Author Archives: Al Miller

Today was the big day. I was very surprised when I opened the hotel door and this song was blaring out of huge speakers in the hotel parking lot. Our spouses surprised us with a rousing send off. Throngs of people came up from town and lined the road. At least that is what IContinue reading “Day 1 Pronto Pup”

Today was an alleged rest day before peddling away tomorrow. We hiked from the hotel along a riverside trail into town. The trail was lined with blackberry brambles and geocache sites. An old Bumble Bee Seafood cannery was on a pier along the trail. Bumble Bee was founded in Astoria in 1899. Part of theContinue reading “Day 0 Nothing Spoils Quicker than Warm Fish”

The drive this morning along the Columbia River was gorgeous. We traveled on both the Oregon and Washington sides singing Roll On Columbia Roll On. Woody Guthrie was the best! We arrived in Astoria, Oregon at lunchtime and unloaded all the bikes and gear at the hotel. Then back to PDX to pick up thoseContinue reading “Day -1 Astoria”

We met Michael for lunch today at Jacksus Taste as we passed through Salt Lake City. The tacos al pastor were excellent. Michael takes his lead climbing test this evening. Good luck! Lead climbing made its Olympic debut this year. That is him scaling the rock in the above photo. People in Salt Lake CityContinue reading “Day -2 Pink”

Back in the day you were to load up on carbohydrates before a big ride. Since our upcoming ride is big we had to find a big pastry. Sweet Things Bakery in Maquoketa, IA has a ginormous pastry called The Persian. I am not certain how many calories it contains but I’m feeling loaded. VeryContinue reading “Day -3 Carbo Loading”

Tonight we loaded four bikes and all of our gear into Herb’s van. Everything fits! Herb and I begin driving West tomorrow. The others will join us in Portland. Loaded up and ready to roll: