Day 2: St.Helens to Welches, Oregon - 75 miles - Climb 3,150'

A beautiful ride today. I actually finally saw my shadow as the sun came out. We have started riding around Mt. Hood with spectacular views but it is still a ways off. Had lunch at an interesting place called Calamity Janes where they had us wheel our bikes through the restaurant to place them on a patio in back. Visited Wildwoods Recreation Site with great educational exibits along the Salmon River. The Resort we are staying at is beautiful. Will have to come back with Belle to snowboard on the glaciers of Mt. Hood. Dinner was a buffet at a Chinese restaurant down the street.

Road kill count: 11
Flats: 0
Hurts: none yet

Join Kim in raising $5000 for World Vision.

Day 1: Astoria to St. Helens, Oregon - 69 miles - Climb 3,250'

Good day to start the ride. The weather was mild, no rain, overcast skies with a high of about 60 degrees. Visited a hatchery. The many logging trucks going by where helpful in pulling me along. Everyone in the group seem to be up for the challenge.

Road kill count: 7

Flats: 0

Hurts: Nothing yet

Day 1: Astoria to ST. Helens Oregon 69 miles

Good day to start the ride. The weather was mild, no rain and overcast with a high of only 50 degrees. Took a few pictures and visited a hatchery. Got passed by many logging trucks which helped to pulled me along and was done riding by 1:00.

Orientation

Arrived in Astoria on Sunday and had our bikes checked, attended several hours of meetings about the trip's logistics and safe ridng practices followed by a short meet and greet and then dinner. The group has about 50 riders going coast to coast and maybe another dozen coming for a week here and there. The average age is probably over 50.

Triathlon and last minute details

Saturday morning we drove down to Auburn where Belle did the Five Mile Lake Triathlon in the pouring rain. She did awesome placing second in her division. When we got home we organized and packed for my 7 week trip.

Belle sews a cue sheet holder I will use on the ride to keep from getting lost

After years of planning and preparation, the start of the ride is only a few says away. Lord only knows what will unfold during the ride from Oregon to New Hampshire. Since January I have logged over 4300 miles on the bike and run over 300 miles in preparation for the ride. In trying to balance working, fundraising, keeping up the house chores and training please forgive me if I have been slow to respond to phone calls, emails and letters of encouragement. I know we all have busy lives. Your support is greatly appreciated! Regardless of what lies ahead in the next 7 weeks it is nice to know that so many people have taken time out of their busy lives to send kind words and even donate to World Vision. Through the last 6 months no one has been more supportive than my girlfriend Belle. Whether we're training together, fundraising, snowboarding with Outdoors for All, cooking, splitting firewood, working on the computer, walking her dogs, going to church or even sewing a map holder for my bike she has been off the charts supportive. Her support in helping me "keep the plates spinning" has been invaluable. Although during the ride we will still be able to talk on the phone each day I know I will miss her dearly in the weeks to come.

Done with the 250 miles/week training rides

Yesterday morning on Belle's birthday, Belle and I did the Issaquah Triathlon in 59 degree water and it wasn't too bad. After many days of rain the weather cleared for what turned out to be a perfect day. We both finished with no incidents. In the afternoon I rode for another 44 miles to finish the week with 250.4 miles. Only 2 weeks left before the ride and plan to taper my riding down to 150-200/week so as to feel fresh for the start of the ride. Today the rain is back again. Since January 1st I have ridden over 4060 miles. Doesn't seem like it has been that much but day after day it adds up. Fundraising is also going well having just passed the $2100.00 mark. Everyone has been generous and encouraging. Thanks to all who have helped me move closer to my goal.