Today we knocked off 72 miles! We rolled out of camp to the coffe shop just 300 yards down the street. These Ausies cannot go without their coffee in the morning. We rode through Neskowin then turned east up and over the coastal range. Good prep for the cascade range ahead!
For lunch we stopped at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde. Here we discovered that our planned camp spot at the Polk County Fair Grounds was temporarily closed for, of all things, the county fair. This put a little wrench in plans as there appears to be no other tent camping options within 15 or so miles. Unless we pulled an RV, wanted to detour 20 miles off route or complete a centry ride on our third day, we were getting a room. So tonight we checked into the Courtesy Inn.
Today's riding lesson is in truck drafts. Hwy 18 is busy with traffic and truck traffic. With the added surface area of the Bob trailer the draft of a truck whizzing over your left shoulder can really pull you into the road. Going uphill, count 1 second from hearing end of truck and lean away slightly, 2 seconds when going downhill to account for your added speed. At all times pray the truck has seen you and does not ride the white line.
My favorite road sign is becoming "right lane ends, merge left". This usually means we are reaching the hills apex and my burning legs get a rest!
Trans Am tally
Miles: 176
Flats: 0
Snakes: 1
Beers: 3
From the Open Road,
Midnight Chocolate
Pictures:
Lunch at Spirit Mountain in Grand Ronde
Bike parking, front door spots!
Rolling through farm country
Bikes fitted into every corner of the hotel room.
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