Today was our first rest day -- (Monday - Day 8) -- after 7 straight days of riding. We are currently in Sisters, Oregon and will be heading out tomorrow for an easy 50 mile ride to a campground by Ochoco Reservoir (still in Oregon).
Yesterday - however - was the cause for this blog title. We skipped the scheduled rest day and took on our first pass of the trip - over the Cascade Mountain Range. We had to ride up the alternate route - Santiam Pass - instead of McKenzie Pass, because it is still snowed in!!! The Santiam Pass is lower but added 20 miles to our day. This was going to be my ultimate test - a ride that in my mind (snicker), would gauge my success for the whole trip -- I mean, come on - 6 days straight of riding and a 3,500+ ft mountain pass ahead - in the first week!!
Quite a challenge.Well, to put it to you straight -- I kicked Santiam Pass's ass! This ride squashes any other road ride I've ever done - like a bug. I felt so good. I took it easy and stayed with the riders in the back and then found my groove and busted it out - to eventually catch up to the riders in the front (who were waiting at a rest stop). What a freaking relief! Bring it on Rocky Mountains!
As a side note -- I did give a few hoots as I climbed the pass --- and my song for the day was 'Smack That' by Akon.
As promised, here are some more pics:
Yesterday - however - was the cause for this blog title. We skipped the scheduled rest day and took on our first pass of the trip - over the Cascade Mountain Range. We had to ride up the alternate route - Santiam Pass - instead of McKenzie Pass, because it is still snowed in!!! The Santiam Pass is lower but added 20 miles to our day. This was going to be my ultimate test - a ride that in my mind (snicker), would gauge my success for the whole trip -- I mean, come on - 6 days straight of riding and a 3,500+ ft mountain pass ahead - in the first week!!
Quite a challenge.Well, to put it to you straight -- I kicked Santiam Pass's ass! This ride squashes any other road ride I've ever done - like a bug. I felt so good. I took it easy and stayed with the riders in the back and then found my groove and busted it out - to eventually catch up to the riders in the front (who were waiting at a rest stop). What a freaking relief! Bring it on Rocky Mountains!
As a side note -- I did give a few hoots as I climbed the pass --- and my song for the day was 'Smack That' by Akon.
As promised, here are some more pics:
9 comments:
Impressive ride! You are definitely in beautiful territory. Looks like your beard is becoming fuller too - are you going to not shave during the whole journey?
I'm glad you're having such a good time and am a little envious of your ability to embark on such an amazing adventure :) Enjoy it!
- A
I am glad you are including pics with you in action moments such as on a bike here and riding there because I am still wondering if this whole "bike ride" is true or if you are just hiding out in Eureka, California in a run down motel for the next 3 months living off the proceeds of your benefit yard sale.
Good for you!
I ditto shayne about the pics. And good job on the climb. Did you really expect to be at the back of the pack the whole time?
Maybe when you feel bored someday and need something to write about (like that will happen) you can begin to tell us a little about your riding mates. You know, someday.
Be safe.
Way to go Paul!
(formerly "The Red Hillers")
That is truly impressive ! Your "experience of a lifetime" unfolds with every turn of the wheels. Keep the pics coming, it keeps us all a bit closer to the action...kinda like being a passenger on the handlebars.
Roll on !
Paul, that is dandy dandy do!! Tell me though what is the thought on a trailer vs. panniers?
I always wondered what Holy Shnikeys meant! Good job and great pics.
Love it when you blog. You get funnier with each blog. Are you getting delirious or just exhilerated!? Are you impressing yourself? I'm sure you are learning alot about yourself anyway. It must be enlightening to say the least. Way to go on the climbs- you ROCK!
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