, Sam! Keep pedaling and posting. Mary gave me a copy of the map. I'm following along on your great trip. Have fun and stay safe. We have a tower to climb in November!
ReplyDelete-Kelly Mekka
Big breakfast, eggs, potatoes, fruit, toast, bagels, more fruit, Pepsi. Stop just short of feeling full. Once on the bike small and frequent is the rule, Nature Valley bars, bananas, 1/2 orange, trail mix, Fig Newtons, Choc. Chip cookies, Water and more water. Lunch once off the road, light sandwich or fruit, or 1/2 burger. stomach needs to recover. Dinner is stock up for next day Chicken Parmagian, pizza. Dinner and breakfast is organized by tour. Last night was order off menu at italian restaurant. More water, personal choice no alcohol. Eat till full but comfortable. Sam
ReplyDeleteI was worried there, I did't see the chocolate the first time I read you list! Then I saw you have chocolate chip cookies. All is good.
DeleteI hope everything goes smoothly throughout your trip, and I hope you'll bring photos to the reunion next year.
Julie Paque
In the next photo with rain gear, could you please line up according to the color spectrum? My girls think it would be nice if all of you made a rainbow. :) mjkb
ReplyDelete