Day 2 - Astoria to Portland, OR

 100 miles and 4.768 ft of climbing - welcome to Day 2.

That is what today had in store.  Weather was perfect as we left the hotel in Astoria along the river.  We soon starting climbing into the dense pine forests western Oregon.  no question that logging is big business here, as most of the vehicles that passed us were semis loaded with logs.  And they went by fast, and a bit close.

Not a lot of great picture opportunities today, but I did stop to take this picture of a small waterfall.

I rode most of the day with Ian, our only international cyclist, here form the UK.  This is his second XC trip, having done the southern route a few years ago.

Lots of climbing today, and after heading out after lunch, I got a cramp in my left leg and had to drop from the group.  That made for about 25 miles of solo riding.  Up the final climb and then a nice long downhill.

The final 20 miles into Portland were a bit harrowing.  Busy highway with a lot of debris in the shoulder, construction and a lot of vehicles moving fast.  Finished up those miles with Ian, Susan and Sandy.

Made it to the hotel in time to go to Baerlic Brewery in Portland for a nice, cold beer with Paul.

Here is our group, with our feet in the Pacific on Day 1

Day 3 - on to Hood River