Oregon into California

Since we are not ever really in a hurry, we always always opt for the less busy roads. This often means more hills, less towns (so we need to carry more water and food), less cars and longer routes. Some people ride from point A to B with their miles per day preplanned because that is either just how they are or that is all the time allotted, therefore not giving them a choice. Riding as we have, I would definitely recommend going each day with how you feel. This leads to many experiences that may not have occurred otherwise when there are "have-to's" involved. Head down and pedaling to knock out miles to your destination rather than taking the time to explore or chat with the locals, I think you miss out.

Through the heart of Oregon south to California

Extending our stay in Portland to have more time with dad and Gina, we got a ride up to Mt. Hood, saving us two days of uphills riding. The route we took south was simply stunning, that is the best word I can come up with when trying to describe the next two weeks of our ride. The trees surrounding us were mostly pine with an occasional clump of fall turning Aspens thrown in. Neither of us could get over the beauty of the fall colors. Probably because of the time of year, we were often the only ones on these curvy roads, the only sound coming from the spin of our tires on the pavement, and an occasional gust of wind. It was so calming and is now near the top of our list for best rides since we started riding a year and a half ago. Cruising through little towns, we would stop for a bite whenever we could and loaded up on meals to fix on our campstove because of the great distances between places. Topping off our water is always something we do with each faucet we see.

Eastern Washington to Portland, OR

Taking the 20 east to west across Washington, we followed a beautiful road with a more than decent bike lane, courteous cars and a lot of up and down riding. 5 passes in 5 days, climbing anywhere from 2500 feet to just over 4000 feet. People are often most amazed that we make these long climbs, but to be honest, getting it all over with and ending with a cruisey, long decent, passes are preferable compared to the rolling hills of long climbs and little decent.