10th September - Kelso to Astoria

A slightly later start today at 8.30 due to shorter ride distance of 90kms. Previous days have been full-on with time only for cycling, eating, sleeping and blogging.  Today we mostly followed IS 30, a trucking highway between Portland and Astoria, reputed to follow the Lewis and Clarke trail, the pioneering route from Central USA to the Pacific Ocean.

Early into the ride we crossed the Lewis and Clark Bridge, entering Oregon State and then did a stiff long climb which was worth it just to get the fantastic views of the Columbia River. This area is rich in history – Captain Robert Gray, Lewis and Clark and Captain John West (of John West Salmon notoriety) being the early pioneers in the 18^th / 19^th centuries.

The large trucks were often close to the cycle lane so we needed all our concentration on the road to stay safe.  After the long climbs we were rewarded with fast long descents - we experienced the longest downhill section (nearly 7kms) we’ve ever ridden – magnificent but scary!  There was always 'paybacks’ though after the long descents by further climbs – one a non-stop 650 feet climb.  Our Bradley Wiggins sideburns are helping us to conquer them powerfully though!!

We reached our overnight stop at Astoria early at around 3pm so some relaxation time before heading out for dinner.

So, Leg 1 completed. At the hotel entrance there was an official handover of the route maps from Tom who has done a great job of navigating Leg 1 of the route to Tim who will be navigating Leg 2 (see picture).

Additional notes from Mr Rowe:  During lunch Tom talked us through the history of a local ferry we could have taken.  After waxing lyrically about the ferry for 10 minutes we agreed to take a short detour to visit it and were now keen to see it.  Unfortunately, Tom charged past the turn off, so we missed the Ferry.  One TWIT point to Tom!!  We did make a detour to view the river – after 30 minutes and ready to go, Tom announces he needs the loo.  As we're waiting for him to return the heavens open and we get wet – another point Tom!  So Tom wins the TWIT of the day for the 3^rd consecutive day.    



Brian sizing up bikes for old age cycling!



Our evening venue in Astoria - Fort George
Brewery and public house



Astoria bridge - now that's a proper bridge!



Long climb up but rewarded with great
 views  of  the Lewis & Clark bridge




A damsel in distress - Scott, our driver, comes
 to the rescue with his mobile phone




Magnificent views of the Campbell river,
justifying the 650ft climb to it 



Now that's a load of logs!



Going across the Lewis & Clark bridge
outside Kelso




Official handover of navigator maps
 from Tom to Tim for leg 2



British Columia state - tick
Washington state tick
Now Oregon



Team picture overlooking the Lewis
 & Clark bridge 




We drew some crowds as we entered
into Westpooint



Pushing on to Westpoint for coffee



Now that's a fair old tree trunk



Views of the columbia river from space -
 well thats what it felt like after the climb



All you need to know about Captain John West